Commodities: Trade Finance

Richard Swinburn has an excellent reputation in the market for his physical commodities practice. He regularly represents banks and commodity traders in commercial transactions and financing matters.

"Richard is truly excellent."

"He's a fabulous lawyer and he gives his clients fantastic service."

Chris Borg is a revered regulatory specialist who advises banks, traders and brokers on derivatives trading compliance. His regulatory expertise is complemented by his wealth of transactional experience. He is a noted leader on options and futures contracts.

"He is a great regulatory lawyer; no one knows more than him in this space."

"Chris is the best external counsel that I have ever worked with."

"He is at the top of his game for European commodity financial regulation."

Andrew Meads has considerable experience in commodities and international trade. His practice spans contentious and non-contentious matters including joint ventures and contractual disputes. He has additional experience with arbitrations and fraud claims.

"Andrew has a magisterial command of all aspects of this field, which he deploys to an outstanding effect."

"Andrew is astute, commercial and client-focused."

"His subject knowledge is fantastic and he's an experienced expert."

Brett Hillis's legal expertise in the sector is complemented by his wealth of experience as a former banker in the derivatives market. He has notable skill in a wide range of regulatory and transactional matters involving energy commodities and derivatives. He often represents energy companies, traders and risk managers.

"Brett is an exceptional lawyer and a pleasure to work with. He can distil the most complex subjects into practical and user-friendly advice."

"I go to Brett Hillis a lot for commodities regulatory work. He is very strong in that space."

Jonathan Solomon leads the firm's EMEA and South-East Asia trade and commodities finance practice. He is noted for his expertise in structured finance matters and regularly advises clients on pre-finance facilities and pre-delivery syndicated loan facilities.

"He's a very sensible and commercial lawyer. I would always recommend him."

Vassia Payiataki has notable experience in international trade and physical commodities. Her practice encompasses transactions and disputes, including complex issues relating to insurance and contractual disputes.

"Vassia is an excellent commercial lawyer."

"Vassia Payiataki does very large cases and deserves recognition."

"She is very well thought of in the market and has excellent relationships with clients."

Claude Brown has considerable experience providing regulatory advice on commodity and energy derivatives matters. His practice is international, with his experience spanning the USA, Russia and Asia as well as Europe. His impressive client base includes trade associations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign states.

"Claude brings encyclopedic knowledge and a thorough understanding of the legal issues to be considered."

"Claude is experienced and knowledgeable."

James Atkin is noted for his expertise in energy trading matters. He acts for an impressive roster of clients in the oil and gas sector and frequently advises on trading agreements.

A strong up-and-coming lawyer Elizabeth Farrell is able to utilise her expertise in a variety of commodity settings. Her client list already boasts some impressive names across trading houses, mining companies and energy firms.

"She is very reliable, intelligent and sharp. She always knows the right thing to say and is a safe pair of hands."

"Elizabeth combines technical legal strength with quick commercial understanding and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving."

"She is an incredible practitioner for physicals knowledge."

Elizabeth Stroud is a senior associate in the firm's energy and natural resources group, based in London. She has notable experience in derivatives and financing transactions.

"Liz is one of the smartest people I've worked with. She understands the full picture."

Simone Goligorsky is an up-and-coming partner in Reed Smith's London office. She advises a range of clients, including financial institutions, trade associations and energy companies on compliance, risk management and regulatory issues.

"She really does go above and beyond for us. She always meets her deadlines and is very reliable and really thoughtful."

"Simone knows our business well and can therefore offer good insight, advice and value."