Eugene F Collins has announced that Ray Byrne has been appointed Partner in the firm’s banking team.

The appointment is set to strengthen the firm’s team in what it sees as a crucial sector for economic growth and recovery in the years ahead.

Announcing the appointment, Managing Partner Mark Walsh said: “We have seen the emergence of new banking trends in particular in real estate financing with the entry to the loan markets of new providers of senior and mezzanine debt and the availability of institutional investment capital to support construction activity and significant growth in the build-to-rent market. We recognise the need to expand expertise and enhance our ability to collaborate with our broad client base to help navigate these changes. Ray Byrne brings invaluable experience working with domestic and international clients across all areas of finance law. He will complement the firm’s focus and outlook to further grow the banking team and I am proud to welcome him to the partnership.”

Libby Garvey, Head of Banking at Eugene F Collins said: “The banking sector in Ireland is evolving at a fast-pace and our team is at the centre of these developments. Ongoing advancements in fintech as well as an increased focus on sustainability are changing the ways that our clients do business.

As we look towards a post COVID-19 economy, developments arising out of the programme for government such as enhanced stimulus packages for SMES, a recovery fund for infrastructure development, the creation of a carbon-tax-funded Climate Action Fund and the prioritising of green finance strategies will have implications for banks and borrowers alike. Ray’s appointment will further develop our ability to service our clients to the highest level. This is even more critical given the challenges Ireland faces as the economy tries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ray specialises in finance transactions across multiple sectors. He advises both borrowers and lenders in relation to acquisition financing, real estate financing, development financing and on a range of products across various fund sectors. He also acts for domestic and international financial institutions on syndicated and bilateral deals and for direct lenders in relation to both senior and mezzanine facilities.

Ray joined Eugene F Collins as an Associate in November 2019 having previously spent 5 years in the finance department of an international law firm in Dublin.

This promotion comes following the appointments of one Partner, three Associates and three newly qualified solicitors to the firm’s corporate, property, construction and dispute resolution teams earlier in 2020.