Offering ‘a consistently high level of service’, Dentons leverages the firm’s wide network to offer clients expert advice on cross-border finance transactions, with a varied portfolio that includes leveraged and Islamic finance as well as the full spectrum of sustainable finance. Advising both borrowers and lenders, the practice is led by Christopher Colclough, who specialises in real estate finance transactions and is a key contact for international lenders. Faye Garvey ’s specialisms include leverage and acquisition finance transactions for major UK banks, while Matthew Exton is also recommended for multijurisdictional transactions.

DMH Stallard LLP demonstrates proficiency advising financial institutions on a range of matters, including asset-based lending, while also being geared to support corporate borrowers with lending arrangements. The team frequently works seamlessly with experts of the firm's litigation and insolvency, and restructuring group and offers experience in a variety of sectors, including hospitality, food, and real estate. Practice head Sarah Naylor's practice focuses on the SME and mid-market transactions, while Anne Milne is a name to note for property finance transactions. Ralph Crane retired in 2024.

Acquisition and leveraged finance transactions are at the heart of Shoosmiths LLP‘s practice, with the ‘well-established team’ also operating comfortably across the full spectrum of real estate finance and asset-based lending. Both national head Rebecca Mauleverer and Ali Triptree, who is heading the firm’s South East practice, have a track record in cross-border transactions, with Mauleverer’s portfolio including advice on venture debt and corporate lending, and Triptree being recognised for proven knowledge of private equity transactions. Highlighted by clients for its ‘consistent customer-focused attitude’, the group covers an array of industries, with recent instructions relating to the education, banking, technology, and insurance sectors.

Frequently receiving instructions from both borrowers and lenders, Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s focus areas include advice on asset-based lending as well as trade, corporate, and venture debt finance. The group’s sector expertise covers financial services, real estate, healthcare, energy, and technology. Practice head Andrew Dodds is an expert in acquisition and leveraged finance, whereas the ‘highly recommended’ Matthew Padian excels at the intersections of finance and insolvency. David Steinberg retired in October 2024.

Birketts LLP demonstrates proficiency in conventional lending and acquisition finance, frequently acting for institutional and alternative lenders, funds and borrowers such as corporates, developers, and councils, and offering noteworthy niche expertise in agricultural finance. The team is jointly steered by Alex Schaafsma, whose practice encompasses leverage, trade, and Islamic finance, and the expert for real estate finance Devreaux Gravell. Lottie Fletcher is a name to note for green finance and sustainability-linked loans.

Blake Morgan LLP's 'incredibly knowledgeable team' is recommended for its depth of expertise in corporate finance, covering the full spectrum of lending arrangements with focus areas such asset based lending, syndicated finance, regulated lending, and receivables finance. Recently, the team demonstrated noteworthy activity in structured finance, securitisation transactions, and asset based lending. Practice head Kath Shimmin, who is lauded for a wealth of experience in finance transactions and capital markets law, handles a busy workload including advice on funds, collective investment schemes, and financial services compliance matters.

Cripps is geared to handle the full spectrum of finance work for both borrowers and lenders, with focus areas such asset-based and real estate finance and a workload that extends to advice on bridge loans and development finance. The team is co-headed by Craig Bowers, who covers both corporate and banking law, key contact for receivables finance Noel Ruddy, and Dawn Shadwell, whose areas of expertise include asset-based lending and invoice finance. Victoria Symons‘ specialisms include sustainable investments.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP comprehensive offering includes a close collaboration between the banking team and experts from the corporate, real estate, and construction departments. The group’s varied workload encompasses advice on investments, development financings, and M&A deals, with noteworthy strength in combined equity and debt investments. Practice head Alex Illingworth is well regarded for his expertise in motor finance advice.

Debt finance is at the heart of Paris Smith LLP's practice, with the team operating across a range of sectors, including retail, leisure, and property. Particularly noteworthy are the team's capabilities at the intersection of real estate and corporate finance, as well as its vast knowledge of acquisition finance. James McNeil heads the department and covers the full spectrum of asset, acquisition, project, and property finance transactions.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s client roster includes clearing and overseas banks, with the team standing out for its strength in regulatory work, including FCA proceedings and cross-border mandates. Well regarded for advice on bilateral and syndicated transactions, John Chater steers the practice and offers strong sector expertise in the hospitality, technology, financial services, and renewable energy segments.

Trethowans LLP (part of Lawfront) key services include advice on healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and property finance, with the team being recommended for expertise in acquisition finance, debt restructuring, and asset-based lending. Handling the full spectrum of commercial and property finance, Steve Cole heads the practice and is also recommended for his proven knowledge of Islamic finance.

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s practice is well regarded for its experience in the healthcare and real estate segments, with a particular focus on development finance. The team is co-led by Joseph Campbell, an expert in secured lending real estate matters, and Rich Eldridge, who has a notable specialism in mandates related to the mis-selling of interest rate derivatives.

Foot Anstey offers expert advice on corporate lending, real estate investment, as well as acquisition, development, and growth capital finance. Leading the team alongside Katie-Jane Rees, Emma Earp handles a busy workload, including project finance with a particular focus on the renewable energy segment.

Led by Anna Mayfield, Gateley Legal focuses on private equity and acquisition finance, and demonstrates strength in corporate banking and real estate finance matters. Rebecca North‘s broad practice includes capabilities in leveraged transactions and debt capital market matters, as well as a track record in cross-border finance transactions. Patrick Long retired in May 2024.

Thomson Snell & Passmore handles a busy workload, including advice on secured lending structures, project and acquisition finance, as well as loan note structures and consideration arrangements. Matthew Grogan leads the real estate finance work of the firm, which is a core pillar of the practice, while Joanne Gallagher heads the wider corporate team and advises on secured funding, venture capital, and private equity transactions.