Linklaters
Expertise in structuring highly complex securitizations across multiple jurisdictions sets Linklaters apart from the pack. The firm acted as lead transaction counsel on HSBC's Nemus II, and advised CIFG on the wrapped tranche of AXA's Osiris Capital mortality bond, the first mortality bond to transfer predominantly European risk. The law firm also had a hand in Sainsbury's £2.07 billion ($4.1 billion) CMBS through Eddystone Finance and Longstone Finance, the proceeds of which were used to refinance £1.7 billion in existing unsecured bonds and to contribute to its pension fund. Head of group securitization for Linklaters is Julian Davies.
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown has been nominated on the back of a host of celebrated firsts in 2006. The law firm advised Lone Star on Bluebonnet Finance, the first German NPL securitization backed by a portfolio of non-performing, sub-performing and non-strategic mortgage loans. Mayer also advised Deutsche Bank in the first securitization by ProCredit Bank Bulgaria and the first true-sale securitization of small/medium enterprise loans. The deal was structured and completed in less than four months.
Clifford Chance
Leadership in the emerging market arena elevated Clifford Chance above its peers, according to market players. The firm broke ground in Russian securitization in a year that saw the birth of a genuine securitization market in that country. Clifford Chance acted as legal advisor to arrangers on the first ever Russian securitization, Russian Mortgage Backed Securities 2006-1, and was involved in Red&Black Prime Russia MBS No1, which achieved the highest rating ever in Russia on a securitization structure at the time of issuance.