Firms To Watch: Capital markets: Debt

Hogan Lovells Spain’s capital markets practice saw a significant boost with the September 2024 arrival of former Linklaters partner Iñigo Berricano, who brings extensive experience in DCM and ECM matters.

Capital markets: Debt in Spain

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman’s debt capital markets team offers Spanish and English law expertise to issuers and underwriters on a broad range of mandates, including standalone bond issuances, debt programmes, hybrid capital, derivatives, securitisations, and structured finance transactions. The practice is jointly led by Salvador Ruiz Bachs, a seasoned expert in the full range of DCM work, and English law-qualified Charles Poole-Warren, a key figure for sophisticated debt offerings across Iberia, and Ignacio Ruiz-Cámara, who brings notable expertise in covered bonds and securitisations. The latter is a key area of activity for Alfonso Gutiérrez. Alvaro Rojo contributes significant experience in green bonds, hybrid instruments, and commercial paper programmes. Cristina Pablo-Romero is no longer at the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Ignacio Ruiz-Cámara; Charles Poole-Warren; Salvador Ruiz Bachs


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alfonso Gutiérrez; Álvaro Rojo; Lázaro García; Ana García


Kernmandanten

Banco Santander


CaixaBank


Banco Sabadell


Citigroup


Goldman Sachs


BNP Paribas


Goldman Sachs


Morgan Stanley


JP Morgan


HSBC Continental Europe (HSBC)


European Investment Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised CaixaBank on its first synthetic securitisation using a Spanish securitisation fund (fondo de titulización) over a protected portfolio of €2bn and on the issuance of credit linked notes for an amount of €140m.
  • Advised J.P. Morgan on the subscription of certain derivative transactions with Escribano Mechanical and Engineering in the framework of the recent increase by the latter of its stake in IndraSistemas up to 8 per cent.
  • Advised BNP Paribas and Banco Santander as Arrangers and Join Lead Managers on the securitisation of mortgage loans originated by UCI, Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios for a value of € 490m being the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes designated as “Green Bonds” (Secured Green Standard Bonds) in accordance with the ICMA Green Bond Principles.

Clifford Chance

With a strong following of banks, financial investors and major corporations, Clifford Chance stands out for its ability to advise on the issuance of all types of instruments by Spanish banks. In addition to its strong capabilities in debt issuances, the firm ‘has an outstanding team in the structured finance space‘ which is often engaged in high-end and innovative securitisation matters. Its broader capital markets offering covers corporate securities, sovereign bonds, as well as green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked offerings. Global financial department head Eduardo García, who specialises in structured debt and securitisations, oversees the department with Antonio Henríquez, who has significant experience in ECM and DCM transactions, including convertible bond issues, hybrid capital, and medium-term note programmes. Jesús Quesada and Leonardo Fernández are also noted for their structured debt and securitisation acumen.

Praxisleiter:

Eduardo García; Antonio Henriquez


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jesús Quesada; Leonardo Fernández; Francisco Pizarro; Anna Buscaglia


Referenzen

‘A great team of lawyers with a deep knowledge and expertise of legal and commercial matters. Very good at matter management and transactional organisation.’

‘Anna Giulia Buscaglia in particular is a fantastic lawyer capable of handling all stages of capital markets transactions effectively and efficiently.’

‘The team is responsive, commercial and has an excellent knowledge of the market. In our experience, their style is collaborative rather than combative, and we think that it is a better approach overall and leads to a better outcome on transactions than would otherwise be the case.’

Kernmandanten

Banco Santander


BBVA


BNP Paribas


Citigroup


Morgan Stanley


Deutsche Bank


Caixabank


European Investment Bak / European Investment Fund


Blackstone


Nomura


HSBC


Kroll Bond Rating Agency


Bank of America


JP Morgan


REN – Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS, S.A. and REN Finance B.V.


Aena


Eroski


Banco Sabadell


Servicios Financieros Carrefour


AEW


ISDA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised the managers on the issuances by the Kingdom of Spain in the last 12 months for a total amount of € 34bn.
  • Advised Banco Santander on the incorporation of a €2bn Spanish synthetic securitisation fund “Fondo de Titulización Magdalena 7 ” also including the issuance of €142.5m credit linked notes.
  • Advised Nomura and other bondholders (including Rothesay, ICG and HCOB)in connection with a restructuring of the securitisation programme and the notes issued by the Irish SPV Castilla Finance DAC, where the originator is the Spanish lending company BravoCapital and the receivables securitised arise from factoring agreements, promissory notes and loans.

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas is renowned for its robust expertise in securitisation transactions, regularly advising originators, management companies, arrangers, joint-lead managers, and rating agencies on high-profile deals. The team’s capabilities extend beyond securitisations to a broad range of capital markets matters, including commercial paper programmes, high-yield bonds, and debt issuances, with a strong focus on green and sustainability-linked instruments. Jaime De La Torre, who leads the fixed income and derivatives practice, is a key figure in securitisation and structured finance, while Miguel Cruz contributes significant experience in high-yield transactions, commercial paper programmes, and note issuances. The team is further strengthened by Jaime Juan Rodríguez’s expertise in debt issuances and securitisations, Jerónimo Poza’s skill in debt placements and NPL securitisations, and Gonzalo Terceño’s extensive work on commercial paper programmes.

Praxisleiter:

Jaime de la Torre


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Miguel Cruz; Jaime Juan Rodríguez; Jerónimo Poza; Gonzalo Terceño


Kernmandanten

Banco Santander


Elecnor


El Corte Inglés


Dbrs Ratings


Unión De Créditos Inmobiliarios (Uci)


Santander De Titulización, S.g.f.t.


Bnp Paribas


Santander Consumer Frinance


Meliá Hotels International


Banco Sabadell


Ontime Corporate Union


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising BANCO SANTANDER on its “Santander Consumo 6” securitisation transaction.
  • Advising EL CORTE INGLÉS on registering a commercial paper program with MARF.
  • Advising ELECNOR on renewing a sustainability-linked commercial paper program on MARF.

Garrigues

Recognised for its 'incredible technical knowledge and closeness to the client', Garrigues boasts a strong reputation in debt capital markets, offering expert advice to financial institutions and issuers on complex debt placements. The team excels in handling a diverse range of matters, including EMTN programmes, high-yield bonds, hybrid products, commercial paper, and, notably, securitisations, which remains a core area of expertise for the firm. Gonzálo García-Fuertes, a veteran in high-yield transactions, securitisations, and debt issuances, plays a central role, alongside José Luis Palao Iturzaeta, who acts for corporates and financial institutions in DCM and ECM transactions. Marta López-Brea focuses on securitisation deals, while Li Jun Chen Lin advises on standalone bonds, commercial paper, and debt issuance programmes.

Praxisleiter:

Mónica Martín de Vidales; Álvaro López-Jorrín


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gonzalo García-Fuertes; José Luis Palao Iturzaeta; Marta López-Brea; Li Jun Chen Lin


Referenzen

‘The Garrigues team stands out for its incredible technical knowledge and closeness to the client. They are always available to answer questions and find innovative solutions to the questions we ask them.’

‘Marta López-Brea stands out in the sector. She has extensive technical knowledge and always manages to find effective solutions to our concerns. The team also stands out for its personal approach and ability to solve any problem.’

‘Technical capabilities and personalised customer service. A leading team in capital markets. Flexibility and adaptation to the needs of clients. Continuous support in all phases of the process and high involvement of partners.’

Kernmandanten

BBVA


Deutsche Bank


Grupo Enzentis


Banca March


Red Eléctrica


Barceló


Vocento


Redeia


Benteler


Aedas Homes


Highlight-Mandate


Linklaters

Maintaining a strong presence in Spain’s debt capital markets, Linklaters is home to an ‘excellent fixed income practice with a very high technical and working capacity‘. The team regularly advises major issuers and financial institutions on a wide array of matters, from standalone bond issues and MTN programmes to regulatory capital instruments, convertible bonds, high-yield offerings, and securitisations. Jorge Alegre, Federico Briano, and Pablo Medina jointly lead the practice; Alegre’s experience spans both equity and debt offerings, Briano provides specialised knowledge in complex cross-border transactions as an English law-qualified partner, and Medina offers deep insight into equity offerings, debt issues, hybrid instruments, and M&A deals with capital markets components. Juan María Lamo stands out for his experience in securitisations, a key area of activity for the team. Yiannis Kyriakides is also a notable name within the group for his work on debt issues and structured finance. Former co-head Iñigo Berricano is no longer at the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Jorge Alegre; Federico Briano; Pablo Medina


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Juan María Lamo; Yiannis Kyriakides; Pablo Ruiz de Assin


Referenzen

‘Availability due to the large team and the willingness of all team members, from junior associates to partners. Effective and pragmatic advice, focused on the client. Diversity in the team. Very reasonable billing proposals, considering the excellent quality of service.’

‘Specialised and personalised advice on a highly technical subject. The Linklaters team knows how to communicate highly complex issues in a simple and approachable way. This is essential for the client to make decisions. They know the client’s preferences well and act accordingly. Federico Briano is a special mention.’

‘Jorge Alegre, Juan María Lamo, Federico Briano and Pablo Medina are recommended.’

Highlight-Mandate


Pérez-Llorca

A popular destination for both financial institutions and issuers, Pérez-Llorca's team is recognised for its 'great analytical and problem-solving capacity in any aspect that may arise during the development of any fixed-income transaction'. The practice is skilled in a variety of debt capital markets mandates, including domestic debt issuance programmes, standalone bond issues, and complex securitisations. Carlos Pérez Dávila, who is highly regarded for his expertise in securitisation and structured finance, leads the team alongside Yolanda Azanza, a prominent figure for issuers and placement banks in bond issuances, commercial paper programmes, and regulatory capital instruments. Key support is offered by Santiago Bertola, who specialises in the issuance of debt instruments.

Praxisleiter:

Yolanda Azanza; Carlos Pérez Dávila


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Santiago Bertola


Referenzen

‘Fundamentally, their great responsibility and ethics, both professional and human, stand out. The team has a great analytical and problem-solving capacity in any aspect that may arise during the development of any fixed-income transaction. The fact that the entire team works in unison and you can contact any lawyer in any situation, gives a lot of peace of mind and professionalism to the service provided.’

‘The human quality of the team added to the great commitment and excellent work that they constantly demonstrate in each of the mandates that we grant. I would especially like to highlight the work of Yolanda and Carlos in the Fixed Income area who, in addition to being brilliant professionals in their field with an exceptional track record that supports their professional ethics, have an innate proactivity to communicate and look after the interests of the client at all times, dedicating the necessary time. Finally, I consider that another great bastion of this magnificent firm is its integrity when making decisions, for the benefit of the good contractual relationship, as well as the brilliance that characterises all its results.’

‘Carlos Perez Davila: happy to work on esoteric or unproven structures. Broad product knowledge, very commercial in application. A ‘magic circle’ lawyer at smaller firm rates.’

Kernmandanten

MFE-MEDIAFOREUROPE


QEV


Duro Felguera


Volotea


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Fútbol Club Barcelona


Mediterráneo Vida de Seguros y Reaseguros (MedVida)


PayPal


Deutsche Bank


Banco Santander / Santander Consumer Finance


Abanca


Nomura


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised FCB as lead counsel on the approximately €1.45bn securitisation of future revenues arising from the use of FCB’s stadium and other premises.
  • Advised PayPal, as seller, in relation to the financing of the PayPal Group through a multi-year agreement for a €3bn replenishing loan commitment under which entities of the KKR Group will purchase up to €40bn of “buy now, pay later” loan receivables originated by PayPal in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
  • Acted as counsel to the syndicate of banks (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Banco Santander, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Nomura Financial Products Europe GmbH that acted as Joint Lead Managers, and Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale – who acted as co-manager) in relation to the issuance of €600m 3.375% mortgage covered bonds.

Uría Menéndez

The capital markets team at Uría Menéndez offers comprehensive advice on hybrid securities, regulatory capital instruments, as well as structured and project bonds, regularly assisting major corporates and financial institutions in navigating high-value transactions. The department is led by Rafael Sebastián, whose areas of expertise span capital markets, structured finance, M&A, and corporate restructuring. Carolina Albuerne, known for her banking regulatory expertise, frequently handles deals involving hybrid debt, a key area of focus for Javier Redonet. Enrique Nieto acts for issuers and investors in both ECM and DCM deals.

Praxisleiter:

Rafael Sebastián


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Carolina Albuerne; Javier Redonet; Enrique Nieto


Referenzen

‘High technical knowledge and extensive experience in the sector. Up to date with all legislative developments and involved in most of the country’s relevant deals, which provides legal security in the client’s decision-making.’

‘Security and forcefulness in responses, high availability and flexibility.’

‘The Uría team compares favourably with the teams of other law firms, both for its high technical level and for the tools it uses to serve its clients. It is a diverse team that adapts at all times to the needs of the client. It is friendly and at the same time very professional, which leads to consolidating a sustainable relationship of trust.’

Kernmandanten

Banco Santander


Cellnex Telecom


Ence Energía y Celulosa


OK Mobility Group


Banco Cetelem


JB Capital Markets


Société Générale


Holaluz Clidom


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised on the issuance by Banco Santander of $1.25bn in subordinated debt (T2) and $ 2.75bn in senior non-preferred debt under the F3 programme registered with the US Securities Exchange Commission and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • Advised on the issuance of senior unsecured convertible bonds, convertible into new and/or exchangeable for existing ordinary shares in Cellnex Telecom, SA, on a non-pre-emptive basis, for an aggregate principal of  €1bn combined with a concurrent repurchase of the outstanding €795.4m in 1.50% senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2026 for total consideration exceeding €1bn.
  • Advising on the registration of Ence Energía y Celulosa SA’s €200m inaugural sustainable commercial paper programme with the Spanish Alternative Fixed-Income Market (Mercado Alternativo de Renta Fija).

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

The capital markets team at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is recognised for its expertise in high-yield bonds, private placements, and investment-grade debt offerings, attracting frequent mandates from issuers, lead arrangers, and underwriters. The group also maintains a significant presence in the securitisation market, while its capabilities extend to advising on sustainability-linked products. Guillermo Guerra, a specialist in corporate governance, brings extensive experience in both ECM and DCM matters, including commercial note programmes. Ferran Foix – head of the London office – often advises on bond restructurings and note issuance programmes.


Praxisleiter:

Ferran Foix; Guillermo Guerra


Kernmandanten

Oryzon Genomics


Codere


A&G


Deustch Bank


Substrate Artificial Inteligence


EBN Banco


Nueva Expresión Textil


Feníe Energía


Facephi


Highlight-Mandate


Ramón y Cajal Abogados

'Made up of a group of lawyers dedicated solely to capital markets and characterised by great efficiency', the team at Ramón y Cajal Abogados demonstrates key expertise in EMTN and other debt issuance programmes, debt offerings, securitisations as well as regulatory matters. Carlos Lao, a key figure in the practice, brings extensive experience in cross-border transactions, particularly in the US and European markets. His areas of focus include high-yield deals, green bonds, commercial paper notes, and securitisations. Fellow co-head Lucía García Clavería is proficient in DCM and ECM matters.

Praxisleiter:

Carlos Lao; Lucía García


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Pablo Tejerizo


Referenzen

‘This is a team specialised in the field, made up of a group of lawyers dedicated solely to capital markets and characterised by great efficiency. All of its professionals have extensive experience in fixed-income deals and are fully aware of the latest developments in the market. This is a proactive team accustomed to foreseeing future risks, which is extremely reassuring to work with.’

‘Beyond their knowledge and experience in the field, they are pragmatic professionals focused on resolving problems in the most effective way possible. All the lawyers I have had the opportunity to deal with have demonstrated a friendly approach and attention to detail, all combined with a fast and high-quality service.

‘Great team, always available. ’

Kernmandanten

Inmobiliaria Colonial


Bankinter


Grenergy


Repsol


Canadian Solar


Grupo Amper


Electrobas


Montepino Logística


DXN Holdings


SAREB (a Spanish Government-owned company)


Clerhp


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised SAREB (Spanish Government-owned company) in connection with a €10.25bn bond offering and a €4bn bond offering.
  • Advised Colonial in connection with a €70m “tap bond offering” and a €130m “tap bond offering” under its €5bn EMTN programme.
  • Advised Grupo Amper on the renewal of its €80m commercial paper programme registered with the MARF (a Spanish multilateral trading facility).

Simmons & Simmons

Highlighted for its ‘unique knowledge of the client and its needs’, the capital markets practice at Simmons & Simmons stands out for its specialisation in derivatives and structured products – particularly securitisations, repackagings, and standalone bond issues – and is commended for its ‘great experience in MTN programmes and debt issuance, both public and private‘. The practice is led by dual-qualified Alfredo de Lorenzo (Spain and England), a key contact for issuers, global coordinators and institutional investors. Borja Carpintero provides vital support, with a focus on structured products and securitisations.


Praxisleiter:

Alfredo de Lorenzo


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Borja Carpintero; Ignacio González


Referenzen

‘The Simmons & Simmons team offers a personalised and extraordinarily specialised service in matters that very few competitors can offer. The quality of service is excellent and is complemented by extraordinary proximity and accessibility.’

‘Alfredo de Lorenzo is an extraordinary lawyer. Whenever I have needed him, he has always been immediately willing to listen and give his opinion on the different consultations. He is very easy to get in touch with and has a wealth of experience and knowledge. The best thing about Alfredo is that he always tries to provide practical solutions to reach the simplest and most convenient solution.’

‘Handcrafted debt issuance management. The issuer is in the best hands, as SS Madrid’s professionals have a unique knowledge of the client and its needs, knowledge that they combine with a great experience in MTN programmes and debt issuance, both public and private.’

Kernmandanten

Banco Santander SA


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA


Banco de Sabadell SA


Banca March SA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advise Banco Santander, S.A. as dealer of a series of structured notes comprising a repackaging of two funded risk participation agreements by means of which a participation in fourteen loan facility agreements was granted.
  • Advised Banco Santander, S.A. as dealer of a series of structured notes comprising a repackaging of nEZ Certificates to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • Advised BBVA as dealer and arranger of a series of structured notes comprising a synthetic securitisation on specified assets in a retained portfolio of BBVA referencing a €750m loan portfolio.

Ashurst LLP

The capital markets group at Ashurst LLP is highly skilled in handling transactional, advisory, and regulatory derivatives matters. Known for being 'attentive and proactive', the team demonstrates expertise in complex financial instruments, including deal-contingent swaps, synthetic power-purchase agreements, equity derivatives and Spanish-governed master agreements for financial transactions (CMOF). The team also regularly works with leading Spanish banks on the creation of trading platforms for regulated emissions allowances and voluntary carbon credits. Practice head Irian Saleta Martínez stands out for her 'extensive knowledge of the sector, technical level, and excellent customer service'.

Praxisleiter:

Irian Saleta Martínez


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Manuela Sanz; Ignacio Piñeiro; Javier Altemir


Referenzen

‘They are an attentive and proactive team. They take care of their clients. They are available and coordinate international matters from the reference office. We have worked with Madrid, London and Australia and the experience in all cases is unbeatable. Close, accessible and professional.’

‘We regularly work with Irian Martínez. He has extensive knowledge of the sector, technical level and excellent customer service.’

‘They are in line with other international firms, but their practices are more suited to what the market demands.’

Kernmandanten

Banco Santander


CaixaBank, S.A.


ING


Adidas


Solarpack


Sacyr


Engie


Acciona


Natwest


Intesa Sanpaolo


Credit Suisse


Sonnedix


Société Générale


Goldman Sachs


ANZ


Unicaja


BNP Paribas


Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO)


Roadis


BBVA


Highlight-Mandate


Baker McKenzie

Commended for its ‘availability, pragmatic approach and knowledge of the sector’, Baker McKenzie’s team is well placed to advise issuers, managers and financial entities on debt issuances, commercial paper programmes, and refinancings. The group is co-led by Fernando Torrente, a seasoned practitioner who now oversees the Madrid-based capital markets and M&A teams following his mid-2023 move from A&O Shearman. Another key figure is Carlos Martín, who brings extensive experience in M&A, ECM, and DCM transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Fernando Torrente


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Carlos Martín


Referenzen

‘Their availability, pragmatic approach and knowledge of the sector.’

‘Carlos Martín and Marina Martínez are always available, have a strong knowledge of the sector and provide pragmatic and useful on-time solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Adient Ltd.


All Iron RE Socimi


Alquiber Quality, S.A.


Andbank, S.A.


Banco Santander


Credit Suisse


Deutsche Bank


Euskaltel, S.A.


Goldman Sachs


Grifols


Iberpapel


JP Morgan


Minor International Company Limited


MASPV Energy


QEV Technologies


Solventis, A.V., S.A.


Viscofan


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for Lopsas Trade, S.A. (a JV controlled by Secuoya’s management team) in the issuance of senior notes for an approximate aggregate principal amount of €35m to finance the acquisition of shares representing around 60% of the share capital of the Spanish listed company Secuoya Grupo de Comunicación.

Dentons

Praised for its 'comprehensive work on fixed-income capital market deals', Dentons assists corporate issuers, financial institutions, and investment banks with domestic and cross-border DCM transactions. Under the leadership of Ignacio Corujo Del Valle, the group excels in convertible bonds, commercial paper programmes, and covered bonds. Corujo stands out for his 'detailed knowledge of the Spanish market' and experience across a broad range of capital markets matters, including EMTN and ECP programmes.

Praxisleiter:

Ignacio Corujo del Valle


Referenzen

‘They carry out comprehensive work on fixed-income capital market deals, which necessarily requires significant coordination of the different agents involved and significant proactivity.’

‘Ignacio Corujo is approachable and efficient, demonstrates technical quality and always meets objectives and deadlines.’

‘Ignacio Corujo, as the partner in charge of capital markets, combines a detailed knowledge of the Spanish market with a good working relationship with the client that guarantees the smooth outcome of the transactions.’

Kernmandanten

Banca March, S.A.


Banco Santander, S.A.


Pkf Attest Debt Capital Markets, SL


Caixabank, S.A.


Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A


Cajamar Cajar Rural, Sociedad Cooperativa de Crédito


Sacyr S.A.


ACS, Actividades De Construcción Y Servicios, S.A.


PGIM Inc


Quid Pro Quo Alquiler Seguro Socimi, S.A. (QPQ)


Optimum III Value-Added Residential SOCIMI, S.A.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a syndicate of financial entities acting as the dealers with the renewal of €700m Sacyr Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
  • Advised Cajamar Caja Rural on the issuance of €600m covered public bonds listed on the Spanish Regulated Market.
  • Advised Sacyr, S.A. on the renewal of ENMT Programme for an amount of €500m, with the involvement of Banca March, as Arranger, and Banco Santander, CaixaBank, BBVA andPKF Attest, as Dealers for the Notes.