Expertise
Legal
Banking and finance

Banking and finance

The importance of managing risk across all types of banking and financial transactions has never been more apparent. International and multi-jurisdictional activity, particularly in new and emerging markets, is driving creativity in structuring and transactions which requires a team of lawyers who know how to get the optimal results from each deal.

At Collas Crill, our credentials are clear: with our well-established banking and finance team and some of the best known transactions both internationally and locally, there isn’t much we have not encountered.

We were the first to manage public/private financing, have one of the largest portfolio of lending transactions within the commercial property market in the Channel Islands, and have strong expertise in Islamic finance structures and funds finance transactions.

Our clients instruct us because of our depth of expertise and our style in managing transactions. We are partner-led in all our transactions because we recognise the importance of accessibility to senior team members. Most importantly, we provide sound advice and a service delivered in a commercial and user-friendly manner.

Services

We work both lender and borrower side in funding the acquisition of aircraft, ships, containers, art and other high value assets and advise on finance and operating leases, sale and leaseback transactions, jurisdiction specific transactions such as JOLCOs and the securitisation of asset receivables.

Our dispute resolution specialists collaborate seamlessly with our corporate, banking and finance teams across jurisdictions to advise on litigation, restructuring and risk and regulatory matters. We provide a global perspective, working closely with our clients to ensure that they are best placed to respond to customer issues, fraud risks, rapidly changing market conditions and regulatory demands.

We can advise lenders, borrowers and guarantors with regard to:

the different forms of security that can be taken over assets (including fixed charges or mortgages, liens, pledges)
assets which can be provided as security
registration and protection of charges and security
release of security, waiver, amendment and restatement of facilities
restructure of debt and securities
enforcement against assets in the event of a breach (including investigations and pre-emptive steps to take to protect assets, taking possession, foreclosure, set off, appropriation, powers of sale and receivership, and insolvency processes)
freezing orders and injunctions over secured assets

We advise banks and account holders in relation to funds which have either been frozen officially by way of government sanctions, freezing orders and injunctions issued by a court, or are otherwise unavailable following suspicion that they may comprise proceeds of crime (unofficial freezing).

We can issue civil proceedings to recover monies from custodians, defend or obtain freezing injunctions in relation to monies in bank accounts and also issue judicial review proceedings against the relevant regulator seeking to claim that funds are the proceeds of crime. We have considerable experience in dealing with sanctioned parties or funds.

We can advise in relation to the financing of investment funds in Guernsey, Jersey, BVI and Cayman, advising both borrowers and lenders. Fund financing covers a range of financing possibilities including mezzanine financing or acquisition finance, but most commonly involves capital call or subscription facilities. It is a specialist area that requires an understanding of fund structuring, the risks involved in lending to funds and specific security requirements.

Underlying relationships between investors, borrowers and lenders are key to the success of the industry. We work with lenders and borrowers to maintain these relationships at every stage of the process, with our commercial, efficient and pragmatic approach to managing transactions.

Demand continues to rise for legal professionals with a strong knowledge and understanding of Shariah law concepts continues, a reflection of the growth in Islamic finance products and services for institutions and private clients. Our team of experienced finance lawyers regularly works with onshore law firms, banks, managers and service providers to assist clients in the UK, the Middle East and Asia, as well as trust and corporate service providers servicing clients in this area.

Our teams have been involved in some of the most innovative finance structures, including the first public-private finance initiative in Guernsey, a care home. We regularly advise housing associations on funding their projects. Internationally we work with clients on key infrastructure projects, including power stations and railway links.

Real estate continues to dominate as an asset class for many investors. We have a strong track record in financing commercial real estate acquisitions, mainly in New York and the UK and the London prime market. We act for some of the key lenders in this area. Our clients include banks, funds, alternative lenders, private equity houses, private investors, hotel consortiums and family offices. Locally, we have worked on the funding of some of the most prestigious buildings in our jurisdictions.

Our securities and capital markets team advise on all aspects of securitisation transactions, including the structuring of securities and securitisation vehicles, producing the prospectus, providing regulatory advice and advising on promotion restrictions and requirements. Our clients include both offshore and onshore banks as well as other financial instructions.

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Key Contacts Banking and finance

Collas Crill's advice is not provided on a conveyor belt basis, but rather it is always considered and tailored to the circumstances of each transaction, as well as being pragmatic and commercial. Chambers UK (2026)

We often have concurrent dealings with CC in multiple jurisdictions (Jersey, Guernsey and BVI) and as a team they're very good at cross-communication and managing those various strands consistently. Legal 500 UK (2026)

We use Collas Crill regularly for input on local law aspects of banking transactions governed primarily by English or Scots law. They provide a responsive, efficient and commercial service, which is key for us in service delivery to our funder clients. Legal 500 UK (2026)

They deliver a great service and proactively work with the other side. They are friendly, available and take a commercial approach to ensure that the deal progresses to the agreed timeline. Chambers UK (2026)

Unlike many of the other offshore firms, we find Collas Crill to be human. We can have a sensible conversation about transactions and where a deal is difficult I find that the team is able to pick up the nuances and shifts of mood and adapt to make sure the work completes. Legal 500 UK (2026)

Excellent aviation support in Guernsey. Assisted us as state of registration counsel. Always fast and efficient and pragmatic advice. Legal 500 UK (2026)

Banking and finance

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Key Contacts Banking and finance

Kate Anderson

Gina Berry

Ellie Crespi

Matt Gilley

Simon Heggs

Ben Le Page

Alexander Price

Nick Ward

Daniel Walker

Conor Walsh

Alice Allen

Ollie Terry

Sabrina De Gouveia

Rosie Evans