Ralph Mazzeo Named Lead of Dechert's Asset Finance & Securitization Group

Dechert has named global finance partner Ralph Mazzeo as lead of the firm’s asset finance & securitization (AFS) team. Mr. Mazzeo’s appointment reinforces the team’s strategic vision to provide cross-disciplinary service to clients with innovative deal structuring, creative financing strategies and efficient execution.

Dechert’s asset finance & securitization team handles complex financings and securitizations involving a wide variety of asset classes, derivatives and other complex structures, representing issuers, underwriters, originators, asset managers and other market participants. Dechert routinely represents clients in the acquisition, servicing and financing of many asset classes including auto loans, unsecured consumer loans, credit card receivables, equipment leases, residential mortgage loans, servicing rights, student loans and trade receivables as well as more esoteric asset classes. Dechert was recently named a Law360 "Structured Finance Practice Group of the Year." The AFS group is also ranked as a leading firm by Chambers and Partners USA, IFLR1000, and The Legal 500 US.

“It’s an exciting time to lead Dechert’s asset finance & securitization team as we see numerous opportunities to provide legal and business insight across a variety of asset classes,” said Mr. Mazzeo. “We bring our clients unique perspectives on issues of primary importance. The asset finance & securitization team is comprised of a deep bench of partners, counsel and associates across our offices in the U.S. and in London, and I’m looking forward to leading the growth and development of our team.”

Mr. Mazzeo has 25 years of experience, focusing his practice on sophisticated capital markets and mortgage finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on structured finance, including residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), single family rental properties (SFR) and commercial real estate collateralized loan obligations (CRE CLOs). Mr. Mazzeo regularly advises asset managers, issuers, originators, servicers and underwriters in connection with securitizations, asset sales and repurchase facilities. Recently, he has represented numerous issuers in connection with the financing and securitization of performing and reperforming residential mortgage loans, business purpose bridge loans secured by residential homes and reverse mortgage loans.  Mr. Mazzeo also advises clients on the use of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and digital assets in the origination, sale, servicing and financing of financial assets. His clients include private equity and hedge fund managers who are investing in the residential, multifamily and commercial real estate markets and structured products. He has represented industry trade groups including the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) in delivering formal comments related to risk retention, Regulation AB, and other issues affecting securitizations under the Dodd-Frank Act.

Mr. Mazzeo has consistently been recognized for real estate and structured finance by The Legal 500 US, and was recently selected as a Best of the Bar lawyer in Greater Philadelphia. Mr. Mazzeo is a regular author and speaker on issues affecting securitization and the mortgage markets, and is a member of the MBA, Structured Finance Association (SFA), and the CRE Finance Council (CREFC).

Dechert’s global finance group provides a responsive, interdisciplinary, multi-jurisdictional team to address the complexities of modern finance transactions across categories and geographies. With more than 150 lawyers in the world’s major financial centers, our internationally recognized practice provides clients with innovative deal structuring, creative financing strategies and efficient execution. Our clients receive comprehensive solutions for all of their finance needs. By tapping into the breadth of Dechert’s expertise, we deliver advice on real estate finance, structured finance, leveraged finance, fund finance and securitization matters.

About Dechert 

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 22 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.