Annabel Obenewaa Coffie, Banking and Finance Law LLM (2025)
CCLS offers countless opportunities—research projects, conferences, guest lectures—that can really shape your experience.
What influenced your decision to study at CCLS, Queen Mary?
I was drawn to CCLS first because of its reputation for excellence in commercial and financial law. I had read of it being the biggest post graduate law school in Europe and I wanted to be a part of it . Furthermore, it had the exact programme I was looking for. The programme’s strong connection to industry made it the ideal choice.
How did you find the teaching and learning?
The teaching was engaging, practical, and rigorous. I appreciated the balance between doctrinal foundations and the socio-legal perspective, which deepened my understanding of how regulation operates in real-world contexts. I also very much appreciated professors bringing industry experts into classes so we could not only learn the theory aspects of what was being taught but also get practical insights.
What was key about your programme/ were there any highlights?
A key highlight was the chance to learn from world-class lecturers and practitioners who brought both academic expertise and practical insights. I particularly valued how the course encouraged critical thinking about compliance and financial regulation across jurisdictions.
Did you combine modules across specialisations, and what were the advantages?
No, I did not . And in hindsight maybe I should have because I believe it would have given me an interdisciplinary perspective.
What did you enjoy about living in London whilst studying at CCLS?
The cultural diversity made easy to fit in, I didn't feel homesick cos I could find a bit of a home here. CCLS had programs that offered me professional networking opportunities, and proximity to global financial institutions which made my time here both enjoyable and impactful.
Did you learn alongside and stay in touch with classmates from other jurisdictions?
Yes, studying alongside classmates from across the world was invaluable. As a black African girl, Ghanaian to be precise it was easy that my first friends were Nigerians, Caribbeans and Kenyans but as time went on, I became friends with people from other nationalities. I now have friends from Uzbekistan, China, Indian and Spain! Studying alongside them enriched discussions with comparative perspectives and fostered friendships that I still maintain. The global network I built at CCLS is one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience.
Has gaining a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career?
Absolutely. The programme provided me with a strong foundation in compliance and financial regulation, which has been instrumental in my current role as a compliance analyst in London. Most of my career before my LLM was in commercial law and corporate governance and this LLM allowed me to pivot into financial law. It gave me both the academic grounding and the confidence to navigate complex regulatory issues in practice.
What piece of insight would you offer future students?
Be curious. Engage fully with both the academic and social aspects of the programme. Ask questions, connect with peers, and take advantage of networking opportunities, I can't emphasize that enough, because the relationships you build and the insights you gain will stay with you long after graduation. Those "boring " seminars, immerse yourself in them and talk to everyone you meet there! Focus on doing well in your papers but most importantly MAKE CONNECTIONS/NETWORKS.
What was your best experience of studying at CCLS?
The people I met. Both academic and personal! I continue to receive mentorship from my professors and now I have new friends who have similar outlook in like as I do.