Norton Rose Fulbright enhances Italian finance

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has made a significant move to enhance its Italian banking and finance offering with the appointment of leveraged finance partner Marina Balzano in Milan, effective from 16 October. Marina joins from Orrick, where she successfully led the Italian leveraged finance practice and built a strong reputation for her expertise in advising banks, private debt funds, and other financial institutions on leveraged finance, acquisition finance, corporate lending, and private credit transactions. Her extensive experience spans nearly two decades, and she is joined by her team members Giulio Asquini, Filippo Nola, Claudia Loriggio, and Elisa Zaccaria.

The addition of Marina not only signifies Norton Rose Fulbright's commitment to its global banking and finance platform but also highlights its dedication to the evolving landscape of private capital and private credit markets. Marina's focus primarily centres on lender-side mandates, where she advises leading Italian banks and domestic as well as international private debt funds. She has established herself as a valuable resource for clients requiring support on intricate financing structures involving international lenders, sponsors, and Italian assets.

As part of an integrated team operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, Marina and her team will assist clients with both domestic and cross-border financings, leveraging the firm’s substantial experience in leveraged finance, acquisition finance, infrastructure finance, fund finance, and private credit. Attilio Pavone, the Head of Italy at Norton Rose Fulbright, emphasised Marina's leading role in the Italian market by stating, “Marina is one of the leading leveraged finance lawyers in the Italian market and her arrival represents an important step in the continued growth of our banking and finance practice in Italy and across Europe.”

He further elaborated on the changing capital markets, stating, “As capital markets continue to diversify and alternative lenders play an increasingly significant role in financing transactions, we are focused on building a seamless regional offering that connects clients, capital and opportunities across the EMEAPAC region.”

Arturo Sferruzza, Head of the Italian Banking practice, added his perspective by observing, “Private credit continues to reshape the global financing landscape and Italy remains a market with significant growth potential. Marina brings a wealth of experience, commercial perspective and market insight that will further enhance our offering and deliver real value for clients.”

Marina herself expressed enthusiasm about her new role, saying, “I am excited to be joining Norton Rose Fulbright at a time when private capital is playing an increasingly important role in financing transactions across Europe. The firm's global reputation in banking, finance and private capital, combined with its strength in key financial centres, provides an outstanding platform for the next stage of my practice.”

She looks forward to collaborating with her new colleagues across the international network to guide clients through complex financing transactions and to develop a market-leading leveraged finance and private credit offering in Italy. This appointment represents a continued effort by Norton Rose Fulbright to invest in its European banking and finance platform, following previous partner appointments designed to enhance the firm's capabilities.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s global acquisition finance and corporate lending team is well-positioned to meet various client needs, advising banks, debt providers, financial advisers, private equity sponsors, and corporate borrowers on all aspects of acquisition finance, including sponsor-led leveraged buyouts and investment-grade financings. As the firm moves forward, it seeks to combine strong market knowledge with commercial insight and deep expertise throughout the lifecycle of large-cap and mid-market deals.