In a strategic move to bolster its global fund finance practice, King & Spalding has welcomed Ron Franklin as a partner in its finance and restructuring practice group in New York. Franklin, who previously co-headed the corporate and fund finance group at Proskauer Rose, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in complex financing transactions.
This addition is part of King & Spalding’s multi-year strategy to build a world-class global fund finance practice. Franklin’s arrival follows the recent joining of partners Andy Bettwy and Jin Joo, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities in this specialized area.
Ron Franklin’s Extensive Experience and Expertise
With over three decades of experience, Franklin has advised a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions, private equity sponsors, private credit funds, and corporations. His expertise spans a wide array of financing transactions, with a particular focus on NAV facilitiesasset-based lending and GP financings. This extensive background positions him as a valuable asset to King & Spalding’s clients.
Franklin’s reputation precedes him, with multiple legal profession guides recognizing him as a leading lawyer in several finance categories. His educational background is equally impressive, with a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, and an A.B., cum laude, from Occidental College.
Strengthening King & Spalding’s Global Fund Finance Practice
Franklin’s arrival significantly enhances King & Spalding’s global fund finance practice. The firm now boasts a Chambers Band-1 ranked fund finance practice in London, led by partner Sam Hutchinson and her team, who joined in 2026. In the U.S., Franklin will lead a top-tier fund finance team, creating a robust transatlantic presence.
Robert Hays, chairman of King & Spalding, highlighted the transformational impact of Franklin’s addition. “Adding a partner of Ron’s caliber, along with his talented partners Andy and Jin, is a game-changer for our fund finance platform. This aligns with our strategy to build a world-class global fund finance practice,” Hays said.
Franklin’s Vision for the Future
Franklin expressed his enthusiasm for the new role and the opportunities it presents. “I have spent my career building and leading finance practices, and King & Spalding offers an incredibly strong platform for taking this practice to the next level,” he stated. He emphasized the firm’s deep relationships across private credit, private equity, and structured finance, as well as its premier fund finance team in London, as key factors in his decision to join.
Franklin’s vision aligns with King & Spalding’s commitment to providing clients with comprehensive solutions. Carolyn Alford, co-leader of the firm’s finance and restructuring practice group, underscored the firm’s achievements and future goals. “We strongly believe that what we have built here in less than two years is unprecedented: a truly integrated, transatlantic fund finance practice with market-leading talent at every level,” Alford said.
The firm’s continued investment in this practice area reflects its confidence in the evolving credit markets and its intention to lead in this space. With Franklin at the helm, King & Spalding is poised to offer clients a single destination for the most complex fund finance work across every product type.
