With demonstrable expertise across both transactional and regulatory mandates, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s arsenal of skills is known to encompass licensing of financial institutions, structuring of capital transactions, and regulatory change projects. Other strengths of the team involve aspects of fintech, investment management and market abuse legislation issues. Tarek Houdrouge and Grégoire Wuest jointly lead the team; Houdrouge excels in advising clients on the sales of regulated financial institutions, various finance transactions, and regulatory matters, while Wuest is a highly experienced practitioner in relation to multi-jurisdictional transactions. Caroline Clemetson is immersed in handling insurance mandates alongside the implementation of ESG investment policies. Also recommended is Grégoire Tribolet, who is entrusted with regulatory and corporate governance matters, and Christoph Vonlanthen, who harnesses his wide-ranging experience to handle buy-outs, rights offerings, and exchange offers.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellence of service, sophistication of the clients and position on the market.’
‘The team can anticipate the key challenges we could face so that we can manage them proactively. Also, I feel they demonstrate a very strong sense of integrity.'
'They are also very helpful in shaping our communication with the regulators in some strategic projects - which show that they are also used to dealing with regulatory authorities on a regular basis and has have strong business acumen and strategic vision.’
‘I particularly enjoy working with Tarek Houdrouge. His key strength is that he demonstrates both a very strong in-depth legal knowledge in each specific banking topic I addressed with him, and very good communication / strategy skills.'
'In all my interactions with Tarek Houdrouge, he has demonstrated both strong inter-personal skills and in-depth knowledge, which I feel is very rare. It makes it extremely efficient and pleasant working with him.’
‘Grégoire Wuest has technical knowledge that is second to none and is a lawyer you would want on your side.’
‘Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd stands out for its innovative approach and deep knowledge of the banking and finance sector. Their strength lies in their ability to combine sharp legal expertise with a keen understanding of commercial and regulatory challenges.'
'Potential clients would particularly appreciate their responsiveness and ability to provide tailored solutions, adapted to the specific challenges of both local and international markets. The team has implemented innovative collaborative processes, using cutting-edge technological tools to optimize the management of complex cases.'
Key clients
- UBS
- BNP Paribas
- Raiffeisen Switzerland
- Credit Suisse
- Crypto Fund AG
- Nord Anglia Education
- Emeram
- Bank Julius Baer
- Futures Industry Association
- Swiss Bankers Association
Work highlights
- Advising AXA on the merger of its three real estate funds.
- Advising Carne on the transfer of the third-party Fund Management Services from GAM.
- Advised cleantech venture capital pioneer Emerald Technology Ventures on obtaining its FINMA license as asset manager of collective assets with the Swiss Financial Supervisory Authority.
Lawyers
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
Tarek Houdrouge; Grégoire Wuest
Other key lawyers
Caroline Clemetson; Grégoire Tribolet; Christoph Vonlanthen; Joane Etienne; Luc Thévenoz; Edmond Kohler