Sullivan
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Biography

Simon has experience in a wide variety of banking and finance transactions, including structured trade finance, trade finance, commodity finance, insurance-backed finance, project finance, invoice discounting facilities, warehouse finance, supply chain finance, ECA finance and borrowing-base facilities.

He has advised on transactions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the CIS. His work in the structured trade arena covers a range of financings acting for both lenders and borrowers notably in the oil, telecoms, soft commodities and metals sectors. He has particular experience in Africa and in the Middle East, where he was based for four years. Simon also acts for industry bodies including the International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA).

Participating in structured trade finance and project finance conferences and seminars throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, he has spoken at structured trade finance conferences and seminars and general finance in London, Paris, Lisbon, Geneva, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Nairobi and Dubai, as well as on PPP in South Africa, on project finance and structured trade finance at Afrexim's annual structured finance conferences in Egypt, Ghana, Zambia and South Africa.

A member of ITFA’s Executive Board, in 2024 Simon was re-appointed its Head of Education. In November 2025, Simon was re-appointed as one of just eight full voting members on the African Regional Committee, of which he was also a founding member in 2017.

Simon is recognised in the 'Hall of Fame' by The Legal 500 UK, 2026 for Trade Finance and included in Tier 1 by Chambers UK, 2026 for Commodities: Trade Finance. He is also included in Best Lawyers UK, 2025 for his work in commodities.

Education
  • The College of Law (CPE)
  • University of Bristol (M.A.)
    • Ancient History
  • University of Bristol (B.A.)
    • (Hons) in Ancient History
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Solicitor, Senior Courts of England and Wales
Professional Qualifications
  • Head of Education, Executive Board, International Trade and Forfaiting Association (ITFA) (2021)
  • Voting Member, ITFA's African Regional Committee (2017-2024)
Awards & Honors
  • Chambers Global, Africa-wide Banking & Finance (Notable Practitioner, 2026; Leading Lawyer, 2024, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom, Commodities (2020-2025)
  • Chambers UKCommodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) (2013-2026)
  • Recognised in the "Hall of Fame" by The Legal 500 UK (2025-2026)
  • Recommended by The Legal 500 UK (2015-2026)
  • Legal Media Group/Euromoney's ExpertGuides (2020)
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. Simon Cook contributed chapters on documentary letters of credit and documentary letter of credit facilities; taking security in emerging markets; receivables finance: forfaiting, factoring and invoice discounting; receivables finance: supply chain finance; and on the perfection and enforcement of security.
Sullivan Recognised by Chambers Global 2026 for its Africa-Wide Banking & Finance Work
London, UK – Sullivan & Worcester UK LLP (Sullivan) has been recognised by Chambers Global 2026 in its recently published Africa-wide Banking & Finance table. The firm is noted in the guide for “its strong trade and development finance practice, which is frequently engaged on mandates across Africa [including] several mandates originating in Ghana, with further work in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Côte d'Ivoire.” The guide also notes that significant clients of the firm include “export credit agencies and development banks, as well as global investment banks and non-bank financial institutions.” Clients comment include “Sullivan & Worcester assists us very well. Their responsiveness and ability to meet deadlines is amazing. They are always available;” and with another saying that the firm “has very strong knowledge of the trade and export finance market, and of African economies.” In addition, partners Mark Norris and Simon Cook are included as notable practitioners in the Africa-wide Banking & Finance spotlight section. The guide notes that “London-based Mark Norris is a seasoned practitioner with many years' experience advising on Africa-related transactions in the fields of trade and commodity finance. He is highly praised by sources and regularly acts on behalf of export credit agencies.” One client is quoted as saying that “Mark Norris is a very accomplished finance lawyer in the African market. He has a wealth of experience in export finance.” Simon Cook is noted as “a leading trade and development finance partner. Based in London, he is well known within the market, frequently acting for development banks and multilateral financial institutions.” Further information is available here. Chambers Global ranks the top lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions across the world. Those recognised by Chambers Global have been recommended by in-house counsel, other third-party experts and private practice lawyers as part of a comprehensive research process. Since 1990, Chambers and Partners has identified and ranked the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in more than 180 jurisdictions worldwide. Chambers bases its listings solely on extensive research and outside evaluations of merit through a rigorous client and competitor interview process.
Simon Cook Re-Elected to ITFA’s Africa Regional Committee, 2026 to 2028
London, UK – London trade finance partner Simon Cook has been re-elected to ITFA’s (the International Trade and Forfaiting Association) Africa Regional Committee (ARC) for the 2026 to 2028 period. The elected members bring a wealth of regional and professional expertise to the ARC. It will comprise 12 members, including seven who have been re-elected and five new members. Simon Cook was one of just eight full voting members on the original ITFA ARC, established in November 2017. He is also a member of ITFA’s Executive Board and its Head of Education. Simon Cook commented: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected to the committee and to continue contributing to ITFA’s African agenda and its strategy across the continent. Sullivan is well positioned to support ITFA’s commitment to advancing the trade finance and forfaiting industries, drawing on deep and longstanding experience in the region. We’ve advised on many of the most significant structured trade transactions across a broad range of commodities, and continue to support clients in export finance, project finance, cross-border syndicated lending, acquisition and asset finance as well as debt restructurings.” For further information on those on the newly elected committee — which takes up its role on January 1, 2026 — please click here. About Sullivan Sullivan & Worcester is a global law firm with approximately 200 attorneys 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 impeccable judgment of its lawyers, and its commitment to best‑in‑class client service. For further information, please visit the firm’s LinkedIn page. Contacts: Simon Cook Partner, Sullivan & Worcester scook@sullivanlaw.com +44 (0)20 7448 1002 Will Hulbert PR, Hulbert & Co. will@hulbertandco.com +44 (0)7774 108 699

Simon Cook