Robert Parson has joined Sullivan & Worcester as a trade and export finance partner.

He moves to the law firm from Squire Patton Boggs and will be based in Sullivan’s London office.

Parson has more than 30 years of experience in advising banks, non-bank investors, fintechs, credit insurers and traders on complex cross-border financing arrangements, Sullivan says.

He specialises in structured trade, inventory finance and the digitalisation of trade documents, as well as disputes such as litigation related to letters of credit.

Parson joined Squire Patton Boggs in 2021. This move ended his second stint at Clyde & Co, after he rejoined the firm in 2016.

Prior to that, he spent eight years at Reed Smith as trade finance partner.

The hire will strengthen Sullivan’s trade finance practice, as well as develop its capabilities in disputes and trade digitalisation, the law firm says.

“Robert’s arrival cements our team as among the largest dedicated trade finance practices,” says Geoffrey Wynne, head of Sullivan’s trade and export finance group and the firm’s London office.

“His reputation in commodity and trade finance, including the digitalisation of trade and trade finance, as well as disputes, together with his industry advisory expertise, makes him an excellent fit for our practice,” Wynne says.

“He brings extensive experience advising clients across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, bringing insight that will be invaluable to our clients and add real depth to our team.”

Parson says: “As global markets evolve and digital trade and related activities continue to grow, I look forward to helping further strengthen the practice, supporting clients as they navigate increasingly complex challenges.”

Parson’s appointment follows a number of recent hires to Sullivan’s trade and export finance team, which now sits at seven partners and a team of associates.

This includes Matthew Cox, who joined the firm from Holman Fenwick Willan as partner in August.

In June 2025, Sullivan promoted Daniela Barrdear to partner in its trade and export finance practice, while Sam Fowler-Holmes left to join law firm Fieldfisher as a partner in its financial markets and products group the same month.

Also in June, Ellis Lawson left Sullivan to join Dentons as partner.