The Firm is one of the most authoritative sources for interpretation and application of federal and state laws that regulate financial institutions.  Its lawyers regularly advise with respect to banking, securities and corporate law issues that affect commercial bank and bank holding company clients and investment bank and private equity clients.  Simpson Thacher has advised a number of U.S. and foreign financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase on regulatory and corporate matters.  The Firm also assists clients in regulatory investigations. 

The Firm has been very involved in financial institution consolidation and convergence.  Mergers and acquisitions involving banks and other financial institutions are a significant part of the Firm’s practice.  For example, the Firm has served as counsel to one of the world's largest and best-known financial institutions in connection with each of its major merger transactions and the regulatory approvals required for such transactions.  The Firm also has advised Manulife Corporation with respect to its acquisition of John Hancock Financial Services, advised Wachovia in connection with its merger with First Union and a related hostile bid for Wachovia, advised Washington Mutual in its acquisition of Dime, acted as global counsel with respect to the creation of Mizuho Corporate Bank, and advised Western private investors with respect to their acquisition of Shinsei Bank in Japan  The Firm is counsel to private equity funds that invest in financial institutions and advises financial institutions regarding merchant banking transactions.

The Firm represents domestic and foreign banking organizations in their capacity as issuers of debt and equity securities, has participated in the development of capital guidelines for banking organizations and advises concerning the structuring of new capital instruments.  It has been active in the development and interpretation of accounting and capital rules relating to asset securitizations.  The Firm has substantial expertise in bank insolvency and receivership issues.

The Firm advises clients with respect to the development of new products and activities and provides ongoing regulatory advice to financial institutions regarding loans to affiliates, lending limits, and other sophisticated legal issues confronted by financial institutions.