Banking Brief

In September 2025, our banking and finance team welcomed Ben Neville as a new Managing Associate. Based in our Exeter office, Ben shares insights on his transition to the firm and what he’s most looking forward to as part of the team.

1. Tell us a bit about your role – what will you be working on in banking and finance?

I have joined to support the setting up of a permanent Trowers banking and finance presence in the South West, so will be looking to expand and build on our impressive local geographical client base, whilst also adding my expertise to the national and international banking practices. I specialise in a wide range of banking matters, with a particular emphasis on real estate backed lending and corporate lending transactions, acting regularly for a broad spectrum of clients, from financial institutions and non-bank lenders to real estate investors, developers, and investment advisors, on the full lifecycle of commercial transactions, from structuring through to execution and final divestment. I have wide-ranging experience of all manner of lending and borrowing matters, including acquisitions, investment and development financings, refinancings, bridging facilities, restructurings and disposals, with significant experience in multi-let commercial, student accommodation, hospitality and mixed-use transactions, often with a cross-border element. Finally, I also have specialised knowledge of Shari’ah compliant finance and have obtained the globally recognised Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment’s Islamic Finance Qualification.

2. What drew you to join the banking and finance team/ the firm?

Leaving the City to return to my South West roots, I was looking to join a firm that was not only a real national and international heavyweight, but also had a bona fide full service offering in the South West which was being actively invested in. A genuine Islamic Finance practice was a key aspect of my decision making, as was the ability to grow a practice in an entrepreneurial manner. It became clear that Trowers was not just the only real option to meet my ambitions, but the firm with the best cultural fit as well, so I was delighted to join.

3. What’s your professional background – where were you before this?

I have worked in law ever since graduating, first training and qualifying with a UK Tier 1 Islamic Finance team in a national firm based in the South West, then joining the banking team at an international firm in London.

4. What’s one financial trend or development you’re currently keeping a close eye on?

Sustainable finance has been a hot topic in the banking and finance space for a long time without arguably ever truly taking off. Despite shifting regulatory landscapes, market uncertainties and wavering political support, there has remained a significant investment by UK lenders in developing and promoting sustainable finance products. It is going to be interesting to see how this space changes and adapts in the coming years as it continues to try and deliver on each part of the ESG criteria.

5. Where do you see the biggest opportunity for innovation in banking and finance within the firm?

I am a keen proponent for Document Automation. Having been involved previously in several automation projects, I know it adds enormous amount of value to our relationships with clients, as we become intimately familiar with their standard form documentation through the automation preparatory process and can then deliver transactions more efficiently once implemented, allowing our lawyers to focus more on progressing the matter without unnecessary delay.