Firms To Watch: Banking and finance: Zurich

The team at Teichmann International advises banks and other financial institutions as well as UHNW individuals on a broad range of areas in banking and financial markets law as well as related areas, such as compliance and white-collar crime. The team is headed by Fabian Teichmann and Urs Bigger.

Banking and finance: Zurich in Switzerland

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG offers a full service with a particular strength in regulatory matters. The team advised various financial institutions on the new economic sanctions connected to the current war in Ukraine and has played an active role in advising industry players in the implementation of the new Finance Services Act and the Financial Institutions Act. Other practice areas include acquisition finance, asset finance, and financial restructuring. Samuel Marbacher, who specialises in syndicated lending and real estate financing, and Markus Wolf, who has extensive experience in advising on multijurisdictional leveraged acquisition, both head the team. Another key team member is Lukas Glanzmann who plays an active role in advising financial creditors on complex financings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Samuel Marbacher; Markus Wolf


Autres avocats clés:

Lukas Glanzmann


Les références

‘Solution-driven consulting, which is customized based on the specifics of the client – fast reaction – clear, precise and efficient communication of content.’

‘High level of experience – solutions which are practical – discussion in which the input from both sides is used to find the best result – quick response – always available.’

‘A team with proven expertise in all legal aspects of banking and finance and able to answer even short-term inquiries very promptly.’

Principaux clients

UBS AG / UBS Switzerland AG


Credit Suisse AG / Credit Suisse (Schweiz) AG


LGT Bank AG


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CA-CIB)


IG Bank SA


Zürcher Kantonalbank


Bank Julius Baer


Société Générale


Vontobel


UniCredit Bank AG


ING Bank N.V.


Raiffeisen


Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft


Aareal Bank


Rabobank


Deposit Solutions GmbH


Ambienta Capital


Ufenau Capital Partners


Quilvest (Switzerland) AG


Arbonia AG


Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)


Patrimonium Private Equity Fund


Energy Infrastructure Partners AG


RRJ Capital


Yorkville Advisors


CSA Energy Infrastructure Switzerland


Fundamenta Real Estate AG


Clariant AG


Argo-Hytos Group


Allied World Group


Georg Fischer


Comet Holding


Walter Meier AG


MET Group


Cimpress plc


Duagon Holding AG


Canton of Geneva


Edyn Group


CoinShares


VAT Group AG


Feintool International Holding AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised UBS on the conclusion of a CHF 9 billion loss protection agreement with the Swiss Confederation, which is the cornerstone element of the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse.
  • Advised Georg Fischer (GF) on up to  €1.05 billion and CHF400 million acquisition facilities for the financing of its voluntary public cash tender offer for all shares in Finnish piping system specialist Uponor.
  • Advised Swiss Property AG on the conversion of its CHF 1.8 billion bond portfolio to green bonds and the conversion of its loan portfolio to sustainability-linked loans.

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd. advises high-profile national and international clients including banks, asset managers, fintech companies, and other financial institutions. The team is active across a range of issues including regulation of distributed ledger technology and enforcement proceedings for shareholding disclosure rules, anti-money laundering, and unauthorised banking. Eric Stupp heads the team and regularly advises clients on regulatory matters, enforcement proceedings, and financial transactions. Other core names within the team include Ralph Malacrida who specialises in M&A and corporate financial transactions and Peter Hsu who regularly advises domestic and international banks and fintech businesses on cross-border regulatory and contractual matters. With a special focus on fintech, Daniel Flühmann is a key contact who regularly advises financial innovators and established market participants. Capital markets and finance expert Lukas Roesler specialises in advising various actors involved in financial transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eric Stupp; Ralph Malacrida; Peter Hsu; Daniel Flühmann; Lukas Roesler


Autres avocats clés:

Joel Fischer; Christian Kunz; Micha Schilling; Gadi Daniel Winter; Tiffany Ender; Faton Aliu; Stephanie Walter


Les références

‘For me, Bär & Karrer is clearly Switzerland’s best law firm. They have excellent attorneys and as a client, you get the best team. In the case of Bär & Karrer, clients come first – and not short-term commercial interests.’

‘Joel Fischer is a brilliant mind and an outstanding attorney with an impressive track record working on high-profile international banking engagements. His work on US enforcement matters, tax obligations, anti-financial crime, or anti-corruption cases was consistently excellent.’

‘Eric Stupp is a fantastic attorney and likely the most experienced Swiss lawyer for important banking matters. He led critical investigations in the banking sector related to tax compliance and other financial crime matters. Stephanie Walter is a very diligent and highly gifted attorney.’

Principaux clients

UBS Group AG


ION Asset Management


Liechtensteinische Landesbank


Orthos Advisory AG


Bitcoin Suisse AG


Orthos Advisory AG


CLARK Group


Liechtensteinische Landesbank


Credit Suisse


Tecan Group Ltd.


Rothschild Bank AG


Cembra Money Bank AG


Morgan Stanley International, London, Zurich Branch


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising UBS on the acquisition of Credit Suisse.
  • Acting as legal advisor to Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG (LLB) in connection with the public tender offer and the subsequent cancellation procedure and as counsel for Bank Linth for the delisting procedure.
  • Assisted a Swiss asset manager in setting up the regulatory framework to comply with the requirements pursuant to the Swiss Financial Institutions Act and Swiss Financial Services Act in the context of its licensing process with FINMA.

Homburger

Homburger advises several high-profile clients on financial transaction matters and takes an active role in the development of new legislative acts such as the new Swiss Financial Services Act and the new Swiss blockchain legislation. Benedikt Maurenbrecher heads the team and has expertise in a broad range of transactions such as bonds, secured and unsecured lending. Jürg Frick heads the financing and investment products team and focuses on international high-yield bond offerings and structured financing. Daniel Haeberli’s practice focuses on secured lending, syndicated debt, and structured financing. Other core team members include Stefan Kramer, whose focus is on asset-based and structured finance, René Bösch who regularly acts as senior advisor to banks and was involved in the crafting of the new Swiss Financial Services Act and Benjamin Leisinger, who specialises in financing transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Benedikt Maurenbrecher


Autres avocats clés:

Jürg Frick; Daniel Haeberli; Stefan Kramer; René Bösch; Benjamin Leisinger; Stefan Bindschedler; Alexander Wherlock


Les références

‘The team has dealt with various complex topics (e.g. contract issues and negotiations with third parties, regulatory issues, issuance of various financial products). The team handled them very well and to our fullest satisfaction.’

‘Fast response times and answers, straightforward dealings, solution-oriented and with a forward-looking view. The team is very well coordinated internally. ’

 

Principaux clients

AtlasEdge


UBS Switzerland


ING Bank


AMAG Leasing


MusicBird


Revlon


Credit Suisse (Switzerland)


AE Group


OC Oerlikon


Valaris


Citigroup Global Markets


Swarovski


Zürcher Kantonalbank


GTT Communications


Dätwyler Holding, Datwyler Parco Holdings


Fluence Energy


Raiffeisen Genossenschaft Schweiz


Pictet


Goldman Sachs


LMG Life


Migros


U.C. Cotton


VectivBio


wefox


Implenia


Clear Channel


Roche


Dufry


GLOBOGATE


Meyer Burger


StoneX


Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank


DKSH


ADC Therapeutics SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised AtlasEdge on milestone sustainability-linked EUR725 m loan facilities
  • Advised Raiffeisen Schweiz on incorporating its six branches in separate legal entities as new Raiffeisenbanken.
  • Advised ING Bank and a syndicate of 17 banks on high-profile €2.3 bn multicurrency revolving credit facility with Axpo

Lenz & Staehelin

Full-service firm Lenz & Staehelin  ‘boasts a wealth of experience’ in all banking and finance matters including refinancing transactions, sustainability-linked financings, acquisition financings, growth company financings, and financial restructurings as well as regulatory matters, fintech work, and issuing legal opinions. Practice head Marcel Tranchet has extensive expertise in syndicated financings, bond offerings, and derivatives. Structured and lease finance specialist Patrick Hünerwadel has a broad regulatory practice with a focus on financial institutions and financial market infrastructures. Patrick Schleiffer has a special focus on financial market law and financial services regulation. Martin Burkhardt is an expert on banking-related disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marcel Tranchet


Autres avocats clés:

Patrick Hünerwadel; Patrick Schleiffer; Martin Burkhardt; Patrick Schärli; Norman Walczak; Christian Grahlmann; Sven Infanger


Les références

‘Best in class, outstanding.’

‘Marcel Tranchet is the best finance lawyer in the Swiss market.’

‘Lenz & Staehelin combines expertise from all areas of business law into high quality, effective advice. Their banking and finance practice boasts a wealth of experience on legal topics combined with relevant insights on commercial aspects and market practice.’

Principaux clients

ABN AMRO


Amundi Suisse SA


Ares Life Sciences / Waypoint


Aviva Investors Global Services


Banque Lombard Odier & Cie SA


Banque Syz SA


BNP Paribas Group


BlackRock


Barclays Bank


Citibank Group


Clariant


Crédit Agricole


Credit Suisse


Deutsche Bank


Edmond de Rothschild Group


Equistone Partners


Fidelity


Goldman Sachs


Hilti


HSBC


INEOS


ING Bank


ISDA


Banco Itau


J.P. Morgan


LafargeHolcim


Macquarie Group


New York Digital Investment Group


Nomura


ODDHO BHF


On Holding


OROX Asset Management


Pargesa Holding SA


Pensionskasse SBB


Pictet Group


PIMCO


Rabobank


Raiffeisen Bank


REHAU


REYL Intesa Sanpaolo


Saxobank


SIX Swiss Exchange


Société Générale


SoftwareONE


Stadler Rail


Stratéo


Swissquote Bank SA


UBP


UBS


Unigestion S.A.


Vanguard


Varo


VTG Aktiengesellschaft


Principaux dossiers


  • Facilitated the On Group’s inaugural syndicated bank debt financing.
  • Acted as lead counsel to the Stadler Rail Group in a CHF 2.8 billion multicurrency credit facilities agreement with an international syndicate of banks.
  • Representing the Sika Group in the financing of the CHF 5.5 billion acquisition financing of the MBCC Group.

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Niederer Kraft Frey AG advises high-profile clients on a broad range of banking and finance matters such as regulatory compliance and enforcement, banking litigation, banking insolvency, and financing transactions. The practice is headed by the ‘renowned and well-respected’ Sandro Abegglen whose practice covers bank and financial service regulatory law, complex contractual work, blocking statutes and KYC/AML regulations, and civil contentious matters. Marco Häusermann specialises in international financing transactions whilst Bertrand Schott focuses on financial services regulations. Philipp Candreia handles investigation and enforcement matters and Thomas A Frick has a key focus on syndicated finance. Other key team members include Adrian Koller and Philip Spoerlé.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sandro Abegglen


Autres avocats clés:

Marco Häusermann; Bertrand Schott; Philipp Candreia; Thomas Frick; Adrian Koller; Philip Spoerlé; Simon Bühler; Martin Schaub; Yannick Wettstein; Stefan Härtner; Nina Bremi


Les références

‘It is a team that delivers to the point pragmatic and useful legal advice as compared to other firms with a more theoretical approach.’

‘Sandro Abegglen is a renowned and well-respected legal practitioner in the Swiss banking and financial services area. He provides outstanding and respected legal advice.’

‘Premium law firm.’

Principaux clients

UBS Switzerland AG


Julius Baer


Bank of America


Ardian Private Equity


ED&F Man Group


Volcafe Ltd.


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


ING Bank N.V.


Deutsche Bank


Zürcher Kantonalbank


Credit Suisse


J.P. Morgan


CIBC


EQT Partners


Invision


Swiss Confederation


Capvis


Clariant AG


Gasverbund Mittelland AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Swiss Confederation on the conclusion of a CHF9 billion Loss Protection Agreement (LPA) with UBS Group AG.
  • Advised UBS Switzerland,Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., NATIXIS and Zürcher Kantonalbank on a new CHF 500 million syndicated revolving credit facility for Swiss Life.
  • Advised Bank of America, acting as bookrunning mandated lead arranger, on the financing of DKSH’s acquisition of Terra Firma and the subsequent take-out financing.

Advestra

Corporate law firm Advestra has extensive expertise in finance, M&A matters, capital markets, financial services, and tax. The firm often collaborates with specialists from other firms. Rashid Bahar has in-depth knowledge of the regulation of financial services whilst Alexander von Jeinsen handles complex financing transactions. Sandro Fehlmann advises domestic and foreign insurance companies, banks, securities dealers and other financial intermediaries on a wide range of regulatory and corporate matters. Annina Hammer advises on financing transactions, including syndicated credit agreements and cash pooling arrangements.

Autres avocats clés:

Rashid Bahar; Alexander von Jeinsen; Sandro Fehlmann; Annina Hammer


Principaux clients

Green Group AG


UBS


Credit Suisse


Zürcher Kantonalbank


Raiffeisen Switzerland


Basler Kantonalbank


Société Générale


Patrimonium


SIG Group AG


InfraVia Capital


Baring Asset Management


Moonfare


Ardian


Citibank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Green Datacenter, backed by InfraVia, on a comprehensive refinancing.
  • Advised private investment house Ardian on its investment in the Mimacom Flowable Group.
  • Advised the Swiss Government on the establishment of a rescue package amounting to a total of CHF 10bn for the electricity sector.

Kellerhals Carrard

Kellerhals Carrard’s expanding team advises high-profile domestic and international clients, including banks, securities firms, asset managers and insurance companies with asset management entities on a wide range of banking and finance-related areas such as financial regulation, investment banking, complex financing transactions, and asset management. The team assists various fintech projects from advising start-ups on the digitalisation of processes to supporting large banks with the structuring of their NFT offerings. Team head Luca Bianchi has a special focus on capital market transactions and the regulation of financial services. Cornelia Stengel has extensive expertise in fintech and regularly advises innovation projects on digitalisation issues. Dominik Oberholzer specialises in financial markets, capital markets, and anti-money laundering matters. Armin Kühne advises clients on asset management, insurance matters, and anti-money laundering matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luca Bianchi


Autres avocats clés:

Cornelia Stengel; Armin Kühne; Dominik Oberholzer; Lea Ruckstuhl; Michael Kremer


Les références

‘The banking and finance team of Kellerhals Carrard has an excellent and comprehensive understanding of banking and finance matters as well as regulatory topics.’

‘Luca Bianci is an absolute pro when it comes to regulatory, banking or finance matters (incl. IPOs). Due to his extensive experience, Luca is often the key person when interactions with relevant stakeholders take place, in particular financial market authorities.’

‘Kellerhals Carrard is a law firm with an excellent record and extensive experience. It specialises in complex issues and has extensive experience resolving highly complex legal, regulatory and fund law matters.’

Principaux clients

UBS AG


Swiss FinTech Innovations


BKW AG


Franklin Templeton Group.


DWS


TWINT AG


Macquarie Group


Sygnum Bank AG


Partners Group


Novo Banco SA


Zürcher Kantonalbank


LGT Gruppe Holding AG


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising UBS AG on financial services regulatory matters and with regards to  the set-up, registration and listing at SIX Swiss Exchange of listed and non-listed funds (total of approx. 150 funds).
  • Advised BKW AG as borrower of its CHF 1.5bn syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility.
  • Advised Twint AG on regulatory matters.

MLL Legal

MLL Legal is well placed to advise on complex financing structures, financial market infrastructures, securities and asset management, fintech, real estate investment products, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and structured products. The team is led by Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler, who advises clients including banks, investment funds, and payment systems operators on regulatory matters, and Daniel Schoch, who has a special focus on complex syndicated loans, structured finance, and acquisition finance. Dunja Koch has expertise in all aspects of corporate and finance law whilst Alexander Vogel is specialised in banking and finance, financial regulatory, and M&A relating to financial market participants. Karin Oberlin, Samuel Ljubicic, and Reto Luthiger are further key team members.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler; Daniel Schoch


Autres avocats clés:

Alexander Vogel; Karin Oberlin; Samuel Ljubicic; Reto Luthiger; Ülkü Cibik; Jérôme Pidoux


 


 


Les références

‘The team is highly responsive and provides holistic advice.’

‘Karin Oberlin and Reto Luthiger have been supporting the project since its inception. They are both highly professional, focus on what is important, and are able to solve problems.’

‘The members of the team are very knowledgeable but most importantly, they also understand how to run a business. They are business-oriented and pragmatic in their approach.’

Principaux clients

ABC Maritime SA


FTX


Argentem Creek Partners LP


Apollo Global Management


Backed Finance Ltd and Backed Assets Ltd


Bank of America


Bellevue Group


bfw holding ag


Bitcoin (Suisse) AG


Capiton AG


Central Real Estate Holding AG and Central Real Estate Basel AG


Claritis SA


Credit Agricole


Crypto Finance AG


Crypto Helvetica AG


Oaktree Capital Management


EuroChem Group AG


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


Global Jet Capital


Hayfin Capital Management LLP


INOKS Capital SA


ING Bank


Julius Baer Group Ltd


OTP Bank Plc


SEBA Bank AG


Standard Bank


Standard Chartered Bank


Swiss Bridge Capital


TWINT


UniCredit Bank


Verifort Capital Services AG


Zurich Airport


Ares Invest SA


Banque Privée BCP (Suisse) SA


Geremant SA


Global Keys SA


ING Bank, N.V. London Branch


Longbow Finance SA


OTP Bank PLC, Hungary


Swiss Bridge Capital


Passy Invest SA


Investa Solutions SA


Reznik Paz Nevo Trusts Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Apollo Global Management in connection with the acquisition of Credit Suisse’s $5 billion securitized products group (SPG) and related financing businesses.
  • Assisting Argentem Creek UK LLP with the framework of enforcement actions against GNT Group a grain port terminal in Odesa, Ukraine.
  • Advising Backed Finance Ltd. / Backed Assets LLC on the structuring and issuing of tokenized structured products (i.e. tracker certificates on listed financial instruments tradable on the blockchain).

Pestalozzi

Pestalozzi ‘has an excellent and comprehensive understanding of banking and finance’ assisting clients with domestic and cross-border finance matters, commodities trade financing, and regulatory enforcement. Team lead Oliver Widmer advises domestic and international banks, financial institutions, wealth managers on banking, finance and capital markets matters, while Urs Kloeti focuses on regulatory, anti-money laundering, compliance, and finance. Andrea Huber specialises in asset management, fintech, internal and regulatory investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Markus Winkler advises financial services providers on reviewing existing or setting up new processes and investment techniques while Niku Gholamalizadeh handles an array of regulatory and licencing matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Oliver Widmer


Autres avocats clés:

Urs Kloeti; Andrea Huber; Markus Winkler; Niku Gholamalizadeh


Les références

‘Pestalozzi is a powerful force in the Swiss market with a leading reputation in banking regulatory, investment funds and fintech matters. The diverse team is very knowledgeable, effective and responsive – always a pleasure to work with.’

‘We have been working with Andrea Huber for many years. She is incredibly competent, efficient und knows the market well. Andrea is an excellent choice for any banking regulatory, investment funds and fintech challenge.’

‘The banking and finance team of Pestalozzi has an excellent and comprehensive understanding of banking and finance matters as well as regulatory topics. The team has a deep understanding of the practices and needs of a bank.’

Principaux clients

Bank of America


Banque Cantonale de Genève


Barclays Bank


Barclays Capital


Berkshire Hathaway


Blackstone Credit


BNP Paribas


Citibank


Clarion Partners


Cott Beverages


Credit Suisse


Deutsche Bank


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


Glencore


Goldman Sachs


ING Bank NV


International Finance Corporation


JP Morgan


Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited


Maxeon Solar Technologies


Metinvest International SA


Noble Corporation


River Rock


Saxo Bank (Schweiz) AG


SOCAR


UBS


UniCredit Bank AG


Welltec International ApS


Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)


Glencore


Cargill


Louis Dreyfus Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Glencore as borrower on a $6.8bn refinancing.
  • Advised Tupperware with its holding company in Switzerland on a new $600m financing.
  • Advised Deutsche Bank on granting UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG a loan of EUR 560m.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd advises on regulatory matters, such as the establishment and licensing of financial institutions as well as supporting clients on transactional matters, including syndicated loan facilities and structured finance transactions. The practice is headed by Philippe Borens whose main practice areas are the regulation of financial intermediaries, equity, and debt capital markets. Anita Schläpfer advises finance institutions and corporate clients on domestic and cross-border acquisition finance whilst Caroline Clemetson handles requests with FINMA for securities firms and fintech banking licenses. Olivier Favre focuses on derivatives, structured finance, and capital markets transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philippe Borens


Autres avocats clés:

Anita Schläpfer; Caroline Clemetson; Olivier Favre; Joane Etienne; Fabio Elsener


Les références

‘Anita Schläpfer is very responsive and pleasant to work with. More importantly, on the deals we worked on, she was able to think outside the box and devise creative solutions on the fly.

‘Caroline Clemetson is an industry-leading expert which is reflected in the work she is doing.

‘The firm provides a high level of service.’

Principaux clients

UBS


BNP Paribas


Raiffeisen Switzerland


Credit Suisse


Crypto Fund AG


Nord Anglia Education


Emeram


eny Finance AG


Bank Julius Baer


Futures Industry Association (FIA)


Swiss Bankers Association (SBA)


China Construction Bank


Reuss Private Group AG


Helvetische Bank AG


Bank Itau (Suisse) SA


Banco Santander


Banque Thaler


Bank Vontobel


Deutsche Bank SA


Diamond Capital Management (Switzerland) Ltd


EFG Bank


Mirabaud & Cie SA


UBP


Reichmuth Investment Management AG


CACEIS


Landolt Investment SICAV


Procimmo SA


Oxford Finance LLC


e-GTSA S. A


Standard Chartered


Leonteq


Barclays Bank PLC


International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)


Schroder & Co Bank


Pierer Mobility AG


Alpian SA


Lennox International


Computershare / Equatex


Aldo Group


LokRoll3 AG


Arsenal Capital Partners


CAT Financial Products Ltd.


1875 Finance


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as counsel to Leonteq Securities AG for the renewal and update of its FinSA Programme for the issuance of structured products, warrants and other debt instruments.
  • Advised LokRoll3 AG, Lucerne on a financing transaction for the acquisition of 35 newly-built Vectron AC locomotives from Siemens Mobility AG.
  • Advising CargoRoll on a secured EUR 135 million financing transaction.

VISCHER

VISCHER‘s ‘pragmatic, intellectually rigorous and strategic’ team advises on a broad range of banking and finance issues including general debt finance, corporate financing transactions, regulatory matters, fintech, and banking litigation. The team is headed by Adrian Dörig who is experienced in advising life sciences enterprises and debt fund lenders on debt financing transactions and other structured finance transactions. Markus Guggenbühl specialises in capital market transactions related to debt, equity, and hybrid financial instruments as well as debt financing and financial services regulations. Jana Essebier has extensive expertise handling derivatives, structured instruments, and other financial instruments. Stefan Grieder advises banks, securities traders, and asset managers on supervisory law matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adrian Dörig


Autres avocats clés:

Markus Guggenbühl; Jana Essebier; Stefan Grieder; Christian Schneiter; Seraina Jenny-Tsering


Les références

‘VISCHER is highly recognized in M&A, Private Equity, Debt Financing, Capital Markets (debt, equity and hybrid, including Tier 1 capital for banks) as well as banking and insurance regulation.’

‘Sharp-minded Markus Guggenbühl and Adrian Dörig are best known in the market – extremely responsive, straightforward and solution driven. Both have vast experience in banking and finance matters and are fully committed to top quality of work.’

‘They are technically excellent and familiar with cross-border financing process. The team is very organised and takes a practical approach to matters.’

Principaux clients

E3 Holding AG


Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd.


Oberland Capital Management LLC


QoQa Brew SA


AFINUM Management AG


Bank CIC


Bank J. Safra Sarasin


Battery Ventures


Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH


Dermavant Sciences, Inc.


Elementum Metals Securities plc


Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited


Eternyze AG


Forty51 Advisors AG


Hardinge Inc.


IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG


Invision AG


Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG (Berenberg Bank)


Loomis


Macquarie Bank


MUFG Bank, Ltd.


Norgine Ventures


Operational Riskdata eXchange Association (ORX) (www.orx.org)


Paprec Holding


PricewaterhouseCoopers AG


Privet Fund Management


RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG


Rigeto Unternehmerkapital GmbH


UBS


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Oberland Capital Management LLC in connection with a significant finance transaction with the Helsinn Group.
  • Advised Battery Ventures in connection with a complex acquisition financing transaction.
  • Advising Elementum Metals Securities plc on Swiss law issues pertaining to the issuance of and listing of a number of exchange-traded commodities and the custody of the underlying metal they represent.

Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd is highly active in both financing matters and financial services regulation. Advising on complex regulatory matters and licensing procedures, the team has a deep understanding of the Swiss financial regulatory landscape as well as extensive experience in cross-border situations. Andreas Hünerwadel is head of financing and has a focus on cross-border financing transactions and advising financial institutions on regulatory matters. Martin Peyer heads the financial services practice group and is equipped to advise on digital asset-related matters. Bignia Vieli has expertise in advising financial service providers on supervisory and contractual matters. Other key team members include Daniel S. Weber and Alessa Waibel who both focus on regulatory advice to banks and other financial services providers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Hünerwadel; Martin Peyer


Autres avocats clés:

Bignia Vieli; Daniel S. Weber; Alessa Waibel


Les références

‘The team fully understands its clients’ specifics and their advice and legal assistance is tailored to the client’s needs. Very pleasant to work with.’

‘Bignia Vieli is a very experienced lawyer and is able to quickly understand the bigger picture, even in complex transactions. ’

 

Principaux clients

Luzerner Kantonalbank


Neon Switzerland


Radicant


Lighthouse Swiss Wealth Advisors


Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank


Nextech Invest


Health Service 365


Serpentine Ventures


Inyova


Private Bank IHAG, Switzerland


Signa Group


Danske Bank


Privatbank Bellerive


Scandit


Interhoerbiger Finance (Treasury)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Luzerner Kantonalbank on the set-up of its new financing platform Refinum.
  • Advising Nextech Invest on regulatory matters in connection with its FINMA license and on the launch of three new funds.
  • Providing Inyova with regulatory advice in various matters.

Wenger Plattner

Wenger Plattner advises banks, asset managers, and securities dealers on regulatory issues and acts on their behalf in dealings with Swiss regulatory bodies and self-regulatory organisations, such as FINMA and SIX Swiss Exchange. The team also assists clients with the setting up of investment funds, drafting agreements, licenses and permits, and financing transactions. Practice head Filippo Th. Beck regularly advises entrepreneurs, companies and individuals on contract law, asset structuring, and compliance as well as acting as an investigating agent for banks and financial institutions. Oliver Künzler has expertise in private equity and venture capital transactions and financings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Filippo Th. Beck


Principaux clients

Energix Renewables


TMK PJSC


TC Loans Limited


EnBW


Bio-Techne


Vienna International Hotel Management AG


Health Care Royalty Partners


CENTRUM Group


HRG Hotels GmbH


Novocure Ltd., Jersey


ING Belgium SA


SIGNA Holding/International Sports Holding


Has Bois Sage SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Swiss counsel to Novocure Ltd. regarding the renewal of a USD 150 million credit facility in pharma industry.
  • Advised Has Bois Sage SA, a company incorporated under Belgian law, in connection with a EUR 95 million financing of the acquisition of real estate in Belgium.

Bratschi Ltd

The ‘experienced, commercially-minded’ team at Bratschi Ltd assists clients with regulatory matters, applications for licenses, internal investigations, structuring financing transactions, and DLT-related work. Team co-head Reto Arpagaus advises and represents banks, insurance companies, and financial intermediaries in all banking and finance-related matters. Ivo Hungerbühler, who also co-heads the team, has extensive expertise in banking litigation which includes cross-border cases and investigations by regulatory bodies. Barbara Jecklin regularly advises domestic and international banks on acquisition finance, structured finance, and syndications.

Responsables de la pratique:

Reto Arpagaus; Ivo Hungerbühler


Autres avocats clés:

Barbara Jecklin; Thomas Peter


Les références

‘Bratschi’s team is experienced, commercially-minded and easy to work with.’

‘Barbara Jecklin and Thomas Peter – our go-to lawyers for cross-border financings with a Swiss nexus. They focus on what is important and provide very good value for money.’

 

Principaux clients

UBS Switzerland AG


Viking Cruises Group


Adecco


PNC Bank, National Association


Buis Bürgi AG

Considered a ‘true banking and banking litigation boutique firm’, Buis Bürgi AG advises and represents companies, private individuals, financial service providers, banks, and asset managers with all banking, finance, and corporate related matters. Practice head Eric Buis has extensive experience representing clients in high-value disputes arising from private equity transactions, bank transfers, and securities deliveries before the Swiss federal courts. Other key team members include Jeremias Widmer, Daniel Juri, and Luca Angstmann.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eric Buis


Autres avocats clés:

Jeremias Widmer, Daniel Juri; Luca Angstmann


Les références

“The business model of our company is very complex and therefore the requests and legal cases that we have are complex as well. Buis Bürgi never failed to understand the complex legal framework within we operate and can give us relevant advice.”

“The firm has a number of knowledgeable lawyers, mainly in corporate, financing and litigation matters. Although more like a boutique in terms of size, they are used to deal with complex matters and have encounters with much larger firms on equal levels.”

“Buis Bürgi is one of the boutique firms whose team has real expertise in banking and finance.”

Principaux clients

Philips


Lehman Brothers


Zurich Insurance Company Ltd


Dufry


Abengoa


Gate Group


A.B.S. Factoring


Omron


Toyota Material Handling


Principaux dossiers


  • Challenged the write-down of the so-called AT1 bonds issued by Credit Suisse (with an aggregate issuance volume of CHF 16 billion) before the Swiss Federal Administrative Court, for more than 60 appellants.
  • Advising several clients facing serious security delivery issues in the context of a delisting and redemption programme and in the context of a liquidation of a company.
  • Assisting a former financial service provider with the recognition of the liquidators in Switzerland by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.‘s ‘responsive and experienced’ team advises Switzerland-based and global financial institutions, funds, industrial enterprises and other companies on the full range of banking & finance matters. Kaspar Landolt, who heads the team, is experienced in acquisition finance, corporate lending, real estate finance, project finance and asset finance, the issuance and offering of financial instruments, and applying for regulatory licenses. Fintech expert Tina Balzli specialises in banking and financial markets. Matthias Kuert and Dominique Gemperli are further recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kaspar Landolt


Autres avocats clés:

Tina Balzli; Matthias Kuert; Dominique Gemperli


Les références

‘Responsive and experienced.’

‘Very dedicated and proactive.’

‘The CMS team, and Kaspar Landolt in particular, are commercial practitioners. They put the interests of the clients above all else and seek to find practical and workable solutions.’

LALIVE

Litigation firm LALIVE represents ‘top tier clients’ in disputes related to structured or derivative products, mismanagement of assets, improper execution, and fraud. the team also advises and represents banks on issues relating to compliance and regulatory matters, financial transactions, securitisation, and new technologies. The practice is led by Matthias Gstoehl, Simone Nadelhofer, André Brunschweiler, and Dominik Elmiger. Christian Exner is also a key team member.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthias Gstoehl; Simone Nadelhofer;  Daniel Lucien Bühr; André Brunschweiler; Dominik Elmiger


Autres avocats clés:

Christian Exner


Les références

‘Top quality practice.’

‘Alexander Troller, Simone Nadelhofer are both excellent.’

‘Lalive is the pre-eminent and largest litigation firm in Switzerland, with top-tier clients and partners who understand how to work with a global audience, which is invaluable.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for several institutional AT1 investors executing a multi-jurisdictional litigation strategy to secure compensation and redress following the write-down of AT1-Notes by Credit Suisse Group AG on 19 March 2023.
  • Acting for several major institutional clients in relation to major losses incurred in connection with the Greensill collapse. Total investment volume exceeds EUR 1.5bn.
  • Representing a leading global travel retailer in a dispute with a global Swiss bank acting as custodian to release shares held in escrow as part of a business transaction.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff has considerable experience advising multinational enterprises, investment managers, private equity funds, and listed companies on finance matters, including acquisition finance, asset-based finance, and structured finance, as well as regulatory compliance, cross-border financial services, and asset management. The team utilises its international network to assist clients with cross-border matters and is headed by Judith Raijmakers and Christine Hohl, who both specialise in financing transactions and debt issuances.

Responsables de la pratique:

Judith Raijmakers; Christine Hohl


Autres avocats clés:

Stephanie Szedlak; Etienne Anex; Florian Thomas Willi


Les références

‘Loyens is able to provide services in various countries and covering various areas. The Zurich Office assisted with obtaining security in Switzerland while also interfacing with lawyers in other jurisdictions to make sure everything was in order. The team was incredibly responsive and very good at anticipating my needs.’

‘Christine Hohl was my primary contact. She was a pleasure to work with. Judith Raijmakers is very capable and also a pleasure with which to work.’

‘ A multilingual team with knowledge of cross-country legal issues.’

Principaux clients

Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A.


Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH


Banco BTG Pactual


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH and its Swiss subsidiary, Cheplapharm Schweiz GmbH, on issues including the issuance of EUR 750 million senior secured notes.
  • Advised Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A. as borrower and issuer as well as the Swiss and Dutch Guarantors and security providers concerning the issuance of  $888,400,000 notes and credit financing.
  • Assisted the BTG Pactual group (BTG) with the search for a target in Europe and the expansion of its banking business.

Prager Dreifuss AG

Prager Dreifuss AG advises investors and companies on financing structures, in particular cross-border project and transaction financing. In addition, the team also represents lenders and borrowers in the negotiations of credit facilities regarding leveraged finance and project finance transactions in the agrochemical, communication, and transport industries. The team is led by Daniel Hayek, who has experience advising major US and German banks in acquisition finance transactions and in the recovery of distressed debt, and Andreas Moll, who specialises in corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Urs Bertschinger is an expert in financial market regulation and financial products.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Hayek; Andreas Moll


Autres avocats clés:

Urs Bertschinger; Gion Jegher; Guy Deillon; Mark Meili; Christian Schönfeld; Markus Seglias


Principaux dossiers


Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd

Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd act as an outsourced legal department for several Swiss banks, foreign bank subsidiaries, and asset managers, with particular strengths in regulatory compliance, establishing financial service providers, and liquidation of financial institutions. The team is headed by Désirée Wiesendanger, who specialises in banking and financial markets law. Philipp Känzig represents clients in complex international disputes, in particular in the areas of insurance law, banking law and insolvency.

Responsables de la pratique:

Désirée Wiesendanger


Autres avocats clés:

Philipp Känzig


Principaux clients

Jefferies International Ltd.


Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA


Falcon Private Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


burckhardt Ltd

Boutique firm burckhardt Ltd has a special focus on finance and is well versed in all aspects of a financing transaction, from the legal implications, tax issues, and notarial requirements. The team is co-headed by Janusz Marty, who specialises in structured finance transactions, seed, venture and growth equity financings, and Stéphane Konkoly, who has extensive expertise in asset finance and the financing of movable assets through cross-border leasing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Janusz Marty; Stéphane Konkoly


Eversheds Sutherland AG

Eversheds Sutherland AG has strengths in cross-border regulatory matters, enforcement proceedings, internal investigation, anti-money laundering, and classic banking law. The team regularly advises banks, securities dealers, collective investment schemes, asset managers, and financial market infrastructures on various issues such as establishment, licensing, and compliance. Team co-head Ludovic Duarte advises financial institutions on regulatory, contractual issues, enforcement proceedings and internal investigations. Sibil Melliger, who also co-heads the team, has a special focus on the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technologies, such as cryptocurrency and blockchain.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ludovic Duarte; Sibil Melliger


Autres avocats clés:

Tigran Serobyan; Michael Lepper


Principaux clients

Barclays Bank PLC


Mobilize Financial Services (ex RCI Finance)


Künzi Hess MacNab

Künzi Hess MacNab provides ‘cooperative, uncomplicated and very professional’ legal, regulatory, and compliance advice for players in the financial services industry such as banks, asset managers, and financial services platforms. The team is headed by Eva Künzi Peditto, My Chau Bachelard, and Martin Hess with Jillian MacNab and Saskia Cruchon being key team members.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eva Künzi; My Chau Bachelard; Martin Hess


Autres avocats clés:

Jillian MacNab; Saskia Cruchon


Les références

‘In-depth knowledge and quick reaction time.’

‘Eva is the center of the law firm, she acts quickly and has a good market overview.’

‘Künzi Hess MacNab is a small law firm providing civil and regulatory advice to fintech companies. The interaction with Künzi Hess MacNab is cooperative, uncomplicated and very professional. ’

Principaux clients

Saxo Bank (Switzerland) Ltd


Ashurst LLP, Germany


Alber Blanc Experts SA


US Bank


Edward Wealth Management AG


Decisive Capital Capital Management SA


CG 24 Group


Jacot Partners Financial Services AG


Woolsocks AG


Swiss Stable Coins AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided legal and regulatory advice to Saxo bank on the implementation of the Swiss Financial Services Act including the definition of online processes (e.g. appropriateness test).
  • Supported Ashurst LLP, Germany with various banking and financial market matters for 5 different clients, mainly regulatory matters.
  • Advised Edward Wealth Management AG (EWM) on the structuring of contracts for a synthetic advisory portfolio.