Banking & Finance: Financial Services Regulation
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
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+1 416 863 2400About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes is recognized as having one of Canada's preeminent financial services practices including the largest, most active financial services regulatory practice in the country. We are known for our deep-bench strength and industry expertise. Many of the largest and most highly regarded financial institutions (including domestic and foreign banks, insurance companies, trust and loan companies and credit unions), operators of payment systems, financial-service providers and Fintechs retain us as counsel.
Our lawyers have wide-ranging experience in structuring, negotiating and documenting domestic and cross-border financing transactions, including syndications, project finance, asset-based lending, high-yield offerings, equipment finance, structured financing, subordinated debt arrangements, aircraft finance and capital markets debt offerings. Having pioneered many of the techniques and deal structures used in Canada today, Blakes is a leader in the securitization arena.
We offer leading expertise across all areas of bank regulation and compliance to leading foreign banks and their affiliates on establishing new entities, bank products and structuring cross-border arrangements in compliance with Canada’s banking legislation. Our lawyers are particularly skilled at assessing regulatory risk and developing strategies to meet a client’s needs and business model, communicating complex topics, and fostering strong relationships with regulators while maintaining the client’s reputation.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon is a pre-eminent Canadian law firm in the banking and finance space, with robust expertise in acquisition and project finance, as well as acting on financing amendments, refinancings and ESG-linked credit facilities within the real estate, mining and energy sectors. It is also well regarded for its experience of syndicated lending and debt financing, servicing a client base of leading domestic banks and global financial services providers. The firm is renowned for its involvement in especially high-value deals and is distinguished by its nationwide and international reach. Furthermore, Blakes is held in high esteem for its full-service regulatory group handling M&A transactions in the banking sector, insurance regulation, product rollouts and anti-money laundering mandates. Clients also seek Blakes' advice on operational expansions and strategic partnership set-ups in Canada. The team regularly acts as an adviser to financial institutions hailing from the USA, Asia and Europe.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon assisted Strathcona Resources with an increase to its revolving credit agreement and a re-negotiation of its term credit agreement as part of its acquisition of Pipestone Energy.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blakes is exceptionally knowledgeable in banking regulation and practical in its advice."
"The financial services team at Blakes demonstrates its strength in handling complex and sophisticated matters through its meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive legal knowledge."
"The team demonstrates strength and thought leadership from partner level through to associates."
"The firm is extremely commercially aware."
"Blakes provides extremely sophisticated support to the bank. We expect the best and Blakes delivers."
"Blakes is exceptionally knowledgeable in banking regulation and practical in its advice."
"The financial services team at Blakes demonstrates its strength in handling complex and sophisticated matters through its meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive legal knowledge."
"The team demonstrates strength and thought leadership from partner level through to associates."
"The firm is extremely commercially aware."
"Blakes provides extremely sophisticated support to the bank. We expect the best and Blakes delivers."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Matheson is a noted leader in Canadian banking and finance law, with expertise cutting across a range of areas, including syndicated lending and refinancing. He operates out of the firm's Toronto office.
"He is one of the top lawyers in Canada providing excellent and experienced judgment."
"Michael Matheson has extensive experience in the market representing both banks and borrowers and understanding both sides' needs in financing transactions."
Toronto-based Paul Belanger remains highly rated for his regulatory expertise across all areas of Canadian financial services. His impressive client roster includes market-leading banks. He offers notable experience in the regulatory aspects of transactions in the financial sector.
"Paul Belanger is one of the top banking regulatory lawyers in Canada and leverages his deep expertise and experience to great effect."
"Paul Belanger has a vast amount of legal knowledge, as well as a firm understanding of commercial realities."
"He provides practical yet highly sophisticated advice, combined with excellent client service levels."
Michael McIntosh KC has cultivated an excellent reputation in the Canadian banking sector. He handles a variety of impressive mandates, including major project financing initiatives and financing amendments. Based in Calgary, he is particularly active in the energy and oil and gas sectors.
"Michael McIntosh is the leading lawyer in Calgary."
Based out of Toronto, Jacqueline Shinfield is a leading figure when it comes to financial services regulatory matters. She has extensive expertise in card payments, fintech and anti-terrorism financing regulations.
"Jacqueline Shinfield consistently delivers practical and actionable guidance to her clients."
"Jacqueline Shinfield provides lots of practical experience and common-sense advice. She is very straightforward and clear."
"She always adds value above and beyond the actual matter."
Simon Finch remains a trusted adviser for prominent banks due to his strength in revolving credit agreements and asset-based lending. He operates from the firm's Toronto office.
"Simon Finch is a highly experienced legal partner."
"He is super knowledgeable, very commercial and efficient."
Bonny Murray operates from the firm's Toronto office and enjoys a growing presence in the financial services market. Her expertise ranges from payment processing contracts to payment system overhauls, and she also has experience assisting clients to obtain Bank Act regulatory approvals.
"Bonny Murray has a deep understanding of the regulatory environment our business operates in. She provides high-quality and practical advice."
Calgary-based Nick Tropak is a significant figure in the Alberta energy market. Of late his work has included significant refinancing and debt restructuring matters within this sector.
Jennifer Hancock is frequently seen acting for lenders on refinancing and financing amendment negotiations. She is based in Toronto.
"She is readily available to provide sound legal advice. She often goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are equipped with the right information and background to make informed decisions."
"Jennifer Hancock is an outstanding lawyer who offers market-leading insights. The quality of her work is excellent and she inspires confidence in her clients that her drafting is without error."
"Jennifer Hancock provides excellent service and advice. She is incredibly responsive."
Mena Bellofiore is an up-and-coming lawyer noted for her financial regulatory compliance expertise, particularly in relation to payment and consumer protection laws. She is based in Toronto.
"Mena Bellofiore provides invaluable regulatory advice that allows us to meet regulatory requirements, accommodate business realities and take into account the client's experience."
"Mena Bellofiore is very thorough and thoughtful."
"She is methodical and tactful and ensures you receive the right advice at the end of the day."
Toronto-based Vladimir Shatiryan draws strong praise for his depth of understanding in banking regulatory matters. He assists banks and other payment services providers with the regulatory aspects of transactions in the financial services sector and compliance with Canadian legislation.
"Vladimir Shatiryan is an excellent financial services lawyer with deep technical expertise and excellent client service."
"He is responsive and can work at the pace of my organisation."
"Vladimir Shatiryan is very practical and wants to understand the client's operations and evaluate them."
"He was highly responsive to urgent matters throughout the year."
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Nationwide - Canada
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Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP