Cobalt, which is ‘a leading law firm in the Baltics’, has a strong track record in major cross-border and domestic deals. It is notably active in corporate finance, capital markets transactions, loan portfolio transactions and regulatory matters. The team’s expertise in cross-border transactions and financings has seen it win work from international clients such as Citibank, Citadel and Swedbank. In 2020, the team advised Baltic bank Lumimor on its landmark €1bn sale to Blackstone, the largest pan-Baltic deal in that particular year. Heading up the team is Akvilė Bosaitė, who is a key name in the market for investment funds, project finance and corporate transactions involving the banking sector. She leads the team with Eva Suduiko, who has a distinct focus on capital markets and project finance work. Elijus Burgis is also recommended.

Ellex, which is one of the leading pan-Baltic law firms, has recently assisted clients with some of the largest capital markets and project finance deals in the market. In addition, its team has advised clients on Lithuania’s new anti-money laundering regulations. Cross-border work is a notable strength of the practice, with the client roster comprising of a number of international clients. The group also has experience of working with practitioners at Magic Circle law firms. Ieva Dosinaitė undertakes cross-border mandates and is noted for her regulatory expertise in relation to anti-money laundering and licensing issues. Dosinaitė co-heads the practice with Giedrius Stasevicius, who focuses on bond issuances, project finance transactions, securitisations and secured lending. Associate Domantas Gudonis is also recommended.

GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners has traditionally focused on debt financing, public offerings and banking-related M&A, with a growing reputation in fintech and project finance. Linas Sesickas, who leads the banking and finance practice, works with private equity specialist Andrius Ivanauskas, who advises on the regulation of funds. The group’s client roster includes global names such as Mastercard, Stripe and GE Capital.

Primus Derling’s banking and finance practice has a highly diverse offering, which includes services relating to bond offerings, investment funds, fintech, senior loans and insurance matters. Managing partner Robert Juodka, who leads the practice, is one of the few insurance specialists in the Baltic region. He is supported by senior associate Greta Bagdanavičiūtė, who is very experienced in regulatory compliance matters.

Deloitte Legal, Professional Partnership of Advocates, which is tied to a major international consultancy, has been advising a number of fintech companies on a wide range of issues, including licensing, regulatory compliance and cryptocurrency. Practice head Tomas Davidonis is an expert in corporate, M&A and compliance work. Bank of Lithuania is a key client.

LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas distinguishes itself handling bankruptcy proceedings for financial institutions, most notably for credit unions. Elsewhere, the team is also highly capable in advising on regulatory compliance, particularly in relation to fintech licensing and anti-money laundering. Managing partner Marius Grajauskas, who leads the team, formerly served as head of legal at Dankse Bank. He has extensive experience of handling insolvency disputes through both litigation and arbitration. Jurgita Najulytė and Lina Balčiūnė are other key names.

ECOVIS ProventusLaw is ‘strongest in licensing, AML and data privacy compliance’, and is noted for its ‘strong connections to the Central Bank’. Practice head Inga Karulaitytė-Kvainauskienė has ‘invaluable’ expertise in fintech and participated in advising on the new legislation on anti-money laundering. Her recent work has involved assisting clients with obtaining banking, e-money and payment licences.

Magnusson advises both local and international financial institutions on licensing issues, regulatory compliance and financial transactions. Associate Kęstutis Baranauskas, who leads the team, acts for both traditional financial institutions and fintech companies.

PwC Legal has a strong profile among domestic and international clients, including banks, fund managers and payment institutions. Legal director Rokas Bukauskas is a key name for advice on finance transactions and regulatory compliance issues. Vytautas Šenavičius and Tadas Lukošius are also recommended.

Response was founded by Vytautas Šenavičius in 2019, a former partner at TESET and chairman of the Lithuanian P2P Lending and Crowdfunding Association. Senavicius leads the banking and finance team and draws upon his expertise to advise clients on fintech and alternative financing.

WINT Law Firm is a relatively new name to the Lithuanian market, having been launched in 2018. It has strong capabilities in corporate lending and capital markets transactions, as well as restructurings. Marius Matiukas leads the practice and specialises in banking and finance work, with additional capabilities in real estate and energy law. Clients include names such as Luminor Bank, Baltcap and Citadele Banka.