Steve Mills

A variation (sometimes referred to as a variation instruction, variation order (VO) or change order), is an alteration to the scope of works in a construction contract in the form of an addition, substitution or omission from the original scope of works. Lenders (and sponsors) are acutely aware that any…

A form of Reserve Based Lending which is used in North America. US Borrowing Base structures typically require 100% approval by all lenders for any increases in debt capacity (as opposed to 2/3 in European Borrowing Base Structures). US-style facilities generally also give only very limited debt value to probable…

In syndicated loan transactions the Mandated Lead Arrangers may agree, for an underwriting fee, to provide the full amount of the loan facility if it proves impossible for them to syndicate the transaction to other lenders. The name derives from the Lloyd's of London insurance market. Financial bankers, who would…

A collection of 17 goals reflecting the biggest challenges facing global societies, environments and economies today. Many investment decisions are now driven by the willingness to meet those SDGs.The 17 SDGs are: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and…

The international framework established in 1992 to tackle the issue of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The UNFCCC aims to prevent dangerous man-made climate change and commits developed countries to take the lead in tackling climate change.

The financial risks which could result from significant policy, legal, technology and market changes as we transition to a lower-carbon global economy and climate resilient future.

Refers generally to a contractual arrangement whereby an Offtaker (the “toller”) agrees to make payments to an SPV in return for the provision of services – e.g. refining of crude, power generation, regasification of LNG. The payments tend to be availability / capacity based and therefore such structures frequently transfer…

May be seen as a memorandum of understanding, setting out the terms and conditions of a financing which will in due course be incorporated into a full loan agreement. Term sheets may be “uncommitted” or “committed”. The former will normally be subject to: lender credit committee approval; formal loan documentation…

A financing facility, typically with a maturity greater than 3 years, with an agreed availability period (when the funds may be drawn) and a predetermined repayment schedule / arrangement. Amounts drawn under term loans may not be redrawn following repayment. Term loans are not typically repayable on demand. An Event…

Take or pay is a contractual provision, whereby one party has the obligation of either (i) taking delivery of the product, goods or service or (ii) paying a specified amount.  Take or pay contracts ensure a predictable level of revenues, since they are not dependent on demand and therefore will…