Derivatives & Structured Products
The McGuireWoods derivatives and structured products team provides timely, straightforward answers to complex questions. Our lawyers move well beyond narrow, one-size-fits-all solutions; rather, we add client value by delivering thoughtful advice for sophisticated over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions and practical solutions to regulatory reform challenges.
We regularly structure equity, interest rate, foreign exchange (FX), credit, and commodity OTC derivative transactions for dealers, investment funds, and corporate and private clients. In addition, we work with financial institutions to provide assistance with disclosure, documentation and compliance considerations for structured product platforms and issuance programs.
The derivatives and structured products team frequently partners with other McGuireWoods practice groups to assist clients on a wide range of derivative transactions. For example, we work with the corporate finance and capital markets group to advise issuers on equity-linked capital raising strategies and structured share repurchase plans. Together with the syndicated finance group, we represent lenders in negotiating credit facilities with International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreements for interest rate and FX risk management programs. We coordinate with the firm’s electric and gas utilities group to structure hedging transactions for energy producers and end-users of natural gas, electricity, and other energy commodities. Our own depth of knowledge and experience, enhanced by the resources available in these and other practice groups, enables the Derivatives and Structured Products team to execute successful transactions even in a difficult regulatory environment.
Working with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other prudential regulators, and by drafting agreements and documentation designed to comply with national and international rules, we help swap dealers, financial entities and end users satisfy the regulations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act and European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). We also counsel banks and bank holding companies in identifying and resolving issues under the Volcker Rule.
Given our wide range of experience working on OTC derivative transactions and structured product platforms, the McGuireWoods derivatives and structured products team is well positioned to find pragmatic solutions that manage risk and achieve client goals.