Banking & Financial Services

Banking & Financial Services Lawyers in North York, ON

Navigating the complexities of banking and financial transactions requires knowledgeable legal counsel, particularly when significant assets, credit arrangements, or commercial projects are involved.

At BSG LLP, we provide comprehensive legal guidance to businesses and individuals across North York, the York Region, and Greater Toronto. Our team combines practical business insight with in-depth legal proficiency to help clients structure, negotiate, and execute financial agreements efficiently and securely.

Whether you are arranging financing for a new venture, acquiring equipment, or managing large-scale construction projects, our lawyers are here to provide authoritative guidance, compliance with Canadian banking and financial regulations, and protect your interests at every stage.

Reserve a free case evaluation with a North York banking and financial services lawyer by contacting us onlineor at (249) 501-6683. We offer office or convenient virtual consultations.

How We Help Clients with Banking & Financial Services

Asset-Based Lending

Asset-based lending (ABL) is a relatively modern expression and is used as a term of art to describe financing that is secured by an asset. The primary characterization of asset-based lending is that it is secured lending, which distinguishes it from an unsecured loan. The secured creditor will take other factors into account, but it places reliance on the debtor’s assets as the primary source of repayment. A secured loan is a contract between a debtor and a creditor that commits the debtor to make timely payments, and it provides that, in the event of default, the creditor may take possession of and some identified asset (or assets) of the debtor to satisfy the debt. The property that secures the indebtedness is the "asset base" on which the loan is founded. Businesses often turn to ABL for flexibility in financing operations, managing cash flow, or funding expansion.

BSG LLP assists clients in structuring, negotiating, and reviewing ABL agreements to achieve clear terms, manage risks, and comply with all legal requirements under Canadian commercial law. Our legal document helps borrowers and lenders navigate complex collateral arrangements and contractual obligations with confidence.

Equipment Leasing & Financing

Equipment financing is the extension of credit to provide a debtor with the financial resources necessary for them to acquire equipment. The credit extended by an equipment financier is usually in respect of all or a portion of the purchase price of the subject equipment. Equipment is a form of personal property that is defined broadly under the various Personal Property Security Acts (collectively, the “PPSAs” and each, a “PPSA”). Under the Ontario Personal Property Security Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.10, "equipment" is defined as “goods that are not inventory or consumer goods”. Examples of equipment that are frequently financed are office equipment, such as photocopiers and computers, industrial equipment, such as forklifts, and motor vehicles, such as automobiles.

Equipment financing differs from equipment leasing in that equipment leasing in its truest sense is a rental agreement (whether long-term or short-term) between the person who owns the equipment, the lessor, and the person renting the equipment, the lessee, whereby the lessor retains title to the leased equipment.

Acquiring equipment can be a significant investment for businesses. We provide legal guidance on equipment leasing and financing agreements, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating terms that protect your interests while providing operational flexibility. From machinery for manufacturing to medical or veterinary equipment, we work to create financing structures that are compliant with relevant statutes, clearly defined, and tailored to support your business goals.

Real Estate & Construction Financing

Construction financing (also referred to as construction loans, progressive draw mortgages, building loans, or development mortgages) refers to short-term financing advanced by a lender to a borrower for the purpose of constructing a custom residence, developing a real estate project, completing substantial renovations to existing property, or funding the continuation or completion of a partially constructed or incomplete project. Such financing may also be utilized for the acquisition of land and the undertaking of site development work.

Given the inherent risk profile associated with construction projects, construction financing is generally short-term in nature and is subject to higher interest rates than conventional mortgage financing. These arrangements are complex and typically involve multiple parties in addition to the borrower and the lender, including but not limited to:

General contractors
Subcontractors
Suppliers
Architects
Engineers
Surveyors
Municipal officials
Building inspectors

Construction financing is primarily utilized to provide funding for the development or completion of a real estate project. The proceeds of such financing are typically disbursed to compensate contractors, subcontractors, and other parties engaged in the construction process. Construction loans are generally short-term in nature and are advanced in stages (each, a “draw”) in accordance with a pre-determined draw schedule that corresponds to the progress of the construction.

The draw schedule is typically established by the lender; however, the timing and conditions of each draw may be subject to negotiation between the lender and the borrower, taking into account factors such as the contractor’s construction timeline, municipal approvals, project costs, and the nature of the property under development.

Upon substantial completion of the construction project, the construction loan is typically required to be repaid in full or refinanced into a conventional or long-term mortgage facility, as specified in the loan agreement's terms and conditions.

Financing real estate development or construction projects involves intricate legal and financial considerations. Our lawyers advise clients on real estate and construction financing arrangements, including mortgages, construction loans, and related security agreements. We collaborate with developers, contractors, and lenders to structure financing that complies with Ontario law, mitigates risk, and facilitates seamless project execution. Our proactive approach helps prevent disputes and develops financing arrangements that support project timelines and objectives.

Syndicate Financing

A syndicated loan is a financing arrangement in which two or more lending institutions (typically banks or other financial entities) collectively provide credit facilities to a single borrower under a common loan agreement. This structure enables the borrower to access a larger pool of capital than may be available from a single lender. One or more financial institutions customarily act as the Lead Arranger, Lead Manager, or Agent Bank, responsible for structuring, coordinating, and administering the loan on behalf of the lending syndicate.

Syndicated loans may be classified according to the nature of the lenders’ commitments. Under an underwritten (or firm commitment) facility, the lead bank makes a legally binding commitment to the borrower to advance the full amount of the facility, assuming the underwriting risk until participation from other lenders is secured. Conversely, in a best-efforts syndication, the lead bank does not guarantee full subscription of the facility and may reserve the right to modify or withdraw the syndication if adequate commitments cannot be obtained under the desired terms.

In addition, syndicated loans may be further categorized based on the type of facility provided. Common structures include:

Revolving credit facility – a facility under which the borrower is granted the right, but not the obligation, to make multiple drawdowns and repayments up to a specified maximum principal amount during the term of the facility;
Non-revolving term facility (or term loan) – a fixed-term credit facility that permits the borrower to make one or a limited number of drawdowns, after which the facility is fully drawn and repayable in accordance with a predetermined amortization schedule; and
Standby facility – a contingent credit arrangement intended to be utilized only upon the occurrence of specified events or circumstances, typically serving as a form of credit backstop or liquidity support.

Each of these facilities is governed by the terms and conditions set out in the applicable loan agreement, including provisions relating to drawdowns, repayments, and events of default. At BSG LLP, we guide clients through the negotiation, drafting, and execution of syndicated loan agreements, coordinating with all parties to address all legal, regulatory, and commercial considerations. Our team assists clients in managing the complexities of syndicated lending, from structuring commitments to enforcing rights and obligations under Canadian law.

The Benefits of Partnering with BSG LLP

With a deep understanding of commercial law and finance, our North York banking and financial services lawyers provide practical, strategic advice to help you achieve your financial objectives.

Our team is committed to:

Making you compliant with Canadian banking, securities, and commercial regulations.
Drafting clear, enforceable agreements that protect your interests.
Identifying and mitigating risks in complex financing arrangements.
Providing hands-on support through negotiations, closings, and dispute resolution if necessary.

We combine legal precision with business insight, helping you secure financing solutions that drive growth and safeguard your operations.

Call (249) 501-6683 or complete our online contact form to book a complimentary consultation about your banking or financial needs today.

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