Overview
Katten has a deep knowledge of both futures and derivatives products that are economically similar but legally distinct. Our Futures and Derivatives team combines that knowledge with a focus on our clients' commercial objectives to help them succeed in these businesses.
Practical counsel leads to efficient solutions
Katten's futures and derivatives attorneys represent a wide range of clients (dealers, end users, proprietary traders, brokers, advisors, exchanges and clearing organizations) on an equally wide range of commercial transactions (futures, structured products, and cleared and uncleared swaps) encompassing many different asset classes (interest rates, credit, commodities, securities and foreign exchange). This breadth of our practice gives us a valuable perspective on issues and a basis for creative problem solving.
The foundation of our practice is a deep understanding of futures and derivatives regulation, market practices and documentation. We negotiate agreements to help our clients close deals, not to prolong the negotiation process. We also help them understand and comply with the myriad rules and regulations affecting their businesses, and we defend them effectively when regulatory or litigation problems arise. Where appropriate to further our clients' business objectives, we also have been successful in obtaining regulatory relief that resolves issues before they turn into problems.
Our strong US and UK teams are fully coordinated so we can efficiently and consistently serve the needs of clients who do business on both sides of the Atlantic. Clients often rely on us to design three-cornered analyses for their activities in the UK, the EU and the US.
Established relationships create efficiencies
Katten's team includes attorneys who have worked at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as senior in-house counsel and business counsel at global investment banks. We maintain excellent relationships with national regulators, self-regulatory bodies, exchanges and clearing organizations, which often gives us direct access to advance our clients' interests. Other members of our team have served in senior in-house roles at both financial services firms and trade associations.
Our attorneys are thought leaders in the futures and derivatives world. Our publications and financial service blogs provide insightful views and are regularly read by clients, nonclients and regulators around the world. Because of our reputation for extensive industry knowledge, regulators and industry decision makers often ask for our insights. Members of the Futures and Derivatives team are active in industry projects and initiatives and some serve on government advisory committees. These activities give us a front-row seat from which to monitor new futures and derivatives developments and offer input that benefits our clients.
"The team at Katten is one of the most knowledgeable in the industry. We trust them to give us considered, commercial advice and rely on their collective experience to come to the best decisions on our legal matters."
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2023
(Derivatives and Futures Law) survey response
Experience
Insights
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Publication | October 2024
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News | October 31, 2024
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Publication | October 30, 2024
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Publication | October 23, 2024
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Publication | October 2024