Lenz & Staehelin covers the full range of transactional and regulatory matters, with areas of expertise including leveraged and project finance work, financial restructurings, and asset management issues. Shelby du Pasquier leads the department, and acts for financial institutions, private equity houses, hedge funds and fund managers on a diverse set of matters. Core team members include asset management expert François Rayroux, regulatory specialist Olivier Stahler, and David Ledermann, who is highly experienced in financing transactions. Fedor Poskriakov and Valérie Menoud are also key names, with Poskriakov covering regulatory, contractual and corporate matters, while Menoud has additional experience in financial services and insurance work. Counsel Laurence Vogt Scholler is also noted.
Banking and finance: Geneva in Switzerland
Lenz & Staehelin
Other key lawyers:
François Rayroux; Olivier Stahler; Fedor Poskriakov; David Ledermann; Laurence Vogt Scholler; Valérie Menoud
Testimonials
‘Most recently I have worked with Olivier Stahler and his team. It has been a fruitful and effective collaboration. I value his team’s timely responses, thorough work and quality output.’
‘The team is extremely strong, reliable, and committed with huge knowledge of the Swiss banking industry and even beyond that, of the international banking industry.’
‘Shelby du Pasquier has an extremely strong (and perfectly well deserved) reputation. He is highly regarded for his longstanding experience and his deep knowledge and understanding of the Swiss, international and cross-border banking industry.’
‘Fedor Poskriakov is highly regarded for his expertise in financial regulatory matters. Always deeply committed and engaged, he is also one of the best advisers in Switzerland on crypto assets and blockchain related matters.’
‘Excellent law firm. The team demonstrates a broad array of expertise across the Swiss financial sector. L&S are very familiar with our firm’s business model and processes and consistently integrate this element in their advice, which provides precious added value.’
‘Pragmatic approach, efficient, very much skilled, available upon short notice. They combine very good legal knowledge and skills with a pragmatic business-focused approach.’
‘David Ledermann is particularly responsive in the day to day and visionary when dealing with more strategic issues. He also demonstrates a strong capability to assess risks effectively.’
‘Olivier Stahler is the stand-out partner in banking within Geneva. Highly experienced, well respected by the regulator and pragmatic in his advice.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO
Amundi Suisse SA
Ares Life Sciences / Waypoint
Aviva Investors Global Services
Bain Capital
Banque Lombard Odier & Cie SA
Banque Syz SA
BNP Paribas Group
BlackRock
Barclays Bank
Citibank Group
Clariant
Crédit Agricole
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Edmond de Rothschild Group
Equistone Partners
Goldman Sachs
Fidelity
Hilti
HSBC
INEOS
ING Bank
ISDA
Banco Itau
J.P. Morgan
LafargeHolcim
Macquarie Group
New York Digital Investment Group
Nomura
ODDHO BHF
OROX Asset Management
Pargesa Holding SA
Pensionskasse SBB
Pictet Group
PIMCO
Rabobank
Raiffeisen Bank
REHAU
Reyl & Cie
Saxobank
SIX Swiss Exchange
Société Générale
SoftwareONE
Stratéo
Swissquote Bank SA
UBP
UBS
Unigestion S.A.
Vanguard
VTG Aktiengesellschaft
Work highlights
- Provided corporate and regulatory advice to ODDO BHF in relation to the acquisition of the entire share capital of Landolt & Cie from its existing shareholders.
- Assisted a client with the sale of one of the leading Swiss independent asset management companies.
- Assisted various Swiss banks, including Citibank, Deutsche Bank HSBC, Banco Itau, Reyl & Cie and SEB Frankfurt branch, with the implementation of the new financial services regulations under the Financial Services Act.
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s ‘complementary, responsive and solution-oriented team‘ has strength across both transactional and regulatory matters, and acts for a range of domestic and foreign banks and financial institutions. The department advises on new and pressing issues within the market, including the LIBOR transition, and fintech matters. Grégoire Wuest, who has particular expertise in the field of multi-jurisdictional transactions involving non-standard assets, co-leads alongside Tarek Houdrouge, whose practice includes financings, contractual issues, and regulatory matters. Caroline Clemetson handles investments, financial regulations, and insurance matters, while Grégoire Tribolet has experience in finance transactions. Counsel Joane Etienne is also key.
Testimonials
‘Great team. Knowledge in all law matters and good collaboration between the different departments. Strong client commitment.’
‘Joane Etienne is always available and very helpful on finding solutions on how we can best achieve our objectives. She has a strong ability to listen to clients’ needs and has an in-depth knowledge of her field.’
‘The Banking & Finance Team in Geneva are efficient and know the financial sector industry very well. The team is very client and solution oriented. Working with the SW team is always a pleasure.’
‘Tarek Houdrouge has deep knowledge of the banking/financial industry. Tarek Houdrouge is extremely efficient, has excellent legal skills and provides client oriented solutions.’
‘What makes the team at Schellenberg Wittmer unique is the straightforward way that the team there deals with clients, and the level of competence and expertise in the area that they offer services.’
‘We are very happy with the collaboration, which has been professional/personal and always a good understanding in the communication. We have our contact with Joane Etienne first hand, and with Caroline Clemetson, they have both been reachable at all times, and always delivered professional feedback.’
‘Complementary, responsive and solution-oriented team.’
‘Dedicated team with centres of expertise that communicate well together. Cooperation is strong between practices. Quality and availability.’
Key clients
Banco Santander
Bank Itau (Suisse) SA
Bank Julius Baer
Bank Vontobel
BNP Paribas
CACEIS
Credit Suisse
Computershare/ Equatex
Deutsche Bank SA
Diamond Capital Management (Switzerland) Ltd
e-GTSA S. A
EFG Bank
Emeram
Eny Finance AG
HSBC Private Bank
Landolt Investment SICAV
Mirabaud & Cie SA
Procimmo SA
UBP
UBS
Reuss Private Group AG
Standard Chartered
Swiss Bankers Association
Work highlights
- Acted as lead counsel to a major international banking group with a strong presence in Switzerland in connection with the financing of the acquisition of several high-value real estate properties in London.
- Advising several trust companies, which are now regulated by FINMA, pursuant to the newly enacted Financial Institutions Act in securing their regulatory authorisation.
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Bär & Karrer Ltd. advises banks and other financial institutions on the full range of financial issues, including contractual, regulatory, and financing matters. The department also handles civil, criminal and enforcement proceedings, and advises clients in the fintech and blockchain spaces. Cédric Chapuis co-leads the team alongside Frédéric Bétrisey, with Chapuis handling regulatory, compliance, and general business matters while Bétrisey covers a broad range of banking and finance transactions, including acquisition financings, financial leases, and art financing work. Key names include Martin Anderson, whose expertise includes derivatives, asset management and regulatory matters, and Andrew Garbarski, who covers white-collar crime and financial litigation.
Testimonials
‘We found that Frédéric Betrisey has been an extremely valuable asset to support our business in navigating through a challenging period in recent years. Throughout this period and across a range of issues, he has been a calm and thoughtful counsel and his advice has been invaluable in securing positive outcomes for our business.’
‘B&K have a deep understanding of our business. They have an extensive knowledge and provide us with excellent service.’
‘Frédéric Betrisey has a deep knowledge, understands our business, provides professional service and has a very pleasant personality.’
‘Reactivity and regular feedback, good follow-up.’
Key clients
ELCA Group SA
Banque Cantonale de Genève
Republic and Canton of Geneva
Romande Energie SA
Work highlights
- Assisted the ELCA group in connection with the refinancing of its existing bank facilities.
- Advised the Canton of Geneva on issuing its first social bond, by way of private placement, in an aggregate amount of CHF50m.
FBT Attorneys-at-Law
FBT Attorneys-at-Law‘s ‘very experienced and knowledgeable‘ team specialises in banking and finance regulations, and has a history of representing clients throughout licensing processes and enforcement proceedings. Frédérique Bensahel leads the team, and advises banks, securities dealers, asset managers, funds, and fund managers, with areas of expertise including asset management issues, banking and financial regulations and financial disputes. Marco Villa handles transactions, trade finance work and M&A matters, with experience in cross-border activities. Associate Jean-Marie Kiener is also noted.
Testimonials
‘FBT’s team is great. They have very good knowledge of practices in banking and financial sector. The team is always up to date with respect to recent case law and working with them is always a great experience.’
‘FBT’s banking and finance team is very experienced and knowledgeable in all legal issues related to the investment fund industry, including hedge funds and alternative funds, and asset management.’
Work highlights
- Advised a Swiss insurance group on its licensing process for $6bn under management.
- Advised several portfolio managers on their licensing process for CHF2bn.
- Advising a major Swiss company on the purchase of the share capital of a Swiss bank.
Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi advises both lenders and borrowers on a wide range of domestic and international finance transactions, including asset finance, acquisition finance, mezzanine finance, and commodities trade finance mandates. The team also has a strong litigation and regulatory practice, which handles worldwide and internal investigations, asset tracing issues, and white-collar crime work. Sébastien Roy co-leads the department alongside Christophe Emonet; Roy’s areas of expertise include financing and regulatory matters, while Emonet specialises in banking disputes and investigations. Core team members include financing expert Ludivine Boisard and commercial disputes specialist Nicolas C Herren, in addition to associates Christophe Berclaz and Jean-Baptiste Lhôte.
Other key lawyers:
Ludivine Boisard; Nicolas C Herren; Christophe Berclaz; Jean-Baptiste Lhôte Jean-Baptiste Lhôte
Testimonials
‘Very matter-of-fact and professional approach to the client’s problem.’
‘The natural leader is Christophe Emonet. He is a very experienced lawyer, he is very sharp and has an analytical way of thinking. He quickly gains trust. He is great at handling a case in a courtroom.’
Key clients
Allina Family Office SA
Bank of America
Banque Cantonale de Genève
Barclays Capital
Blackstone Credit
Citibank
Clarion Partners
Cott Beverages
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
DNM Swiss AG
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Gazprombank
Goldman Sachs
Glencore
ING
International Finance Corporation
JP Morgan
Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited
Metinvest International SA
Noble Corporation
River Rock
Saxo Bank (Schweiz) AG
UBS
UniCredit Bank AG
Welltec International ApS
Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)
Work highlights
- Representing the former CEO of the Pension Fund of Kuwait in the largest ever criminal investigations on secret banking commissions conducted by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.
- Advised Banque Degroof Petercam SA on the sale of its Swiss subsidiary, Banque Degroof Petercam (Suisse) SA.
BianchiSchwald LLC
BianchiSchwald LLC handles a range of regulatory, financing, and investment fund related matters, in addition to both arbitration and litigation proceedings. Team lead Thierry Amy, who has more than twenty years’ experience in the market, has a broad practice which includes advising on commercial and regulatory matters, as well as assisting clients before the criminal, civil and administrative authorities. Thomas Goossens left the firm for Chabrier Avocats in October 2022.
Key clients
One swiss bank SA
HSBC Private Bank SA
Grupo BBVA
Hinduja Bank SA
Barclays Bank SA
Macquarie Bank Limited
BNC Change SA
Banque Piguet Galland & Cie Geneva
Gadd Wealth Management SA
Task Wealth Management SA
Primis Investment SA
Berauk Capital AG
Work highlights
- Advised One Swiss Bank on all aspects relating to the purchase of 100% of the shares of another reputable Geneva private bank and the consequential change of its present majority shareholder.
- Acted for HSBC Private Bank in several complex judicial disputes.
Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés
Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés advises banks, asset managers, fund distributors, family offices and other clients on a range of matters including regulatory issues, civil and administrative proceedings, and asset management work. Geraldine Badel Poitras, whose focus is on financial regulations and AML issues, co-leads alongside Damien Cand, who covers collective investment schemes and private banking matters, and the Hong Kong-based Christian Valentini.
HFW
HFW has key strength in trade finance related matters, with areas of expertise including revolving trade facilities, prepayments, collateral management agreements and letters of credit. Lead partner Olivier Bazin has expertise in handling complex deals at the international level, and has notable experience in sustainability linked loans. Associates Jason Marett and Anne-Marie Pearce are also noted.
Testimonials
‘Big international law firm with sector-focused expertise, which allows our contacts to seek the best service in-house.’
‘Professional services provided in a timely manner.’
‘HFW has an in-depth knowledge of ship financing which is above the average. Collaboration is uncomplicated and hands-on.’
‘The team led by Olivier Bazin has on all assignments been stunning – the turnaround time for files is always within agreed deadline, the advice is clear and concise, and the team has a strong knowledge of the subject matter (especially on commodities finance and oil and gas operations).’
‘The partner we’ve worked with at HFW is Olivier Bazin, and senior associate is Anne-Marie Pearce. The team has always provided practical solutions to issues at hand, and the team has always gone the extra mile to ensure deal completion.’
Key clients
ADM
CHS Europe sarl
Bank of China Limited ,Geneva Branch
BIC-Bred (Suisse) SA
Firmenich SA
Gunvor SA
IXM SA
ING Bank N.V. Lancy/ Geneva Branch
Mauritius Commercial Bank
MUFG Bank Ltd
Olam Agri
Puma Energy
Rabobank London
Solaris Commodities SA
Sucafina
UBS Switzerland AG
Unicredit Bank AG
Work highlights
- Advised Sucafina on the refinancing of its sustainability-linked senior secured borrowing base facility.
LALIVE
LALIVE is particularly noted for its work acting against banks, frequently representing corporate investors, family offices, and private clients facing matters involving the mismanagement of assets, fraudulent orders, and improper executions. The department also handles regulatory matters, financial transactions, and securitisations. Litigator Alexander Troller co-leads the group alongside Nicolas Ollivier, who has experience in complex banking disputes. Marc Henzelin and Sandrine Giroud are also key names to note.
Testimonials
‘I have worked with many international law firms because of my global career. Lalive is the most outstanding firm amongst them all.’
‘Sandrine Giroud: a master of negotiation on complex contracts. She was resilient, and able to conduct negotiations by herself up to closing and to follow up on small issues as well as on key issues.’
‘The team of LALIVE have extraordinary professional knowledge and rich practical experience, while also being honest and loyal to the clients.’
‘Technology capability was excellent, and the team was sized to my specific needs was easy as well.’
Key clients
Banka Snoras
Work highlights
- Representing fifty former clients and counterparts including institutional and high-net-worth individuals in complex proceedings against Banque Privée Espirito Santo (Suisse) S.A., in liquidation, and its auditors, KPMG, which failed to discover the massive losses incurred as a result of investments made by the bank.
- Representing a company active in the commodities trading market in a dispute regarding the financing of a related company using international sales of goods and letters of credit, which were in turn allegedly used by third parties to defraud the bank guaranteeing the transactions.
- Counsel to the liquidators of Lithuanian Banka Snoras which went into bankruptcy after the main shareholders diverted over €400m in assets owned by the bank.
Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC
Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC provides a range of services, including advising on financings, loans, and investments, and providing strategic guidance to financial institutions. In addition, the team has particular strength in the areas of individual and collective asset management issues and AML work. Fabien Aepli leads the team, and has expertise across regulatory authorisations, retrocessions, and fintech-related matters. Grégoire Mangeat, who has over 20 years’ experience as a litigator, handles financial crime matters and investigations. Associate Lukas van Dobben is also a key name to note.
Testimonials
‘It is a young and dedicated team. The people are efficient, master the new technologies and offer a tailor made service.’
‘The individuals I am working with are dedicated, available and responsive.’
‘The people are the main strength. MANGEAT are knowledgeable attorneys in finance. They provide exceptional advice for fintech projects, including decentralised finance.’
‘We’ve been closely engaged with Fabien Aepli, who provided us with exceptional customer care, flexibility to structure the advice up to the view of the client, knowledge of any related topic within the subject of the expertise, and strict deadlines on deliverables.’
‘Highly skilled staff offering tailor made approach.’
‘The whole team is very professional. Each of the partners and senior associates are extremely solution-oriented, have high communication skills and are very dedicated to their clients’ needs.’
‘Fabien is an outstanding professional, much appreciated for leaving no stone unturned while being extremely focused, efficient and straight-to-the point; with Fabien there is no place for unnecessary considerations. Fabien’s availability is always a vital asset.’
MLL Legal
MLL Legal, newly incorporated from the 2021 merger of Meyerlustenberger Lachenal and Froriep, advises clients on a broad range of regulatory and financing matters, with additional expertise in banking litigation. Mona Stephenson, whose practice includes national and international debt financing work, restructurings, and reorganisations, co-leads alongside Dmitry Pentsov, who has experience in syndicated loans, pre-export financings, and the related transactions.
Testimonials
‘They are very precise and attentive to the real need of the customer.’
‘The lawyer Mona Stevenson has been able to deal with us in an excellent way, with great professionalism she has been able to guide us through the various stages of the practice explaining everything with great clarity. We highly recommend MLL and lawyer Mona Stevenson without hesitation.’
Key clients
Banque Privée BCP (Suisse) SA
Geremant SA
Global Keys SA
ING Bank, N.V. London Branch
Longbow Finance SA
OTP Bank PLC, Hungary
Swiss Bridge Capital
Passy Invest SA
Investa Solutions SA
Claritis SA
Reznik Paz Nevo Trusts Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised EuroChem Group AG in connection with its cross-border financial transactions.
- Advised ING Bank, N.V. London Branch on the Swiss law aspects of a multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement, concluded between, among others, MET Holding AG and ING Bank N.V.
- Advised OTP Bank Plc on the Swiss law aspects of a revolving credit facility agreement concluded between, among others, MET Holding AG and OTP Bank Plc.
OBERSON ABELS SA
OBERSON ABELS SA specialises in financial regulation and contractual matters, guiding clients with strategic advice and obtaining the required licences from regulator FINMA where necessary. The department advises both domestic and international clients, and is frequently active at the international level. Founding partners Antoine Amiguet and Philipp Fischer co-lead the department.
Testimonials
‘Great professional skills, while having a great capacity to adapt to the specificities of the structure they assist. Always updated on the regulatory context, pragmatic, responsive, perfectly aware of the practical market standards (not just in theory or by law).’
Python
Python‘s team handles a broad range of matters for a varied client list, which includes asset managers, Swiss subsidiaries, and domestic and foreign banks. Nicolas De Gottrau, who is dual qualified in Geneva and New York, has expertise in secured transactions and insolvencies and co-leads the department alongside Jean-Yves Rebord, who covers financings and litigation.
Key clients
StoneEdge SICAV
TrustStone SICAV
GMG Asset Management SA
Iteram Capital SA
Mountain Resorts Real Estate Fund SICAV
PMCH SA
Walder Wyss Ltd.
Walder Wyss Ltd.‘s Geneva team advises securities businesses, domestic and foreign banks, and other financial institutions. The team is led by Patrick Vogel, whose areas of expertise include regulatory and financing matters; he has additional experience in the medical technology and fintech sectors. Other core team members include Hubertus Hillerström, who covers both national and international financings, and regulatory and compliance expert Adriano Antonietti. ‘Absolutely brilliant’ associate Valentine Schnyder is also noted.
Testimonials
‘Top-notch banking and finance team, and very friendly.’
‘Adriano Antonietti: very knowledgeable, pragmatic and innovative approach and client-focused. Valentine Schnyder: absolutely brilliant.’
‘Key strengths: availability, quick deliveries, diligent execution, engaged with understanding of our business model and related needs.’
‘Hubertus Hillerström: Very experienced and respectful; deep-dives into underlying deal before advising on structuring. Thinks outside of the box. Highly value adding. Good communication.’
‘The firm provides a great all-around service. Advice was practical and commercial and delivered quickly.’
‘Hubertus Hillerström has excellent commercial acumen and is a pragmatic negotiator. He is very responsive and coordinates the firm’s practice areas well to ensure advice is delivered seamlessly.’
‘The team is really responsive, quick to answer and has very extensive knowledge of the financial industry, law, and regulation which make it the perfect partners for us.’
‘Hubertus Hillerström and Adriano Antonietti are really diligent and knowledgeable. I always feel confident following their advice.’
Key clients
Bank J. Safra Sarasin AG
Bank Vontobel AG
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Banque Cantonale Vaudoise
ING Bank
Société Générale
Swisscom Ventures AG
KomGo SA
Endeavour Vision SA
Work highlights
- Advised Bank J. Safra Sarasin AG on the acquisition of the private banking business of Bank of Montreal (BMO).
- Advised the management of Fransad Gestion SA, an independent asset manager with around CHF1.5bn of assets under management, on its management buyout from Julius Baer Group Ltd as seller.
- Advised Bank J. Safra Sarasin AG on the acquisition of the Swiss online bank zweiplus ag from Aabar Trading, a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund of Abu Dhabi.