Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has bolstered its London arm with the relocation of two partners to the firm's City headquarters.

US-qualified finance partner Perry Sayles transferred to Freshfields' City derivatives and structured finance practice at the end of last month after spending two years seconded to the firm's Hong Kong office.

Sayles (pictured), who made partner in the firm's New York office in 2001, focuses on a wide variety of financings for financial institutions and will help to advice on regulatory changes affecting structured products.

Freshfields' head of structured and asset finance Simeon Rudin commented: "With the intense focus of regulation on the derivatives and structured finance businesses of our clients in Europe and the US, there is a greater need to offer the benefit of our experience and insight in both of these markets.

"Perry's expertise and US experience will bolster our ability to deliver an integrated service to clients in today's rapidly changing structured products market."

Meanwhile Freshfields Middle East and North Africa corporate head David Higgins relocated back to the firm's City arm last month (1 May) after transferring out to Dubai in November 2008.

Higgins initially co-led the group alongside Bruce Embley but took on the reins singlehandedly after Embley transferred back to London in January 2009.

Paris corporate partner Bertrand Pellet has moved to the Middle East to replace Higgins.