Derivatives and structured finance
Working with major financial institutions, corporate originators, investors, and rating agents across various jurisdictions and asset classes, Freshfields handles complex derivative and structured product transactions, including with multi-jurisdictional securitisations.
Structured finance lawyers across Europe, the US, and Asia manage transactions on a global scale, providing support from structuring through closing, and covering a wide range of products, including corporate secured debt, infrastructure, and transportation bond financings, CMBS, RMBS, trade receivables, lease receivables, residual value receivables, stock securitisations, auto loan ABS, and CLOs
We understand each type of product’s challenges and complexities and tailor our legal services to our client’s unique needs, taking the time to understand businesses and objectives. Regular involvement in ground-breaking transactions means we can use innovative structures to resolve regulatory and tax issues hampering multi-jurisdictional securitisations.
Highlight experience
AUTO1 Group Operations SEAdvising AUTO1 Group Operations SE on an innovative financing transaction in which, for the first time, a pool of constantly changing used cars from various manufacturers serves as underlying assets
The model chosen was a securitisation of asset-backed bonds, which will finance AUTO1's operational business – the purchase and sale of used cars – in nine European jurisdictions.
Awards & recognition
Client quotes, Chambers Europe 2025
Both at partner level and below, the Freshfields practice is super responsive whatever the issue and the degree of urgency. The team is very experienced, excellent and extremely easy to work with.Freshfields has the ability to combine an analytical approach with an overall understanding of the client's situation. It does not only give the correct answers, it asks the right questions.Freshfields has strong knowledge across European markets, which is helpful in navigating the rules of various countries.Freshfields provides a hands-on mentality and practical solutions, and the team is good at translating the client's thoughts into clear language.Freshfields is very much aware of what is going on, both in terms of commercial activity by other market parties and in terms of what the legal boundaries are.
Client quotes, Chambers Global 2024
Freshfields' quality is excellent. The lawyers know what they're doing.Freshfields provides us with effective and timely support, not only according to an 'on demand' approach, but proactively too.
Chambers 2021
“Powerful magic circle practice with a formidable reputation.”
Chambers 2021
“[O]f the highest quality… experienced lawyers who are easy to work with and very knowledgeable.”