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Matthew Townsend

Partner, Global Co-Head Environment, Climate and Regulatory Law Group and the International Trade Group

London

image of Matthew Townsend
Matthew Townsend

Partner, Global Co-Head Environment, Climate and Regulatory Law Group and the International Trade Group

London

Matt is co-head of the International Environmental, Climate and Regulatory Law Groups at Allen & Overy and one of the founders of the firm’s Global ESG Group. He also co-heads the International Trade Group. Matt advises on a wide range of regulatory and compliance matters including sustainability and ESG; climate transition programmes; decarbonisation; environmental risk management; product compliance and safety; carbon pricing/trading; corporate reporting and disclosure; governance and risk management; international trade law; sanctions and export controls. He has worked extensively with clients to develop compliance programmes across a broad range of regulatory and risk areas.

Matt has practised in environmental and climate law for over 28 years and has been recognised as a leading practitioner in his field for many years. He is a regular commentator on new and emerging developments. 

Matt works with major international clients across jurisdictions and in multiple sectors including financial services, energy, industrials, chemicals, technology and many more. 

He is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading regulatory compliance lawyers.

Related articles

A train at night moving at high speed

Publications: 04 December 2023

Losing control: What the Mints Court of Appeal judgment means for UK sanctions

On 6 October 2023, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in the case of Mints & ors v PJSC National Bank Trust & anor [2023] EWCA 1332.

Read more Losing control: What the Mints Court of Appeal judgment means for UK sanctions

Publications: 30 November 2023

The EU goes for gold with its Green Bond Regulation 

Read more The EU goes for gold with its Green Bond Regulation 

Publications: 29 November 2023

Podcast: Key issues to watch at COP 28

Read more Podcast: Key issues to watch at COP 28

Publications: 23 November 2023

Sustainable aviation fuel – on the ascent

Read more Sustainable aviation fuel – on the ascent

Experience highlights

Other noteworthy experience 

  • He is a member of the FLMC’s ESG Working Group, the City of London Law Society’s environmental working group and UKELA, a member of an Advisory Board to the EBRD on ESG guidelines for companies in the CEE region, advising Editor of Environmental Liability journal and a member of the Executive Committee of the Legal Sustainability Alliance.

Pro bono 

  • Ambassador for Hope and Homes for Children
  • Executive member of the Legal Sector Alliance

Published work

  • Co-editor: "REACH - Best Practice Guide to Regulation 1907/2006" (Hart/Beck)
  • Contributor: "Project Finance" by G. Vinter (Sweet & Maxwell)
  • Contributor: "EPC Contracts and Major Projects" by N. Pritchard (Sweet & Maxwell)
  • Matt is a regular speaker and commentator on business compliance issues.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

Thought Leader Global Elite

Who’s Who Legal 2022 (Environment, Climate Change and Trade & Customs)

Hall of Fame

Legal 500 UK 2022 (Environment)

Band One

Chambers UK 2022 (Environment and Climate Change)