Sullivan
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Biography

Mark's practice covers project and export credit finance, asset finance, structured trade and commodity finance, debt restructurings, acquisition finance and corporate advisory work.

He represents financial institutions, export credit agencies, corporates, boards, and national and supranational sovereign organizations in relation to finance transactions throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Mark has extensive sector experience in infrastructure financing across Africa including off-grid power, healthcare and transportation. He also advises on ESG financings including hospitals, clean energy and transportation.

Advising on sustainability, governance and compliance matters, Mark has extensive experience counseling corporate boards in connection with bribery, corruption, modern slavery, criminal finance and sanctions issues. He also advises financial institutions on the UK’s Capital Requirements Regulation and the EU’s equivalent capital requirements regimes.

Recognised as a Leading Partner in The Legal 500 UK, 2027 for Trade Finance, he has been noted as 'excelling' in structured export credit transactions. He is also ranked by Chambers UK, 2026 and included in Best Lawyers UK, 2025 for his work in banking and finance law.

In May 2022, he was re-elected Deputy Chair of the British Exporters Association (BExA). He sits on BExA’s Executive Committee as well as UK Finance’s Export Finance and Trade Committee.

Mark is based in the UK but has lived and practiced law in the Czech Republic, England, Germany and Russia.

Education
  • College of Law
    • Law Society Finals
  • College of Law
    • Common Professional Examination
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LL.M.)
    • Banking Law and Financial Regulation
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (BSc)
    • Econ-Social Policy
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Solicitor, Senior Courts of England and Wales
Professional Qualifications
  • Member and expert Faciliator, The Chancery Lane Project
  • Deputy Co-Chair, British Exporters' Association Export (BExA), BExA Executive Committee, UK Finance Chair, Legal and Compliance Sub-Committee, British Exporters' Association Trustee, National Youth Agency

Awards & Honors
  • Chambers Global, Africa-wide Banking & Finance (Notable Practitioner, 2026; Leading Lawyer, 2024, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom, Banking and Finance Law (2023, 2025)
  • Chambers UK, Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) (2023-2026)
  • Recognised as a "Leading Partner" by The Legal 500 UK (2016-2027)
  • Global Trade Review - Winner, "Best Deals"
Community Engagement
  • Chair, People Development Committee, National Youth
Additional Publications
  • The Second Edition of A Practitioner's Guide to Trade and Commodity Finance, was published in 2021 by Sweet & Maxwell, a division of Thomson Reuters. Edited by Geoffrey Wynne, the guide covers all aspects of trade and commodity finance, from pre-export and structured trade finance to the rise of supply chain finance as part of the techniques involved in receivables finance. Mark Norris contributed a new chapter on export credit agency finance.
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Prudential Regulatory Authority delays UK implementation of Basel 3.1 to 2027
In response to global uncertainty the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has further delayed the implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards in the UK to 1 January 2027. This delay comes just four months after the PRA announced a six-month delay to 1 January 2026 in the PRA’s near-final policy statement PS9/24 in September 2024. A PRA press release published today (17 January 2025) attributed the delay to “uncertainty around the implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards in the US” and “competitiveness and growth considerations.” The delay will mean that the Basel 3.1 standards in the UK will be in force two years after the EU, which implemented its amended CRR on 1 January 2025. It is unclear how significant the delayed implementation will be on the draft UK CRR, published as part of the PRA’s near-final policy statement PS9/24 in September 2024, or whether there will be positive news for trade finance during the extended monitoring period. What does appear clear is that the UK’s full implementation date for the Basel 3.1 standards remains 1 January 2030, therefore reducing the transitional period to a maximum of three years.
Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Exports: Digitalisation and the Need to Improve Physical Infrastructure
Mark Norris authored the article, "Sub-Saharan Africa trade and exports: Digitalisation and the need to improve physical infrastructure," published by Berne Union's The BUlletin on September 6, 2022. 
Sullivan’s Trade Finance and Venture Capital Practices Recognised by The Legal 500 UK, 2027
London, UK - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has been recognised by The Legal 500 UK, 2027 for both Trade Finance and Venture Capital, reflecting the continued strength and expansion of the firm’s London practice areas. Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice has once again received a Tier 1 ranking, maintaining the top-tier position it has held for over a decade. The Legal 500 recognises the firm for its strength “across the full spectrum of trade and commodity finance.” The 2027 edition recognises several members of the Trade & Export Finance team. Geoffrey Wynne, Simon Cook and Robert Parson are included in the Hall of Fame, Mark Norris is recognised as a Leading Partner, Daniela Barrdear as a Next Generation Partner and Geraldine Butac as a Leading Associate. The practice also receives The Legal 500’s client satisfaction accolade for ‘Sector Knowledge’. Client feedback collected independently by The Legal 500 research team highlights the team’s ability to combine technical expertise with practical and commercial advice. One client describes the team as “responsive, pragmatic and commercial,” adding that its lawyers “feel more like an extension of the team.” Geoffrey Wynne and Marian Boyle are also singled out for their combination of technical depth, commerciality and collaborative approach. For the first time, Sullivan’s London office is also recognised in The Legal 500 UK’s Corporate and Commercial – Venture Capital category, where the firm is included as a ‘Firm to Watch’ and receives The Legal 500’s client satisfaction accolade for ‘Sector Knowledge’. James Shaw is recognised as a Leading Partner, while Iain Cockburn is named a Next Generation Partner. The recognition follows the arrival at Sullivan in June 2026 of its 10-lawyer Emerging Companies and Venture Capital team, led by partners James Shaw, Iain Cockburn and Ben Williams. The team, which was named Growth Capital Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026 shortly before joining Sullivan, advises venture-backed companies, founders and investors across the business lifecycle, including venture financings, M&A, intellectual property strategy and complex strategic advisory matters. Its arrival significantly expanded Sullivan’s transatlantic offering to innovative and high-growth businesses and the investors that support them. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice and the London office, said: “We are delighted that the continued strength and depth of our London practice areas has once again been recognised by The Legal 500. The individual rankings across the team, together with the feedback from our clients, are particularly welcome and reflect the experience, commercial approach and commitment of our lawyers.” James Shaw, who leads Sullivan’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital team, added: “To be recognised by The Legal 500 so soon after joining Sullivan is an encouraging reflection of the strength of the team and the work we are doing for founders, growth companies and investors. Combined with Sullivan’s established international platform, we have an exciting opportunity to support innovative businesses as they grow, raise capital and expand internationally.” About Sullivan Sullivan is a premier, AmLaw 200 international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes and its commitment to best-in-class client service.
Sullivan Advises Limak Construction on its Award-Winning ECA Financing
London – Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has advised leading Turkish construction company Limak Construction on its award-winning export credit agency (ECA) financing arranged by Standard Chartered Bank and guaranteed by Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV. This transaction won “Best ECA Syndicated Loan” at EMEA Finance's Achievement Awards in London. Sullivan continues to advise Limak Construction on its innovative ECA financings led out of London and Türkiye. The Sullivan team was led by partner Mark Norris, supported by partner Daniela Barrdear. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a global law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best in class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website or LinkedIn.

Mark Norris

Mark's practice covers project and export credit finance, asset finance, structured trade and commodity finance, debt restructurings, acquisition finance and corporate advisory work.

He represents financial institutions, export credit agencies, corporates, boards, and national and supranational sovereign organizations in relation to finance transactions throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Mark has extensive sector experience in infrastructure financing across Africa including off-grid power, healthcare and transportation. He also advises on ESG financings including hospitals, clean energy and transportation.

Advising on sustainability, governance and compliance matters, Mark has extensive experience counseling corporate boards in connection with bribery, corruption, modern slavery, criminal finance and sanctions issues. He also advises financial institutions on the UK’s Capital Requirements Regulation and the EU’s equivalent capital requirements regimes.

Recognised as a Leading Partner in The Legal 500 UK, 2027 for Trade Finance, he has been noted as 'excelling' in structured export credit transactions. He is also ranked by Chambers UK, 2026 and included in Best Lawyers UK, 2025 for his work in banking and finance law.

In May 2022, he was re-elected Deputy Chair of the British Exporters Association (BExA). He sits on BExA’s Executive Committee as well as UK Finance’s Export Finance and Trade Committee.

Mark is based in the UK but has lived and practiced law in the Czech Republic, England, Germany and Russia.

Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Prudential Regulatory Authority delays UK implementation of Basel 3.1 to 2027
In response to global uncertainty the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has further delayed the implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards in the UK to 1 January 2027. This delay comes just four months after the PRA announced a six-month delay to 1 January 2026 in the PRA’s near-final policy statement PS9/24 in September 2024. A PRA press release published today (17 January 2025) attributed the delay to “uncertainty around the implementation of the Basel 3.1 standards in the US” and “competitiveness and growth considerations.” The delay will mean that the Basel 3.1 standards in the UK will be in force two years after the EU, which implemented its amended CRR on 1 January 2025. It is unclear how significant the delayed implementation will be on the draft UK CRR, published as part of the PRA’s near-final policy statement PS9/24 in September 2024, or whether there will be positive news for trade finance during the extended monitoring period. What does appear clear is that the UK’s full implementation date for the Basel 3.1 standards remains 1 January 2030, therefore reducing the transitional period to a maximum of three years.
Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Exports: Digitalisation and the Need to Improve Physical Infrastructure
Mark Norris authored the article, "Sub-Saharan Africa trade and exports: Digitalisation and the need to improve physical infrastructure," published by Berne Union's The BUlletin on September 6, 2022. 
Sullivan’s Trade Finance and Venture Capital Practices Recognised by The Legal 500 UK, 2027
London, UK - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has been recognised by The Legal 500 UK, 2027 for both Trade Finance and Venture Capital, reflecting the continued strength and expansion of the firm’s London practice areas. Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice has once again received a Tier 1 ranking, maintaining the top-tier position it has held for over a decade. The Legal 500 recognises the firm for its strength “across the full spectrum of trade and commodity finance.” The 2027 edition recognises several members of the Trade & Export Finance team. Geoffrey Wynne, Simon Cook and Robert Parson are included in the Hall of Fame, Mark Norris is recognised as a Leading Partner, Daniela Barrdear as a Next Generation Partner and Geraldine Butac as a Leading Associate. The practice also receives The Legal 500’s client satisfaction accolade for ‘Sector Knowledge’. Client feedback collected independently by The Legal 500 research team highlights the team’s ability to combine technical expertise with practical and commercial advice. One client describes the team as “responsive, pragmatic and commercial,” adding that its lawyers “feel more like an extension of the team.” Geoffrey Wynne and Marian Boyle are also singled out for their combination of technical depth, commerciality and collaborative approach. For the first time, Sullivan’s London office is also recognised in The Legal 500 UK’s Corporate and Commercial – Venture Capital category, where the firm is included as a ‘Firm to Watch’ and receives The Legal 500’s client satisfaction accolade for ‘Sector Knowledge’. James Shaw is recognised as a Leading Partner, while Iain Cockburn is named a Next Generation Partner. The recognition follows the arrival at Sullivan in June 2026 of its 10-lawyer Emerging Companies and Venture Capital team, led by partners James Shaw, Iain Cockburn and Ben Williams. The team, which was named Growth Capital Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026 shortly before joining Sullivan, advises venture-backed companies, founders and investors across the business lifecycle, including venture financings, M&A, intellectual property strategy and complex strategic advisory matters. Its arrival significantly expanded Sullivan’s transatlantic offering to innovative and high-growth businesses and the investors that support them. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice and the London office, said: “We are delighted that the continued strength and depth of our London practice areas has once again been recognised by The Legal 500. The individual rankings across the team, together with the feedback from our clients, are particularly welcome and reflect the experience, commercial approach and commitment of our lawyers.” James Shaw, who leads Sullivan’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital team, added: “To be recognised by The Legal 500 so soon after joining Sullivan is an encouraging reflection of the strength of the team and the work we are doing for founders, growth companies and investors. Combined with Sullivan’s established international platform, we have an exciting opportunity to support innovative businesses as they grow, raise capital and expand internationally.” About Sullivan Sullivan is a premier, AmLaw 200 international law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors, real estate companies, and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes and its commitment to best-in-class client service.
Sullivan Advises Limak Construction on its Award-Winning ECA Financing
London – Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has advised leading Turkish construction company Limak Construction on its award-winning export credit agency (ECA) financing arranged by Standard Chartered Bank and guaranteed by Swiss Export Risk Insurance SERV. This transaction won “Best ECA Syndicated Loan” at EMEA Finance's Achievement Awards in London. Sullivan continues to advise Limak Construction on its innovative ECA financings led out of London and Türkiye. The Sullivan team was led by partner Mark Norris, supported by partner Daniela Barrdear. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) is a global law firm with lawyers in Boston, London, New York, Tel Aviv and Washington, D.C. Sullivan’s clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading financial services firms and asset managers, boards of directors and emerging businesses, rely on Sullivan’s ability to navigate complex legal and operational landscapes, the judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best in class client service. For further information please visit the firm’s website or LinkedIn.

Mark Norris