David advises financial institutions on a wide range of derivatives products and asset classes (including credit, rates, FX, longevity) in both funded and unfunded form. He has drafted a number of market standard document templates for the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) and other derivatives industry bodies, including the 2014 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions and documentation for confirming trades referencing the iTraxx and CDX indices. David is the U.S. adviser to the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee which determines Credit Events and other matters for the credit derivatives market as a whole. David has advised on various aspects of the transition of the over-the-counter derivatives market to regulated trading platforms and central clearing houses, as well the registration of a number of swap dealers under the Dodd-Frank Act.
As co-founder of A&Out, our international LGBTQ+ affinity group, David is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community at the firm. He regularly leads initiatives to encourage workplace diversity, and helps foster a culture where all colleagues feel welcome and valued.
David is widely recognized as a leading derivatives lawyer, having been recognized in Chambers USA 2023. A client shared that "David is smart, responsive, commercially-minded and a pleasure to deal with." Another client enthused "he is a great advisor with excellent knowledge of the subject matter and is able to cover all areas of a transaction."
David is Global Co-Head of International DCM, Derivatives & Securitization and has particular expertise in derivatives and structured finance transactions, as well as the regulatory framework that underpins the derivatives market.
Expertise
Industries
Published Work
- "A confused industry," International Financial Law Review (May 2011), with Vinod Aravind.
- "To Conform or Not to Conform": The Federal Reserve releases guidance on obligations of banking entities under the Volcker Rule during the conformance period, 04/26/2012
- FGIC - A Tree Falling in the Woods or the First Domino?, 06/14/2012
- The "Intergalactic Commerce Clause"?: The CFTC's Proposed Cross Border Guidance Reaches Far and Wide, 07/03/2012
Speaking Engagements
- Panelist, Global Implications of this Brave New World, Derivatives Trading in the Era of Dodd-Frank's Title VII conference, 09/06/2012
- Panelist, Complying with Recordkeeping Requirements: Electronic and Voice Recording Concerns, SIFMA Internal Business Conduct Workshop, 06/26/2012
- Panelist, CFTC voice Recording Requirements, SIMFA Tech, 06/18/2013
- Panelist, Regulation of Derivatives, SIFMA Derivatives 101, 07/17/2013
Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations
- The Law Society of England and Wales
Recognition
“David is fantastic. He is bright and responsive, and understands the commercial realities that his clients face.”
Chambers USA 2022: Derivatives
“David is incredibly responsive to new matters, incoming requests and projects; he partners well with my team to drive complex, multidimensional matters to completion.”
Chambers USA 2022: Derivatives
Awards
- Ranked Band 2, Chambers USA 2022: Derivatives
Qualifications
Admissions
Admitted: Solicitor of England and Wales, 2002
Admitted: Bar of the State of New York, 2007
Academic
LL.B., King's College, London, 1999
Maitrise, Pantheon-Sorbonne, Paris, 1999
Languages
English, French
Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.