Aaron Palmer

Navigating the intricate world of capital markets and derivatives can be a daunting task for any corporation. Yet, when Aaron became our go-to counsel, the complexities of our financial transactions seemed to unravel with ease. His tenure at Blakes since 2009 has not only enriched him with vast legal acumen but also endowed him with an unparalleled understanding of the finance sector, making him a cornerstone of our strategic decisions.

Aaron's mastery in derivatives is recognized across Canada, a testament to his innovative approaches to investment products and structured finance. His work ranges from conventional financing transactions to the avant-garde, such as equity, credit, and commodity derivatives. The depth of his expertise was especially evident during a high-stakes negotiation involving a syndicated interest rate swap transaction, the largest of its kind in Canadian history. His guidance was pivotal, ensuring our objectives were not just met but exceeded.

His role as a primary advisor on Canadian derivatives regulatory developments has been invaluable. Aaron's ability to demystify the complexities of ISDA Master Agreements, Credit Support Annexes, and other critical documentation has safeguarded our operations against regulatory pitfalls. His foresight and meticulous attention to detail have been our north star in a sea of regulatory uncertainties.

Aaron's impact extends beyond derivatives to investment funds and structured transactions. His strategic counsel on the launch of Canadian Depositary Receipts was groundbreaking, offering Canadian investors unprecedented access to international stocks. This initiative not only diversified our portfolio but also reinforced our position in the market.

His international experience, from his tenure in London to his work in Hungary and Japan, adds a global perspective to his counsel, enriching our strategies with international insights. Aaron's first degree in mathematics from Waterloo further complements his legal expertise, enabling him to tackle the quantitative aspects of our financial transactions with the same ease as the legal ones.

Aaron's accolades, including consistent recognition as a leading derivatives lawyer in Canada, underscore his expertise and impact in the field. His contributions to the legal community, through numerous publications and professional appearances, reflect his commitment to advancing the practice of law in capital markets and derivatives.

In every aspect of his practice, Aaron embodies the qualities of an exceptional lawyer and advisor. His contributions to our success cannot be overstated, and we look forward to continuing our journey with him at the helm of our legal strategy.