Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that Mark Austin will join the firm’s London office as a partner in the Capital Markets and Public Company Representation Practices. A recognized leader in his field, Austin has more than two decades’ experience advising prominent companies and investment banks on a variety of complex equity capital markets, M&A, and regulatory matters.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the firm,” said Stephen Kensell, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in London. “He brings a stellar reputation advising on some on the market’s most significant IPOs, and he will be a terrific fit for our strong and growing capital markets practice in London.”

Austin’s experience spans all types of public and private securities offerings, and he regularly counsels boards on a variety of general corporate governance and regulatory matters. He also works alongside company executives and industry leaders as an advisor on UK policy and regulatory issues.

This includes serving as the current Chair of the FCA’s Listing Authority Advisory Panel and as a member of the FCA’s Markets Practitioner Panel. He is also a member of the Capital Markets Industry Taskforce and of the London Stock Exchange’s Primary Markets Group. Austin previously advised Lord Hill on the UK Listing Review and in 2021 was appointed by the UK Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer as the independent Chair of the UK Secondary Capital Raising Review, which reported to the Chancellor in July 2022.

“Mark’s formidable transactional expertise and sophisticated knowledge of UK policy and regulation will be of tremendous value to our global clients,” adds Charles Ruck, Global Chair of Latham’s Corporate Department. “His immense experience and deep connections to the City distinguish him as one of the UK’s foremost corporate partners, and his arrival will add significant additional firepower to our London and European practice.”

“Latham has established a pre-eminent global reputation advising issuers and underwriters on landmark IPOs and securities offerings in the US, Europe, and around the world,” said Ian Schuman, Global Chair of Latham’s Capital Markets and Public Company Representation Practices. “Mark’s unique expertise and in-depth knowledge of the UK market further enhances our transactional capabilities in London and globally. We are excited to welcome him to our market-leading global team.”

“We’ve worked with Mark on numerous high-profile deals over the years and he will be a great addition to our team,” added James Inness, a London-based partner and member of the Capital Markets and Public Company Representation Practices. “His expertise complements our existing capabilities perfectly and he will play a key role in the continued growth and success of our practice in the City.”