Ian McDonald

Ian McDonald has over 30 years of experience acting for clients in relation to complex, high stakes disputes, including matters that carry significant commercial and reputational implications.

Ian’s practice is grounded in acting for banks and other financial institutions, particularly in high-value disputes relating to loan structures, structured finance and derivatives, and in contentious insolvency matters. Over time, his practice has expanded to encompass a broad range of clients and industry sectors, with a particular focus on matters where the scale and sensitivities of the issues demand deep expertise and seasoned judgment.

Many of the disputes on which Ian advises involve cross-jurisdictional elements, large teams, and competing priorities, requiring careful coordination and strategic oversight throughout.

• Acted for the majority vote of the ISDA Determinations Committee in respect to the External Review of whether there had been a credit event in respect of Novo Banco.

Advised:

• A global financial institution in relation to a data breach. Obtained urgent injunctive relief against persons unknown responsible for the theft of data and implementing international process for compliance with notification and other obligations pursuant to GDPR and other relevant international standards.
• UBS in respect of claims relating to synthetic CDOs and related credit default swaps, including jurisdiction challenge and related proceedings in Germany.
• Spanish real estate investment fund in litigation concerning breaches of loan documentation including material adverse change and the construction of a London hotel and successful outcome after 9-week trial. Grupo Hotelero Urvasco SA v Carey Value Added SL (2012) QBD (Comm) (Court of Appeal – 12 October 2012).
  Grupo Hotelero Urvasco SA v Carey Value Added SL [2013] EWHC 1039 (Comm).

• Listed in the Hall of Fame for Banking Litigation and as a key lawyer for Financial Services. – Legal 500
• Recommended for Commercial Litigation – Legal 500
• Ian "provides the firm's clients with clear strategic direction and consistently displays exceptional judgment. … He provides excellent and thoughtful advice regarding potential litigation and during actions (where such is required). He demonstrates a thorough approach to risk and commercial attitude." - Legal 500
• Listed as a key lawyer for Fraud – Legal 500
• He is "not afraid to get into the detail of a case but also provides excellent strategic overview." – Legal 500
• Listed as a 'Leading individual' for Banking Litigation – Legal 500
• Band 4: Banking Litigation – Chambers UK
• “Ian always provides excellent advice and is very responsive. … He is excellent." Chambers UK
• "He makes sure clients go in completely aware of the risks and how to present their case in a way that makes the difference between winning and losing." – Chambers UK
• "Ian McDonald shows subtle and effective leadership. He is a highly intelligent partner, who is extremely proficient at managing large litigation. He is also a pleasure to work with." – Legal 500
• Listed under "Other key lawyers" for Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency. – Legal 500
• Ranked as a key name – Chambers UK

• University of Cambridge, Jesus College

• 英国法（イングランド及びウェールズ）事務弁護士（ソリシター）

• The Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers