Sullivan
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Biography

Robert has over 30 years' experience advising banks, non-bank financiers, funds, fintechs, credit insurers, commodity producers and traders on complex cross-border financing arrangements across the commodity and trade industry. He represents clients in financing and monetising the international production, storage, movement and distribution of raw materials and manufactured goods, and is recognised for his work in structured trade and inventory finance, as well as the use of financial instruments such as letters of credit, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other secure payment arrangements in international trade.

With an established reputation in the field of digital trade, including the creation of digital platforms and the use and enforceability of electronic trade documents and payment instruments, Robert is also known for his deep knowledge of shipping-related advisory work and trade-related disputes, including high-profile letters-of-credit litigation.

Robert is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the ICC Banking Commission Legal Committee. He writes and speaks frequently on topics relevant to digital trade and commodity and trade finance.

Before joining Sullivan, Robert was a partner in another global law firm in London. 

Education
  • The College of Law, Chester
  • University of Sheffield (LL.B.)
Bar & Court Admissions
  • Solicitor, Senior Courts of England and Wales
Awards & Honors
  • Chambers UK, Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) (2025-2027)
  • Recognised in the "Hall of Fame" by The Legal 500 UK (2025-2027)
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Fraud Prevention in Trade Finance – Lessons Learned and Lessons Forgotten
Partner Robert Parson has written an article published by both Finance and Credit Law and Trade Treasury Payments titled: “Fraud Prevention in Trade Finance – Lessons Learned and Lessons Forgotten.” Trade finance remains one of the lowest loss asset classes globally, underpinned by robust legal structures, mature market practice and increasing participation from private credit and non-bank lenders. However, recent high-profile frauds demonstrate that long-established controls can still fail when discipline and vigilance weaken. Fraud typically exploits operational complacency rather than structural flaws, with perpetrators taking advantage of gaps in monitoring, documentation, and ongoing credit oversight. The article looks at the following: Strong foundations are not enough: Trade finance structures are generally sound but require continuous application of core principles including the verification of underlying goods, enforceability of security and authenticity of receivables. Fraud evolves with opportunity: Common schemes include fictitious invoices, duplicate financing, over-invoicing and collusion between buyers and sellers, often masked by apparently normal trading patterns. Ongoing monitoring is critical: Many major losses (including “end-of-life” frauds) occur where lenders failed to identify behavioural changes, deteriorating accounts or irregular reporting. Technology is supportive, not decisive: AI and analytics can enhance monitoring, but effective fraud prevention still depends on active engagement, borrower understanding, and consistent enforcement of covenants. Recent collapses in global trade finance highlight that even sophisticated lenders can be exposed when vigilance fades. The core lesson remains unchanged: prevention depends on disciplined execution, curiosity and continuous scrutiny throughout the life of the facility. The article can be read in full on TTP’s website, here.
TTP and Sullivan Breakfast Club – Fighting Fraud in Trade
TTP (Trade Treasury Payments) and Sullivan recently jointly hosted a Breakfast Club session bringing together market participants to examine one of the most persistent challenges in trade and receivables finance: fraud. Drawing on real cases, market data and first-hand experience, the session, titled "Fighting Fraud in Trade," explored whether fraud can ever be fully eliminated, or whether institutions should instead focus on practical strategies to mitigate risk and reduce exposure. The discussion moved beyond headline issues to consider the realities within financial institutions, SMEs and supply chains. The panel examined how fraud typologies continue to evolve, and what has been done in some countries but not so much in the UK market to combat high levels of activity in areas such as duplicate financing, invoice re-ageing, and debtor collusion. Particular attention was given to the broader economic environment, including how liquidity constraints and financial pressure can create conditions in which fraudulent behaviour may emerge as a response to stress rather than purely premeditated conduct. The session also addressed practical steps that financial institutions can take to strengthen controls, enhance due diligence and better identify early warning signs across trade finance portfolios. The seminar was introduced by Eleanor Hill, Treasury Editor, TTP. The speakers included: Geoffrey Wynne, Sullivan & Worcester (moderator) Robert Parson, Partner, Sullivan Neil Shonhard, CEO, MonetaGo David Cuckney, Executive Director, ICC Crime Bureau Antia Martinez, Associate Director, Receivables and SCF Europe, WTW
Sullivan’s Trade Finance and Venture Capital Practices Recognised by Chambers UK 2027
London, UK - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has been recognised in the Chambers UK 2027 guide, with leading rankings for its Trade & Export Finance practice and individual recognition for lawyers across its London Trade Finance and Emerging Companies & Venture Capital teams. Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice has retained its Band 1 ranking in the UK-wide Commodities: Trade Finance category for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a leading trade finance practice. Chambers UK describes Sullivan as having a “strong trade finance practice with considerable industry experience,” advising major banks, corporates and other international clients on receivables, commodity and export finance structures, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. Client feedback highlights the team’s technical expertise, commercial approach and responsiveness. One client comments: “Sullivan & Worcester distinguishes itself through deep, market-leading expertise in trade and commodity finance, combining strong technical capability with a highly commercial and solution-driven approach.” The guide highlights Sullivan’s work advising BAFT on the 2025 BAFT Master Trade Loan Agreement. The 2027 guide also recognises five members of the Trade & Export Finance team: Geoffrey Wynne – Star Individual and the only lawyer to receive this distinction in the category Simon Cook – Band 1 Robert Parson – Band 2 Mark Norris – Band 3 Veronika Koroleva – Band 3 Geoffrey Wynne is praised for his unrivalled industry knowledge, experience and commercial approach, with one client describing him as their “trade finance lawyer of choice.” Simon Cook is noted for his “outstanding service delivery and commercial awareness;” Robert Parson as a “specialist in trade finance;” Mark Norris as “a brilliant lawyer” and Veronika Koroleva, who recently joined Sullivan as counsel, is noted as having significant “depth of expertise.” Sullivan’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice also receives recognition, with partner James Shaw ranked in Band 4 in the UK-wide Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment category. Chambers UK describes James as a well-known figure in the UK venture capital market who regularly advises emerging companies in the UK, US and Europe on incoming investment. This recognition follows the arrival of a 10-lawyer Emerging Companies & Venture Capital team in June 2026, led by partners James Shaw, Iain Cockburn and Ben Williams. The team was named Growth Capital Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026 shortly before joining Sullivan. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice and London office, said: “The firm is very pleased to retain its Band 1 ranking for Trade Finance and to see such strong individual recognition across the team. The feedback from clients is particularly encouraging and reflects the depth of expertise, commercial judgement and commitment that our lawyers bring to complex transactions. It is also pleasing to see recognition for our growing venture capital practice as we continue to strengthen our London practice offering.” James Shaw, who leads Sullivan’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital team, added: “Recognition in Chambers UK is an important endorsement of the work we undertake for founders, growth companies and investors. As part of Sullivan’s wider international platform, we are well positioned to support clients through successive stages of growth and international expansion.” 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.
Know Your Fraudster: Why the Old Risks Still Shape Modern Trade Finance
Geoffrey Wynne and Robert Parson were quoted in an article titled "Know Your Fraudster: Why the Old Risks Still Shape Modern Trade Finance," published by Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) summarising a recent Breakfast Club session jointly hosted by TTP and Sullivan & Worcester on April 22 at The Lansdowne Club in London. The seminar, "Can We Beat the Fraudsters In Our Trade Finance Transactions?," featured Geoff as the panel moderator and Robert as one of the panellists, and brought together market participants to examine the persistent challenge of fraud in trade and receivables finance. The article describes how trade finance fraud, while relatively rare, poses a significant and evolving challenge that cannot be fully eliminated but can be mitigated through stronger coordination, improved data sharing, and layered risk controls across the industry. It highlights how fraud impacts SME lending, the growing sophistication of fraudsters—especially with AI—and the importance of ongoing monitoring, legal safeguards, and insurance solutions, while emphasizing that information asymmetry and lack of collaboration remain key barriers to effectively reducing risk. The article can be read in full here.

Robert Parson

Robert has over 30 years' experience advising banks, non-bank financiers, funds, fintechs, credit insurers, commodity producers and traders on complex cross-border financing arrangements across the commodity and trade industry. He represents clients in financing and monetising the international production, storage, movement and distribution of raw materials and manufactured goods, and is recognised for his work in structured trade and inventory finance, as well as the use of financial instruments such as letters of credit, bills of exchange, promissory notes and other secure payment arrangements in international trade.

With an established reputation in the field of digital trade, including the creation of digital platforms and the use and enforceability of electronic trade documents and payment instruments, Robert is also known for his deep knowledge of shipping-related advisory work and trade-related disputes, including high-profile letters-of-credit litigation.

Robert is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the ICC Banking Commission Legal Committee. He writes and speaks frequently on topics relevant to digital trade and commodity and trade finance.

Before joining Sullivan, Robert was a partner in another global law firm in London. 

Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Fraud Prevention in Trade Finance – Lessons Learned and Lessons Forgotten
Partner Robert Parson has written an article published by both Finance and Credit Law and Trade Treasury Payments titled: “Fraud Prevention in Trade Finance – Lessons Learned and Lessons Forgotten.” Trade finance remains one of the lowest loss asset classes globally, underpinned by robust legal structures, mature market practice and increasing participation from private credit and non-bank lenders. However, recent high-profile frauds demonstrate that long-established controls can still fail when discipline and vigilance weaken. Fraud typically exploits operational complacency rather than structural flaws, with perpetrators taking advantage of gaps in monitoring, documentation, and ongoing credit oversight. The article looks at the following: Strong foundations are not enough: Trade finance structures are generally sound but require continuous application of core principles including the verification of underlying goods, enforceability of security and authenticity of receivables. Fraud evolves with opportunity: Common schemes include fictitious invoices, duplicate financing, over-invoicing and collusion between buyers and sellers, often masked by apparently normal trading patterns. Ongoing monitoring is critical: Many major losses (including “end-of-life” frauds) occur where lenders failed to identify behavioural changes, deteriorating accounts or irregular reporting. Technology is supportive, not decisive: AI and analytics can enhance monitoring, but effective fraud prevention still depends on active engagement, borrower understanding, and consistent enforcement of covenants. Recent collapses in global trade finance highlight that even sophisticated lenders can be exposed when vigilance fades. The core lesson remains unchanged: prevention depends on disciplined execution, curiosity and continuous scrutiny throughout the life of the facility. The article can be read in full on TTP’s website, here.
TTP and Sullivan Breakfast Club – Fighting Fraud in Trade
TTP (Trade Treasury Payments) and Sullivan recently jointly hosted a Breakfast Club session bringing together market participants to examine one of the most persistent challenges in trade and receivables finance: fraud. Drawing on real cases, market data and first-hand experience, the session, titled "Fighting Fraud in Trade," explored whether fraud can ever be fully eliminated, or whether institutions should instead focus on practical strategies to mitigate risk and reduce exposure. The discussion moved beyond headline issues to consider the realities within financial institutions, SMEs and supply chains. The panel examined how fraud typologies continue to evolve, and what has been done in some countries but not so much in the UK market to combat high levels of activity in areas such as duplicate financing, invoice re-ageing, and debtor collusion. Particular attention was given to the broader economic environment, including how liquidity constraints and financial pressure can create conditions in which fraudulent behaviour may emerge as a response to stress rather than purely premeditated conduct. The session also addressed practical steps that financial institutions can take to strengthen controls, enhance due diligence and better identify early warning signs across trade finance portfolios. The seminar was introduced by Eleanor Hill, Treasury Editor, TTP. The speakers included: Geoffrey Wynne, Sullivan & Worcester (moderator) Robert Parson, Partner, Sullivan Neil Shonhard, CEO, MonetaGo David Cuckney, Executive Director, ICC Crime Bureau Antia Martinez, Associate Director, Receivables and SCF Europe, WTW
Sullivan’s Trade Finance and Venture Capital Practices Recognised by Chambers UK 2027
London, UK - International law firm Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has been recognised in the Chambers UK 2027 guide, with leading rankings for its Trade & Export Finance practice and individual recognition for lawyers across its London Trade Finance and Emerging Companies & Venture Capital teams. Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice has retained its Band 1 ranking in the UK-wide Commodities: Trade Finance category for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its position as a leading trade finance practice. Chambers UK describes Sullivan as having a “strong trade finance practice with considerable industry experience,” advising major banks, corporates and other international clients on receivables, commodity and export finance structures, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. Client feedback highlights the team’s technical expertise, commercial approach and responsiveness. One client comments: “Sullivan & Worcester distinguishes itself through deep, market-leading expertise in trade and commodity finance, combining strong technical capability with a highly commercial and solution-driven approach.” The guide highlights Sullivan’s work advising BAFT on the 2025 BAFT Master Trade Loan Agreement. The 2027 guide also recognises five members of the Trade & Export Finance team: Geoffrey Wynne – Star Individual and the only lawyer to receive this distinction in the category Simon Cook – Band 1 Robert Parson – Band 2 Mark Norris – Band 3 Veronika Koroleva – Band 3 Geoffrey Wynne is praised for his unrivalled industry knowledge, experience and commercial approach, with one client describing him as their “trade finance lawyer of choice.” Simon Cook is noted for his “outstanding service delivery and commercial awareness;” Robert Parson as a “specialist in trade finance;” Mark Norris as “a brilliant lawyer” and Veronika Koroleva, who recently joined Sullivan as counsel, is noted as having significant “depth of expertise.” Sullivan’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice also receives recognition, with partner James Shaw ranked in Band 4 in the UK-wide Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment category. Chambers UK describes James as a well-known figure in the UK venture capital market who regularly advises emerging companies in the UK, US and Europe on incoming investment. This recognition follows the arrival of a 10-lawyer Emerging Companies & Venture Capital team in June 2026, led by partners James Shaw, Iain Cockburn and Ben Williams. The team was named Growth Capital Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026 shortly before joining Sullivan. Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance practice and London office, said: “The firm is very pleased to retain its Band 1 ranking for Trade Finance and to see such strong individual recognition across the team. The feedback from clients is particularly encouraging and reflects the depth of expertise, commercial judgement and commitment that our lawyers bring to complex transactions. It is also pleasing to see recognition for our growing venture capital practice as we continue to strengthen our London practice offering.” James Shaw, who leads Sullivan’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital team, added: “Recognition in Chambers UK is an important endorsement of the work we undertake for founders, growth companies and investors. As part of Sullivan’s wider international platform, we are well positioned to support clients through successive stages of growth and international expansion.” 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.
Know Your Fraudster: Why the Old Risks Still Shape Modern Trade Finance
Geoffrey Wynne and Robert Parson were quoted in an article titled "Know Your Fraudster: Why the Old Risks Still Shape Modern Trade Finance," published by Trade Treasury Payments (TTP) summarising a recent Breakfast Club session jointly hosted by TTP and Sullivan & Worcester on April 22 at The Lansdowne Club in London. The seminar, "Can We Beat the Fraudsters In Our Trade Finance Transactions?," featured Geoff as the panel moderator and Robert as one of the panellists, and brought together market participants to examine the persistent challenge of fraud in trade and receivables finance. The article describes how trade finance fraud, while relatively rare, poses a significant and evolving challenge that cannot be fully eliminated but can be mitigated through stronger coordination, improved data sharing, and layered risk controls across the industry. It highlights how fraud impacts SME lending, the growing sophistication of fraudsters—especially with AI—and the importance of ongoing monitoring, legal safeguards, and insurance solutions, while emphasizing that information asymmetry and lack of collaboration remain key barriers to effectively reducing risk. The article can be read in full here.