Cosimo Spagnolo, Banking and Finance Law LLM (2026)
What makes Queen Mary unique is how academic excellence is constantly matched with real market relevance.
What influenced your decision to study at CCLS, Queen Mary?
I chose CCLS because it is one of the few places where legal education is not confined to books. It is practical, commercial, and directly connected to the City of London. With two campuses—one central and one a short tube ride from the financial district—everything an international student needs is on hand, from libraries and associations to tailored support.
How did you find the teaching and learning?
Outstanding. What makes Queen Mary unique is how academic excellence is constantly matched with real market relevance. One of the courses I enjoyed the most was Regulation of Financial Markets course with Professor Rosa Lastra, where weekly classes were complemented by expert discussion on the subject. What I valued most was that the very same experts who came to teach us in class were also the ones shaping these debates at the forefront of regulation and finance. This kind of exposure meant learning was never abstract—you were constantly part of the conversation at the highest level. For example, we were able to discuss central banking issues directly with representatives from the Bank of England who came to teach on campus. On top of that, we were given access to conferences at the Bank itself, where some students were invited to speak as panellists. I also had the privilege of participating in a public hearing at the House of Lords, during the Financial Services Regulation Committee’s inquiry into the growth of private markets in the UK following the 2008 reforms.
What was key about your programme/ were there any highlights?
Theory was constantly tied to practice. With Professors Rodrigo Olivares and George Walker, courses such as corporate finance law and international financial law required us not only to master formulas but also to engage directly with contracts. This academic foundation was further enriched by leading institutions—including Linklaters, Freshfields, and JP Morgan—who came into the classroom to share their expertise. Their contributions offered unique insights into the practical dimensions of several topics, including liability management and structured finance, with particular emphasis on negotiation strategies and the drafting of legal opinions.
Did you combine modules across specialisations, and what were the advantages?
Yes. Mixing specialisations gave me a strong economic and financial background, which now allows me to approach complex legal issues with greater strategic vision.
What did you enjoy about living in London whilst studying at CCLS?
London is an unbeatable advantage. Between conferences, networking events, and industry seminars, it was normal to exchange ideas with top City professionals. And outside study, London’s culture and energy made every day unique.
Did you learn alongside and stay in touch with classmates from other jurisdictions?
Definitely. The class was truly international. Discussing the same issues through different legal traditions was inspiring.
Has gaining a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career?
Yes. The programme sharpened my expertise and enabled me to operate in international finance with a broader perspective.
What piece of insight would you offer future students?
Exploit everything CCLS offers—its academics, its professional connections, and above all, its London advantage.
What was your best experience of studying at CCLS?
The mix of rigorous study, an elite international environment, and London’s legal ecosystem—an experience that shapes both professional and personal growth