Haynes Boone is strategically enhancing its fund finance capabilities by welcoming seven accomplished attorneys from Seward & Kissel. This expansion aims to address the growing demand for sophisticated financial structures such as synthetic risk transfers, collateralized fund obligations, and securitized subscription lines. Albert Tan, co-leader of Haynes Boone's fund finance practice group, emphasized that this move is driven by the evolving needs of their banking and insurance clients. The firm recognized the necessity to bolster its debt capital markets expertise to maintain a comprehensive service offering in fund finance.

The newly integrated team brings extensive experience in structured finance and securitization, with key members including partners Jeff Berman and Greg Cioffi, who collectively have five decades of industry experience. Joining them are Andrew Robertson, David Sagalyn, Grace Nealon, Mariah McGuirk, and Brendon Vetter. According to Berman, the transition has been seamless, with several clients and projects already moving over. Cioffi highlighted the continuity of client relationships, underscoring the team's ability to hit the ground running. The expanded firm will now offer legal representation on both the buy side and the lending side for these complex financial instruments.

Haynes Boone's strategic move comes at a critical time for the fund finance market. Regulatory changes and recent banking challenges have constrained traditional capital call-backed facilities. As banks navigate the Basel III Endgame and recover from the 2023 US banking crisis, there is increasing interest in alternative financing solutions like securitized sub lines and synthetic risk transfers. A survey included in Haynes Boone’s Fund Finance Annual Report for 2024 revealed that over half of market participants see a mismatch between supply and demand, with many exploring new credit-risk instruments. This shift underscores the importance of firms like Haynes Boone in providing innovative financial solutions to meet evolving market needs.

The expansion of Haynes Boone's fund finance team reflects a commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly changing financial landscape. By embracing emerging financial structures and fostering collaboration with experienced professionals, the firm positions itself as a leader in addressing the complex challenges faced by its clients. This proactive approach not only enhances the firm's service offerings but also contributes positively to the broader financial community, promoting innovation and stability in the face of regulatory and market uncertainties.