Chris Bates is also recommended. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has a well-established practice led by Guy Morton , described as 'probably the most intellectual financial services lawyer out there'. Annabel Sykes , who has been advising the Takeover Panel on FSMA-related issues, is also considered technically very able by clients and competitors alike. The team as a whole is 'client-focused', 'responsive' and 'particularly good at dealing with problem issues', say clients. Clients include the Bank of England, Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs, as well as a number of significant players in the energy sector.
Clients find that the group has 'excellent technical skills' and 'shows good judgement'.
The FMG advises a number of leading investment firms and banks on a wide range of matters, including global custody and collateral management, derivative products and regulatory capital. The firm has acted for a large number of retail and wholesale market dealing, distribution and other Internet-based systems. The CMS Cameron McKenna practice is strong across contentious and non-contentious, wholesale and retail financial services work, providing 'commercial advice hand in hand with an understanding of the legal technical issues'. The team is led by the well-known Simon Morris who is praised for being 'responsive and technically on the button'. During 2000, the firm was heavily involved in advising on the progress of the new regulatory regime and the GISC regime for general insurance.