Banking & Finance
Global Guide 2024 : Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 865 0040About
Provided by Torys LLP
Torys has a distinguished history of involvement in Canada's banking industry and in its finance markets; we are recognized by our clients and peers for our experience, our innovative but practical approach and our cross-border capability. From providing industry-leading regulatory counsel to creating first-of-kind financing structures, our group offers clients dedicated service that is second to none.
We are proud of our reputation as deal facilitators. Because of our experience representing both lenders and borrowers, we understand both sides of the issues at play. We find practical solutions that achieve all parties' objectives and help clients get deals done in a way that preserves and grows relationships. Our clients benefit from the experience of both our individual team members and from our close-knit, collegial group.
We act on a wide range of banking and debt financing matters, including:
- bank financings (bilateral and syndicated)
- asset-based loan transactions
- banking and insurance regulatory
- acquisition financings
- project finance
- private placements and public offerings of debt securities (including U.S. and Canadian high-yield offerings)
- subordinated debt financings and related intercreditor arrangements
- derivatives
- U.S. term B loans for the institutional market
- real estate financing
- construction lending and permanent financing
- workouts and other insolvency and bankruptcy matters
- leasing
- tax structuring of debt arrangements (including cross-border)
- structured loan products
Chambers Review
Torys has an excellent banking and finance practice which handles a broad spectrum of banking work from Toronto and Calgary, aided by the firm's office in New York. The group's experience includes advising on high-end acquisition finance and project finance matters, with further strength in secured and unsecured credit facilities relating to the energy, real estate and mining sectors. The team acts for a range of both lender and borrower-side clients, including leading domestic banks, insurance companies, international financial institutions and private equity funds. Furthermore, the firm's esteemed regulatory practice is notable for its advice regarding financial services M&A, insurance regulation and credit card programmes. The handling of digital payment matters complements the firm's excellent holistic offering.
Work Highlights
- Torys provided regulatory advice to multiple Canadian credit unions in regard to the provisions of Canada's Bank Act.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Torys has a group with very sharp lawyers and is always on top of transactions. They understand and know the developments in the market, and we have a high level of confidence in them."
"They have extremely strong subject matter expertise, experience and reputation in dealing with relevant regulators."
"The firm has several strengths, including a strong bench of knowledge, expertise and experience. Torys is able to provide expert advice while also advising on how to practically apply it."
"They have proven time and time again that they understand our needs, can provide excellent advice and alternatives, and always meet the timelines we require."
"They give exceptionally good service and keep us up to date on any challenges."
"Torys has a group with very sharp lawyers and is always on top of transactions. They understand and know the developments in the market, and we have a high level of confidence in them."
"They have extremely strong subject matter expertise, experience and reputation in dealing with relevant regulators."
"The firm has several strengths, including a strong bench of knowledge, expertise and experience. Torys is able to provide expert advice while also advising on how to practically apply it."
"They have proven time and time again that they understand our needs, can provide excellent advice and alternatives, and always meet the timelines we require."
"They give exceptionally good service and keep us up to date on any challenges."
Notable Practitioners
Co-head of the banking and debt finance practice, Adam Delean has an excellent track record of advising high-end banking clients on a wide variety of issues. He works out of Toronto.
"We take his advice very seriously and he is the kind of guy you want to be working with if you have any complex situations."
"He is extremely smart, knows our deals incredibly well and is able to help us with our bespoke structuring needs. We value his advice and always look to him if we need to clarify or work through an issue."
"Adam is the whole package - he certainly deserves to be Band 1."
Blair Keefe is one of the most accomplished figures in the area of financial services regulation in Canada. Based in Toronto, he is frequently sought out by leading domestic and multinational institutions for his strength in the regulatory aspects of M&A transactions in the financial sector, as well as insurance regulation.
"Blair is the top bank regulatory lawyer in Canada. He's very experienced, practical, very responsive and always available."
"Blair is one of the best in Canada in his area."
Amanda Balasubramanian co-leads the banking and debt finance practice from the firm's Toronto office. She is regularly involved in major financing and refinancing initiatives, with her recent work involving borrowers in the hospitality, pharma and energy sectors.
Calgary-based lawyer Kevin Fougere is well versed in acting for both lenders and borrowers, and is especially prominent in financing transactions in the energy sector.
"He is well regarded, practical and responsive."
"Kevin is excellent, our go-to lawyer for project finance."
"He's one of the people in this space who gets the high-end work. He is very easy to deal with and user-friendly."
Toronto-based lawyer Tom Zverina holds expertise which encompasses an impressive range of financing and investment banking work, with notable proficiency in acquisition finance. He also assists with project finance mandates.
"His work ethic, dedication and willingness to meet deadlines and timelines are second to none."
"He is a terrific lawyer who is always helpful and easy to deal with."
"He is practical and solution-oriented."
Eli Monas regularly assists with the regulatory aspects of M&A transactions in the banking sector, as well as advising on the launch of new financial products. His client roster includes prominent banks, private equity funds and non-bank financial services companies. He is based in Toronto.
"Eli is very strong and is a credible presence with regulators and executives."
Ranked Lawyers at
Torys LLP
Canada
Members
Provided by Torys LLP
Head of Department
Amanda Balasubramanian
Head of Department
Eli Monas