Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform
Haynes Boone has welcomed Partner Chris Acton to its London office, where he will join the firm’s UK finance practice to strengthen its capabilities in structured finance, derivatives and trading and complement the firm’s established derivatives practice in New York. Acton joins from Macfarlanes, where he spent his last 12 years as a partner in their derivatives practice, advising clients based in London, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Acton primarily advises private capital clients ranging from hedge funds, credit funds, proprietary trading firms and family offices on financing, derivatives, trading and related regulatory matters. His practice spans a broad range of investment strategies and financing relationships, including prime brokerage, custody, repo, margin lending, securities lending, FX, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives and central clearing. He also advises on risk transfers, special opportunities, debt and claims trading transactions.
“Haynes Boone offers an exciting opportunity to build a derivatives platform in London with strong connections to an established and growing U.S. practice,” Acton said. “The derivatives market continues to evolve, and clients need commercially focused advice that reflects the realities of their trading relationships and the regulatory environments in which they operate. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to develop the platform and support clients on their most complex derivatives and trading matters.”
Acton will work closely with Haynes Boone’s New York team to build a coordinated derivatives offering across the United States and United Kingdom, helping clients navigate complex finance and trading relationships across international jurisdictions.
“Adding Chris strengthens our derivatives platform and creates new opportunities to bring together our capabilities in London and New York,” said Miki Navazio, co-chair of Haynes Boone’s U.S. Derivatives Practice Group. “His experience advising hedge funds and other market participants on complex trading relationships complements our work in derivatives, prime brokerage and fund finance. This addition positions us to provide even more coordinated, commercially focused counsel to clients operating across these markets.”
“Chris brings a highly commercial perspective and deep experience advising private capital clients across the derivatives markets,” said Nick Davis, managing partner of Haynes Boone’s London office. “His arrival is an important addition to our London platform and creates an opportunity to further strengthen the connections between our UK and U.S. teams. As we continue to grow our London capabilities, building a derivatives practice that works seamlessly across these markets is a natural next step, and we are delighted to welcome Chris to the firm.”
Acton is the latest addition to Haynes Boone's growing London office, which has continued to expand across key practice areas. Acton is the seventh partner to join Haynes Boone’s London office in 2026, following London Restructuring Chair Linton Bloomberg, International Disputes Chair Louise Woods, International Arbitration Partner Philipp Kurek, Real Estate Partner Angus Ford, Fund Finance Partner Jeremy Cross and Tax Partner Alexandra Ueno-Park.
Haynes Boone’s London office continues to build momentum following its relocation to a larger space in the City of London at the end of 2025 to support continued growth and strengthen its ability to serve clients on cross-border matters. Acton’s appointment further advances the firm’s strategy of connecting its growing London presence with its established U.S. practices to deliver coordinated advice on complex financial and transactional matters.
