Matthew Hughes
Overview
Financial institutions and hedge funds looking for advice on their complex cross-border investments rely on Matthew Hughes to structure investments in a way that mitigates risk while maximizing return. He represents investment funds, investment banks, and other financial institutions as well as boutique trading houses on the investment in and trading of syndicated loans, claims, and other high-yield investment products.
Career & Education
- Newcastle University, LL.B., 1997
- College of Law, Chester, P.D.L.P., 1998
- Solicitor, England and Wales
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Secondary Documentation Committee, Loan Market Association (LMA)
Matthew's Insights
Client Alert | 11 min read | 07.22.24
In the ever-evolving landscape of English law credit agreements in the European leveraged loan market, the dynamics of lending have undergone significant transformations in the last few years. One issue that has gained prominence is the increase in limits on the ability of lenders to transfer their loans and the associated restrictions imposed on potential new lenders. European syndicated loan agreements have historically included a standardised and expected set of transfer restrictions applicable to prospective lenders, reflective of the market guidance and templates issued by the Loan Market Association (“LMA”). Certainty of terms and the capability of an existing lender to sell out of a loan position have been the hallmark (and expectation) of the LMA loan market. However, trends in the drafting of credit agreements have contained a concerning increase in limitations on loan liquidity. As a result, many lenders are finding it difficult to sell their distressed loans. This article explores these trends, as well as their implications on the secondary loan trading market.
Press Coverage | 08.11.22
Firm News | 5 min read | 04.01.21
Client Alert | 5 min read | 04.15.20
Representative Matters
- Represented hedge funds in connection with purchase of distressed loans collateralized by aircraft and associated claims.
- Represented creditors and the secondary market for trading claims of Lehman Brothers, including Lehman Brothers International (Europe) and Lehman Brothers Bankhaus A.G.
- Represented creditors of the insolvent Icelandic banks, including Glitnir Bank hf., Kaupthing Bank hf., and Landsbanki hf.
- Represented creditors and the secondary market for trading claims in MF Global, including the development of market standard trading documentation.
- Advised a major investment bank on the development and creation of its bespoke LMA trading documentation, including collateral documentation and guarantees.
- Conducted review and analysis of credit documentation for major investment banks and CLO clients.
- Represented large hedge funds in connection with structured financing transactions collateralized by illiquid financial assets including distressed loans, bonds, and equity.
Matthew's Insights
Client Alert | 11 min read | 07.22.24
In the ever-evolving landscape of English law credit agreements in the European leveraged loan market, the dynamics of lending have undergone significant transformations in the last few years. One issue that has gained prominence is the increase in limits on the ability of lenders to transfer their loans and the associated restrictions imposed on potential new lenders. European syndicated loan agreements have historically included a standardised and expected set of transfer restrictions applicable to prospective lenders, reflective of the market guidance and templates issued by the Loan Market Association (“LMA”). Certainty of terms and the capability of an existing lender to sell out of a loan position have been the hallmark (and expectation) of the LMA loan market. However, trends in the drafting of credit agreements have contained a concerning increase in limitations on loan liquidity. As a result, many lenders are finding it difficult to sell their distressed loans. This article explores these trends, as well as their implications on the secondary loan trading market.
Press Coverage | 08.11.22
Firm News | 5 min read | 04.01.21
Client Alert | 5 min read | 04.15.20
Insights
Matthew's Insights
Client Alert | 11 min read | 07.22.24
In the ever-evolving landscape of English law credit agreements in the European leveraged loan market, the dynamics of lending have undergone significant transformations in the last few years. One issue that has gained prominence is the increase in limits on the ability of lenders to transfer their loans and the associated restrictions imposed on potential new lenders. European syndicated loan agreements have historically included a standardised and expected set of transfer restrictions applicable to prospective lenders, reflective of the market guidance and templates issued by the Loan Market Association (“LMA”). Certainty of terms and the capability of an existing lender to sell out of a loan position have been the hallmark (and expectation) of the LMA loan market. However, trends in the drafting of credit agreements have contained a concerning increase in limitations on loan liquidity. As a result, many lenders are finding it difficult to sell their distressed loans. This article explores these trends, as well as their implications on the secondary loan trading market.
Press Coverage | 08.11.22
Firm News | 5 min read | 04.01.21
Client Alert | 5 min read | 04.15.20
