Joyce Bernasek

Joyce stands out as a distinguished partner within the Financial Services Group in Toronto, renowned for her strategic and outcome-focused legal guidance. Her expertise spans across various domains, including asset-based lending, capital markets, corporate lending, and particularly, the fintech/SaaS sector. With dual bar admissions in New York (2009) and Ontario (2003), her practice benefits from a broad educational foundation with degrees from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Toronto.

Her legal prowess is especially noted in structuring and executing financing transactions for a diverse clientele that includes Canadian and international financial institutions, private equity funds, and corporations. Joyce's specialization shines in fintech/SaaS secured lending transactions, private equity fund acquisition financing, and complex cross-border loan transactions.

Throughout her career, Joyce has played pivotal roles in high-profile transactions, such as advising on Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund's public offering of convertible debentures and facilitating significant cross-border lending transactions for major lenders and investment firms. Her involvement extends to securing credit facilities for a range of entities, from regulated credit unions to companies across various industries, underscoring her versatility and depth of knowledge.

Her work has not only propelled companies and financial institutions to achieve their strategic objectives but has also garnered industry-wide recognition. Joyce's expertise has been acknowledged in prestigious rankings, including Chambers Canada and The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, highlighting her as a leader in banking and finance law.

Joyce's commitment to sharing her knowledge is evident through her active participation in speaking engagements, covering critical topics from the cessation of CDOR to the financing of intellectual property in fintech companies. This engagement with the legal community and her clients keeps her at the forefront of evolving financial and legal landscapes.

Moreover, Joyce's leadership extends beyond her legal practice, as seen in her election to the Women in Capital Markets Board of Directors and her involvement with organizations like the Association for Corporate Growth and the Canadian Women in Private Equity. These roles reflect her dedication to advancing the field of finance law and supporting the development of women in the industry.

For businesses navigating the complex waters of financial services, Joyce's combination of legal acumen, strategic thinking, and her comprehensive approach to client service makes her an invaluable asset. Her ability to deliver pragmatic solutions in high-stakes transactions has rightfully placed her among the top financial lawyers in Canada.