International law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) today (21 June 2017) announced the appointment of Banking Partner, Shanan Dunstan, to spearhead the Firm’s Asset Based Lending (ABL) capability. She will join BLP’s Finance team in September from Ashurst.

With lenders looking at alternative ways to use their capital, the structuring of ABL transactions has evolved significantly and the market has grown substantially in size. A recognised market-leader in ABL, Shanan will provide new and existing clients with vital support and know-how. In addition to specialising in ABL, Shanan has substantial experience advising on both domestic and cross-border banking and leveraged finance transactions.

Adam Dann, Head of Finance at BLP, said: “Being able to offer market leading specialist finance advice is a key part of our strategy. With Shanan on board, we have an expert whose ABL expertise will be extremely valuable to new and existing clients.”

Shanan said: “As ABL is increasingly recognised as a powerful funding solution, BLP is focused on being at the forefront by investing in a dedicated line of service which I am looking forward to leading.  This is a pivotal time to be working in the ABL industry. In this new role I have the opportunity to deliver agile and commercial legal advice to clients as the market continues to develop.”

Shanan’s appointment is BLP’s second Partner hire of the Financial Year, following the announcement that Rail expert James Chamberlain is to join the Firm’s Asset Finance team later this month. These announcements follow other recent hires including Andrew MacGeoch as Head of Real Estate & Infrastructure in APAC, Frankfurt-based Restructuring Partner Till Buschmann, Corporate Tax Partner Mark Brailsford.