Rising Stars

Firms in the Spotlight Banking and finance: Bank regulatory

Vivien & Associés

Vivien & Associés logo

Vivien & Associés offers competitive legal services and representation across a broad range of key practice areas:

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CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES logo

A FULL-EXPERTISE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW FIRM   Founded in 1987, Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) is one of the main French law firms whose activity is exclusively dedicated to employment law and all other legal areas related to human resources management (insurance law, tax law…).

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Banking and finance: Bank regulatory in France

Allen & Overy LLP

The banking and finance regulatory team at Allen & Overy LLP leverages the deep bench strength of its global network and the experience of its team to advise a prestigious roster of private equity firms, asset management companies, multinational financial institutions and global corporates active in sectors including e-commerce, gaming, social media and fintech. Headed by regulated activities expert Brice Henry, the group assists clients with regulatory issues raised by the setting-up, structuring and marketing of financial products. Mia Dassas, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, has experience of guiding financial institutions on regulatory issues arising from Brexit, frequently assisting with licensing matters. Benjamin Lacourt, whose practice focuses on alternative assets, such as private equity, debt, real estate and hedge funds, was promoted to counsel in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Brice Henry


Other key lawyers:

Mia Dassas; Benjamin Lacourt


Testimonials

‘Allen Overy is the go-to firm for regulatory matters. They have deep knowledge of the regulations and regulators’ expectations and take a pragmatic approach on issues.’

‘Very good team – availability, expertise and ability to find solutions on complex subjects.’

‘Mia Dassas: expert in the field, high availability, very good involvement. Mia interacts like a business partner.’

Key clients

Apax Partners


La Banque Postale


Mitsui Bussan Commodities


Nomura


Work highlights


  • Advised La Banque Postale on its EUR 2.4bn acquisition of 16.1% of CNP Assurances from Groupe BPCE and on its simplified tender offer for the shares of CNP Assurances.
  • Advising Apax Partners on its acquisition of the Opteven group from Ardian.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's banking and finance regulatory team is highly regarded and is sought out by sovereigns, major financial institutions, investment managers and private equity firms for a broad range of matters, including representation in high-profile litigation before the European Court of Justice. Headed by Amélie Champsaur, an expert in financial regulation at a European level, the team’s full offering also covers matters involving state aid, regulatory structuring in the context of M&A transactions and investments, and investigations and enforcement. Key support is provided by senior associate Aurèle Delors.

Practice head(s):

Amélie Champsaur


Other key lawyers:

Aurèle Delors


Testimonials

‘Excellent expertise, very good knowledge of the banking sector.Great availability. Ability to propose innovative and adapted solutions.’

‘Amélie Champsaur is essential on prudential subjects.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole / Le Crédit Lyonnais


Attestor Capital and Bondholders of Monte dei Paschi di Sienna


Cerberus Capital Management / My Money Bank


Sienna Investment Managers


BNP Paribas


UniCredit


Euronext


Credit Agricole


Natixis


B3 (Brazilian Stock Exchange)


Work highlights


  • Representing bondholders of Banca Monte dei Paschi in a groundbreaking case before the European Court of Justice.
  • Advising Euronext on its EUR 4.4bn acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group from the London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG).
  • Advising BNP Paribas and BNP Paribas Public Sector on two new litigation matters against the Single Resolution Board before the EU Court of Justice

Clifford Chance

The Paris banking and finance regulatory team at Clifford Chance remains a force in the market, with strength advising major financial institutions, asset management companies, insurers and corporates spanning sectors including tech, telecoms, gaming and aerospace. Led by Frédérick Lacroix, who is an authority in this area, the group assists with matters ranging from banking, financial and insurance regulations and financial litigations to restructuring, FIG M&A, ESG, and resolution and prudential matters. A key figure is counsel Hélène Kouyaté, who specialises in issues regarding licensing, Brexit and capital requirements as well as more recently matters with a nexus to Covid-19.

Practice head(s):

Frédérick Lacroix


Other key lawyers:

Hélène Kouyaté


Key clients

FIG M&A


Crédit Agricole Assurances and Prédica


Somers Group (formerly Watford Holdings Ltd.)


Cathay Capital


ING


BNP Paribas Personal Finance


Prudential requirements and resolution (CRR and BRRD)


Bank of America Europe


Crédit Agricole Corporate


Morgan Stanley Bank AG


Fintech


Onbrane


Clearing and Netting


Futures Industry Association (FIA)


Banque Centrale de Compensation (LCH SA)


Work highlights


  • Advised major banks introducing, managing and guaranteeing the tender offer of Veolia Environnement for Suez on EU prudential regulations and on certain litigation aspects.
  • Assisted Crédit Agricole Assurances (CAA), on the negotiation and sale of its subsidiary La Médicale, a French insurer for health professionals, to Generali; and Prédica, on the sale of an insurance portfolio covering life and health risks.|

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

The team at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. has a leading reputation in the area and attracts instructions from a stellar client base including major financial institutions, insurers, asset and investment managers and the French state. Financial services and investment management expert Stéphane Puel heads the team, with notable strength acting for the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF) on the full range of matters and also advises funds on the conduct of business rules and court or disciplinary proceedings. Olivier Bernardi specialises in assisting investment firms, payment institutions and electronic money establishments. Other key figures include Guillaume Goffin, who has expertise in matters ranging from regulatory frameworks to Brexit planning and sustainable finance/ESG, and Benjamin Delaunay, who handles banking and finance disputes before the French financial markets authority.

Practice head(s):

Stéphane Puel


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Bernardi; Benjamin Delaunay; Guillaume Goffin


Testimonials

‘Indispensable team in banking and finance in Paris. Composed of excellent professionals, in particular Stéphane Puel, the team covers all the needs of financial intermediaries, at the legal and fiscal level.’

‘Stéphane Puel is an essential lawyer in the practice of asset management. Great expertise on all subjects.’

‘Great availability, great listeners, consistency in the exchanges, whatever the level of stress and the workload in progress. Great ability to find compromises.’

‘Mr. Olivier Bernardi has demonstrated excellent expertise in banking and financial regulation, very high responsiveness, great availability and an excellent listener.’

‘Complete team on all banking and financial law issues, with partners mastering both legal and practical matters. An exceptional understanding of commercial issues allows Gide’s banking-finance team to give perfectly adapted advice, a perfect knowledge of legal techniques.’

‘Olivier Bernardi, Benjamin Delaunay, Guillaume Goffin and Stéphane Puel have extensive experience, a mastery of legal techniques and the commercial issues of the industry that we rarely encounter. Their personable approach, the elegance of their writing and their politeness make them an unrivalled team.’

‘Benjamin Delaunay in regulatory is essential for his mastery of subjects and his experience.’

‘Olivier Bernardi has extensive knowledge of banking and financial regulations and experience allowing him to immediately understand the issues submitted to him, and to propose relevant and effective solutions.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB)


BlackRock


Natixis IM


BNP Paribas Asset Management


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Blackstone


Russell Investments


Arthur J. Gallagher


Citadel


Cardif Assurance Vie


BPCE


Société Générale


CNP Assurances


NNIP


Amundi


Morgan Stanley


Oddo BHF


Primonial REIM


La Banque Postale


Lombard Odier Europe


Crédit Suisse


French State


KKR


Westbrook Partners


Woorton


Casino


Cdiscount


Adéo


Rothschild & Co


Nuveen France


Younited Credit


ICAMAP


Banque Centrale de Mauritanie


Agence française de développement


Greenman Arth


Remake Asset Management


Perial Asset Management


Emergence


Work highlights


  • Assisted Greenman, an Irish investment manager, with setting up an alternative investment fund manager (AIFM) entity in France.
  • Represented MGEN Vie in a disciplinary procedure initiated by the banking and insurance supervisor, Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de resolution (ACPR), for failure to comply with certain regulations.
  • Assisted the 11 largest French insurance companies in the implementation of a EUR 1.7bn recovery programme set up at the request of the French Ministry of Finance following the recent Covid crisis called Obligations Relance (Relance Bonds).

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

The Paris banking and finance regulatory team at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, which is able to draw on the bench strength of offices across the Americas, the Asia Pacific and EMEA regions, advises major financial institutions, insurers, public institutions and corporates in sectors including tech, financial services and fintech among others. The team is led by Paris capital markets head Vincent Hatton, Antoine Juaristi, a dispute resolution partner and expert in regulatory finance disputes, and Régis Oréal, who specialises in licence requirements and internal reorganisations. Other key figures include Hubert Segain, who advises on the regulatory aspects of high-value acquisitions, and Martin Le Touzé, who handles complex internal investigations and enforcement and disciplinary proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Hatton; Antoine Juaristi; Régis Oréal


Other key lawyers:

Hubert Segain; Martin le Touzé


Testimonials

‘A combination of devoted teams which provide complex transactional and regulatory support.’

‘Hubert Segain is very much acquainted with our business stakes and environment that make his input very much valuable, generate trust from our teams, and reinsurance due to his high level of expertise and creativity to find solutions. Régis Oreal is also very dedicated and provides great analysis on complex issues, with clarity, and the same mindset as Hubert to find solutions when complex issues arise.’

Key clients

BPCE/Natixis group


Bpifrance


Generali


Western Union


UAE Exchange (Travelex Group)


Crédit Agricole


BNP Paribas


AXA


Société Générale


Revolut


Thunes


Euler Hermes


CNP Assurances


La Banque Postale


Solarisbank


Spitz Poulle Kannan

The regulatory team at Spitz Poulle Kannan remains a key player in the market, providing a one-stop-shop service for major financial institutions and corporates active in tech, professional services, telecoms and energy in complex investigations, enforcement, litigation and public affairs matters. The team is led by multi-jurisdictional forum expert Arut Kannan, Jean-Baptiste Poulle, who has strength handling disciplinary proceedings before the French AMF and the ACPR, and Nicolas Spitz, who has experience in judicial disputes before the French courts. The group is supported by senior associate Sandra Kahn, who handles regulatory cases involving anti-money laundering, payment services and electronic money activities.

Practice head(s):

Arut Kannan; Jean-Baptiste Poulle; Nicolas Spitz


Other key lawyers:

Sandra Khan


Testimonials

‘The team is very involved, does precise and high quality work’.

‘Jean-Baptiste Poulle stands out for his technicality, simplicity, accessibility.’

‘Jean-Baptiste Poulle is a sharp and practical lawyer in the field of banking regulations.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


Euroclear


Ripple


Edmond de Rothschild


BNP Paribas


UniCredit


Morgan Stanley


Natixis


Groupe BPCE


TotalEnergies


La Banque Postale


Perella Weinberg Partners


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


PSG Equity


MUFG Bank


Siemens Financial Services


Shine


Iliad


Itau Unibanco


Proparco


Groupe Exane


Work highlights


  • Assisted Advent, a private equity fund, in relation to the French regulatory aspects of the acquisition of MangoPay, a payment services provider for marketplaces and platforms, as well as Leetchi, a crowdfunding services provider (structuring of the transaction, regulatory due diligence).

Ashurst LLP

Backed by the combined bench strength of 30 offices spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, the Paris team at Ashurst LLP is a popular choice for major financial institutions, investment funds, insurers and companies in the fintech and real estate space to handle a diverse spectrum of matters. The team is led by regulatory expert Hubert Blanc-Jouvan, who assists clients with licensing requirements, conduct of business rules, asset management and funds, distribution of financial products, prudential supervision and market abuse. Other key figures include counsel Maxime Gandibleux, who advises on corporate governance, AML and internal control, and senior associate Francesco Assi, who manages fintech matters. Agathe Motte's arrival from Linklaters in January 2022 further bolsters the team.


Practice head(s):

Hubert Blanc-Jouvan


Other key lawyers:

Maxime Gandibleux; Francesco Assi; Agathe Motte


Testimonials

‘A team which has extremely advanced expertise in regulatory issues and which is a reference on the Parisian market. This team is clearly one of the best, if not the best team on the market. Their knowledge is very specific and covers a wide spectrum of regulatory issues.’

‘Hubert Blanc-Jouvan has been a rock in banking and financial regulation for more than 20 years and advises his clients on a wide variety of issues that he always masters to perfection. He knows how to analyze the texts and provide a solution that is not only legally sound but also takes into account the commercial aspect. He is also always available for his clients.’

‘All team members are approachable, available, responsive and enthusiastic. They are very solution-oriented and provide clear advice.’

Key clients

LCH SA


Bank of America


Barclays


Credit Suisse


Goldman Sachs


J.P. Morgan


TP ICAP


Citigroup


Work highlights


  • Advising LCH SA on regulatory issues governing their status and activities as a central counterparty (CCP) and the implementation of specific significant projects.
  • Representing major financial institutions (including Bank of America, Barclays, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan) on the issue and distribution of structured securities/funds through regulated distributors to professional and/or retail investors in France.
  • Advising various distributors (including TP ICAP, LCM, Lumyna and Aurel BGC) on the implementation of their distribution model and the distribution agreements to be entered into with issuers/dealers of structured products, the sub-distribution agreements to be entered into, and the application of French law ESG requirements.

Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca

The specialists at Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca draw on the bench strength of two dedicated departments - financial services and fintech and crypto-finance - to handle a range of regulatory matters for a broad client base of financial institutions, payment services providers, e-money institutions, investment managers, insurers and corporates in such sectors as tech, luxury goods, environmental services and energy. Financial services head Frédéric Bellanca leads the team, which assists with non-contentious matters (regulatory, prudential, transactional and international financial sanctions) and contentious matters (disciplinary proceedings, banking and financial litigation).

Practice head(s):

Frédéric Bellanca


Testimonials

‘Frédéric Bellanca is exceptional at solving problems, finding the right legal solutions, and fighting for clients with incomparable energy, intelligence and expertise.’

‘Frédéric Bellanca has several areas of expertise such as compliance, regulatory law in the banking finance sector, financial or stock market litigation and cryptocurrency.’

Key clients

BNP Securities Services (France)


Crédit Agricole Group


Crédit Agricole Titres


Crédit Lyonnais


Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC)


Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale


LVMH


Natixis


Crédit Agricole Indosuez France


CA Consumer Finance


Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI France)


Zürcher Kantonalbank


Ageas Group


Coface


ING Bank N.V.


Bourse Direct


Work highlights


  • Advised ING Bank N.V. in its strategic review and closure of its retail activities in France.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Consumer Finance regarding their financing solutions and related regulatory issues.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher's team has strength advising credit institutions on wealth management and cross-border lending, acting for asset managers on the distribution of their services, assisting insurers on intermediation and also handling compliance issues as they relate to capital markets. Led by Arnaud Grünthaler, the group also specialises in fintech regulatory matters including payment services, blockchain, security token offerings (STO) and also provides assistance to digital assets services providers.

Practice head(s):

Arnaud Grünthaler


Key clients

J. de Demandolx Gestion


CounterPointe Sports Group Inc.


Levantor Capital


Fondation Robert de Sorbon


Logical Pictures


Blockchain XDev


Nomadic Labs


Cardashift


Kalima Blockchain


Makerare SAS


Work highlights


  • Advised J de Demandolx Gestion on the regulatory aspects with the Financial Markets Authority of the purchasing and merger of La Financière Tiepolo.
  • Advised CounterPointe Sports Group Inc. on the legal and regulatory structuring of the first offer to retail investors of securities registered within a DEEP (blockchain as registry) according to French law.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

The team at Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP advises domestic and multinational financial institutions, fintech companies and other corporates in sectors including automobiles and e-commerce. The group, which is led by Sébastien Gros, assists with regulatory requirements related to retail banking, e-money, credit operations, AML, CRDIV/CRR/ prudential requirements, and with domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. Senior associate Franck Dupret has experience of dealings with both financial services and insurance clients.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Gros


Other key lawyers:

Franck Dupret


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Sebastien Gros and on a day-to-day basis with his associate, Franck Dupret, in relation to regulatory matters arising out of new investments and with respect to the firm and portfolio. I have been impressed not only with the technical ability of the team but also with their ability to be pragmatic and tailor their advice to our firm and structure.’

‘There is a good coherence of the members of the team with a great fluidity in the communication. Sébastien Gros, apart from his technical and linguistic skills, is very attentive to the real needs of customers and combines theory and market practice.’

‘The team continued to support our financial services and regulatory work in France with extensive knowledge about the local regulatory environment and regulatory expectations. This is done, as had been the case for two years, with fantastic service levels while meeting our expectations and demands. Advice is always provided in a timely and cost-effective fashion, while keeping to a pragmatic and customer orientated approach.’

‘Sebastien and Franck are extraordinary lawyers, who always have the clients’ best interests top of mind.’

‘Franck Dupret is a fantastic lawyer with a commercial and pragmatic mindset. He’s able to advise us on the most challenging questions.’

‘Sébastien Gros and Franck Dupret: great availability, expertise in our areas of responsibility, good knowledge of our competitors and the market.’

‘Franck Dupret and Sébastien Gros provided outstanding support to us. They always gave consistent, clear, and actionable advice. They went the extra mile to understand the business model and context of our questions.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole Group


Accel


CNH


Goldman Sachs


PayPal


Checkout


La Française des Jeux


HSBC Continental Europe


Edenred


Opel


Loomis


Euronet Group (including Ria)


Work highlights


  • Advised Accel, a group composed of investment funds, on the increase of their participation in the French e-money institution Swan.
  • Advising Goldman Sachs concerning share deal/ acquisition of share capital into French-regulated financial institutions.
  • Advising (on an ongoing basis) La Française des Jeux (FDJ), the French national lottery, on several banking regulatory issues and in particular concerning their license as a payment institution in France (FDJ Services).

Jeantet

The banking and finance regulatory group at Jeantet assists domestic and multinational financial institutions, investment services providers, funds and insurance companies with AML strategies, obtaining authorisations, internal control systems and the structuring and distribution of banking products and financial instruments. The team is led by experienced regulatory litigator Martine Samuelian, with support from financial engineering specialist Jean-François Adelle and recently promoted partner Olivier Lyon-Lynch, who has experience of AMF proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Martine Samuelian


Other key lawyers:

Jean-François Adelle; Olivier Lyon-Lynch


Testimonials

‘Martine Samuelian brings regulatory expertise; she is a pioneer in the development of activity related to the banking and financial world.’

‘French multi-disciplinary firm that can intervene in cases involving several jurisdictions. Easy and pleasant contact with customers. Associates/collaborators with great technical expertise and availability to meet customer requirements.’

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP's team is led by blockchain expert Hubert de Vauplane and Hugues Bouchetemble, who specialises in the management of regulatory disciplinary investigations. The group advises clients including financial institutions, asset managers, insurers and cryptocurrency exchanges on matters involving fintech regulations, internal controls, AML, the structuring and distribution of banking products or financial instruments, payment instruments and the drafting and negotiating of outsourcing contracts and the delegation of financial management.

Practice head(s):

Hubert de Vauplane; Hugues Bouchetemble


Testimonials

‘A reference in financial law for an incomparable quality/price ratio.’

‘Our experiences with Kramer Levin are good, knowledgeable and proactive.’

‘We work with Hubert de Vauplane from Kramer Levin, and he is an expert in fintech and working with regulators.’

Key clients

Tilborg Trading NV


Binance


Eleva Capital


Bitpanda


Coinhouse


Saxo Bank


Consensys


Suravenir


De Facto


Crédit Agricole Indosuez


Hero


Louve


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Solaris Bank


BNP Paribas


Silvr


UBS


Work highlights


  • Advising BNP Paribas in the context of the review of their retail accounts structuration.
  • Advises Binance on setting up a regional hub for Europe and assisted it with obtaining a Digital Asset Services Providers registration in France.

Lacourte Raquin Tatar

Led by experienced trio Cédric Bonnet, Chloé Thiéblemont and regulatory specialist Damien Luqué, the banking and finance team at Lacourte Raquin Tatar has experience of regulatory issues, advising financial institutions, insurers, investment managers, real estate developers and corporates in such sectors as luxury goods on a broad range of matters. Its recent workload includes assisting with investment services, banking regulations, marketing of financial products, AML and activities in the fintech space.

Practice head(s):

Damien Luqué; Cédric Bonnet; Chloé Thieblemont


Key clients

Lucky Oldstone


Russell Investments


LaSalle Investment Management


Sogelym Dixence


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa – Federal Finance Gestion


Abeille Asset Management (previously Aviva Investors France)


BNP Paribas


Korian


Nexity


AEW


Sienna Investment Management


Covéa


Edmond de Rothschild REIM France


Pwc Société d'Avocats

Based in Neuilly-sur- Seine, the practice at Pwc Société d'Avocats marshals the experience of its team to advise a broad spectrum of clients, including banks, investment management firms, wealth management firms, and the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Committees. Led by banking and finance regulatory expert Nicolas Mordaunt-Crook and Benoît Lapointe de Vaudreuil, who was appointed of counsel and head of insurance in May 2022, the group assists with approvals by regulatory bodies, litigation, fund structuring, payment services, post-Brexit relocation projects and various licence application and asset transfers. Other key figures include senior associate Manon Carissimo and associate Maximilien Jatteau.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Mordaunt-Crook; Benoît Lapointe de Vaudreuil


Other key lawyers:

Manon Carissimo; Maximilien Jatteau


Key clients

CDC Croissance (Caisse des Dépôts & Consignations)


Comite Des Jeux Olympiques (COJO)


My Money Bank


Leyton


National Australia Bank


Mutex


Aldrin/ AWM


Work highlights


  • Comprehensive legal and regulatory support to CDC Croissance in connection with the structuring and roll-out of a new, government-supported, investment strategy primarily designed to foster the listing of French tech companies on the French or EU stock exchange or multilateral trading facilities (MTFs).
  • Assistance for Comite Des Jeux Olympiques (COJO) with the drafting and negotiation of a framework agreement (with BPCE / Dalenys) for the supply of payment services and acquisition of client payment orders relating to the purchase of tickets.
  • Assistance with the set-up and authorisation of NAB’s new European Hub and implementation of the new organisation from a legal and regulatory standpoint.

White & Case LLP

Headed by global financial institutions advisory partner Emilie Rogey, the Paris banking and finance regulatory team at White & Case LLP continues to grow, bringing strength to advising major financial institutions, fintech companies, insurers and corporates in tech on a broad span of matters. Its recent work includes advising on the licensing of new regulated entities and changes in activities, regulatory aspects of M&A transactions, compliance issues and regulatory litigation.

Practice head(s):

Emilie Rogey


Testimonials

‘Effective global network, expertise, reputation and experience.’

‘Emilie Rogey- competent, business-oriented, spirit of initiative.’

‘Emilie Rogey takes a very practical approach to complex theoretical problems and makes good connections between what the law says and how it affects your business in practice. For me, this practical approach is key to success and why we work with White & Case.’

Key clients

Jefferries Finance LLC


Macquarie Capital Ltd


Deutsche Bank


JP Morgan


Goldman Sachs


Santander


Société Générale Private Banking


Natixis


Meta


Klarna


Trade Republic


ModulR


Qonto


Lydia


Luko


BNP Paribas Personal Finance


Aema Group


Wilmington Trust


Edmond de Rothschild


Groupe Casino


Mérieux Equity Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised the insurance mutual group Aéma Group on the acquisition of Aviva France, for a consideration of EUR 3.2bn.
  • Assisted Groupe Casino on the sale of their joint-venture FLOA to BNP Paribas, for a total consideration of EUR 258m.
  • Advised BPCE / Natixis on the combination of its subsidiary BIMPLI and the leading French fintech SWILE.

CMS Francis Lefebvre

CMS Francis Lefebvre' team advises bank and non-bank financial institutions, asset and fund management companies and insurers, on regulatory aspects of such matters as market entry, authorisation processes, internal organisation and governance, regulatory reporting requirements, Brexit impacts and relocations and AML/CFT policies and litigation before regulators. Jérôme Sutour heads the practice; he specialises in new regulations as they relate to the financial sector or blockchain.

Practice head(s):

Jérôme Sutour


Key clients

Hines SGP


N26


IM Global Partner


Kriptown


Agrica


Redburn (Europe) Limited


Market securities LLP


Makor Securities


Mirova


STELLIUM INVEST


Work highlights


  • Assisting N26 with its procedures and contractual relationships with its new clients, as a foreign digital credit institution entering the French market.
  • Assisting IMGP in the acquisition of SYZ Asset Management (a Luxembourg AIFM).

Linklaters

Linklaters is routinely engaged by major financial institutions, asset managers and insurers to handle a wide range of matters. Headed by Ngoc-Hong Ma, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, and counsel Laurent Benoit, who specialises in investment management regulation, the group’s comprehensive service extends to assistance with the implementation of EU directives and regulations, ESG developments, Brexit, enforcement and litigation and fintech.

Practice head(s):

Ngoc-Hong Ma; Laurent Benoit


Testimonials

‘Linklaters is excellent in providing cross-border advice.’

‘Thorough knowledge of the financial sector. Their experience and know how regarding the banking sector was essential for the transactions, especially with the local regulators in France.’

‘Fast turnaround.’

‘Laurent Benoit: high quality work done in record times; hardworking and hands on.’

Key clients

Degroof Petercam Asset Management


Capza / Atalante SAS


AXA


Banco BTG Pactual S.A.


Montagu Private Equity LLP


BPCE


Euroclear


Work highlights


  • Advising various clients on ESG matters including French requirements in this area such as Article 173 of the French Energy Transition Law, Article 29 of the French Energy and Climate Law, the AMF ESG Doctrine, articulation with SFDR and Taxonomy regulations, and implementation of MiFID II ESG uplifts.
  • Advising various clients on fintech matters including French requirements such as PACTE Law, the Blockchain Order, and upcoming implementation of MiCA, DORA, DLTR into French law.
  • Provided post-Brexit advice to a UK asset manager with regards to the regulatory and operational implications of different options under consideration to pre-market and market a new fund managed by them in the EU.

Norton Rose Fulbright

The Paris office of global firm Norton Rose Fulbright utilises the bench strength of its team to provide a comprehensive service to major financial institutions and corporates across such sectors as environmental services, media, and oil and gas. The team was bolstered by the January 2022 arrival of derivative product specialist Sébastien  Praicheux, who joined from DLA Piper and adds experience in investment management and custody regulation. He co-leads the practice with Roberto Cristofolini. The group advises on matters ranging from approvals and authorisations, payment and e-money regulations and market infrastructure regulations to sanctions and investigations, asset and portfolio management and anti-money laundering and anti-corruption regulations.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Praicheux; Roberto Cristofolini


Testimonials

‘The professionalism and technical skills of the Sébastien Praicheux team are unmatched.’

‘The quality of service from the Sébastien Praicheux’s team is exceptional: speed, proximity to the client, relevance of the advice and very high availability. Easy to contact and extremely warm.’

‘Beyond the existing regulatory basics, necessary and very well transcribed, in-depth knowledge of current regulatory advances or future regulatory trends in very specific areas such as the metaverse or crypto, with a vision of global best practices. Ease of approach in the customer relationship.’

‘Sébastien Praicheux: clear-cut nature of the answers provided, even in cutting-edge areas, which facilitates decision-making.’

Key clients

La Diversité du Cinéma Français (DCF)


Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC)


Floa Bank


BNP Paribas Cardif


Alma


Euroclear Group


Tylia Invest


Bank of America Securities Europe


Work highlights


  • Advising as member of the Board of Advisors the French company “La Diversité du Cinéma Français” (“DCF”), which has launched a crypto-asset related to alternative financing of the movie industry in France, through an initial coin offering.
  • Advising Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC) on the regulatory aspects of derivatives and repurchase (“repo”) transactions arising notably from EU Collateral Directive / netting and close-out netting impacts and resolution regulations.
  • Advising the investment firm Tylia Invest on financial regulatory requirements notably arising from MiFID II / MiFIR and the new European crowdfunding regulatory framework.

Racine

The team at Racine is entrusted by financial institutions, insurers and corporates in the fintech, automotive and medical software areas on a diverse range of regulatory matters. Headed by David Masson, a specialist in the creation and distribution of financial products, the practice advises on the structuring, liquidation and transformation of regulated entities, contract drafting and negotiation, inspections and investigations, and the design of anti-corruption programmes. Associates Lena Chemla, who advises clients on governance mechanisms and post-Brexit reorganisations, and Sonia Oudjhani-Rogez, who is experienced in appearing before the French regulatory authorities, provide additional support.


Practice head(s):

David Masson


Other key lawyers:

Lena Chemla; Sonia Oudjhani-Rogez


Testimonials

‘Attentive and responsive team that takes into account both regulatory requirements as defined in the texts and market practices.’

‘David Masson has a good understanding of the sector’s issues and the model of credit institutions – pragmatic approach and sense of problem solving.’

‘Good knowledge of the regulator.’

‘Sonia Oudjhani-Rogez: good knowledge of the regulator and industry practices. Special competence in payment services.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole


LCL


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Fortunéo


Nomura


Swile


SFIL


GoCardless


Stellantis


Alma


Caisse de crédit Municipal de Bordeaux (CCMB)


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Crédit Agricole Group in validating and structuring a strategic payment services solution for its clients on the French territory.
  • Advised the Crédit Mutuel Arkéa on the implementation of the critical and sustainable finance obligations for the benefit of several group entities (asset management, insurance, banking entities).
  • Advised Swile on validating and structuring a payment scheme from a French law perspective.