Clifford Chance LLP has an 'incredibly deep practice that is very knowledgeable, responsive, and creative'. Clients report that the firm 'has been behind some of the most creative and innovative structures in the market'. A key example of an innovative deal is the issuance of the first bond linked to the generation of voluntary carbon units, on which the firm acted for the arranger. 'Responsive and dedicated' UK regional practice area leader for global financial markets Matthew Fairclough is well versed in debt, hybrid and equity-linked capital markets transactions. Paul Deakins is 'a pre-eminent force on liability management transactions - always available to help brainstorm and comes up with creative solutions at a moment's notice'. Clients praise the 'exceptional client focus and technical skills' of Simon Sinclair , who excels in convertible and exchangeable bonds, regulatory capital issues, and liability management. Kate Vyvyan 'will stick her neck out to negotiate a favourable outcome'. The 'incredibly knowledgeable, nuanced, thoughtful' Deborah Zandstra is a leading adviser on sovereign debt transactions. US capital markets partner Johannes Juette and global head of capital markets Michael Dakin also play central roles in the practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team has been able to maintain its standing in the industry during a time of transition. Solid all-round service with a strong network of local offices. We will look to CC to continue growing its team in key areas and providing consistent coverage.’

  • ‘Paul Deakins is a pre-eminent force on liability management transactions - always available to help brainstorm and comes up with creative solutions at a moment's notice. Kate Vyvyan helps clients assess their risk position when the going gets tough, and will stick her neck out to negotiate a favourable outcome. Kate is also very patient and reasonable when it comes to fees - willing to see the bigger picture and invest in relationships.’

  • ‘Incredibly deep practice that is very knowledgeable, responsive, and creative. They have been behind some of the most creative and innovative structures in the market. They are the best firm on the DCM side in the street.’

  • ‘Deborah Zandstra is the best sovereign lawyer I have worked with. She is incredibly knowledgeable, nuanced, thoughtful. She understands the sector and its complexities incredibly well. Whenever we work on something complex and structured, she is 100% our go to person.’

  • ‘Very knowledgeable and experienced partners and associates. They are able to cover all the various DCM products and stay on top of developments.’

  • ‘Kate Vyvyan and Paul Deakins are worthy of a mention for expertise and client focus.’

  • ‘Very strong in CEE region. Great lawyers and nice people to work with.’

  • ‘Matt Fairclough is someone who could always be trusted to do a good job, very responsive and dedicated, but also professional.’

Key clients

  • African Development Bank
  • Arçelik A.Ş.
  • Banco Santander, S.A.
  • Bank of China Limited
  • Bank of England
  • Barclays
  • BNP Paribas
  • Citigroup Global Markets Limited
  • Commerzbank
  • Credit Suisse
  • Danfoss
  • Deutsche Bank AG
  • Erste Group Bank AG
  • HSBC Bank plc
  • Informa plc
  • ING Bank N.V.
  • Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality
  • J.P. Morgan Securinterities plc
  • Merrill Lynch International
  • Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc
  • OCI Global
  • RBC Europe Limited
  • SMBC Nikko Capital Markets Limited
  • Société Générale
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
  • The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited
  • UBS Securities LLC
  • UK Debt Management Office
  • UniCredit Bank AG
  • Vanquis Bank
  • Vestas
  • Wales & West Utilities
  • Wells Fargo & Company

Work highlights

  • Advised Credit Suisse on a $656 million Galápagos marine conservation-linked bond (Galápagos Marine Bond), structured by Credit Suisse and also involving the Republic of Ecuador, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), Oceans Finance Company and the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy.
  • Advised Morgan Stanley as lead manager (with BT Capital Partners and ING Bank as managers) in connection with the establishment of up to EUR 1 billion Medium-Term Notes (MTN) Programme by Banca Transilvania, the largest Romanian credit institution, as well as the inaugural public offering of EUR 500 million.
  • Advised OCI Global, a leading producer and distributor of nitrogen, methanol and hydrogen products, in connection with the establishment of its U.S.$2.0 billion global medium term note programme and issuance of U.S.$600 million 6.70 percent notes due 2033 under the programme. OCI used the net proceeds of the Rule 144A and Regulation S offering for general corporate purposes.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Matthew Fairclough

Other key lawyers

Michael Dakin, Paul Deakins, Johannes Juette, Simon Sinclair, Kate Vyvyan, Deborah Zandstra