The banking and finance practice group at Cobalt assists clients with large financing transactions, M&A transactions involving financial institutions, financial regulatory matters, and financial compliance. Recently, the firm has seen involvement in some of the largest assignments in the market, and alongside its Estonian and Latvian offices, provides advice across the Baltics. The team benefits from the joint leadership of Akvilė Bosaitė, who is well respected for her experience in large financing projects, both in Lithuania and foreign jurisdictions, and Eva Suduiko, who in recent years has been involved in large banking industry transactions, large financing transactions, and complex capital market deals.
Banking, finance and capital markets in Lithuania
Cobalt
Practice head(s):
Akvilė Bosaitė; Eva Suduiko
Testimonials
‘They are good at getting deals done and take over the client’s goals as their own. Highly responsive.’
‘Given that Cobalt satisfies all our needs we have never needed to instruct another law firm in Lithuania. Highly responsive and always meets the deadline. They make difficult things happen.’
‘They are highly effective advisors who guide us through complex financing tasks. The COBALT team leverages its outstanding members to provide expert advice on preparing necessary documentation, ensuring compliance with market standards, representing us before authorities, and more. We highly recommend their services.’
‘Very professional team. Listens to the client’s needs, and understands the bigger picture while providing assessments and opinions.’
‘Eva Suduiko is a top professional in the banking field. Has deep knowledge of the banking field and regulations.’
‘Cobalt’s unique point is its dynamic, forward-thinking approach to law. The team is not just great at providing legal advice—they’re brilliant at understanding the bigger picture and the specific needs of each client.’
‘We want to express our sincere appreciation for Eva Suduiko’s exceptional contributions. Her insightful input, attention to detail, and proactive approach have driven success.’
Key clients
Luminor Bank AS
Vinted
Viola Credit
Invalda
Eika
Consilium optimum
EBRD
European Energy A/S
Work highlights
- Assisted Vinted, UAB one of the largest and most successful startup companies in Lithuania (now operating across several jurisdictions in Europe), with obtaining its first-ever bank loan from ING and BNP Paribas.
- Advised Viola Credit on a multi-jurisdictional securitisation transaction involving a Lithuanian originator UAB Hokodo (electronic payment institution).
- Advised Invalda INVL on the issuance of EUR bonds in the amount of up to EUR25m and listing thereof with the Baltic Bond List of Nasdaq Vilnius.
Ellex
The banking and finance practice at Ellex is frequently engaged in a diverse range of work, offering advice on issues ranging from general financing and international institution-led financing, to popular bond issuances, project financing, regulatory fintech, and private equity and venture capitalist work. The team demonstrates the depth of knowledge at the firm through the diverse sectors it is engaged with, from renewable energy to real estate. The team is led by co-heads Ieva Dosinaitė and Giedrius Stasevičius, who bring expertise in managing pan-Baltic legal projects and complex financing projects, such as bond issuances, securitisations, and secured lending deals.
Practice head(s):
Ieva Dosinaite; Giedrius Stasevičius
Other key lawyers:
Eglė Neverbickienė; Enrika Tamasauskaite
Testimonials
‘What truly sets Ellex’s Banking and Finance team apart is their expertise and personalized approach. As the largest Banking and Finance team in Lithuania, they handle everything from general financing and intricate international deals to popular bond issuances with remarkable skill.’
‘Eglė Neverbickienė is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. We always find common ground, as she is flexible and adaptable to our needs. In most cases, her proposals are provided promptly, are comprehensive, and include terms that are acceptable to us.’
‘Ellex stands out for its deep understanding of both the local and regional legal landscapes, coupled with a global outlook. This combination allows the firm to provide tailored legal solutions. Ellex’s extensive network across the Baltic region is a distinguishing factor, enabling cross-border cooperation.’
‘Special thanks go to Eglė Neverbickienė for her exceptional contributions. Her expertise, dedication, and attention to detail have been invaluable throughout our multiple projects. We truly appreciate her professionalism and commitment to delivering outstanding results.’
‘Working with Eglė Neverbickienė, Associate Partner, has been an absolute pleasure and a significant asset to our projects. Her outstanding legal acumen, combined with her proactive and exceptional client-focused approach, makes her a standout legal partner and one of the finest legal professionals I have ever collaborated with. Several of the qualities that highlight Ellex as a top-tier legal firm are directly attributable to Eglė’s extraordinary work.’
‘We have been working with Ellex for years and recently had several important projects with their Banking and Finance team. They supported us in raising financing through bond issues for a real estate project in Vilnius. Ellex prepared everything we needed for continuous bond offerings, ensuring everything was approved by the Bank of Lithuania.’
‘Giedrius Stasevičius and Ieva Dosinaitė lead the team with strong expertise and clear guidance. They listen to our needs and always provide smart solutions. Eglė Neverbickienė and Eglė Radvilaitė are very responsive and pay attention to details, which makes the process smooth. We appreciate their professionalism and ability to tackle complex issues, giving us confidence in our financial projects.’
‘I can freely say that Ellex’s Banking and Finance practice expertise is top-notch. They handle all kinds of financial deals, from loans to restructuring. Their team is smart and always gives advice that fits our needs. What makes Ellex special is their creative way of solving tough problems. They think outside the box and give practical advice, even on hard issues.’
Key clients
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Nordic investment bank
European investment bank
EIG Global Partners
Partners Group (UK) Limited
Quaero European Infrastructure Fund II
Orkela, UAB
AB Šiaulių bankas
Northway Biotech
Capitalica Z114 Real Estate Fund
UniCredit Bank and Raiffeisen Bank
Banca Comercială Romana
ING Bank
OTP Bank Romania SA
SBA Furniture Group
NextPower III Poland Holdco sp. z o.o.
UAB “Audifina”
UAB “Lasinta”
SBA Furniture Group
Work highlights
- Advised initial bond purchasers and mandated lead arrangers representing ING Bank N.V., Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, HSBC Continental Europe, J.P. Morgan SE, Swedbank AB, and UniCredit Bank GmbH on the issuing and financing Bite Group´s EUR920m bond issue.
- Advised EBRD on providing EUR25m investment for energy efficiency upgrades in Vilnius Residential Buildings.
- Advised Baltic Rezo, a company from the Quaero European Infrastructure Fund II, on borrowing EUR50m from SEB Bank for the development of sustainable telecommunications infrastructure in the Baltic States.
Sorainen
The banking and finance team at Sorainen has experience in handling complex transactional, as well as regulatory, matters for both Baltic and foreign financial institutions. The firm continues its work in aviation finance, with other notable business in the real estate sector. The team is involved in various innovative financial services, such as non-bank payments and lending, e-money, and crowdfunding. Co-head Tomas Kontautas maintains a strong banking regulatory profile, dealing with complex matters in both the financial market and fintech industry, while vo-head Augustas Klezys continues to provide experienced advice on transactions and financial regulation.
Practice head(s):
Tomas Kontautas; Augustas Klezys
Other key lawyers:
Lina Aleknaitė-van der Molen; Evaldas Dudonis; Dominykas Kulakas
Testimonials
‘Lina Aleknaitė-van der Molen was in particular a pleasure to work with. Timely answers and outside-the-box thinking.’
‘Great versatile team with a sound grasp of all disciplines relating to banking, finance and capital markets law. Always available to deliver on short notice.’
‘Evaldas Dudonis is very knowledgeable and proficient. He swiftly assembles a capable team to deliver results and is always available to provide excellent strategic legal advice on an ad hoc basis.’
‘Augustas Klezys is efficient and clear in his explanations. Committed to the client.’
‘Sorainen is according to my perception a leading choice for banking in the Baltics.’
‘The team was hands-on with the matter, highlighting weak points in advance and providing solutions right away. Very pragmatic and commercially sensitive, deep understanding of the market and the renewables products.’
‘Flexibility, responsiveness, and a great deal of experience with cross-border financings. To the point and practical advice combined with the ability to accommodate challenging timelines provided for smooth cooperation and the successful outcome of the transaction.’
‘Dominykas Kulakas – excellent lawyer committed to covering all aspects of the transaction to bring the deal across the finish line.’
Key clients
NORD/LB
Austrian Bank Kommunalkredit
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Hokodo
Technopolis OY
European Investment Fund
UAB Sostinės bokštai
Avia Solutions Group, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley
Citigroup
Morgan Stanley
Aonic
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Berenberg Bank
Work highlights
- Advised NORD/LB, KfW IPEX Bank and Nordic Investment Bank on providing EUR326m in funding to LT Energija to construct the new Pagėgiai wind farm.
- Assisted Avia Solutions Group, a globally leading aviation group, with issuing USD300m in senior unsecured bonds.
- Advised Bitė Group, the leading telecommunications and media group in the Baltics, on a EUR920m senior secured notes issue.
WALLESS
WALLESS‘s banking and finance team has extensive knowledge and experience throughout the market. The team is well-versed in handling issues regarding commercial lending, refinancing, and loan portfolio transfers, as well as the restructuring of financial institutions and regulatory-driven M&A transactions. The practice represents both banks and borrowers in a range of projects, including renewable energy projects, commercial real estate developments, and aircraft acquisitions. Leading this knowledgeable team is Joana Baublyte-Kulviete, who brings particular expertise in financing transactions, funds, and fintech work, with a recent focus on expanding the financial regulatory and fintech service line at the firm.
Practice head(s):
Joana Baublyte-Kulviete
Key clients
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Siauliu Bankas
Swedbank Lithuania
BayernLB
Ignitis group
Modus Asset Management
Capitalica Asset Management
Vilniaus Baldai
INVL Bridge Finance Fund
1 Asset Management
Work highlights
- Advised Siauliu Bankas on the merger with Invalda INVL.
- Advised Ignitis Renewables on signing a financing agreement for the Mazeikiai onshore wind farm with the European Investment Bank and the Nordic Investment Bank.
- Advised Siauliu Bankas on completing a 10-year subordinated bond issue with a nominal value of EUR50m in the international financial markets.
Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland)
The banking and finance team at Eversheds Saladžius (a member of Eversheds Sutherland) has extensive knowledge and experience in advising banks and financial institutions on both regulatory and banking law compliance, loan financing, and finance transactions. Alongside such advice, the team works with corporate clients in a capacity as a lender, borrower, and security provider is notable. Against the backdrop of a growing Lithuanian fintech market, the firm is well-placed to offer advice to companies bringing new financial products into the market. The team is led by co-heads Jonas Saladžius and Tomas Rymeikis.
Practice head(s):
Jonas Saladžius; Tomas Rymeikis
Testimonials
‘Eversheds Saladzius has an excellent finance and banking team. They work with highly complex projects. The team advises on various banking and financial regulatory matters, and cross-border international payment issues.’
‘Highly helpful. The team is diverse and always accessible. We are very happy to collaborate.’
‘This is the only international firm and has amazing partners and associates. The team is highly innovative in using tech and gen AI in providing legal services, and as a result, efficiency is extremely high.’
Key clients
Arrival
Euronet
Food Union
Iban Online
Work highlights
- Assisted Arrival Group entities with financing aimed at business development and intra-group restructuring.
- Advising Euronet, a global financial technology solutions and payments company, on ATM business in Lithuania.
- Advising Food Union on a facility agreement.
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners
GLIMSTEDT Bernotas & Partners‘s banking and finance team is consistently involved in a range of matters across the market. The team has a historical background in the field of private equity funds, working on the formation of the first of such structures in Lithuania. The practice is well-respected for its work in the structuring, formation, and licensing management of companies and investment funds, with a particular focus on venture capital and private funds, recently extending to infrastructure and real estate funds. The team is jointly led by Linas Sesickas and Egidijus Bernotas.
Practice head(s):
Linas Sesickas; Egidijus Bernotas
Key clients
European Energy Efficiency Fund
European Merchant Bank
Kredito unija “Neris”
Klaipėdos universiteto ateities paramos fondas
Work highlights
- Advised the client Kredito Unija “Neris” (Lithuanian credit union) on negotiating and granting EUR2.3m business credit for Lithuanian pharmaceutical and technology company BBLT Tech, UAB to successfully develop its business project in Lithuania and the European Union.
- Advised the client European Merchant Bank UAB, a specialised bank licensed in Lithuania about granting an investment loan for EUR1.585m to Vanduo marse UAB (the Borrower), one of the most modern wake parks.
- Advised Estonian bank Coop Pank AS on securing a significant financing deal from the European Energy Efficiency Fund.
Noewe Legal
Noewe Legal‘s banking and finance group provides legal and regulatory support to financial institutions and crypto-related businesses. Key projects for the firm include fintech licensing, MiCA licensing, compliance services, capital raising, banking law regulatory matters, and cross-border secured financing. The team is jointly led by Robert Juodka, who focuses on matters involving the energy and infrastructure markets, and Ieva Bakutienė, who brings expertise in capital market and financial regulatory work.
Practice head(s):
Robert Juodka; Ieva Bakutienė
Testimonials
‘The law firm is good in financing law, offering strong expertise in handling complex financial transactions. Their team is dedicated to providing practical and efficient legal solutions that are tailored to our needs.’
‘Robert is remarkable for his deep expertise and dedication. He consistently ensures that the advice he provides is practical and tailored.’
‘Very competent lawyers, great to work with.’
‘Robert Juodka, very experienced, extremely helpful.’
‘NOEWE is offering a comprehensive and holistic service to their client. We go back to them any time we need services regarding international and local legal and tax consultation for individual and business needs. We have also outsourced their services for accounting and compliance as well as management consulting on preparing business plans.’
‘The team we have worked with for almost 3 years has deep knowledge in very strong regulated areas, such as investment and finances. We find the team highly result-oriented, and very efficient in comparison with other companies. This distinguishes them from competitors in Lithuania, they stand next to the customer, getting into their shoes while representing their interests with different parties.’
‘The team is productive and efficient. We have a long history with them and they are diverse and adaptable, finding the necessary expert in all the fields we work with them.’
‘High level professionals with great communication skills.’
Key clients
INVL Asset Management, UAB
EESTI Energia Group
INVL Asset Management, UAB
Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A.
NORD/LB Norddeutsche Landesbank
Ziya Nehir Lojistik Ticaret AS
Work highlights
- Assisting INVL Asset Management and its subsidiary companies with multiple complex cross-border financing and secured lending transactions.
- Assisting Eesti Energia with complex negotiations with an international investment fund as well as legal assistance in structuring the financing arrangement under the EFET Agreement and establishing cross-border security instruments.
- Assisting various international EMI (Electronic money institutions) with licensing, regulatory, AML, and compliance issues.
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas
LEADELL Balciunas ir Grajauskas‘s banking, bankruptcy, and restructuring team is recognised as a leading firm in this space, handling several bankruptcy proceedings of credit unions. Additionally, the firm is also regularly engaged to advise clients on AML, risk management, and compliance issues. The team is led by Marius Grajauskas and Gintaras Balčiūnas.
Practice head(s):
Marius Grajauskas; Gintaras Balčiūnas
Key clients
Nacionalinė kredito unija
Laikinosios sostinės kreditas
Vilniaus kreditas
Vilniaus taupomoji kasa
Baltija
Danske Bank A/S Lithuanian Branch
UAB Renerga
Work highlights
- Representing the interests of insolvent credit unions which act under the provision of the Financial Supervision Authority of the Republic of Lithuania.
- Represented a bank in a dispute concerning legal claims related to the regulation of the procedure, terms, and conditions for the opening of a bank account.
- Advising UAB “Renerga” on the development of a large onshore wind farm.
Response
Response‘s banking and finance group works with various legal projects related to the regulations on financial services. They are regularly engaged by clients to handle licensing processes, representation before the Bank of Lithuania, due diligence, and compliance work, alongside the creation and evaluation of AML systems. The team benefits from the wide experience of the leadership team, comprised of Vytautas Šenavičius, Tadas Lukošius, and Jakaterina Govina.
Practice head(s):
Vytautas Šenavičius; Tadas Lukošius; Jakaterina Govina
Testimonials
‘Especially good knowledge of banking and finance regulatory framework and a long-standing practice of work involving supervisory authorities. Also, the team is very proactive – you don’t have to worry about something being missed or thought out.’
‘Key team members are extremely high-level professionals in this area, such is rare in the Lithuanian legal services market.’
‘Tadas Lukošius – outstanding knowledge of the regulatory framework of the financial sector, proactive, managerial skills.’
Key clients
UAB Hokodo
Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė “Nter Asset Management“
UAB “NS Pay”
AB “Mano bankas”
UAB “SME Bank“
UAB “SME Finance“
UAB Heavy Finance
UAB HEAVY CARBON
Credit union “Saulėgrąža“
Jungtinė Centrinė Kredito unija
UAB “Trečia diena”
UAB EASY DEBT SERVICE
KŪB City Storage
UAB “Uniqum Capital“
UAB Nordstreet
UAB “Bendras finansavimas”
Credit union “Litas”
Elektrėnų credit union
Work highlights
- Advising the investment management company Uždaroji akcinė bendrovė „Nter Asset Management“ on obtaining AIFM license.
- Advised UAB Easy Debt Service on EUR5m capital raising initiative by issuing bonds via a private placement.
- Advised KŪB City Storage on their investment in one of the largest city storage projects in the Baltic states and Poland.
ECOVIS ProventusLaw
ECOVIS ProventusLaw provides advice surrounding a plethora of financial services matters, with particular strength when dealing with regulatory compliance and licensing requirements for financial providers, as well as providing audit and anti-money laundering services. Under the leadership of practice head Inga Karulaityte Kvainauskiene, the firm benefits from experience in various fields, particularly in fintech and regulatory issues in the finance sectors.
Practice head(s):
Inga Karulaitytė; Loreta Andziulytė
Testimonials
‘They have a very good knowledge of the industry and provide us with the best possible solutions for our complex case.’
‘The level of details they put in reviewing documents and advising us is great.’
Key clients
M.F.Tel
Henripay
Paywiser
DeVere e-money
Sardine.io
Walletto
Phoenix Payments
PCS Transfer
Paytend Europe
Work highlights
- Representing a French Company registered as an agent of Lithuanian licensed EMI Payrnet UAB, in Payrnet UAB insolvency procedures and criminal investigations, with a total claim exceeding EUR7m of retail client funds that must be returned to thousands of retail clients.
- Represented Phoenix Payments in addressing and rectifying discrepancies identified by the Bank of Lithuania during their inspection.
- Represented a shareholder of UAB “deVere E-Money” in court proceedings in which the court decided to satisfy the appeal and declare the Bank of Lithuania’s decision to impose a sanction on the client as null and void.
FORT
The team at FORT offers a range of services within the banking and finance sector. Aiding with regulatory compliance and licensing, dealing with intricate banking, financing, peer-to-peer, and crowdfunding platform operations. The firm also provides strategic guidance on various matters within finance structuring, bank financing, and refinancing. The team is lead by managing partner Andrius Mamontovas, who takes his experience into a broad range of banking and finance cases.
Practice head(s):
Andrius Mamontovas
Testimonials
‘The whole FORT team is extremely focused on the client and goes deeply into the process to ensure that the client gets maximum value advice from any situation connected to the reason they contacted the FORT team.’
‘Andrius Mamontovas has extremely good capabilities to mobilize necessary professionals to achieve goals for the client’s benefit.’
Key clients
Perfect Sunday, UAB
Axiology DLT, UAB
Bondora Group AS
AS DelfinGroup
SH Europe
Work highlights
- Advised Perfect Sunday, UAB on the establishment of Lithuania’s first crowdfunding platform, BeMyBond, focusing on investment in bonds.
- Advised Axiology DLT, UAB on the establishment of the EU’s first DLT-based securities trading and settlement infrastructure.
- Advised AS DelfinGroup on legal requirements for consumer credit lending and pawn shop operations in Lithuania.
Law Firm TESET
The banking and finance practice group at Law Firm TESET focuses mainly on regulatory work within the financial sector. The team advises clients on matters related to the authorisation and activity of banks, fund managements, and investments and electronic money institutions. The team is led by Tomas Talutis, who has particular experience in the areas of financial service regulation and the authorisation and activity of both banks and investment funds.
Practice head(s):
Tomas Talutis
Key clients
Stanhope Financial UAB
Lords LB Asset Management UAB
Eika Asset Management UAB
Union Asset Management UAB
8 Stars UAB
Baltic Financial Advisors Association
DIFF Assets UAB
Finbro UAB
Atelier Investment Management UAB
InRento
Work highlights
- Advised crowdfunding platform www.letsinvest.eu on a financing deal.
- Advised Stanhope Financial UAB on the change of business model.
- Advising Lords LB Asset Management on regulatory requirements and compliance matters.
WIDEN
WIDEN‘s banking and finance team is consistently involved in various projects throughout the market. The main areas of focus for the firm include commercial lending transactions, refinancing, and loan portfolio transfers. The depth of knowledge at the firm is evidenced by the diverse industries the team is involved with, ranging from energy to transportation. Ausra Brazauskiene leads the ‘easy to work with’ team.
Practice head(s):
Aušra Brazauskienė
Testimonials
‘The team is easy to work with both due to their communication skills and their competence. They‘re very dedicated to understanding the situation their client is in fully and they‘re very responsive throughout all of our collaboration.’
‘The team is exceptionally well-managed, with the leading Partner Aušra Brazauskienė involved, responsive, and responsible in any matter, simple or complex. The qualities that I exceptionally value in Aušra are her thoroughness when it comes to looking for the necessary solutions and how coherent and clear her communication is.’
‘The experience of the WIDEN team, along with effective communication and confidence, ensures that the client feels calm, assured, and trusts the team.’
‘Working with Aušra Brazauskienė is stress-free, well-planned, and focused on finding compromises and the best solutions.’
‘The team is responsive and trustworthy, they have all of the qualifications to work on complex and simple, national and international matters.’
‘They can be characterised by their ability to think out of the box and offer innovative solutions in a market that requires an original approach and the ability to keep up with the latest news, adapting their knowledge depending on what‘s upcoming.’
‘Aušra Brazauskienė is a strong expert who is always dependable and reachable on questions of any importance. She is the head of the Banking and Finance, as well as the Fintech team and she consistently makes sure that all of the requests are attended to on time, extensively, and carefully, keeping in mind all of the relevant regulations, national and international.’
‘The work that the team offers is very detailed and accurate, provided in a timely manner and consistently great.’
Key clients
Rato Credit Union
Alende Holdings OÜ
Alende Payments
Mano bankas
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
UAB Saulės grąžos parkai 2
LTL kredito unija
Klaipėdos vanduo
PayRay Bank
VA Finance
Coffee Break
Work highlights
- Assisting RATO Credit Union with its conversion from a credit union into a bank, including receiving a specialised banking license from the Bank of Lithuania and the European Central Bank.
- Advising UAB Saulės grąžos parkai 2 on a USD6.5m bond issue to finance the construction, installation, connection, and commissioning of a solar park in the Northern part of Lithuania.
- Assisting Coffee Break with receiving an EU grant for the financing of an innovative reconstruction project in Vilnius.