Karanovic & Partners o.a.d. advises a wide spectrum of international lenders, development institutions and corporate borrowers on financing transactions across Serbia. The practice is frequently engaged on matters involving complex security packages, regulatory frameworks and capital markets developments, as well as financings linked to major real estate, energy and infrastructure projects. Darko Jovanović oversees the group, with Maja Jovančević Šetka contributing extensive experience in structured and cross-border mandates. Katarina Gudurić advises on project finance and financial derivatives, and the team is further supported by Tijana Arsenijević.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Maja Jovančević Šetka is exceptionally knowledgeable and practical. She is detail-oriented, committed and highly effective in negotiations — our long-standing go-to adviser.’
- ‘The leading banking and finance firm in the Balkans, with strong regional coverage.’
- ‘The banking and finance team combines strong expertise with a proactive approach. They identify risks early and handle complex matters with ease.’
- ‘Reliable, timely and solution-driven, with a complete understanding of the legal landscape.’
- ‘Karanovic & Partners has supported us across multiple jurisdictions for over a decade. Their teams work seamlessly across departments and countries, and the quality and dedication are consistently excellent.’
- ‘Maja Jovančević Šetka is highly diligent, efficient and an exceptional negotiator; Darko Jovanović offers deep market knowledge; and Katarina Gudurić provides practical, creative advice.’
Key clients
- Piraeus Bank SA
- The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE)
- Green for Growth Fund (GGF) and The European Fund for Southeastern Europe (EFSE)
- CEE BIG BV
- Ministry of Finance, Republic of Serbia
- Serbian Entrepreneurship Foundation (SEF)
- Grammer AG
- OTP Fund Management Hungary and OTP Bank Serbia
- CEE BIG BV
- Royal Group of United Arab Emirates
Work highlights
Advised EFSE as an investor in the inaugural transaction of issuance of MREL bonds by Raiffeisen Bank Serbia.
Advised BIG Shopping Centres and its subsidiary, CEE-BIG B.V., in the acquisition of Promenada Mall in downtown Novi Sad, a mall in Serbia, for EUR 177m.
Advised OTP Hungary in the acquisition of an investment fund (UCITS) management company in Serbia Ilirika DZU, previously member of Slovenian Ilirika Group.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Darko Jovanović; Maja Jovančević Šetka; Katarina Gudurić
Other key lawyers
Dimitrije Ilić; Tijana Arsenijević