Ashurst strengthens securitisation offering with partner hire

International law firm Ashurst announces the appointment of Thomas Picton as a securitisation partner in the London securities and derivatives group. 

Thomas joins from Clifford Chance, where he has been since 2006. With over 10 years’ securitisation experience, Thomas' practice covers a wide array of asset classes with a key focus on the consumer sector. His experience covers domestic and international transactions for clients that include banks, mortgage lenders, auto finance companies, asset managers and private equity firms.

He has advised issuers, originators and arrangers on various securitisation and structured debt transactions with a particular focus on auto asset backed securities (ABS) and residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS). In the covered bonds space, Thomas has advised on a number of first of a kind platform establishments in new jurisdictions.

Commenting, Michael Logie, head of Ashurst's securities and derivatives group, said:

"The UK remains the most important market for European ABS. UK consumer (including RMBS and auto) remains a key asset class where private equity-backed lenders, challenger banks and the large auto captive financiers are important issuers. We expect a strong pipeline for 2018, where the movement back to public market funding, as opposed to government liquidity schemes, will be a key driver in increased activity, and Thomas will play an integral part in helping us to capitalise on the opportunities. Thomas' appointment, which closely follows that of Martin Kaiser in Germany, will also allow us to provide a seamless cross-border European offering to our clients."

Thomas Picton added:

"Ashurst has a first rate team and offers an excellent platform from which to develop my practice. With securitisations transactions often having a cross-border element, I am also looking forward to working closely with Martin and the broader London and European teams on growing the firm's pan-European offering in this space."