This module focuses on the major international debt finance transactions entered into by investment banks, corporate borrowers and, increasingly, multi strategy private equity funds and other alternate private credit providers, often referred to as “the ‘shadow banking’ sector”, who play an active role in the critically important international debt capital markets developed in London, New York and Tokyo and, more recently, in Hong Kong, Singapore and Frankfurt. It is designed to provide an in depth understanding of the legal structures used in these transactions and the legal and regulatory issues that arise. The international debt finance transactions focused upon include: Bi-lateral and Syndicated Loans (including ‘investment grade’ and ‘leveraged’ loans) entered into in the Primary and Secondary Loan Markets; Loan Transfers; Investment Grade Corporate Bond Issues; Securitisation Transactions; Project Finance Transactions; and the role of the lawyer in such transactions, including the giving of legal opinions.
The module convenor is an internationally recognised authority in international debt finance who has both practiced in the area, as a partner and global practice leader at one of the world’s largest international law firms, and taught the subject matter covered by the module to academics and practitioners for many years. He has been consistently recognised as a top tier lawyer by the leading legal directories, including Chambers (UK and international) who also included him in their inaugural Chambers 100, which ranked the top 100 business lawyers in the UK, where he was listed as one of the top five capital markets lawyers. He has worked on many landmark and ground breaking international finance transactions in numerous jurisdictions Teaching on this module is international in outlook and focusses on current market practice whilst at the same time providing high levels of academic rigor and critical analysis. Teaching will be based on market standard documentation currently used in the international debt finance markets and those who study this module will become very familiar with the content and legal issues arising from the use of such documents.
Module Syllabus
Overview of the International Debt Capital Markets and current developments in the market
Since no prior knowledge of international finance law or the international debt capital markets is assumed, teaching commences with an overview of the form and contractual structure of debt instruments typically used to raise finance in the international debt finance markets, including the funding mechanisms used in those markets. The causes and potential implications of the relatively recent Global Credit Crisis and how the raising of the international debt finance has been affected by that crisis will also be examined as will the debate in respect of the recent LIBOR crisis (interest rate setting) and the replacement of that benchmark. We will also consider the significance of the changing nature of the lenders in the international finance markets, in particular, the increasing prominence of the “shadow banking sector” including debt funds established by multi strategy private equity platforms. Current developments, for example, the increasing importance of ESG (Environmental, Sustainability and Governance) in international debt finance will also be covered.
The form and content of international (cross-border) term and revolving loan agreements including an analysis of the standard (Loan Market Association) form agreements typically used in the London based international finance markets in respect of both ‘Investment Grade’ and ‘Leveraged’ loans. We will focus, in particular, on the commercial objectives and legal effect of the key clauses included in such agreements including Conditions Precedent; Interest Rate and drawdown mechanics; Representations and Warranties; Covenants; and Events of Default.
Syndicated loan agreements (primary loan market transactions)
The form and content of international syndicated loan agreements (multi-bank loans) and an analysis of the roles, obligations and potential liabilities of the various parties thereto including: the Arranger/Lead Manager; Agent Banks; Security Trustees; and Syndicate Lenders.
Loan transfers (secondary loan market transactions)
How (and why) are loans regularly transferred in the secondary loan market? Additional considerations that arise in the context of non-performing loans (NPL’s); the methods of transfer typically used in the market: novation, assignment, sub-participation (risk and funded), proceeds assignment and transfers by way of trust. We will also consider the commercial and regulatory drivers for loan transfers; why liquidity in this market is important and how loan transfers are structured and documented.
This component will focus on the documentation typically used in project finance transactions and the risks (legal and commercial) such documentation is intended to address. Typical project financing structures will also be examined as will the roles of the various parties in such transactions.
This component will focus on classic “true sale” securitisation transactions including the commercial background and regulatory drivers that underpin the securitisation market. The structure of securitisation transactions will be examined in detail as will the role, rights and responsibilities of the various parties including: originators of securitisation transactions; ‘SPV’ styled issuers; arrangers; investors in securitised bonds; liquidity and credit enhancement providers, and third party service providers. We will also examine the documentation typically entered into to give effect to such transactions. The impact of the recent Global Credit Crisis and the Covid pandemic on securitisation transactions will be examined in detail, as will recent regulatory developments aimed at addressing some of the perceived weaknesses in the market. We will also examine the role of the international credit rating agencies.
This component will examine the process of raising international debt finance via the issue of international bonds; the parties to such issues and the fundamental terms typically incorporated. The legal nature of international bonds will also be examined as will the manner in which they are traded. The role and duties of the bond trustee will also be examined in detail.
The role of the lawyer in international finance transactions; the form and content of legal opinions commonly delivered in international finance transactions and the potential liabilities for lawyers delivering such opinions.
Recommended Materials
McKnight, Paterson and Zakrzewski on ‘The Law of International Finance’ (2nd ed.) (2017), Oxford University Press.
Module reading lists and other module materials, including standard form documentation typically used in the international finance markets will be provided via online module pages, once students have made their module selections upon enrolment.
Preliminery Reading
The following book provides a good introduction to the subject:
Colin Paul & Gerald Montagu, Banking and Capital Markets Companion (Sixth Edition 2014), Bloomsbury
Key Information
Module details | |
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Credit value: | 45 Credits (450 learning hours) |
Convenor: | Graham Penn |
Other Teachers: |
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Teaching Delivery: | 20 x 2-hour weekly lectures; 3 x 2 hour seminars; and 4 x 1 hour tutorials taught across Terms One and Two |
Who may enrol: | Any UCL Master's Students |
Prerequisites: | None |
Must not be taken with: | None |
Qualifying module for: | LLM in Corporate Law; LLM in International Banking and Finance Law; LLM in International Commercial Law |
Assessment | |
Practice Assessment: | Students must submit 2 x 2250 word answers (one in each of the first and second terms) to a past examination style question. Detailed feedback and guidance will be given on each formative. |
Final Assessment: | In Person Controlled Condition Exam (100%) |