With over 25 years’ experience, Carolan has built a broad financial institutions advisory practice with clients ranging from banks and brokers to exchanges, clearing houses, payment systems, settlement systems, global custodians, and asset managers. He advises on financial institution mergers and acquisitions, innovative business structuring, and the launch of new ventures within highly regulated markets.
Carolan is recognised as a leader across the full spectrum of UK and EU regulations affecting financial markets and as a strategic advisor to global financial institutions operating within them. He operates at the forefront of developments in financial market infrastructure – both traditional and, more recently, digital – and has been involved in a variety of innovative bank and infrastructure projects.
Panos Katsambas, co-chair of Reed Smith’s Financial Industry Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome a lawyer of Damian’s calibre to the team. He is a real standout name in the market with a wealth of experience that will prove a huge benefit to our clients, many of whom are already familiar with Damian’s exceptional talent.
“His deep knowledge of UK and EU regulation, combined with his keen understanding of financial market infrastructure, make him an invaluable guide to support our clients through a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. His arrival boosts both our local and global offering.”
Brigid North, Reed Smith’s London office managing partner, commented: “Damian’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to attracting the very best talent in the market as we continue to enhance our capabilities in London. His experience builds on our long-standing strength in financial services and we’re delighted to have him join us in London.”
Carolan added: “I’m excited to join Reed Smith at a time of dynamic growth and opportunity. The firm’s collaborative culture and deep industry focus provide a strong platform to deliver meaningful solutions to clients. I look forward to helping to grow the firm’s financial regulatory offering and contributing to the continued success of the team and its clients, during a time of ever-increasing complexity but also real innovation in financial markets.”
Carolan was previously a partner and head of the financial services regulatory practice at Allen & Overy.
He is ranked as a leading individual for regulatory matters by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and as a leading lawyer by IFLR1000. He also achieved Tier 1 rankings for his former firm’s financial services regulatory practice.
Reed Smith has appointed over 200 new lawyers globally so far this year.