Sullivan
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Major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions around the world rely on the highly respected advice of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group.

The market-leading London and New York-based practice advises clients on transactions across a wide range of jurisdictions, with a particular focus on emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

The team’s expertise and market-leading work has recently been recognised with prestigious industry accolades from both Global Trade Review (Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm, 2026) and Trade Treasury Payments (Best Law Firm – Trade and Commodities, 2026), reflecting its continued excellence and leadership in the trade and export finance market.

Sullivan provides efficient, partner-led management of clients' trade and export finance interests and challenges. The team acts on complex deals involving all types of commodities, including softs, metals, and oil and gas and provides advisory services in relation to trade credit insurance as well as regulatory and compliance matters connected with the trade and export finance market. The team also counsels clients on fintech transactions and developments that are affecting and improving trade finance, globally.

The team has the depth, the experience and the attitude necessary to help clients close sophisticated transactions under challenging deadlines.

Bringing together multidisciplinary experience involving English law and New York law, as well as advising on cross-border issues and coordinating work on local law issues, the team’s commercially minded lawyers advise on:

  • Trade and commodity financing: trade finance instruments and the application of uniform rules of practice, pre-export financings, prepayment transactions, borrowing base, reserve base lending, inventory financings and commodity repos.
  • Receivables and payables financing: multi-jurisdictional supply chain finance programmes, invoice discounting, factoring and forfaiting transactions.
  • Structured financing: asset acquisitions, securitizations, hedges, credit derivatives and synthetic securitizations.
  • Digitalisation of trade finance, fintech and electronic banking: legal issues in relation to fintech, blockchain, electronic banking, digitalization of trade finance and ePUs.
  • Export Credit Agency and agency finance: short-, medium- and long-term ECA and multilateral finance.
  • Development finance: funding from development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs) and blended finance structures to finance adaptation, mitigation, green and sustainable projects in growth and emerging markets.
  • Project finance: including adaptation and mitigation infrastructure projects.
  • Insurance: advising on all aspects of commercial insurance arrangements, including those that support trade finance, from policy wording negotiations to contested claims.
  • Trade disputes: representing clients in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, including arbitration, expert determination, court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Compliance and regulation: advising on regulatory (Basel III), bribery and corruption issues, sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism issues, particularly in connection with trade and export finance.
  • Debt restructuring and distress: advising lenders and borrowers on the restructuring of sovereign and corporate credit facilities and on enforcement processes.

Clients & Industry Bodies

More than 50 major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions turn to Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group for advice.

In addition, clients include investment funds, corporate borrowers, agents and trustees, national and international organizations, the insurance market and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

The practice acts extensively for industry bodies including BAFT (the Bankers Association for Finance & Trade), ITFA (the International Trade and Forfaiting Association) and the ICC UK (the International Chamber of Commerce) on documentation and rules promulgated by them in trade finance. These include BAFT’s Master Participation Agreements (see Case Studies, below), ITFA’s new Uniform Rules for Transferable Electronic Payment Obligations (URTEPO) and the rules on the use of digital payment obligations, as well as the ICC on its Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions (URDTT).

Accolades

Trade, Treasury & Payments

Global Trade Review

Trade Finance Global

  • Sullivan won the award for "Legal Innovation in Trade" at the Trade Finance Global (TFG) Trade, Treasury and Payment Awards 2023. 
  • Sullivan was named "Best Trade Finance Law Firm" in its International Trade Awards in 2022.

Directories

The Legal 500 UK, 2027

Chambers UK, 2027

  • Chambers UK, 2027 ranked Sullivan in Band 1 for Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide).
  • Partner Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a ‘Star Individual’ – the only lawyer in the UK included in this category.
  • Simon Cook is Band 1-ranked in the guide’s Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) category, Robert Parson is ranked in Band 2, and Mark Norris and Veronika Koroleva are both ranked in Band 3.

Chambers Global, 2026

  • Chambers Global, 2026 recognised Sullivan in its 2026 Africa-wide Banking & Finance table.
  • Simon Cook and Mark Norris are included as notable practitioners in the Africa-wide Banking & Finance spotlight section.

IFLR1000, 2025

  • Sullivan is recognised for Banking Lending - Lender Side, United Kingdom, by IFLR1000, 2025.
  • Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a Leading Lawyer – Market Leader.
  • Simon Cook is recognized as a Leading Lawyer – Highly Regarded.

Publications

  • Together with Deutsche Bank and ITFA, Sullivan published the 3rd Edition of "A Guide to Receivables Finance." Edited by Geoffrey Wynne, and fully updated together with several market-leading industry experts, the third edition examines the changes that have occurred in law and practice for all those who participate in receivables finance, including across digitalization, fintech and regulation.
  • The 2nd Edition of “A Practitioner's Guide to Trade and Commodity Finance,” was published 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. This latest edition was extensively updated by the team in London and expands the first edition to cover developments in law and practice in this area.
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Geoffrey Wynne Discusses the Future of Trade Finance Education in the Age of AI
Geoffrey Wynne, partner at Sullivan & Worcester and head of its Trade & Export Finance Group, joined Alex Gray, Director of Trade and Transaction Banking at the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), for a discussion with Eleonore Treu, Director of Trade Finance Week at ICC Austria, at the ITFA Annual Conference in Split, Croatia. The conversation explored how artificial intelligence is changing the skills required in trade finance, the importance of professional training and the continued need for experienced human oversight. Geoff highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on automated processes, particularly in identifying fraud, and the value of practical experience in developing the next generation of trade finance professionals. For more information and to watch the full video, please click here.
Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?
Geoffrey Wynne has contributed to an article for Trade Treasury Payments (TTP), by Eleanor Hill, titled “Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?”, following the second 2026 Sullivan and TTP co-hosted Trade and Commodity Finance Breakfast Club, held on Tuesday, 15 September at The Lansdowne Club in London. The discussion, which was moderated by Geoff, featured Tanya Epshteyn at Czarnikow Group, James Lowrey at Lloyds Bank and John MacNamara at Carshalton Commodities. The article explores the challenges facing smaller and emerging commodity traders seeking access to finance, despite abundant market liquidity. Drawing on discussions moderated by Geoff, it examines the importance of collateral control, borrower equity, risk management and innovative financing structures, while considering how businesses can establish the track record needed to secure funding. Read the full article and watch the discussion on TTP⁠, here.
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.
Sullivan Expands London Trade & Export Finance Practice with Addition of Veronika Koroleva as Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has welcomed Veronika Koroleva as counsel in its market-leading Trade & Export Finance practice in London. Joining from Hill Dickinson, where she was Head of Trade Finance, Veronika brings extensive experience in trade and commodity finance, including structured trade, receivables and supply chain finance. Veronika’s arrival builds on the expansion of the practice following the additions of Robert Parson and Matthew Cox as partners in 2025 and counsel Geraldine Butac in 2026. Recently named Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm at the GTR Leaders in Trade Awards 2026, the team continues to strengthen its commodities capability and its offering to banks, funds, traders and other participants across the international trade finance market.

Trade & Export Finance

Major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions around the world rely on the highly respected advice of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group.

The market-leading London and New York-based practice advises clients on transactions across a wide range of jurisdictions, with a particular focus on emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

The team’s expertise and market-leading work has recently been recognised with prestigious industry accolades from both Global Trade Review (Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm, 2026) and Trade Treasury Payments (Best Law Firm – Trade and Commodities, 2026), reflecting its continued excellence and leadership in the trade and export finance market.

Sullivan provides efficient, partner-led management of clients' trade and export finance interests and challenges. The team acts on complex deals involving all types of commodities, including softs, metals, and oil and gas and provides advisory services in relation to trade credit insurance as well as regulatory and compliance matters connected with the trade and export finance market. The team also counsels clients on fintech transactions and developments that are affecting and improving trade finance, globally.

The team has the depth, the experience and the attitude necessary to help clients close sophisticated transactions under challenging deadlines.

Bringing together multidisciplinary experience involving English law and New York law, as well as advising on cross-border issues and coordinating work on local law issues, the team’s commercially minded lawyers advise on:

  • Trade and commodity financing: trade finance instruments and the application of uniform rules of practice, pre-export financings, prepayment transactions, borrowing base, reserve base lending, inventory financings and commodity repos.
  • Receivables and payables financing: multi-jurisdictional supply chain finance programmes, invoice discounting, factoring and forfaiting transactions.
  • Structured financing: asset acquisitions, securitizations, hedges, credit derivatives and synthetic securitizations.
  • Digitalisation of trade finance, fintech and electronic banking: legal issues in relation to fintech, blockchain, electronic banking, digitalization of trade finance and ePUs.
  • Export Credit Agency and agency finance: short-, medium- and long-term ECA and multilateral finance.
  • Development finance: funding from development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs) and blended finance structures to finance adaptation, mitigation, green and sustainable projects in growth and emerging markets.
  • Project finance: including adaptation and mitigation infrastructure projects.
  • Insurance: advising on all aspects of commercial insurance arrangements, including those that support trade finance, from policy wording negotiations to contested claims.
  • Trade disputes: representing clients in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, including arbitration, expert determination, court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Compliance and regulation: advising on regulatory (Basel III), bribery and corruption issues, sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism issues, particularly in connection with trade and export finance.
  • Debt restructuring and distress: advising lenders and borrowers on the restructuring of sovereign and corporate credit facilities and on enforcement processes.

Clients & Industry Bodies

More than 50 major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions turn to Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group for advice.

In addition, clients include investment funds, corporate borrowers, agents and trustees, national and international organizations, the insurance market and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

The practice acts extensively for industry bodies including BAFT (the Bankers Association for Finance & Trade), ITFA (the International Trade and Forfaiting Association) and the ICC UK (the International Chamber of Commerce) on documentation and rules promulgated by them in trade finance. These include BAFT’s Master Participation Agreements (see Case Studies, below), ITFA’s new Uniform Rules for Transferable Electronic Payment Obligations (URTEPO) and the rules on the use of digital payment obligations, as well as the ICC on its Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions (URDTT).

Accolades

Trade, Treasury & Payments

Global Trade Review

Trade Finance Global

  • Sullivan won the award for "Legal Innovation in Trade" at the Trade Finance Global (TFG) Trade, Treasury and Payment Awards 2023. 
  • Sullivan was named "Best Trade Finance Law Firm" in its International Trade Awards in 2022.

Directories

The Legal 500 UK, 2027

Chambers UK, 2027

  • Chambers UK, 2027 ranked Sullivan in Band 1 for Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide).
  • Partner Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a ‘Star Individual’ – the only lawyer in the UK included in this category.
  • Simon Cook is Band 1-ranked in the guide’s Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) category, Robert Parson is ranked in Band 2, and Mark Norris and Veronika Koroleva are both ranked in Band 3.

Chambers Global, 2026

  • Chambers Global, 2026 recognised Sullivan in its 2026 Africa-wide Banking & Finance table.
  • Simon Cook and Mark Norris are included as notable practitioners in the Africa-wide Banking & Finance spotlight section.

IFLR1000, 2025

  • Sullivan is recognised for Banking Lending - Lender Side, United Kingdom, by IFLR1000, 2025.
  • Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a Leading Lawyer – Market Leader.
  • Simon Cook is recognized as a Leading Lawyer – Highly Regarded.

Publications

  • Together with Deutsche Bank and ITFA, Sullivan published the 3rd Edition of "A Guide to Receivables Finance." Edited by Geoffrey Wynne, and fully updated together with several market-leading industry experts, the third edition examines the changes that have occurred in law and practice for all those who participate in receivables finance, including across digitalization, fintech and regulation.
  • The 2nd Edition of “A Practitioner's Guide to Trade and Commodity Finance,” was published 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. This latest edition was extensively updated by the team in London and expands the first edition to cover developments in law and practice in this area.
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Geoffrey Wynne Discusses the Future of Trade Finance Education in the Age of AI
Geoffrey Wynne, partner at Sullivan & Worcester and head of its Trade & Export Finance Group, joined Alex Gray, Director of Trade and Transaction Banking at the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), for a discussion with Eleonore Treu, Director of Trade Finance Week at ICC Austria, at the ITFA Annual Conference in Split, Croatia. The conversation explored how artificial intelligence is changing the skills required in trade finance, the importance of professional training and the continued need for experienced human oversight. Geoff highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on automated processes, particularly in identifying fraud, and the value of practical experience in developing the next generation of trade finance professionals. For more information and to watch the full video, please click here.
Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?
Geoffrey Wynne has contributed to an article for Trade Treasury Payments (TTP), by Eleanor Hill, titled “Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?”, following the second 2026 Sullivan and TTP co-hosted Trade and Commodity Finance Breakfast Club, held on Tuesday, 15 September at The Lansdowne Club in London. The discussion, which was moderated by Geoff, featured Tanya Epshteyn at Czarnikow Group, James Lowrey at Lloyds Bank and John MacNamara at Carshalton Commodities. The article explores the challenges facing smaller and emerging commodity traders seeking access to finance, despite abundant market liquidity. Drawing on discussions moderated by Geoff, it examines the importance of collateral control, borrower equity, risk management and innovative financing structures, while considering how businesses can establish the track record needed to secure funding. Read the full article and watch the discussion on TTP⁠, here.
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.
Sullivan Expands London Trade & Export Finance Practice with Addition of Veronika Koroleva as Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has welcomed Veronika Koroleva as counsel in its market-leading Trade & Export Finance practice in London. Joining from Hill Dickinson, where she was Head of Trade Finance, Veronika brings extensive experience in trade and commodity finance, including structured trade, receivables and supply chain finance. Veronika’s arrival builds on the expansion of the practice following the additions of Robert Parson and Matthew Cox as partners in 2025 and counsel Geraldine Butac in 2026. Recently named Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm at the GTR Leaders in Trade Awards 2026, the team continues to strengthen its commodities capability and its offering to banks, funds, traders and other participants across the international trade finance market.

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance

Major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions around the world rely on the highly respected advice of Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group.

The market-leading London and New York-based practice advises clients on transactions across a wide range of jurisdictions, with a particular focus on emerging markets, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

The team’s expertise and market-leading work has recently been recognised with prestigious industry accolades from both Global Trade Review (Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm, 2026) and Trade Treasury Payments (Best Law Firm – Trade and Commodities, 2026), reflecting its continued excellence and leadership in the trade and export finance market.

Sullivan provides efficient, partner-led management of clients' trade and export finance interests and challenges. The team acts on complex deals involving all types of commodities, including softs, metals, and oil and gas and provides advisory services in relation to trade credit insurance as well as regulatory and compliance matters connected with the trade and export finance market. The team also counsels clients on fintech transactions and developments that are affecting and improving trade finance, globally.

The team has the depth, the experience and the attitude necessary to help clients close sophisticated transactions under challenging deadlines.

Bringing together multidisciplinary experience involving English law and New York law, as well as advising on cross-border issues and coordinating work on local law issues, the team’s commercially minded lawyers advise on:

  • Trade and commodity financing: trade finance instruments and the application of uniform rules of practice, pre-export financings, prepayment transactions, borrowing base, reserve base lending, inventory financings and commodity repos.
  • Receivables and payables financing: multi-jurisdictional supply chain finance programmes, invoice discounting, factoring and forfaiting transactions.
  • Structured financing: asset acquisitions, securitizations, hedges, credit derivatives and synthetic securitizations.
  • Digitalisation of trade finance, fintech and electronic banking: legal issues in relation to fintech, blockchain, electronic banking, digitalization of trade finance and ePUs.
  • Export Credit Agency and agency finance: short-, medium- and long-term ECA and multilateral finance.
  • Development finance: funding from development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs) and blended finance structures to finance adaptation, mitigation, green and sustainable projects in growth and emerging markets.
  • Project finance: including adaptation and mitigation infrastructure projects.
  • Insurance: advising on all aspects of commercial insurance arrangements, including those that support trade finance, from policy wording negotiations to contested claims.
  • Trade disputes: representing clients in risk mitigation and dispute resolution, including arbitration, expert determination, court proceedings and alternative dispute resolution.
  • Compliance and regulation: advising on regulatory (Basel III), bribery and corruption issues, sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter terrorism issues, particularly in connection with trade and export finance.
  • Debt restructuring and distress: advising lenders and borrowers on the restructuring of sovereign and corporate credit facilities and on enforcement processes.

Clients & Industry Bodies

More than 50 major trade and export finance banks and financial institutions turn to Sullivan’s Trade & Export Finance Group for advice.

In addition, clients include investment funds, corporate borrowers, agents and trustees, national and international organizations, the insurance market and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs).

The practice acts extensively for industry bodies including BAFT (the Bankers Association for Finance & Trade), ITFA (the International Trade and Forfaiting Association) and the ICC UK (the International Chamber of Commerce) on documentation and rules promulgated by them in trade finance. These include BAFT’s Master Participation Agreements (see Case Studies, below), ITFA’s new Uniform Rules for Transferable Electronic Payment Obligations (URTEPO) and the rules on the use of digital payment obligations, as well as the ICC on its Uniform Rules for Digital Trade Transactions (URDTT).

Accolades

Trade, Treasury & Payments

Global Trade Review

Trade Finance Global

  • Sullivan won the award for "Legal Innovation in Trade" at the Trade Finance Global (TFG) Trade, Treasury and Payment Awards 2023. 
  • Sullivan was named "Best Trade Finance Law Firm" in its International Trade Awards in 2022.

Directories

The Legal 500 UK, 2027

Chambers UK, 2027

  • Chambers UK, 2027 ranked Sullivan in Band 1 for Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide).
  • Partner Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a ‘Star Individual’ – the only lawyer in the UK included in this category.
  • Simon Cook is Band 1-ranked in the guide’s Commodities: Trade Finance (UK-wide) category, Robert Parson is ranked in Band 2, and Mark Norris and Veronika Koroleva are both ranked in Band 3.

Chambers Global, 2026

  • Chambers Global, 2026 recognised Sullivan in its 2026 Africa-wide Banking & Finance table.
  • Simon Cook and Mark Norris are included as notable practitioners in the Africa-wide Banking & Finance spotlight section.

IFLR1000, 2025

  • Sullivan is recognised for Banking Lending - Lender Side, United Kingdom, by IFLR1000, 2025.
  • Geoffrey Wynne is ranked as a Leading Lawyer – Market Leader.
  • Simon Cook is recognized as a Leading Lawyer – Highly Regarded.

Publications

  • Together with Deutsche Bank and ITFA, Sullivan published the 3rd Edition of "A Guide to Receivables Finance." Edited by Geoffrey Wynne, and fully updated together with several market-leading industry experts, the third edition examines the changes that have occurred in law and practice for all those who participate in receivables finance, including across digitalization, fintech and regulation.
  • The 2nd Edition of “A Practitioner's Guide to Trade and Commodity Finance,” was published 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. This latest edition was extensively updated by the team in London and expands the first edition to cover developments in law and practice in this area.
Viewpoints
All Viewpoints
Geoffrey Wynne Discusses the Future of Trade Finance Education in the Age of AI
Geoffrey Wynne, partner at Sullivan & Worcester and head of its Trade & Export Finance Group, joined Alex Gray, Director of Trade and Transaction Banking at the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), for a discussion with Eleonore Treu, Director of Trade Finance Week at ICC Austria, at the ITFA Annual Conference in Split, Croatia. The conversation explored how artificial intelligence is changing the skills required in trade finance, the importance of professional training and the continued need for experienced human oversight. Geoff highlighted the risks of relying too heavily on automated processes, particularly in identifying fraud, and the value of practical experience in developing the next generation of trade finance professionals. For more information and to watch the full video, please click here.
Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?
Geoffrey Wynne has contributed to an article for Trade Treasury Payments (TTP), by Eleanor Hill, titled “Who Lends to Commodity Borrowers Without a Track Record?”, following the second 2026 Sullivan and TTP co-hosted Trade and Commodity Finance Breakfast Club, held on Tuesday, 15 September at The Lansdowne Club in London. The discussion, which was moderated by Geoff, featured Tanya Epshteyn at Czarnikow Group, James Lowrey at Lloyds Bank and John MacNamara at Carshalton Commodities. The article explores the challenges facing smaller and emerging commodity traders seeking access to finance, despite abundant market liquidity. Drawing on discussions moderated by Geoff, it examines the importance of collateral control, borrower equity, risk management and innovative financing structures, while considering how businesses can establish the track record needed to secure funding. Read the full article and watch the discussion on TTP⁠, here.
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.
Sullivan Expands London Trade & Export Finance Practice with Addition of Veronika Koroleva as Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester (Sullivan) has welcomed Veronika Koroleva as counsel in its market-leading Trade & Export Finance practice in London. Joining from Hill Dickinson, where she was Head of Trade Finance, Veronika brings extensive experience in trade and commodity finance, including structured trade, receivables and supply chain finance. Veronika’s arrival builds on the expansion of the practice following the additions of Robert Parson and Matthew Cox as partners in 2025 and counsel Geraldine Butac in 2026. Recently named Best Trade or Supply Chain Finance Law Firm at the GTR Leaders in Trade Awards 2026, the team continues to strengthen its commodities capability and its offering to banks, funds, traders and other participants across the international trade finance market.

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance

Trade & Export Finance