Bohdan Bon, International Banking and Finance Law LLM student

Bohdan Bon

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am from Ukraine, and worked as a practising lawyer in Kyiv office of Dentons. I won the Chevening Award and was fully funded to study in the UK.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I was looking exclusively for a Banking and Finance Law course and Leeds was the highest ranked among the universities which proposed such kind of course.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

Lending is the core incentive for the economic growth. Decent legal protection of creditors ensures their active lending and thus economic growth. Being a part of this system and feeling of importance of your work both in an economic and social perspectives drive you for further development and give a great satisfaction.

What do you think of your course so far?

It’s a great course. There’s a good combination of understanding of how the economy works and how your work is implemented into it. What is remarkable is that the course provided me with a broader perspective of my work, which ensures strategic thinking and opportunity for further development.

What would you say about the learning facilities?

They are outstanding. I even cannot suggest any amendments. Everything I needed, I had. What I needed but could not imagine of its existence – it was suggested to me. I am pretty astonished. The only problem is the study rooms in Edward Boyle Library can get too warm!

How do you find the student support in the School?

Again perfect. Especially Professors Sarah Brown and Andy Campbell: after having a conversation with them you feel inspired and positive. Dr Suren Gomtsyan and Professor Surya Subedi also gave me great advice on my requests; very personalised, sincere and practical.

Have you been involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I was involved in the Law Society which is a decent organisation. I participated in a moot court session which left me happy and inspired.

What would you say about Leeds as a city?

It is like a megalopolis inside of village: calm, clean and friendly as a village and simultaneously economically developed and provides plenty of professional opportunities.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I strongly recommend it. Leeds has all the required facilities while being relatively cheap and lovely.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course?

I already have an offer from Dentons Kyiv and will try to apply for PhD as I am extremely interested in researching the cashless economy.