Derivatives
Global Guide 2024 : USA
Band 2
Contact number
+1 212 940 8800About
Provided by Katten
Katten's futures and derivatives attorneys represent a wide range of clients (dealers, end users, proprietary traders, brokers, advisors, exchanges and clearing organizations) on an equally wide range of commercial transactions (futures, structured products, and cleared and over-the-counter swaps) encompassing many different asset classes (interest rates, credit, commodities, securities and foreign exchange). This breadth of our practice gives us a valuable perspective on issues and a basis for creative problem solving.
The foundation of our practice is a deep understanding of futures and derivatives regulation, market practices and documentation. We negotiate agreements to help our clients close deals, not to prolong the negotiation process. We also help them understand and comply with the myriad rules and regulations affecting their businesses, and we defend them effectively when regulatory or litigation problems arise. Where appropriate to further our clients' business objectives, we also have been successful in obtaining regulatory relief that resolves issues before they turn into problems.
Our strong US and UK teams are fully coordinated so we can efficiently and consistently serve the needs of clients who do business on both sides of the Atlantic. Clients often rely on us to design three-cornered analyses for their activities in the UK, the EU and the US.
Chambers Review
Katten is recognized in the market as particularly strong in dealing with regulatory issues surrounding futures trading, with expertise in cleared and uncleared swaps. The derivatives practice utilizes the firm's bankruptcy and tax and litigation specialists to provide a rounded service. Services are available to a range of different clients, including clearing houses and end users, among others. The firm offers notable expertise in both OTC and exchange-traded derivatives.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Katten has a deep and experienced bench. The team includes several former regulators and industry experts."
"Katten is a very strong player in the space."
"The team offers excellent client service."
"Katten has a deep and experienced bench. The team includes several former regulators and industry experts."
"Katten is a very strong player in the space."
"The team offers excellent client service."
Notable Practitioners
Gary DeWaal's practice sees him provide advice on a range of asset classes, including investments in cryptoassets. He is especially recognized for his ability to advise on regulatory developments in the market.
"Gary has really strong industry knowledge and provides very good client service."
"He is tremendously knowledgeable."
Banks and hedge funds regularly seek Ilene Froom's expertise in equity derivatives and she is highly regarded for her advice on matters involving ISDA. She also has in-depth knowledge of benchmark regulations.
"Ilene has extremely rare technical knowledge."
"Ilene is an excellent lawyer with great experience and an understanding of commercial elements as well as a pragmatic approach."
Carl Kennedy has experience in OTC and exchange-traded derivatives. He uses his deep knowledge of the CFTC to assist with regulatory compliance.
"Carl is a very knowledgeable lawyer."
Christian Kemnitz serves as the chair of the firm's financial markets litigation and enforcement department. He regularly advises major financial institutions clients on a range of derivatives enforcement issues.
"Christian is a very smart and strategic lawyer."
"He is a very good lawyer - he really knows the market and has an excellent reputation."
Ranked Lawyers at
Katten
USA