Goodwin has bolstered its Debt Finance practice in Asia with the partner hire of debt and leveraged finance lawyer Stephen Howard. Qualified in Hong Kong, the U.K. and Australia, Howard specializes in advising private equity sponsors, corporates, asset managers, alternative finance, capital providers and banks on capital structures and financing solutions. “Steve brings more than 15 years of experience in leveraged finance to our global private equity platform, having practiced in London and Hong Kong,” said Yash Rana, global co-chair of the Private Equity group and leader of the firm’s Asia practice, in a statement to Law.com. “His relationships with lenders and his market insights will be great assets to our clients. We are pleased to welcome him to the firm.”