Jim Gouwar

JIM GOUWAR advises financial institutions, investment managers, private equity sponsors, hedge funds, investment funds, and other market participants on the tax aspects of structured finance and securitization transactions. His practice focuses on mortgage- and asset-backed securitizations, collateralized loan obligations, debt obligations, real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs), and other structured finance products involving a broad range of financial assets.

“Jim’s excellent tax expertise and ability to translate deep transactional experience in a way that is accessible are huge assets to any securitization transaction.”
Chambers USA 2026

Jim has extensive experience advising on the development and implementation of innovative securitization structures across multiple asset classes, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, auto loans and leases, student loans, marketplace loans, cellular device receivables, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. He also regularly counsels clients on transactions involving collateralized loan obligations and other structured credit products.

Drawing on deep experience in the structured finance market, Jim advises clients on the tax considerations affecting complex financing transactions and investment structures. He works with clients across the financial services and asset management industries to develop tax-efficient solutions that support securitizations, structured credit transactions, and other capital markets financings.

Jim has been recognized by Chambers USA (Nationwide, 2021–2026) and Chambers Global (USA, 2022–2026) for Capital Markets: Securitization: Tax.

• KKR in its private credit strategic partnership with Sallie Mae.
• PIMCO funds on its investment to develop Meta’s Hyperion Data Center.
• International Finance Corporation on emerging markets loan securitization program.
• KKR on its strategic partnership with Harley-Davidson.
• Viking Global Investors on significant minority acquisition of Humaneva.
• Verizon Wireless in its securitization of receivables from the sale of cellular telephones.
• Cerberus/First Key, Carval/Mill City, MetLife, and more in the securitization of reperforming residential mortgage loans.
• Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley in the securitization of GNMA commercial mortgage loan certificates.
• Toyota, Honda, and BMW in the securitization of auto loans.
• BMW in its securitization of auto leases.
• Navient in its securitization of student loans.
• Lending Club, Loan Depot, Prosper, Marlette, Upgrade, and Upstart in the securitization of market place loans.
• Investcorp Credit Management US LLC (formerly known as 3i Debt Management US LLC) and Zais Leveraged Loan Master Manager LLC in CLO transactions.

The above matters were handled prior to joining Sidley.

• Chair, Introduction to Partnership at New York University’s Summer Institute in Taxation