Simmons & Simmons expands securitization practice

Francis Nwokedi joins from the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi's Hong Kong office where he was Head of Asia Pacific securitization. During his time with the bank in London, Nwokedi gained extensive experience in securitization transactions in Asia Pacific and Europe.

Paul Browne moves from Simmons & Simmons London where he worked on capital markets, structured finance and banking matters. In particular, he has been involved in a number of securitizations acting predominantly for lead managers, and has worked with international investment banks on a variety of structured finance and other repackaging transactions. Also moving from the London office is Harriet Unger who, after training, joined the London Banking and Capital Markets department in 1997. She brings a broad range of banking, capital markets and structured finance experience to the Hong Kong team.

Richard McKeown will join the firm on 1 December from Stephenson Harwood and Lo where he has been a partner since 1995. Based in Hong Kong since 1990, McKeown has considerable expertise in the financing and commercial aspects of projects in Asia.

Commenting on these appointments Jeremy Hoyland, Head of the International Finance Group in Hong Kong, said: "We are very pleased to welcome the new members of our team on board. With the significant expansion of instructions over the past year, it is important that we continue to meet our client's expectations both in terms of service and expertise. These appointments will strengthen our team and enhance the capabilities of our securitization practice in what I believe to be an exciting time for the product in the region."