Banks and Financial Services Providers
Nicolas Bracher
Nicolas Bracher is a civil litigator. He represents national and international clients in all types of civil proceedings in the field of commercial and business law. The focus of his forensic and advisory activities is on financial services and the law of foundation and succession.
Nicolas Bracher is co-head of the Dispute Resolution and Private Clients practice group at Wenger Vieli Ltd. He has authored several academic publications on litigation law and liability issues in financial services law. He is also a member of the boards of trustees of several foundations.
“I have worked for courts and an administrative judicial authority for over seven years and therefore know the processes and functioning of the judiciary well from my own experience. This helps me to efficiently represent the interests of my clients.“
Peter Altorfer
After pursuing a career at a Swiss universal bank, Peter Altorfer decided to get a start in the legal profession at a smaller law office specialized in advising and litigating on behalf of banks. In recent years, the importance of private clients and the work of legal entities in supervisory bodies have increased. In addition to analyzing legal issues, Peter Altorfer is interested in how problems are embedded within private clients’ broader environments. He is also on the board of directors of various companies, as well as on the board of trustees of a number of non-profit organizations. He appreciates the variety in his work that comes from advising both companies and private individuals.
“In my private life, I am interested in the meaning of philosophy, particularly drawing on Stoicism and its later developments. I believe that both one’s professional and one’s private life should be influenced by this.”
Bignia Vieli
With many years of experience, Bignia Vieli has acquired extensive expertise in the field of financial market law. She predominantly advises and represents banks and financial service providers in supervisory and civil law matters. Bignia Vieli also works in the field of capital market law, as well as corporate and trade law. Another focus of her work involves advising and representing private clients in all aspects of estate planning and inheritance law.
“Even after many years of legal practice, the breadth and variety of this profession still fills me with enthusiasm. I love having personal contact with my clients, and I always look forward to the challenge – even in difficult situations – of finding solutions for them that are persuasive, durable, and move things forward.”
Andreas Hünerwadel
Andreas Hünerwadel works in contract and banking law, as well as in corporate and foundation law. He advises legal entities and natural persons, in the latter case with a special focus on structuring their financial situation and estate planning.
Andreas Hünerwadel is a member of the executive committee of a global industrial group. He is also involved in various roles in start-up companies and as a board member for charitable foundations.
“What I find particularly fascinating about the legal profession is that I have contact with interesting people from all over the world on a daily basis and am involved in very different domains of business, life, and culture. I have a long history of collaborative partnerships with many of my clients, and often of friendship as well. The personal relationship of trust with my clients is the icing on the cake for me.”
Martin Peyer
Martin Peyer’s practice focuses on banking, insurance, and financial market law. He supports clients regarding complex regulatory and compliance matters and represents them in licensing and enforcement proceedings. He also has extensive experience in M&A transactions and independent internal investigations in the financial sector, as well as in financing.
“I like to spend my free time in the mountains. Whether snowboarding in the winter or hiking in the summer, I always find a way to bring balance to my work as a lawyer.”
Michael Huber
Michael Huber advises as a certified specialist of the Swiss Bar Association in inheritance law for many years private clients on estate planning (wills, inheritance contracts) and corporate succession planning. He acts as an executor, administrator, and trustee. Michael Huber also sits on the board of directors of various companies of the financial industry.
He also regularly litigates in (inheritance law) proceedings.
“As a hunter, I know that the first shot is of critical importance - a rapid analysis of the situation and decisive action are characteristic of my professional work too.”
Orlando Battaglia
Orlando Battaglia advises financial market participants on legal and regulatory issues, compliance matters, as well as FinTech business models, and represents them before authorities. Furthermore, he specializes in corporate and contract law.
“The intersection of business, law, and technology is a source of fascination and motivation for me in my daily work. My personal dedication, enthusiasm for intricate legal and regulatory matters, and a deep affinity for emerging technologies all contribute to the basis for crafting legal solutions that also align with entrepreneurial perspectives.“
Patrick Kern
Patrick Kern's practice focuses on corporate and commercial law, M&A, contract law and financial services.
Before joining Wenger Vieli Ltd. as a lawyer, Patrick Kern gained practical experience in the legal department of a major Swiss bank, as a law clerk at the District Court of Affoltern, as a junior lawyer at a medium-sized business law firm in Zurich and in an international industrial group.
Patrick Kern completed his law studies at the University of St. Gallen (M.A. HSG in Law). Prior to that, he also graduated from the University of St. Gallen with an M.A. HSG in Accounting & Finance.
“Not only am I passionate about legal issues, but I also enjoy exploring historical sites around the world and scenic landscapes while hiking in the mountains. I also have a great weakness for pastries of all kinds, which I not only love to eat but also bake myself on occasion.“
Ottavio Muff
Ottavio Muff primarily works in the area of banking and financial services. Before his admission to the bar, he worked at a mid-sized law firm in Zurich as well as at the Administrative Court of the Canton of Zug.
“What I particularly appreciate about being a lawyer is the variety it offers. Not only is every case different, but you also get to meet people from all over the world. Being able to help these individuals with creative and efficient solutions when they are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems is what drives me.”
Manuela Staudenmann
Manuela Staudenmann primarily works in the field of litigation, dealing with complex national and international disputes. Before her role at Wenger Vieli, she worked at a court of first instance and in a large Zurich-based commercial law firm.
“What excites me about my work as a litigation attorney is the focus on strategy and problem-solving. I love recognizing the nuances of each individual case, identifying the key arguments and counterarguments, and thereby developing the best approach to dispute resolution.”
Lukas Groth
Lukas Groth has been admitted to the bar since 2022 and practices primarily in the area of litigation before the state courts and arbitral tribunals. Prior to his admission to the bar, he completed internships at Wenger Vieli and at a trial court.
“What I particularly value about the legal profession is its diversity. Depending on the situation, it may require a detailed examination, a constructive solution, or strong advocacy for the client's stance. This spectrum of activities enriches the everyday work.“
Team Services
We advise Swiss and foreign financial market participants such as banks, securities firms, asset managers, trustees and other financial institutions on all regulatory, supervisory and contractual matters
We have extensive experience in the following areas:
• Licensing procedures for banks, securities firms, asset managers, trustees and other financial institutions
• Advice and representation of financial institutions and private individuals before Swiss supervisory authorities
• Drafting of banking contracts and documentation
• Advice on complex regulatory compliance matters
• Representation of financial institutions and clients of financial institutions in civil proceedings
• Representation in criminal proceedings as well as in proceedings involving judicial assistance and mutual administrative assistance to foreign authorities
• Advice in anti-money laundering compliance
• Outsourcing
• Legal opinions
• Restructuring, merger and liquidation of financial institutions