Hogan Lovells International LLP has 'a standout practice in securitisation, particularly with respect to consumer assets'. Its work encompasses a wide range of deals involving classic asset types, including public and private stand-alone issues, master trusts, programmes and conduit structures, and the practice is also active in novel transactions in the sustainable finance space, such as handling an innovative multimillion-euro green RMBS securitisation for a major Dutch bank. International head of capital markets Julian Craughan 'does a fantastic job of managing transactions in an efficient manner', particularly those regarding consumer and SME assets including residential, automotive, lease, buy-now-pay-later and unsecured loan securitisation. Tauhid Ijaz has 'a pragmatic and commercial approach to getting the deal done'. Also among the firm's 'exceptional individuals' is David Palmer, who is focused on the trade receivables and supply chain securitisation space. He recently assisted an auto finance company with a billion-pound master trust programme. Dennis Dillon retired in early 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Hogan Lovells has a standout practice in securitisation, particularly with respect to consumer assets, with their UK and German offices taking a clear lead on sustainable finance in securitisation also.'
'Julian Craughan does a fantastic job of managing transactions in an efficient manner and helping with structural challenges. Steven Minke stands out amongst associates in the securitisation world for his commitment in the face of challenges and relationship building.'
‘What I appreciate the most is their approach to propose solutions or compromises viewed as balanced for the parties – this contributes to set a serene negotiating atmosphere and to promote efficiency. Also for me it is very important to be reassured by my legal counsel. The way to achieve that is to hear a clear description of the challenges and feel that my lawyers know what they are talking about without changing their mind too quickly or too often if challenged a bit. Also I find it important from an ethical perspective to have the same views on the issues and the market practice whatever party the legal firm is advising. Hogan Lovells meet all these criteria and this is very rare.’
‘The team is a group of exceptional individuals, very human and pleasant to work with. This is important as what counts first in business are human relationships. From a technical point of view, HL's team is very competent and understands accurately the challenges and the objectives of the bank and its clients. This is a good starting point to find relevant solutions and deliver successful transactions.’
‘The partner is both technically knowledgeable and commercial. Team is always responsive.’
‘When working with Hogan Lovells we get the feeling that they are very focused on us and the transaction. While they do excellent work, they are also very commercial and help get the deal over the line (contrary to other law firms who love to dig in their heels). There is excellent coverage from the partner and very capable associates.’
'Very approachable and commercially minded securitisation team providing high-quality legal advice. Proactive, responsive and having the appropriate level of staffing. Contrary to other firms, there is a sufficient level of senior associate/counsel/partner involvement with junior associates/trainees not appearing to be left to their own devices. Hogan Lovells also has very experienced securitisation lawyers across Europe which makes it more efficient to work with them on cross-border transactions.'
'Tauhid Ijaz manages to combine high-quality legal advice on very complex structures with a pragmatic and commercial approach to getting the deal done which is much appreciated by clients.'
Key clients
- Volkswagen Financial Services UK Limited
- ING
- Waterfall Asset Management
- ENRA Specialist Finance Limited
- Citibank N.A. London Branch
- Bank of America
- BNP Paribas
- Funding Circle
- Castlelake
- ABN Amro Bank N.V.
Work highlights
- Advised ING on its innovative Green Lion 2023-1 Green RMBS (€850m) securitisation.
- Advised Waterfall Asset Management on a public take-out securitisation of a private warehouse of SME loans originated by Glencar Investments 40 DAC.
- Advised ENRA Specialist Finance Ltd in relation to an RMBS transaction that securitised a portfolio of £321.55m of buy-to-let and second lien owner-occupied mortgage loans secured over properties in the UK.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Julian Craughan