Banking & Finance: Lenders: Mid-Market
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 3
Contact number
+44 (0)20 7444 1910Chambers Review
Norton Rose Fulbright is noted for its lender-side practice, which covers a diverse scope of financing work for a multitude of domestic commercial banks, including corporate loans and project and trade finance, as well as asset-based loans. In addition to its panel relationships with major financial institutions, the group advises a wide variety of corporate borrowers. The team is also well positioned to advise on Sharia-compliant structures and has recently further increased its Islamic finance offering. The law firm works across a range of sectors including oil and gas, transport and technology and offers an impressive global reach on cross-border deals, where it also advises international banks.
Work Highlights
- Norton Rose Fulbright advised IMI Group, in relation to the refinancing of a series of bilateral facilities, including USD75 million facility with Wells Fargo, a £25 million facility with ING Bank and a £25 million facility with Bank of China.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They're always reliable and available. They're among the best law firms that I deal with in terms of service."
"They have the great ability to leverage different practice areas around a single case. They're superb - responsive and diligent from partner level down."
"They are excellent technicians who have the ability to simplify for all audiences. They're also super pragmatic."
"They're always reliable and available. They're among the best law firms that I deal with in terms of service."
"They have the great ability to leverage different practice areas around a single case. They're superb - responsive and diligent from partner level down."
"They are excellent technicians who have the ability to simplify for all audiences. They're also super pragmatic."
Notable Practitioners
James Dunnett is recognised for his work for corporate borrowers and private equity sponsors and stands out for his expertise when it comes to acquisition finance.
"Experienced and client-driven, James is a pleasure to work with."
"He's an outstanding lawyer."
Michael Black specialises in asset-based lending matters. He regularly acts for lenders, counting a number of banks and financial institutions among his clients. He has additional expertise in real estate finance.
"Michael Black is the best ABL lawyer in Europe."
Neha Khosla is well known for advising oil and gas clients on financing transactions. She has an impressive track record when it comes to transactions involving emerging markets.
"Neha is always excellent, she's one of my go-to partners for financing transactions."
"Neha is an outstanding lawyer with an engaging interpersonal style which engenders trust and confidence. She commands the respect of all who deal with her."
Christopher Akinrele has expertise in leveraged finance, specialty finance and general corporate banking transactions. He is well-versed in advising direct lenders. He has additional experience in asset-based finance.
"He goes the extra mile."
Europe, Middle East and Asia chair Farmida Bi has an excellent reputation in the London market. She complements her Islamic finance practice with capital markets expertise, advising clients on Sharia-compliant products and sukuk issuance.
"Farmida provides outstanding client service."
Yusuf Battiwala regularly assists his global client base with a wide range of Islamic financings. He is noted for his strengths in derivatives and structured finance, and has experience in Islamic repo transactions.
"He is a phenomenal expert in derivatives and Islamic finance. He's incredibly user-friendly and has a pretty unique skill set married with a humble, brilliant attitude."
Ranked Lawyers at
Norton Rose Fulbright
London (Firms)
UK-wide