Joining A&O in April, Stapledon brings with him 13 years of experience advising clients on a range of structured debt products and derivatives, project financing transactions - including resources, power, telecommunications, infrastructure finance transactions - as well as acquisition and corporate financing transactions.

"Based on our internal and external due diligence, Adam is without question one of the most highly-regarded finance practitioners in Australia," said A&O managing partner Grant Fuzi. "His specialised expertise will further strengthen out banking capability."

Having previously worked at Shearman & Sterling in London, Stapledon has also lectured on syndicated lending courses at the University of Sydney and is a regular presenter at the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association documentation seminars.