Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance LLP is 'still at the top of the market, with great strength in depth'. The firm handles all forms of public and private residential and commercial real estate financing, as well as pan-European portfolio acquisitions and financing, marketplace lending platforms, forward flow arrangements, structured SME financing, auto and fleet securitisations, credit cards, consumer loan and receivables financing, repackaging and restructuring. Practice head Maggie Zhao, who is a standout adviser to both originators and arrangers, leads a group replete with talent and experience. Market veteran Kevin Ingram focuses on debt securitisation, principal finance, and ABCP deals; Christopher Walsh, who has in-depth experience in structured debt transactions, handles complex NPLs; Jessica Littlewood leads the busy European cash CLO practice; global head of financial markets Emma Matebalavu specialises in mortgage finance; and Simeon Radcliff, who is recommended for trade receivables deals, recently handed a first-of-kind sustainable securitisation in Kenya. Emerging talent Adam Craig frequently acts for issuers and arrangers in public securitisations and private bilateral financings.