At Hengeler Mueller, the consolidation of the European banking sector remains a focal point which also reflects in a number of recent instructions related to bank sales. Here, as well as with other transaction-driven matters, Dirk Bliesener regularly takes the lead, while also assisting clients with regulatory procedures, specifically with proceedings pertaining to bank levies against the European Union's Single Resolution Board. Christian Schmies is the key contact for regulatory issues in the fintech sector, although he also advises on compliance structures, anti-money laundering and Brexit-related issues.
Financial services: regulatory in Germany
Hengeler Mueller
Other key lawyers:
Dirk Bliesener; Johannes Adolff; Carl-Philipp Eberlein; Christian Schmies; Sven Henrik Schneider; Stefan Krauss
Testimonials
‘Very well coordinated team, good harmony as a prerequisite for efficiency. Entrepreneurial thinking.’
‘Great commitment, efficiency, very high level of competence and expertise.’
‘ Very solution-oriented.’
‘Top law firm, top lawyers: excellent specialist knowledge, always available and fast response times, always impeccable quality.’
‘Dr. Christian Schmies: Outstanding lawyer for banking supervisory law.’
‘Dr. Carl-Philipp Eberlein: Excellent expertise and very reliable.’
‘Dr. Sven Schneider: First class.’
Linklaters
Linklaters is regularly instructed by financial services providers to assist with strategic projects such as restructuring, mergers and the establishment of German subsidiaries, which also includes advice on the implementation of Brexit strategies or post-Brexit business structuring; here, the group routinely cooperates with colleagues in London for advice on Brexit-related effects on European and German businesses. Due to its close cooperation with the corporate and M&A teams, the practice is also an attractive advisor for banks in M&A transactions on the one hand and on digital cooperation agreements in the payment services area on the other; in the latter area, but to a lesser extent, the group also acts on corporate or fintech level. The advice offering is complemented by in-depth expertise in classic regulatory issues such as MiFID II as well as in compliance matters (including ESG) and regulatory procedures; Andreas Dehio is a key contact for the latter two fields. The team is headed by Andreas Steck, who, in addition to transactions and restructuring in the banking sector, also advises on insurance supervisory mandates.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very good detailed knowledge of regulatory issues, good market insights that are always up-to-date.’
‘Andreas Dehio: Extensive basic understanding of all regulatory issues, good knowledge of customer business and the overall market.’
Clifford Chance
Within its international firm network, Clifford Chance's team has established itself as the central point of contact for continental European instructions which are routinely handled across practices and locations. Under the leadership of practice head Marc Benzler, numerous major international banks seek assistance with bank incorporations in Germany, the implementation of Brexit-related restructuring and M&A transactions in the financial sector and related owner control procedures. Benzler's expertise also encompasses derivatives and financial market infrastructure regulation where he is supported by counsel Kerstin Schaepersmann, among others; this field represents one of the practice's central pillars along banking and capital market litigation as well as supervisory proceedings and investigations. The advice offering is further complemented by expertise in the fintech sector, where the team assists with cryptocurrencies, payment services and blockchain matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very high level of expertise and extensive knowledge of the market. ‘
‘Constructive.’
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP handles a wide range of topics, which increasingly includes fintech and payment services matters such as BaFin license applications, while also regularly assisting banks and industrial groups with the reorganization of their financial units and with M&A transactions. This is partly a result of the group's close cooperation with the firm's corporate practice, although there is also strong collaboration across other teams and locations. Subsequently, the practice further frequently advises on various intersecting topics such as securities supervisory law, capital requirements and sustainable finance. This offer is complemented by litigious expertise, as recently demonstrated in representing various banks against the EU's Single Resolution Board (SRB) in proceedings pertaining to bank levies. Richard Reimer, who is well versed in institutional and product-specific banking supervisory law, heads the practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘All in all, the Hogan Lovells team is not aloof, but pleasant to deal with, adaptable to client requests and works together with the client as a unit with a very high level of professional competence and reliability. Individual strengths are ideally used within the team. As an in-house colleague, you are taken seriously as part of the team.’
‘The individuals are very reliable, approachable, sociable, calm and level-headed, with very high professional competence.’
Key clients
Aggregate Financial Services GmbH
B2Mobility GmbH
Barclayscard
BAWAG PSK
Daimler
Deutscher Sparkassenverlag
ISBank
Norddeutsche Landesbank
Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale (NORD/LB) und Deutsche Hypothekenbank (Actien-Gesellschaft) (Deutsche Hypo)
NRW.BANK
Paysafe Ltd
Perpetual Investment GmbH
Rewe Financial Services
Vattenfall Europe Power Management
ViaFintech GmbH
VR Payment GmbH
Work highlights
- Advice to Aggregate Financial Services GmbH on its application for a license as a securities trading bank with (BaFin) and Deutsche Bundesbank as well as ongoing advice on all regulatory and corporate law issues.
- Advising Cflox GmbH on its application for a permit under the Payment Services Supervision Act (ZAG) from BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank Bank, as well as advising on the set-up and implementation of CfloxPay.
- Advising VR Payment GmbH on revising its contract structure due to the Covid-19 pandemic and on the implementation of numerous new products.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP focuses its advice on three central pillars: assistance with M&A transactions, internal investigations as well as enforcement procedures, and ongoing supervisory issues, with the latter segment including matters related to governance, MiFID II and Brexit-related scenarios as well as arising issues resulting from the establishment of new German branches. The offered advice is based on the group's cooperation with the firm's corporate practice – an interface competence that is also evident at practice lead level and in particular in Markus Krüger, who focuses on transactions and other corporate law issues such as bank restructurings. These close ties further serve as the foundation for advising board members at various financial institutions and industry associations on issues such as shareholder activism and ongoing corporate and capital markets law issues. Co-head Axel Schiemann is here also very active as well as being the key contact for financial market regulation, regulatory enforcement and fintech.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Good team, great.’
‘Markus Krüger is great.’
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG
Apollo Global Management, LLC
Bankhaus Lampe
Bundesverband deutscher Banken e.V. – Einlagensicherungsfonds
Central Bank of Egypt (CBE)
Evercore
Hyundai Capital Services
La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) / General Atlantic
Work highlights
- Advising Aareal Bank AG on shareholder activist engagement, in particular with regards to the sale of Areaon AG, a 100% IT subsidiary of Aareal Bank AG, as requested by the shareholder activists.
- Ongoing regulatory advice to Apollo Global Management, LLC in relation to Apollo’s indirect holdings in regulated credit institutions in Germany.
- Advising PIMCO on the acquisition of Allianz Real Estate. The acquired portfolio is worth more than €50 billion.
Noerr
Noerr follows a full-service approach which results in the coverage of a wide array of matters for an equally versatile client base consisting of banks, asset managers, insurers, payment service providers and companies. In addition to traditional issues pertaining to financial regulation and payment services supervisory law, the group is also well versed in looking after matters touching on corporate law and transactions which includes cross-border mergers, other M&A transactions as well as cooperation agreements. Jens Kunz dedicates his practice to this variety of topics and jointly heads the group with insurance supervisory law expert Thomas Heitzer . The arrival of compliance expert Stefanie Bischof as associated partner in February 2021 from DLA Piper broadened the group’s compliance and risk management expertise, an area also covered by Heitzer. Kai-Michael Hingst is an experienced advisor to e-money issuers and fintechs.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Torsten Fett; Kai-Michael Hingst; Karl-Alexander Neumann; Stefanie Bischof
Testimonials
‘The interdisciplinary cooperation with specialists in their respective fields worked exceptionally well. The advice was comprehensive and met all our needs as a client. In our opinion, this was not self-evident, especially given the size of the project. Communication always ran smoothly, requests were addressed immediately and the advice was always tailored to the client’s ideas and, if necessary, readjusted.’
‘Dr. Jens Kunz and Dr. Torsten Kraul were always available for us. The advice was always practical, excellent in terms of content, needs-oriented and fast. From the client’s point of view, both gentlemen have excellent expertise, which in combination enabled a strong negotiating position. On a personal level, too, communication was always very friendly, quick and courteous.’
‘Her Prof. Dr. Hingst is an absolute luminary in his field and he is excellent at applying his comprehensive professional know-how to the business activities of the client/company he is looking after and their needs, without missing the equally necessary high level of pragmatism. In addition, even in critical situations, the necessary amount of fun and humor never falls by the wayside.’
‘Dr. Neumann of Prof. Dr. Hingst’s team is – in the most positive conceivable sense – has passed through Prof. Dr. Hingst’s rigorous training and can therefore come up with a professional expertise that is unparalleled in the field of senior associates or associated partners of large law firms. Coupled with a very sociable manner, working with him at the highest professional level is also a lot of fun. ‘
‘The cooperation with the practice area is always characterized by very courteous friendliness and is characterized by an enormously high level of expertise that has not been experienced in other houses. ‘
‘Short-term inquiries related to day-to-day business could always be sent here, as well as the advisory support for long-term large-scale projects. There was no discernible difference in quality in this regard. In addition, all colleagues in the practice area work absolutely reliably and the legal advice given is extremely practical and resilient. ‘
Key clients
Baader Bank AG
Bundesrepublik Deutschland – Finanzagentur
Frankfurter Volksbank eG
Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank
Inflexion
Kaufland
LVM Landwirtschaftlicher Versicherungsverein Münster a.G.
Nord Stream 2 AG
Wirecard
Work highlights
- Advising the Federal Republic of Germany – finance agency on the creation of model documentation for the recapitalization of companies in the real economy.
- Advising Hamburg Investment and Development Bank on matters related to the establishment of Hamburg Stabilization Fund.
- Advice to Wirecard on the sale of Wirecard’s European core business to Banco Santander and on the handling of further business.
White & Case LLP
At White & Case LLP, a close cross-practice collaboration results in synergies at various interfaces such as corporate, capital markets and dispute resolution. Practice head Henning Berger is renowned for representing financial institutions in matters related to the ECB and BaFin, but also focuses on Brexit issues and security systems in the financial sector. Martin Weber, who made partner in January 2022, is dedicated to the same range of topics, while Sebastian Pitz (who also made partner in January 2022) focuses on M&A supervisory law. Common corporate-related matters include strategic partnerships, the establishment of German branches, restructuring and transactions. AML issues, which local partner Kirsten Donner regularly advises on, represent another steady part of the group’s case load. In addition to major German banks, the client base also includes numerous leading banks from the Nordic countries and southern Europe as well as fintech sector players.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Enormous market presence in the FinTech sector combined with in-depth expertise.’
‘Karsten Wöckener: Enormous commitment, also outside of mandates, in the field of FinTech. Broad knowledge beyond legal advice.’
‘Very strong negotiator, good network.’
‘Global coverage across multiple countries and industries with a wide range of skills. This gives us the cross-functional support we need. ‘
‘Solution-oriented. Connected with financial regulators. Business savvy and easy to work with. ‘
‘Large international law firm with personal and bespoke advice.’
‘The team around Dr. Henning Berger and Dr. Martin Weber impresses with longstanding experience and creative solutions in difficult situations. If necessary, they also think outside the box.’
Key clients
Deutsche Bank AG
LBBW
BayernLB
DZ Bank AG
Helaba
Nordea
Luminor
N26 Bank
DSGV
BdB
KfW
DKB
DZ Hyp AG
BVR
Work highlights
- Advising German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV) on regulatory findings by ECB and BaFin regarding protection system of the savings banks finance group.
- Representation of Deutsche Bank, LBBW, BayernLB, DKB, Helaba, DZ BANK, DZ HYP and DVB Bank in proceedings before the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Justice against the Single Resolution Board (SRB) related to actions for annulment against the resolutions on the calculation of ex -ante contributions to the Single Resolution Fund (SRF).
- Advised Deutsche Bank AG on a multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud. As part of the cooperation, Deutsche Bank’s switch to cloud services is to be accelerated and innovative products and services are to be developed together with the technology company.
Allen & Overy LLP
Alongside its advice on license applications and extensions as well as other Brexit-related issues, Allen & Overy LLP's assistance of financial service providers with M&A transactions, reorganization and mergers represent clear mainstays for the team that are routinely dealt with through cross-practice and cross-location cooperation; practice head Alexander Behrens is also very adept in these areas. In addition, clients benefit from the group's expertise in EU anti-money laundering proceedings and in product-related regulatory requirements for financial products as prescribed by the PRIPPS Regulation and the EU Derivatives Regulation EMIR.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Banco Santander
Bank of America
Bank of New York Mellon
Deka Bank
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs
ING Bank
Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale (Helaba)
Lloyds Bank
Morgan Stanley
Nomura
Pinebridge
Single Resolution Board (SRB)
SMBC Bank
SMBC Nikko Capital Markets
Société Générale
Standard Chartered
UBS AG
Volkswagen Bank
Volkswagen Financial Services
Work highlights
- Advice to Banco Santander on the acquisition of highly specialized technology assets of the European business segment payment services and processing business customers ( merchant payments ; Acquiring & Issuing ) of Wirecard Group.
- Advising a global financial service provider on the reorganization of their German business unit.
- Advising a global financial institution on the merger of two German business units.
CMS
With Joachim Kaetzler as co-head of CMS' banking supervisory practice, the firm fields special expertise in anti-money laundering and anti-corruption matters which ensures a constant flow of instructions. In addition, the team advises financial services providers and companies on BaFin registration and licensing procedures, remuneration issues, transactions and payment services such as e-money models. Co-head Andrea Munich, who in addition to Germany is also admitted in Luxembourg, is experienced in Luxembourg financial supervisory law as well as in representing clients before supervisory authorities in both countries and at European level before the ECB.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘We were very happy to work with CMS Germany because of the quality of partners and associates, the efficient and solution-oriented way of working of our colleagues, the reasonable price-performance ratio and the pleasant atmosphere.’
‘Excellent technical expertise and good industry knowledge.’
‘The team has a special feel for new trends and the needs of the financial sector. The cross-location teamwork also convinced us in terms of a full-service approach.’
‘Very approachable and pragmatic in dealing with the team. Very simple and uncomplicated ways that make it easy for a start-up. You are routed directly to the right people within the firm without having to worry about familiarizing yourself with the individual case. Budgets are communicated and adhered to well and fairly and are also adapted to the company background.’
‘Really unique collaboration, always available with very strong knowledge background. Familiarizing themselves with topics independently without charging extra. Requests are fulfilled in the shortest possible time and always with our perspective in mind. Absolutely pragmatic approach to individual cases, great mediation to colleagues when necessary. Billing absolutely fair, a huge support for our company!’
Key clients
Worldline
Willis Towers Watson
Work highlights
- Advising Worldline/ Ingenico Divestment on asset sales in Austria to Global Payments sro and in Belgium and Luxembourg to BNP Paribas Fortis.
- Advice to Willis Towers Watson on setting up the business organization required by regulatory law.
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz is regularly instructed to advise on M&A and corporate-related regulatory issues which the team handles through appropriate cross-practice cooperation. These transactional matters frequently include fintech aspects, such as assisting with cross-border mergers of banks and payment service providers including all related regulatory issues. Additionally, the group recently advised on relocations and establishments of German branches, including those related to Brexit, as well as on compliance and regulatory remuneration requirements. Key contact Maximilian von Rom comprehensively covers German and European banking supervisory law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Admitad GmbH
Degussa Bank AG
GANÉ Aktiengesellschaft
KfW
NEC Corporation
Tiger Global Management, LLC
Stifel Financial
Teza Capital Management LLC
UBI Banca
UniCredit Bank Austria AG
Union Asset Management Holding GmbH
Xolaris AG
Work highlights
- Advising financial investor Tiger Global Management, LLC on its minority stake in Mambu GmbH, a FinTech unicorn offering IT-related outsourcing solutions for banks and other financial institutions.
- Advising NEC Corporation on the acquisition of Avaloq Group AG, a provider of financial software for banks and other IT-related outsourcing solutions.
- Comprehensive advice to Stifel Financial on the outsourcing of activities and functions from a German subsidiary (a regulated credit institution) to the US companies.
GSK Stockmann
As an established player especially in the digitization sphere, GSK Stockmann frequently advises on the implementation of digital subscription routes and the establishment of e-money-based benefit programs. These fintech-related matters are often handled by Timo Bernau, among others, who advises on various innovative financial products and jointly heads the practice with Robert Kramer, who has expertise in the funds sector. Other practice pillars include transactions, new business models development and dispute resolution, which are all regularly handled in cooperation with the Luxembourg office headed by Andreas Heinzmann.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Markus Escher; Okko Hendrik Behrends;Volker Baas; Philippe Lorenz
Testimonials
‘Specific knowledge in connection with bank concession proceedings before the European Courts.’
‘Okko Behrends is an excellent fighter with extensive expertise. Doesn’t need a team of 5 juniors who work for him and are charged additionally, but shows competence himself.’
‘I have had a very pleasant working relationship with Okko Behrends – an excellent lawyer to work with.’
‘Okko Behrends is a pragmatic and practical lawyer. He has an eye for detail and is very capable of translating complex Dutch matters for clients who have no knowledge of Dutch law. He gets things straight. ‘
‘The team has enormous technical expertise and a very good overview of the market in terms of practice. The advice is pragmatic, always related to the specific situation and takes into account the individual needs of the client.’
‘A well-established team that always has access to necessary specialist expertise.’
‘Volker Baas: Excellent knowledge and experience of banking and regulatory law. An extremely pleasant and constructive discussion partner with helpful risk assessments and legal evaluation.’
‘Short response times; pragmatic approach; clean documentation.’
Key clients
3Red Partners LLC., Chicago
Bankhaus von der Heydt GmbH & Co. KG
CAPTIQ GmbH
Companisto GmbH / Companisto Holding GmbH
DBF Holding GmbH
DF Deutsche Finance Investment GmbH
SolarisBank AG
Spendit AG
ZBI Vertriebs-koordinations GmbH
Immutable Insight Capital Management GmbH / Von der Heydt Asset Servicing SA
Work highlights
- Advising Bankhaus von der Heydt GmbH & Co. KG on various cross-border securitization structures in connection with the mapping of different investment strategies for money market strategies, crypto assets and alternative real asset funds.
- Advice to CAPTIQ GmbH on its development of a new and innovative credit platform, starting with the refinancing structure in Luxembourg, the regulatory and structural setup with partner bank in Germany, the draft of customer-related documents and data policy as well as legal coordination with other business partners who are connected to the platform.
- Advice to Companisto GmbH/ Companisto Holding GmbH on the structuring and implementation of various equity financing models for companies to issue via a digital financing platform.
Annerton Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Annerton Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH‘s regulatory expertise in the fintech area stands out as a particular strength which was recently emphasised by two partner appointments in January 2021: Nasim Jenkouk has deep expertise in outsourcing matters and in intersecting supervisory law and IT/data protection matters and Florian Lörsch focuses on payment services supervision, money laundering and funds. The group is regularly instructed by traditional banks and various fintech sector players, including online marketplaces and platforms, to advise on German market entries and the implementation of new products; here, the group also frequently assist with IT, data protection, compliance and money laundering law aspects.
Other key lawyers:
Susanne Grohé; Frank Müller; Peter Frey; Christian Walz; Matthäus Schindele, Anna Izzo-Wagner; Alireza Siadat; Nasim Jenkouk; Florian Lörsch
Testimonials
‘The Annerton team is of the most qualified firms I have worked with in the field of financial market supervision in the last 10 years. I liked their very sound, always reliable and timely assessments, which are always practical. I also like that I have a confidential exchange with a permanent key contact at Annerton, but that a colleague can also step in in an emergency.’
‘Our regular contact Peter Frey is characterized by his extremely deep specialist knowledge. Peter Frey works very thoroughly and his assessments are always reliable. As our legal representative, he was perceived as polite and competent by BaFin, customers and partners.’
‘Efficient, well-positioned, friendly team that advises clients in the FinTech sector quickly and competently, especially in German-speaking countries .’
‘Dr Susanne Grohé: Friendly, competent, very extensive specialist knowledge, especially in payment law. Good knowledge of the market, especially through her many years as head of the legal department at PayPal Germany.’
‘Frank Müller: Fast, competent, friendly. Can bring practical and pragmatic solutions to legal problems. ‘
‘Christian Walz – got to know him several years ago on a matter where he was advising a FinTech bank on the other side. Very pleasant working with him. Works extremely competently with great expertise and good knowledge of the market. ‘
‘We often work with Alireza Siadat, who is very active and knowledgeable in the FinTech industry, especially in Germany but also on a European level. He is very smart and concrete and has good business acumen.’
‘An experienced team that is solution-oriented and works well together. The combination of capital market law knowledge and experience with companies from the FinTech and blockchain sector especially is a particular strength of the law firm.’
Key clients
Billie GmbH
Business Service Solution GmbH
LendingPoint LLC
LAVEGO AG
Nufin GmbH
PAYONE GmbH
Penta FinTech GmbH
PPRO Holding GmbH
Prepaid Verband Deutschland e.V.
solarisBank AG
Tangany GmbH
Tomorrow GmbH
Accel Growth Fund V L.P.
Accel London VI. L.P.
artis Institutional Capital Management GmbH
Bank of Communications Co. Ltd.
Concardis GmbH
CQS (UK) LLP
Crosslend GmbH
DLE Deutsche Landentwicklung Holding AG
DVB Bank SE
Enertrag EnergieInvest GmbH
Feri Trust (Luxembourg) S.A. – Niederlassung Deutschland
Ferrari Financial Services GmbH
Founders Fund Trade Republic LLC
FTX Trading Ltd.
GS&P Kapitalanlagegesellschaft S.A.
Helaba Digital GmbH & Co. KG
HIH Warburg Gruppe
smava GmbH
Taylor Wessing – Provinzial
Teylor AG
Vie Finance AEPEY SA
VTB Bank (Europe) SE
Classic Token AG
Amazing Blocks AG
1inch Exchange
Decus Network GmbH
Blockchain Helix AG
DZ Bank
New Horizon GmbH
Saman Bank
Volksbank Mittweida eG
Work highlights
- Advising credit brokerage platform Lending Point LLC on market entry in Germany and strategic cooperation.
- Ongoing advice to PAYONE GmbH on various civil and regulatory issues and on the implementation of new products.
- Advising Concardis GmbH on all banking and payment service-related regulatory issues and processes.
Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH has recently expanded its team to strengthen capacities at the interface to investment regulatory law – for which purpose Oliver Decker joined in January 2021 – and to gain capabilities in insurance regulatory law which was met with the arrival of Frank Fischer in April 2021; both joined from KPMG Law in Germany. Additionally, Hannes Bracht made partner in June 2021; he is particularly well versed in payment services matters and in advising public law institutions which represent two core competencies of the team. Other mainstays include permit applications, institution foundations and restructuring, M&A and institution remuneration issues. In June 2021, practice head Mathias Hanten also took on the lead of the firm's global banking and finance practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘High expertise, reliable, fast, pragmatic.’
‘Dr. Hanten and Dr. Bracht: Very high level of expertise, nice, pragmatic, solution-oriented, quick understanding of the “problems”, good memos/summaries/opinions.’
‘ Beyond actual requirements, strategic product procedures were jointly discussed and implemented.’
‘ Dr. Oliver Decker is a very committed and competent partner. He develops bespoke concepts with correspondingly detailed documentation.’
Key clients
Auto Europe Deutschland GmbH
Automotive Finance Corporation (KAR Global-Gruppe)
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
DKV EURO SERVICE GmbH + Co. KG
EB – Sustainable Investment Management GmbH
Hoerner Bank AG
LeasePlan Deutschland GmbH
LUNADIS GmbH + Co. KG
Renaio Capital GmbH
SAP SE
Sparkasse Rhein-Nahe AöR
Verifone-Gruppe / InterCard AG
Work highlights
- Advice on supervisory law to LeasePlan Deutschland GmbH.
- Regulatory advice to Lufthansa AG.
- Advising Sparkasse Rhein-Nahe AöR on supervisory law.
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB focuses on advising Landesbanken in the savings bank sector, which is not least due to practice head Yorick Ruland's relevant expertise, while the group is also renowned for representing clients in disputes as well as for enforcing creditors' rights in insolvency proceedings. Timm Theilmann's arrival from HYAZINTH LLP in July 2020 underlines the team's emerging fintech capacities which he has been able to expand particularly through connecting with Berlin's fintech scene; alongside Matthias Terlau, he is one of the key contacts for this field.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Matthias Terlau; Dania Neumann; Roland Hoffmann-Theinert; Timm Theilmann
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic and efficient solutions.’
‘The team around Dr. Matthias Terlau is very well organised, very precise and technically outstanding. The cooperation is based on partnership and very pleasant. ‘
‘Dr. Terlau is an absolute specialist in his field. The conduct of negotiations in difficult contract negotiations is very professional. I also value his ability to constructively bring difficult problems to a solution.’
‘As an in-house lawyer, you cannot always handle all legal aspects perfectly yourself. GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB is therefore the perfect addition for us. Whenever special expertise is required, we can turn to our key contact there with confidence.’
‘Highly professional and competent support, very good reliability and adherence to schedules. Excellent understanding of IT processes and their mapping.’
‘Dr. Terlau: Outstanding expert in payment transactions, especially PSD2.’
‘Strong expertise in the German market; knows the supervisory practice; they familiarise themselves well with new models. You work directly with the specialists. Strong in negotiating.’
‘Lots of experience, very factual and technically perfect and convincing.’
Key clients
Ampega Asset Management
Brandenburger Bank VR-Bank eG
CR Investment Management GmbH
Deutsche Handelsbank AG
Deutsche Kreditbank AG
DJE Kapital AG
DWS
Helaba (vormals Dexia Kommunalbank AG)
IndusInd Bank Ltd
Landesbank Berlin AG
Loys AG
paydirekt GmbH
Pfalzmarkt für Obst und Gemüse eG
Samsung Electronics GmbH
Sparkasse Köln Bonn
WEAT Electronic Datenservice GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising paydirekt GmbH on the takeover of giropay.
- Advising Sparkasse Köln-Bonn on the granting of a €20 million loan to Bundesliga football club 1. FC Köln due to the loss of income caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advising DWS in connection with the insolvency of Wirecard AG.
Mayer Brown LLP
Mayer Brown LLP's strong connection between its banking and finance and capital markets practices – a mix that also represents practice head Patrick Scholl's expertise – is reflected in subsequent strong advisory skills on matters related to market infrastructure, securities sales and clearing . The firm has established a particularly good reputation for its advice on global derivatives regulation (EMIR), although the team also frequently assists with issues pertaining to benchmarks, MiFIR / MiFID II, payment services (especially license issues), capital requirements and bank restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘For us, MB very reliably achieves each of the set goals, even under high regulatory BaFin requirements. MB processes numerous documents with several hundred pages in an exemplary manner.’
‘Under the management of Mr. Scholl, all employees are optimally coordinated and aligned. The right legal questions are asked right at the beginning, as MB has a broad and sound knowledge of our concerns.’
‘Martin Heuber and Ulrike Binder are top lawyers. Both uniquely combine expertise with commercial transaction experience.’
SERNETZ • SCHÄFER
SERNETZ • SCHÄFER's team is led by the renowned Frank Schäfer and particularly known for its extensive litigation experience, but also advises banks, insurance and financial service providers as well as companies on regulatory issues that arise in a transactional context. Its advice offering is complemented by expertise in board matters, compliance and payment services supervision law-compliant digital payment processing.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fast perception, understanding of the client’s point of view, detailed technical knowledge.’
Key clients
Bayern LB
Hypo Real Estate
ProSiebenSat1 SE
UniCredit Bank AG
Wirecard Bank AG
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to Wirecard Bank AG as a result of the Wirecard scandal, including advice on the sale of key assets initiated by the insolvency administrator and support in the liquidation of the institute under civil and regulatory law. Also represented the bank in various pending legal disputes.
- Comprehensive strategic advice to UniCredit Bank AG in connection with the (alleged) EC fee cartel of the German banking industry; Defense against cartel damages claims; Advice on fundamental litigation issues.
- Advice on banking supervisory and tax law to ProSiebenSat1 SE.
Waldeck Rechtsanwälte PartmbB
Waldeck Rechtsanwälte PartmbB recently saw an increase in project-related instructions in the crypto and tokenization sphere resulting from the issuance and trade of crypto assets. This expertise is part of an advice portfolio that encompasses assistance with banking regulatory approval procedures, outsourcing projects, WpHG issues and BaFin fine procedures. Compliance issues are also frequently handled by Jan Liepe among others; he jointly heads the practice with stock exchange and financial center expert Hendrik Pielka.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The strength of the small unit is its innovative and solution-oriented approach to handling mandates. Each case is handled with great experience and a sense of proportion. ‘
‘Jan Liepe and Hendrik Pielka: Highly qualified and motivated beyond the norm. Each case is of absolute importance to the parties involved. ‘
‘Very practice-oriented law firm with excellent industry know-how, highly motivated and committed colleagues who are always available and approachable at short notice.’
‘Very flexible in the solution offer, also with available time; holistic thinking with interdisciplinary approaches, ideas and solutions that go beyond the original agreement; high willingness to integrate with customers and colleagues; Customer requests are met very flexibly and purposefully.’
‘Competent, fast, flexible, friendly. Personalities very easy to get along with and easy communication.’
‘I maintain close contact with Jan Liepe and Dr. Henrik Pielka. The closely coordinated collaboration between the two, which – in the literal sense – complement each other, seems unique to me. ‘
‘Dr. Hendrik Pielka is diligent, meticulous and has a love of detail, but without appearing too detailed.’
‘Jan Liepe is a strategist with the instinct of a truffle pig!’
Key clients
Athelios Vermögensverwaltung SE
Austen Morris Associates
Bankhaus Scheich AG Wertpapierspezialist
BCA AG
BfV Bank für Vermögen
CARAT Fonds Service AG
Development Company for Israel (Europe) GmbH
Diebold Nixdorf
DLT Finance Holding AG
EUWAX Aktiengesellschaft
Haron Holding S.A.
Hy2gen AG
ING
Lang & Schwarz AG
lemon.markets GmbH
mwb fairtrade Wertpapierhandelsbank AG
National Westminster Bank Plc
Renell Wertpapierhandelsbank AG
SE TradeCom Finanzinvest
SRH AlsterResearch AG
STJ Advisors Group Ltd.
Suntera Trustees (Jersey) Limited
tick Trading Software AG
UmweltBank AG
Unicâmbio – Instituição de Pagamento, S.A.
Universal-Investment-Gesellschaft mbH
vwd TransactionSolutions AG
Walter Ludwig GmbH Wertpapierhandelsbank
Work highlights
- Advice to National Westminster Bank Plc post-Brexit on starting the operative business of their German subsidiary after receiving a banking license in Germany, in particular with regard to the establishment of organizational precautions in the areas of compliance and risk management.
- Advising the major shareholder of CENTROTEC SE on the preparation and implementation of a delisting acquisition offer in accordance with the provisions of the WpÜG to enable CENTROTEC SE’s listing to be revoked.
- Ongoing advice to Bankhaus Scheich on numerous tokenization projects and the trading of crypto assets and security tokens.