Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is noted for its expertise in advising both US and international banks, handling matters tied to restructuring, asset management and compliance with Bank Holding Company Act and Volcker Rule provisions, among others. The practice is also frequently sought out by clients facing regulatory and enforcement actions by the SEC and FINRA, and was active in supporting clients in the wake of the 2023 banking crisis, where it provided assistance with the FDIC resolution process. Washington DC-based practice head Derek Bush offers extensive expertise in Dodd-Frank regulations, bank restructuring and government investigations. In New York, Hugh Conroy focuses on structured finance and derivative transactions in addition to his work on Dodd-Frank, while Patrick Fuller, also in New York, handles bank licensing issues in addition to bank M&A. January 2023 saw the firm augment its broker-dealer specialization with the acquisition of James Burns and Brant Brown, both arriving in Washington DC from Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

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Key clients

  • Miami International Holdings, Inc.
  • ING
  • BNP Paribas
  • Citigroup
  • Credit Suisse
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Standard Chartered
  • Institute of International Bankers
  • American Express
  • Banco Estado
  • Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA)
  • HSBC
  • Natixis
  • Mizuho Financial Group
  • Bank of America
  • Toronto Dominion Bank
  • PayPal, Inc
  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Société Générale
  • Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)

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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Derek Bush

Other key lawyers

Hugh Conroy, James Burns, Brant Brown, Lauren Semrad, Patrick Fuller