With nearly two decades of experience, Houghton's practice is focused on domestic and cross-border corporate work particularly for clients in the financial services and fin-tech sectors.

He has advised private capital sponsors, companies and management teams on cross-border buyouts and growth capital investments, acquisitions (buyout and growth), companies and management teams on all aspects of corporate finance, M&A, joint ventures, carve-outs, buyouts, minority and structured equity investments, and growth capital investments, secondary (including continuation fund) transactions and business acquisitions and disposals.

Mike Young, co-chair of Reed Smith’s Global Corporate Group, said: “Andy is a leading lawyer with a wealth of experience that will prove a real asset to our clients. His arrival particularly boosts our ability to help private capital sponsors, founder-led businesses and institutional investors navigate complex transactions, in highly regulated sectors like financial services and technology, throughout the UK and Europe.”

Brigid North, Reed Smith’s London office managing partner, commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Andy to the firm. His arrival is yet another experienced partner hire that highlights our growth strategy and commitment to providing our clients with the very best possible service.”

Houghton added: “Reed Smith has an enviable global platform with deep bench strength in London and a long-standing industry focus that aligns with my practice. It’s an exciting time to be joining as the firm continues to make significant investment in growing its transactional offering and I am delighted to be here.”

Houghton joins the firm from Proskauer Rose where he was partner in its London office.

Reed Smith has appointed over 40 new lateral partners globally so far this year.