Banking and Finance
All of our work, both transactional and advisory, is built on three things: speed of service, quality of advice, and efficiency of execution.
“Shepherd and Wedderburn has a respected team of banking lawyers with notable strength across a broad range of financing matters.”
Chambers (2025)
We are Scotland’s biggest team of banking and finance lawyers, and one of its most highly rated. Based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and London, we advise clients on both sides of the border. We take pride in efficiently providing practical advice that is based on a deep understanding of our clients’ objectives and priorities.
Much of our work is transactional, and in this we apply all of our experience to get deals over the line successfully and without undue delay. Part of this is taking a collaborative and pragmatic approach: rather than contesting every point, we focus on the outcome that our client wants and needs. We also encourage innovation – challenging assumptions, including our own, and always looking for ways to make things more efficient or convenient.
We also help clients on initiatives, such as developing new products. Our understanding of the banking and finance sector and its regulatory environment enables us to help to steer these projects in the right direction, ensuring that no opportunities are missed along the way.
Read our banking and finance guides:
Your guide to English and Scottish banking and finance terms
The law of Scotland and England isn't the same when it comes to finance transactions – we've compiled a comparison of key terms and expressions you may come across.
Enforcing security in Scotland
This guide sets out the practical steps to be taken to enforce the most common forms of commercial security in Scotland and the effects of such enforcement.
Refinancing and releasing security
Here we explain the main types of security release documents seen in Scotland and England; some of the key considerations to bear in mind when refinancing and releasing security; and how to avoid some common pitfalls when dealing with security releases.
Securitisation in Scotland – Q&A
This Q&A looks at some of the most common questions we encounter when a participant in the securitisation market is embarking on a transaction where the securitised pool includes Scottish assets.
Company charge registration in Scotland: A guide
There are several Scots law specific points that should be considered when registering Scottish security documents, read our guidance here.
COVID-19: Electronic signing of finance documents in Scotland
What finance documents can be electronically signed under Scots law? We take a look at the key considerations for lenders and borrowers.
Scottish share pledges: What you need to know
A comprehensive overview of Scottish share pledges, including frequently asked questions from both lenders and borrowers.
We have expertise in all areas of banking and finance, including:
- Acquisition and Leveraged Finance
- Corporate and Commercial Banking
- Debt Capital Markets and Securitisation
- Financial Products and Services
- Fund Finance
- Islamic Finance
- Loan Book Trading
- Moveable Transactions Reform in Scotland
- Project Finance
- Real Estate and Development Finance
- Receivables Finance and Asset-Based Lending
- Restructuring and Business Advisory
Meet our key contacts
Fiona Buchanan
Partner and Head of Banking and Finance
Related articles and insights: Banking and Finance
15 June 2026
Assigning claims: Re Styles & Wood Group Ltd (in liquidation)
Contributor: Alec Fair
12 June 2026
The importance of early advice: GQA Qualifications Ltd v Clayton
Contributor: Alec Fair
11 June 2026
Contributor: Alec Fair
10 June 2026
Contributor: Alec Fair
15 May 2026
Recovering crypto assets – Scotland and England compared
Contributor: John MacKenzie
1 April 2026
The UK Supreme Court’s decision on the patentability of computer-implemented AI inventions
Contributors:
John MacKenzie, Ruairidh Leishman
Contact us
Fiona Buchanan
Partner and Head of Banking and Finance
