William Fry is delighted to announce that Ann Faherty has been named Rising Star – Banking & Finance at the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2026, recognising her outstanding achievements and leadership in complex banking and finance transactions across Ireland and internationally.
The Women in Business Law Awards celebrate leading women lawyers and the law firms advancing gender diversity and excellence across the legal profession. The Rising Star category recognises exceptional lawyers with fewer than 15 years’ professional experience who have demonstrated outstanding talent, leadership and achievement early in their careers.
A Senior Associate in William Fry’s Banking & Finance department, Ann has established herself as one of the most talented finance lawyers in the Irish market since qualifying in 2018. She advises leading domestic and international clients on complex financings, restructurings and cross-border transactions, and is recognised for her technical expertise, commercial judgement and ability to lead sophisticated workstreams on high-profile mandates.
Ann has played a central role on several landmark transactions, including advising on Ardagh Group’s debt and equity recapitalisation; advising DNB Bank ASA on the €1.4 billion financing supporting Pandox’s acquisition of Dalata Hotel Group; and acting for the European Investment Bank on its financing of Touax Rail Limited to support the acquisition of approximately 900 railcars across Europe.
Commenting on the award, Padraic Kinsella, Partner and Co-Head of Banking & Finance at William Fry, said, “Ann’s recognition as Rising Star – Banking & Finance is thoroughly deserved. She combines exceptional technical ability with commercial insight, leadership and a remarkable commitment to client service. Ann has played a pivotal role on many of the most significant and complex finance transactions we have advised on in recent years and has earned the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike. We are incredibly proud to see her achievements recognised on this international stage.”
Commenting on the award, Ann Faherty said, “I am honoured to receive this award and grateful to Women in Business Law for this recognition. I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding clients and colleagues at William Fry and this award reflects the support, collaboration and opportunities I have received throughout my career. It is a privilege to be part of a team that continues to advise on some of the most innovative and impactful transactions in the market.”
This award further reinforces William Fry’s position as a leading adviser on complex banking and finance transactions and reflects the firm’s commitment to developing exceptional legal talent.
