Financial Services Regulation - Australia
What the team is known for
Ashurst demonstrates considerable experience in a broad range of financial services law, advising an array of financial institutions. It is recognised as a go-to firm for advice on complex investigations and enforcements, with additional expertise in areas such as derivatives and payment systems regulation. The team is regarded as one of the leading contentious regulatory offerings and remains a valued adviser for global financial institutions on cross-border mandates, on their entry into Australian financial services markets and on their ongoing engagements with financial services regulators. Clients of the firm include ANZ, REA Group and Mercy Super.
Strengths
"The Ashurst financial services team has great depth and breadth in the field. The broader team offering is also well advanced, and the interaction between Ashurst's legal arm and risk advisory arm works well, blending specialist legal knowledge, technical risk management and compliance expertise."
"Ashurst are extremely capable when presented with unique or complex matters. I have also noticed that Ashurst has the depth of experience within its FSR team to draw on other practitioners as necessary."
Work highlights
Ashurst advised ANZ on the regulatory aspects of its AUD4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp Bank and its subsequent integration.
Notable practitioners
Jonathan Gordon is a well-established and highly regarded lawyer in the financial services area, frequently acting for clients on the establishment of operations and the implementation of regulatory regimes. "Jonathan is a market leader in financial services - he's pragmatic and responsive."
Narelle Smythe is a leading practitioner in the financial services space and is highly regarded for her expertise in relation to consumer credit and payment systems. "Her depth of knowledge, strategic approach, formidable industry awareness and client engagement make even the most challenging matters so much easier to resolve and address."
Corey McHattan advises clients in relation to compliance with financial services regulation and is noted for his technical knowledge. "He's commercially pragmatic while balancing out the legal. He has a good understanding of the market and the way regulators view things. He's very accessible and responsive."
Nicholas Mavrakis is a seasoned and respected litigator who is experienced at assisting financial services clients on contentious matters. "Overall, he's a pleasure to work with. He gets into the weeds and understands the issues."