We act for many of the largest commercial, investment, mortgage and other banks in the world, along with a number of central banks. We act for them not only in relation to the business they do for their customers but also for the banks themselves. We also have an outstanding reputation in the private wealth management sector.

Over the last two years the banks sub-sector has been dominated by the financial crisis, the resulting market turbulence and the restructuring of the banking industry across the globe. Through the breadth and depth of our capabilities across the firm, we have been heavily involved in advising on some of the most challenging and high-profile transactions resulting from these events. Not only have we had central roles in advising on the various bank rescue and stabilisation packages in Germany, the UK and a number of other countries, we have also helped banks:

  • undertake capital raisings through various means, such as rights issues and placings, package assets for use in central liquidity support facilities and dispose assets;
  • restructure their businesses in order to shield themselves from exposure to the sub-prime crisis;
  • undertake other balance sheet management exercises, including raising wholesale funding;
  • acquire weaker players and assets through opportunistic acquisitions; and
  • on issues relating to custody and title to assets as a result of insolvency procedures.

For more information please contact Jeremy Barton, business development manager.

The bank of the future

  • Tracking the international, European and local initiatives for reform that will shape "the bank of the future"
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News

Freshfields advises Agricultural Bank of China on US$19.2 billion IPO View

Freshfields advises SEB on €555m sale of German retail banking business to Santander View

Briefings

New usury rates and business opportunities for banks  View

Whistleblowers granted bounties and protection from SEC and CFTC in US financial reform law  View

Awards

Regulatory team of the year - JUVE Awards (2009)

Insurance team of the year - Legal Business Awards (2009)

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