The book "Australian Finance Law" by King & Wood Mallesons is a comprehensive legal resource that provides in-depth coverage of Australian finance law. Here is a detailed overview of the book, focusing on its key themes, structure, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Regulation of the Australian Financial System: The book covers the regulatory framework governing the Australian financial system, including the role of various regulatory bodies and the impact of legislation on financial institutions.

2. Capital Markets: It delves into the workings of capital markets in Australia, including domestic and international markets, and the legal structures that support these markets.

3. Debt Finance: The book explores the legal aspects of debt finance, including traditional security structures and the impact of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) on financing transactions.

4. Taxation and Insolvency Law: It provides comprehensive coverage of taxation and insolvency law as they relate to financing transactions, including loan-to-own restructurings and workouts.

5. Specialized Financing Transactions: The book introduces non-specialists to more complex financing transactions and structures, such as swaps, securitization, and hybrid securities.

6. Infrastructure and Resource Financing: It includes new chapters on infrastructure financing and resource financing, reflecting the growth in these sectors.

7. Trade Finance: Given the increasing importance of international trade, the book includes a chapter on trade finance, highlighting the legal aspects of financing international trade.

Structure

The book is divided into various sections, each focusing on a specific area of Australian finance law. The detailed structure includes:

• Introduction to Finance Law: Provides foundational knowledge for non-specialists.
• Regulation of the Financial System: Covers the regulatory framework.
• Capital Markets: Explores domestic and international capital markets.
• Debt Finance: Discusses traditional security structures and the impact of the PPSA.
• Taxation and Insolvency: Examines the legal implications of taxation and insolvency on financing transactions.
• Specialized Financing Transactions: Introduces complex financing structures.
• Infrastructure and Resource Financing: Focuses on the legal aspects of these sectors.
• Trade Finance: Covers the legal aspects of financing international trade.
• Comprehensive Coverage of Insolvency Law: Includes loan-to-own restructurings, workouts, insolvent trusts, and managed investment schemes.

Critical Reception

The book is well-regarded in the legal community for its comprehensive coverage and practical application to financing transactions. It is designed for both general and specialist advisers, making it an essential resource for students of Australian financial and commercial law. The seventh edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect significant changes in Australian finance law since the global financial crisis, making it a valuable resource for practitioners and academics alike.

Edition Details

• Edition: 7th Edition
• Publisher: Thomson Reuters
• Publication Date: 2016
• Pages: 1209 pages
• ISBN: 9780455238722 (paperback)

Overall, "Australian Finance Law" by King & Wood Mallesons is a seminal work in the field of Australian finance law, providing both theoretical and practical insights that are essential for understanding the complex legal landscape of finance in Australia.