Thomas Smith is an English-qualified partner in the London office, Co-Chair of the Fund Finance practice and a member of the firm’s Finance Group. Recommended by Chambers UK (2026), The Legal 500 UK (2026) and IFLR1000 (2025), he acts for borrowers, sponsors, fund, financial institutions and lenders on a wide range of fund level financing transactions, including NAV facilities for all types of sponsor, capital call facilities, GP financings, structured finance transactions and other alternative capital transactions for investment funds.
Mr. Smith was named by The Drawdown in its list of the most influential experts in fund finance, stating that “Smith has become a key driver in establishing ‘what is the market.’” In The Legal 500 UK (2026), which recommends him for acquisition finance and fund finance, Mr. Smith is described as “pragmatic, balancing risk with commercial acumen,” with one client also noting that “he’s been instrumental in helping us push boundaries and drive market innovation.” In previous editions of the guide, clients have highlighted his “exceptional advisory skills,” and described him as “a highly effective deal lawyer, and a very good collaborator in the industry.” He receives praise for his “strategic guidance, underpinned by deep market insight.” He has also been described as “a respected operator” and “the best in the business.” In Chambers UK (2026), where he is listed in the top tier, clients describe him as “probably the best lawyer in the London fund finance space” and he is said to have “firmly secured his place in the hall of fame for NAV financings.” In previous editions of the guides, clients highlight that his “commercial focus and depth of knowledge is second to none” and he receives praise for his “in-depth knowledge of market trends and relevant precedents in the fund finance space” and his ability to “convey detailed and technical advice in a clear and straightforward manner.” He is also said to be “very attentive and solution-oriented” and “intelligent and highly commercial.”
Mr. Smith is the author of “Changing Tides for Subscription Line Facilities,” Private Equity International (March, 2016) and “Renaissance In European Second Lien Financings,” Financial News: Private Equity News (February, 2015); he is the co-author of “Side letters - Pitfalls and perils for a financing,” Global Legal Insights - Fund Finance Laws and Regulations 2024 (January, 2024); “Debevoise & Plimpton on a new string in fund finance’s bow,” Private Equity International (January, 2021); “Subscription Lines’ ESG Revolution,” Private Equity International (December, 2020); “What You Need To Know About Sub Lines For SMAs,” Private Debt Investor (August, 2018); “Mega-Funds and Their Mega-Financings,” Private Equity International (February, 2018); and “Fund Finance Focus: Don’t Neglect The Positives,” Private Debt Investor (July, 2017). He also provided input to the European High Yield Association on precedent development.
Mr. Smith joined the firm in May 2007. He graduated in 2002 with an LL.B. from the University of Nottingham. He went on to study at Nottingham Law School in 2003, where he obtained an LPC with distinction. He was admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in 2006.