Richard Higa

Richard Higa, a prominent partner at McCarthy Tétrault's Toronto office and the esteemed Chair of the Project Management Committee, specializes in a wide array of financing transactions. Since his bar admission in Ontario in 1990, Richard has become a key figure in the legal landscape, particularly known for his expertise in capital markets, secured lending, and project finance.

Richard's practice is vast, covering structured, acquisition, and cross-border financings. His clientele includes major Canadian and international banks, along with other financial institutions, benefiting from his guidance on complex financial arrangements. His work spans debtor-in-possession financings, asset-based lending, syndicated financings, Term B loans, and much more, highlighting his diverse skill set.

Among his notable contributions, Richard played a pivotal role in the $1.6 billion financing for Maple Acquisition's takeover of TMX Inc., a transaction celebrated as the "Deal of the Year" by Lexpert in 2012. His involvement in Chrysler Canada's $2.3-billion government financing and the $3-billion term loan facilitated for Manulife Financial Corporation by a consortium of banks, including Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto Dominion, underscores his capacity to handle high-stakes deals.

Richard's impact is also felt in the realm of high yield notes, evidenced by his advising Norbord Inc. on its $240 million placement, and in asset-based financing, where he assisted GE Capital with the $1.1 billion financing of Hudson's Bay Company. These transactions not only showcase his legal prowess but also his ability to innovate and lead in the financial sector.

As a thought leader, Richard is a sought-after speaker at conferences, sharing his insights on commercial loan finance and security, further solidifying his status as an expert in his field. His educational journey, culminating in an LLB from the University of Western Ontario in 1988, laid the groundwork for his illustrious career.

Recognized by Chambers Global and Chambers Canada as a leading lawyer in Banking & Finance, and by the Lexpert Guide as a top cross-border lawyer, Richard's accolades speak to his expertise and influence in the legal and financial communities. For those navigating the complexities of banking and financial services, Richard Higa offers unparalleled legal acumen, strategic guidance, and innovative solutions to achieve their business objectives.