Well-regarded for its ability to offer clients an ‘excellent level of service’ and a ’solution-focused’ approach, Russell McVeagh advise clients on a broad range of issues, covering debt capital markets, project finance, financial markets regulation, and corporate and acquisition finance. The practice is led by Guy Lethbridge, who specialises in debt capital markets and the regulation of banks, insurers, and other financial institutions; he also regularly assists the New Zealand Bankers Association on industry issues. Debt capital markets specialist Deemple Budhia is key port of call to some of New Zealand’s top banks and is regarded as an expert in consumer credit law. John Powell is a specialist in sustainability lending, complex debt restructuring solutions, and supply-chain financing arrangements, while David Weavers is noted for his experience on market-leading corporate finance matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent level of service, very responsive and solution-focused for the client.’

  • ‘Dedicated to getting a timely and positive outcome for us as a client. Worked very well to negotiate with multiple parties to drive project work.’

  • ‘The banking and finance team at Russell McVeagh are excellent partners on our transactions.'

  • 'The team has impressive partnership cover and availability with an in-depth knowledge of the commercial issues relevant to their clients.’

  • ‘Bevan Peachy is our go-to for project finance work. His knowledge and experience across all of the commercial and legal issues is second-to-none. Partnering with Bevan is our preference as his support on complex matters is invaluable.'

  • 'David Weavers has an impressive ability to provide excellent service across a number of matters at the same time. We value his in-depth approach and the strong team that supports him on our transactions.'
  • 'Jesse Fairley is a safe pair of hands on our lending transactions. He goes above and beyond to make sure our transactions run smoothly and to time, managing any issues efficiently as they arise.'
  • 'In my experience, the RMV has provided an excellent service. The partners and other team members are responsive and offer high-quality advice.'

Key clients

  • Westpac New Zealand
  • T&G Global Limited
  • Genesis Energy
  • Kiwibank Limited
  • ASB Bank Limited
  • ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
  • Te Tai Ōhanga – The Treasury
  • Westpac New Zealand Limited
  • New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency
  • UDC Finance

Work highlights

  • Advising T&G Global on its financing documentation and arrangements in relation to its first sustainability linked loan.
  • Acted for Kiwibank in relation to the sale and purchase of Kiwi Group Holdings Limited.
  • Acted as the New Zealand jurisdiction legal adviser to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in its restructure where it put in place a NOHC as its ASX / NZX listed parent company via a Scheme of Arrangement.

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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Guy Lethbridge

Other key lawyers

Deemple Budhia, John Powell, Tom Hunt, David Weavers, Jesse Fairley, Debbie Booth, Bevan Peachey, Ling Yan Pang, Sarah DeSourdy-Hastings, Matthew Consedine