Acting for sponsors, government authorities, contractors and lenders, BDK Advokati AOD‘s full-service finance department is sought out for the Serbian market’s largest financing projects, and the group is also able to leverage the firm’s membership of the South East Europe Legal Group (SEE Legal), which facilitates the assembling of regional teams for cross-border transactions. The practice is co-led by managing partner Tijana Kojović, who takes a leading role in the team’s transactional work, and greenfield real estate, energy and infrastructure project expert Dragoljub Cibulić. Counsel Dragoljub Sretenović is ‘an excellent lawyer‘.
Banking and finance in Serbia
BDK Advokati AOD
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The banking and finance team is extremely professional and responsive.‘
‘They are very aware of the local laws and procedures, and are well respected by the authorities and other firms in the market.‘
‘The team has been extremely responsive and very professional.‘
‘Dragoljub Sretenović is an excellent lawyer, who is well versed in Serbia’s procedures and regulations.‘
Key clients
JPMorgan
UK Export Finance
EBRD
IFC
OeEB
Proparco
Bank Zachodni WBK
BC Partners
Société Générale
EFET
Bank of Cyprus
Payoneer
MoneyGram
Frontier Pharma
Volkswagen Payments
Binance
Clearstream
DUAL Deutschland
Work highlights
- Advised JPMorgan and UK Export Finance on the €430m guaranteed loan to the Republic of Serbia for the construction of a 110km motorway from Pojate to Preljina.
- Advised the EBRD and Enterprise Expansion Fund on a secured credit facility loan to High Tech Engineering Center (a software developer and technology research and development service provider).
- Advising Binance on the regulatory requirements for both foreign cryptocurrency exchanges and the acquisition of virtual assets that are issued abroad by Serbian and Montenegrin residents.
Karanovic & Partners
Karanovic & Partners‘ practice routinely works on large regional project financings, particularly in the real estate, energy and infrastructure development sectors. Its experience also includes syndicated loans, non-performing loan (NPL) portfolio transactions, and crowdfunding lending platforms. Co-heading the group are senior partner Darko Jovanović, who specialises in construction, infrastructure and energy financing and PPP matters; Maja Jovančević Šetka, an expert in large-scale financings, regulatory matters, structured finance and distressed deals; and Katarina Gudurić, who has a broad banking and finance practice. Mina Srećković and Marija Vićić Simić are the senior associates to note.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They have a large team of lawyers, who are always accessible. Most importantly, they consistently give us great advice.‘
‘All of them are extremely helpful, very experienced in the financial sector, and keep track of details meticulously, and they are able to provide advice on multiple jurisdictions in the region, which we highly appreciate.‘
‘Great suggestions on how to deal with the issues we struggle with.‘
‘Good team and a mix of experienced professionals and young and innovative lawyers who pay attention to detail.‘
‘Darko Jovanović has flawless knowledge of the banking sector and financial markets, and always strives to provide appropriate advice for the most challenging situations.‘
‘Maja Jovančević Šetka is always on top of her game, knowledgeable and experienced, and she knows how to handle every regulatory issue that comes up in Serbia’s financial sector. Maja is also able to co-ordinate work with other countries in the region when we need broader assistance.‘
‘Maja Jovančević Šetka is not just a seasoned professional who knows the regulatory framework in detail, but also a skilful advocate for her clients.‘
‘Mina Srećković always finds suitable and immediate solutions for the most challenging issues.‘
Key clients
International Finance Corporation
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia
City of Belgrade
USAID
Bechtel
Elicio Ali VE
Work highlights
- Advised USAID on crowdfunding lending platforms in Serbia.
- Advised Bechtel on the financing for the construction of the Morava Corridor motorway.
- Advised both the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the €215m financing of wind farm Čibuk 1.
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr
Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr has an enviable track record in restructurings, public takeovers, acquisition and project finance, property development, and investment-grade corporate lending. Co-heading the group are banking and finance, capital markets, and restructuring and insolvency specialist Nikola Babić and Matija Vojnovic, a capital markets and corporate finance expert. The second line of key advisers includes ‘skilled negotiator‘ Vojimir Kurtić and attorneys at law Jovan Barović, Jelena Arsić and Dušan Obradović.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Vojimir Kurtić; Jovan Barović; Jelena Arsić; Dušan Obradović
Testimonials
‘They really know what they are doing in capital markets deals and their associates are top notch.‘
‘I really admire the team’s ability to find legal solutions for extremely complex transactions.‘
‘They are fast, accurate and competent.’
‘Nikola Babić is available 24/7, knows matters inside out and is 100% reliable.‘
‘Vojimir Kurtić is a fantastic lawyer and skilled negotiator. He is very knowledgeable and able to look at transactions from different angles.‘
‘Great cooperation from Matija Vojnovic and Jelena Arsic. They are always available, very up do date, efficient and transparent. In addition, they have great knowledge of both the legal issues and commercial aspects – I would definitely recommend them.‘
‘Jelena Arsić is an excellent lawyer – very reliable and solutions oriented, and gives the best legal advice no matter how complex the transaction is.‘
‘Dušan Obradović is an outstanding banking and finance law professional. He manages complex financing deals successfully and with ease, and I believe that he will accomplish great things in his career given the knowledge and professionalism he already has.‘
Key clients
Deutsche Bank
UniCredit Bank
Credit Suisse International
Commerzbank
National Bank of Greece
Renaissance Capital
Erste Bank
Banca Intesa
HETA Asset Resolution
Bank Of Cyprus
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Société Générale
OTP Bank
ABN AMRO Bank
PNB Paribas (Suisse)
Magyar Export-Import Bank
Raiffeisen Bank International
Citigroup Global Markets
VTB Bank (Europe) SE
Deutsche Bank
J P Morgan Securities
Sun Valley
Oaktree Capital Management (UK)
Victoria Oil (Serbia)
Work highlights
- Advised a syndicate of major regional and international banks on a €125m project financing for the development of one of the region’s largest shopping malls.
- Advised J P Morgan Securities, Deutsche Bank (London Branch), UniCredit Bank and BNP Paribas on the issuance of $1.2bn notes by the Republic of Serbia.
- Advised Export-Import Bank of China on the Serbian law aspects of a facility agreement pursuant to which loans are to be granted to the Republic of Serbia to construct a district heating pipeline.
BOPA Bojanovic & Partners
BOPA Bojanovic & Partners‘ experienced banking and finance team specialises in financial regulation, capital markets, syndicated lending, PPPs, derivatives and structured finance. Other key areas include restructurings, distressed transactions, insolvencies, and the representation of creditors and debtors; the firm has also established a network of SEE-based law firms called Adriala, which serves as a one-stop shop for clients doing business in the region. Heading up the sizeable banking and finance department, ‘dealmaker‘ Vladimir Bojanović has notable expertise in the energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, TMT, food and beverage, FMCG and automotive sectors.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Led by senior lawyers with high levels of finance-focused specialisations that are equal to those found at London-based finance law firms.‘
‘Prompt, comprehensive answers and solid analysis of all Serbian law matters.‘
‘Keen commercial acumen and adaptability.‘
‘A great Serbian firm for banking and finance work.‘
‘The service is unrivalled in the market.‘
‘Nobody comes close to this team.‘
‘Vladimir Bojanović is business oriented, delivers prompt responses and detailed analysis, and has a wide spectrum of knowledge.‘
‘Vladimir Bojanović is an established name in the industry and well known as a dealmaker in the business community.‘
Key clients
SCCF Structured Commodity & Corporate Finance
Morgan Stanley
Alpha Bank
Alumil
MasterCard
EBRD
Zagrebačka banka
Fevo
Nutanix
Blue Sea Capital
Rhinestone
Paramount Pictures
NLB Group
Generali Group
Work highlights
- Advising Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece on a complex financial transaction worth over €350m.
- Providing banking regulatory advice to MasterCard on an ongoing basis.
- Advised Alumil on a loan from Greek banks.
Harrisons Solicitors
The only English law firm in Serbia, Harrisons Solicitors is regularly sought out by both the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation on major transactions. Recent areas of focus include pandemic-related financings, the purchase of NPL packages, restructurings and bankruptcies, project finance and supply chain financing. Heading the finance and capital markets group, consultant Ines Matijevic-Papulin is ‘a great professional‘, who advises investment banks and corporations on structured finance and derivatives, debt restructuring, credit facilities, and trade, receivables, construction and acquisition finance.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very proactive and diligent people.‘
‘Highly client orientated and very easy to work with.‘
‘Highly professional, great attention to detail, solid legal knowledge and abundant experience.‘
‘The Harrisons team is very professional and 100% client oriented.‘
‘The team is very diversified and able to respond to a broad range of tasks.‘
‘Engaged with a number of clients from various industries, enabling them to extract the best possible solutions from the lessons learned.‘
‘They provide both English and local law expertise (which is important for our line of business), making them a one-stop shop, which makes the whole process straightforward.‘
‘Ines Matijevic-Papulin is a great professional.‘
Key clients
EBRD
IFC
DEG
Citibank
OTP Bank
BNP Paribas
Erste Bank
EOS
Fortenova Grupa
ING Bank
Intesa Sanpaolo
Unicredit Bank
JP Morgan
Credit Suisse
Eurobank
KKK Capital Markets
AFD
Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe
Work highlights
- Advised JP Morgan, KKR Capital Markets Partners, Credit Suisse Securities, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, Morgan Stanley & Co International, Raiffeisen Bank International, UniCredit Bank, BNP Paribas and ING Bank (as initial purchasers) on an offering by United Group of fixed and floating rate senior secured notes, among others.
- Advised the EBRD on its €25m loan to Sojaprotein to strengthen Serbia’s agribusiness potential.
- Advised the EBRD on a €20m loan to UniCredit Leasing Serbia seeking to assist local small and medium-sized enterprises.
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners
Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners consistently advises multinational, local and regional companies, along with banks, on banking and financing law. Key work includes advising on insurance-related regulatory issues under the supervision of the National Bank of Serbia, foreign exchange transactions, subordinated loans, debt restructurings and the issuance of various licences. The practice also has notable fintech sector expertise, in addition to a strong regional presence through the Adriatic Legal Network, of which it is a founding member. Petar Stojanovic has extensive banking and finance experience, including handling major NPL deals (both in Serbia and in Montenegro).
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
AVAG Holding
Merck Sharp & Dohme
MCM 965
Vizlore Digital Asset Management
Organon
Infrastructure Development and Construction
GrECo International
Work highlights
- Advised Infrastructure Development and Construction on a financing agreement for the purchase of equipment and materials.
- Advised MCM965 on obtaining a licence for digital asset management, including the sale and purchase of virtual currencies in accordance with the new Law on Digital Assets.
- Advised GrECo International on complex regulatory matters before the National Bank of Serbia.
JPM Jankovic Popovic Mitic
JPM Jankovic Popovic Mitic‘s banking and finance practice fields experts in project finance, PPP work, NPLs, restructurings and reorganisations, along with other complex financial transactions. The team is co-led at senior partner level by mining and energy department leader Jelena Gazivoda, who consistently acts on highly complex finance matters, along with substantial transactions in the financial services sector, and corporate practice head Nenad Popović, whose expertise includes major strategic deals and complex regulatory issues. In addition to leading the competition department, Nikola Poznanovic has notable banking and finance experience.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The JPM lawyers are always dedicated and provide exceptional legal services.‘
‘They are solutions oriented, open minded, and extremely good in terms of responsiveness and availability to work odd hours and on weekends (when required).‘
‘Great understanding of the commercial angle of deals, along with superior regulatory knowledge.‘
‘The service is up to the highest market standards at all times, regardless of the project.‘
‘Jelena Gazivoda is a great lawyer with broad expertise, and she has a proven track record of acting as a lead partner on major transactions in the energy sector.‘
‘Jelena Gazivoda is extremely responsive and professional.‘
‘Nikola Poznanovic is business oriented, hardworking and solutions driven. His key strengths are knowledge, fast thinking, attention to detail and good communication.‘
Key clients
Gastrans
Work highlights
- Advising Gastrans on a large natural gas infrastructure project in Serbia.
Law Office Miroslav Stojanovic, in cooperation with Wolf Theiss
Law Office Miroslav Stojanovic, in cooperation with Wolf Theiss‘ banking and finance practice is able to leverage the firm’s specialist regulatory, litigation and restructuring teams, and in addition to the group’s expertise in real estate, energy and infrastructure-related project finance, clients particularly benefit from the team’s ability to cover the entire CEE/SEE region. Belgrade managing partner Miroslav Stojanović consistently advises on complex banking and finance projects, restructurings and bankruptcy-related reorganisations, and Nataša Lalović-Marić has broad banking and finance experience that includes capital markets work. Katarina Stojaković is an experienced counsel.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledge, quality of service and availability.‘
Key clients
Toyo Tire Corporation
Suez Groupe
I-Environment Investments
Beo Čista Energija
J P Morgan (UK)
Morgan Stanley UK
Western Union Corporate Legal Administrator
Erste Group Bank AG
Erste Serbia
NLB Slovenia
UniCredit Bank Srbija
North Channel Bank
Work highlights
- Assisted a provider of investment funds with the regulatory analysis and novel structuring of viable alternative solutions for a master-feeder fund structure that would serve as a wrapper for an insurance product to be marketed in Serbia.
- Advising several international private equity funds and investors on the indirect acquisition of shares in a Serbian bank, along with the associated regulatory requirements.
- Advised a banking syndicate comprising Erste, Erste Serbia, Komercijalna banka and NLB (Slovenia) on a cross-border €70m facility extended to a Serbian borrower to finance the development of a shopping centre in Belgrade.
Petrikic & Partneri AOD in cooperation with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz
Petrikic & Partneri AOD in cooperation with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz‘s practice advises on the full spectrum of banking, finance, regulatory, restructuring and capital markets work, and it is particularly well known for syndicated and bilateral cross-border lending transactions, acquisition leveraged, project, real estate, structured commodity and trade financings, debt restructurings and NPL portfolio sales. Heading up the group in both Belgrade and Podgorica, Milica Popović has 20 years’ experience in Balkans-related legal work, and senior attorney Ksenija Boreta acts for international financial institutions, commercial banks and regulatory authorities.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Expertise in the Serbian market and an international network for complex transactions.‘
‘High levels of professionalism and involvement in transactions.‘
Key clients
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
International Finance Corporation
Development Bank of Austria (OeEB)
Sberbank Europe
Raiffeisen Bank Serbia
Santander Bank Polska
Bank Polska Kasa Opieki
UniCredit
AIG
Chubb
Sportina Group
OTP Bank Group
Hypovereinsbank
A syndicate of lenders led by Wilmington Trust and UniCredit London
Work highlights
- Assisted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with the financing of Al Dahra’s investment in agriculture production facilities in Serbia.
- Assisted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation with amendments to the financing terms for Hystead’s acquisition of malls in Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
- Assisted the Development Bank of Austria (OeEB) with arranging a Covid-19 liquidity facility for Serbian fertiliser producer Elixir Group.
Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners
Bojovic Draškovic Popovic & Partners‘ finance experience covers cross-border M&A and local transactions, along with aviation industry matters. Standing out for her ‘client management skills‘, Marija Bojović has longstanding banking and finance expertise, with key support provided by name partners Vuk Drašković and Uroš Popović, and senior associate Milica Pešterić.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A reliable and highly professional firm.‘
‘Excellent knowledge and command of banking and finance projects.‘
‘Offers what clients need.‘
‘Great capacity and knowledge.‘
‘In comparison to other law firms, they stand out for their responsiveness, knowledge and professionalism.‘
‘Extremely responsive and fast in their turnaround.‘
‘Vuk Drašković and Uroš Popović stand out for their professionalism, flexibility and responsiveness. They are always pleasant to work with, very friendly and able to establish genuine relations with clients.‘
‘Marija Bojović stands out for her client management skills.‘
Key clients
HPS Investment Partners
Goethe-Institute Belgrade
Dun & Bradstreet
Philips
AerCap Ireland
EBRD
Cymbria Corporation
FitPass
ABL Solvent
Telia Carrier
Work highlights
- Assisting an international law firm in advising investment fund HPS Investment Partners on local law issues relating to the refinancing of a €1.1bn priority loan initially granted by Knighthead Capital to Croatia’s Fortenova Group (former Agrokor).
- Advised AerCap House (a commercial aircraft owner and trader) on the lease of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft valued at $53m to Air Serbia.
- Advised ABL Solvent on the high-value acquisition of a portfolio of receivables from approximately 1,200 companies.
Prica & Partners
Prica & Partners routinely advises banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and real estate investment firms on banking and finance matters. The client list also includes private equity funds, corporations, state-owned enterprises, asset managers and debt collectors. Department head Mihajlo Prica‘s broad practice includes general lending and acquisition, asset, structured and project finance, along with NPL portfolio acquisitions, and Tijana Lalić specialises in banking and finance, insurance and financial services.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The team provides timely and relevant advice, and is dedicated to making sure the deal succeeds.‘
‘They have good contacts with various registers and authorities, and are dedicated to finding practical solutions to obstacles.‘
‘We were extremely happy with how the team managed the deal’s various pressures.‘
‘Manages to find practical compromises with opposing lawyers.‘
‘Large, experienced team with practical knowledge and a business-oriented approach.‘
‘Very knowledgeable in banking and finance transactions.‘
‘Good cooperation, very responsive and nice to work with.‘
‘Great local knowledge and experience, with a straight-to-the point approach – very good value for money and very responsive.‘
Key clients
The Rohatyn Group (TRG Management)
UniCredit
Banca Intesa
The China Development Bank, Fujian Branch
The Government of the Republic of Serbia
ING Bank (Shanghai Branch)
Mercator (member of Fortenova Group)
Istrabenz Plini
Crédit Agricole
Direktna banka
Work highlights
- Advised (alongside Lazard as financial adviser) the Government of Serbia on the sale of a majority shareholding in Komercijalna banka to Nova Ljubljanska Banka.
- Advised Mercator, as guarantor, on FNG’s €1bn financing.
- Assisted the China Development Bank, Fujian Branch on a new loan facility for Zijin Bor Copper (the Serbian unit of China’s Zijin Mining Group) for the reconstruction and extension of the Bor copper project.
SOG Law Firm
Acting for several large domestic and international banking entities, Samardžić, Oreški & Grbović Law Firm‘s ‘talented team‘ assists with the full gamut of banking and securities work, as well as related regulatory issues. Particularly active in relation to investment fund-related regulatory matters and the fintech industry, Miloš Velimirović also advises on project financing. At senior associate level, Milan Novakov has ‘impressive knowledge of the regulatory framework'.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They recognise clients’ needs and know their field of work very well.‘
‘Offers an extremely professional service within a very demanding market.‘
‘They impose very high professional standards and provide a very good service.‘
‘A young and talented team with the ability to provide rounded, high-quality legal advice.‘
‘Efficient and solutions-oriented attitude that they maintain at all times.‘
‘Good communication skills from attorneys who aim to simplify complex matters and offer practical solutions with a good understanding of the financial sector’s commercial intricacies.‘
‘Miloš Velimirović has a lot of experience, thinks strategically when dealing with legal issues, adapts to real-time developments and manages the team efficiently.‘
‘Milan Novakov is young but has impressive knowledge of the regulatory framework.‘
Key clients
NLB Banka
H-Planet
IMORGON Tanácsadó
Vascular Soundworks
Namara Wealth Advisors
Eiffel Investment Group
USAID (Cardno Emerging Markets USA)
DB Schenker
Alca Trgovina
Work highlights
- Advised H-Planet on the financing for a wind farm project in eastern Serbia.
- Advised Namara Wealth Advisors on the purchase of Universal Capital Bank in Montenegro, which included negotiations with the Central Bank of Montenegro in order to receive approval for the acquisition.
- Assisting Slovenian bank NLB Banka with the management of its assets in Serbia.
Stankovic & Partners (NSTLAW)
Stankovic & Partners (NSTLAW) advises international financial institutions and borrowers on substantial cross-border financings (including acquisition, asset, real estate and project finance), along with major restructurings and insolvencies. A key client for the group is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Name partner and banking and finance specialist Nenad Stankovic leads the department, and associate Luka Marosiuk‘s broad practice includes real estate, energy, infrastructure and insurance-related financings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Banjalucka pivara
Edelweiss Balance
Edelveys Holdings
Beauvallon Europe
British American Tobacco
Titantex
Siemens
Apatinska pivara
Galenika
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Monster Energy
Serbian Innovation Fund
Heta Asset Resolution
Celanova group of companies
Work highlights
- Assisted Banjalucka pivara with numerous matters, including securing initial financing for the company.
- Advising Edelweiss Balance on several matters, including the assignment of an intercompany loan.
- Advising both foreign and domestic clients on a large banking litigation matter.