Aaron Scott advises on structured finance and securitization matters, with a particular focus on collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Based in Dechert’s London office, Mr. Scott represents leading arrangers and managers on European CLO transactions. In addition, he advises on the EU regulatory aspects of U.S. CLOs, including risk retention and transparency requirements.
The Legal 500 UK, 2027, recommends Mr. Scott for securitization. Sources quoted in the guide say that he is “very considerate and user-friendly. He is well-supported by the hard-working and capable Rory O'Connor”. Chambers and Partners UK, 2027, also recognized Mr. Scott for his work on CLOs, with clients describing him as “top-notch, super knowledgeable and very approachable” and “very easy to work with”. Clients also commented “Aaron has done a fantastic job. He worked incredibly hard and has become the market leader in this area. He was also very sensible when it came to fee discussions”.
Mr. Scott was personally commended by the FT for his work driving the development of Europe’s private credit CLO market, winning the (with standout status) “Innovation in Unlocking Capital” award at the Financial Times’ Innovative Lawyers Awards for Europe 2026. He was also nominated for the Securitisation 'Rising Star of the Year' award at the GlobalCapital European Securitization Awards 2024.
Mr. Scott trained and worked as a lawyer in New Zealand before moving to London where, prior to joining Dechert, he worked in the structured finance practice of another international law firm.
- Ares on the firm’s first European Direct Lending Collateralized Loan Obligation, Ares European Direct Lending CLO I, at £305 million.
- Ares on their second European Direct Lending Collateralized Loan Obligation, Ares European Direct Lending CLO II, at more than £300 million.
- Palmer Square Europe Capital Management LLC, as Collateral Manager, in connection with various static and managed EU CLOs, including refinancings, resets and new issues.
- Barings (U.K.) Limited, as Collateral Manager, in connection with the first European Private Credit CLO.
- Anchorage CLO ECM, L.L.C. in connection with new issue EU CLOs managed by Anchorage and refinancings and resets of existing EU CLOs managed by Anchorage.
- CarVal CLO Management, LLC in connection with new issue EU CLOs managed by CarVal.
- Capital Markets: CLOs – Band 3 – Chambers and Partners UK, 2027
- Finance: Securitisation – The Legal 500 UK, 2027
- Private Credit in Asset-Based Finance and Structured Credit: A Focus on Private Credit CLOs and Rated Note Innovations, Private Credit Summit 2025, Dechert LLP - London, UK (June 2025)
- Middle market CLOs – From niche to mainstream – Creditflux CLO Symposium (May 2025)
- The CLO Outlook – Focusing on European Perspectives Opening Panel – Creditflux CLO Symposium (May 2024)
- CLO Manager Considerations Panel – Global ABS (June 2023)
- European CLO Market Outlook Panel – Creditflux CLO Symposium (May 2023)
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- University of Otago, L.L.B., 2012
- University of Otago, B.Sc., 2012
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- New Zealand