Charles Wakiwaka, Jennifer Kafcas and Alvino van Schalkwyk
Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP has expanded its London Structured Products and Derivatives practice with the addition of Partner Charles Wakiwaka, further strengthening the firm’s transatlantic finance capabilities.
Wakiwaka joins Katten from Crowell & Moring LLP, following the recent arrivals of Partners Jennifer Kafcas and Alvino van Schalkwyk. The Structured Products and Derivatives practice, led by Kafcas, launched in June as part of the firm’s broader investment in its global finance platform.
“Adding Charles to the newly launched practice in London reflects our strategic commitment to deepen our Transatlantic bench strength in finance,” said Christopher Hitchins, managing partner of Katten’s London office. “Expanding our capabilities positions us to meet the increasing demand from clients operating across global markets.”
Wakiwaka advises buy-side and sell-side market participants on cash and synthetic transactions across fixed income, equities, credit and commodities. His practice includes finance-linked hedging, structured notes, fund syndication, repackaging transactions, credit-linked deposits and bespoke fund investments. He also has experience advising investment banks, insurers, issuers and investors on securitization structures, margin loans and equity derivatives.
“It is great to have Charles back on the team,” said Jennifer Kafcas, head of Katten’s Structured Products and Derivatives practice. “Our clients are highly sophisticated and have come to rely on our team for efficient solutions to extremely complex structures and transactions. Charles is an invaluable team member whose expertise strengthens our ability to guide clients as we build out this new practice at Katten.”
The expanded London team advises investment banks, commercial banks, private equity firms and other financial institutions on structuring, negotiating and documenting derivatives, financing structures and structured finance transactions. Wakiwaka is the latest lateral partner to join Katten’s London office this year, following the additions of Charlotte Hill, James Davison and Victoria Procter.