Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd’s white-collar crime and investigations team is led by Benjamin Borsodi and Peter Burckhardt, who are both recognised for their deep experience in cross-border enforcement, corporate criminal liability and high-stakes regulatory matters. Simone Nadelhofer is praised for her work on large investigations, including crisis-driven mandates involving data-heavy reviews, while Charles Goumaz is known for his skill in managing sensitive criminal and regulatory proceedings. Made partner in January 2026, Roland M. Ryser is described as ‘diligent’ and ’determined’ in international white-collar cases, including corruption and foreign bribery matters, and George Ayoub is regarded as ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ in financial crime, corporate investigations and regulatory enforcement. Former public prosecutor Gabriela Svalduz joined the team in March 2026, adding experience in white-collar criminal, asset recovery and sanctions matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Simone Nadelhofer is choice no. 1 when it comes to cross-border investigations and AML.’ \n‘Highly competent team members and great availability.’ \n‘Charles Goumaz and Benjamin Borsodi are excellent professionals and always have the clients' interests at heart.’ \n‘A highly efficient, well-coordinated team that does an excellent job.’ \n‘Roland M. Ryser is the best lawyer in Zurich: efficient, diligent, determined, goal-oriented and client-focused. He is the go-to person for all matters relating to regulatory, compliance, investigations and business crime defence.’ \n‘Very reliable, trustworthy lawyers with significant expertise in regulatory, compliance and investigations practice.’ \n‘George Ayoub combines strong technical skills with deep client empathy and a clear focus on the result. He is incredibly responsive, pragmatic and knowledgeable.’ \n‘Very competent. Technically well equipped to handle such tasks involving a high number of documents.’
Key clients
- Czech Republic
- EFG Bank AG
- Glencore
- Gunvor
- Odebrecht/Braskem
- UBS
- Volkswagen
Work highlights
Acted as Swiss lead counsel to a client in criminal investigations conducted by the DoJ, CFTC, SFO, OAG, DPPO and Brazilian Federal Prosecutor's Office into alleged foreign corruption relating to African and South American countries, as well as market manipulation.
Assisted a client in an investigation involving allegations of corruption in Ecuador.
Represented a high-ranking official in a Swiss criminal investigation.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Benjamin Borsodi; Peter Burckhardt
Other key lawyers
Clara Poglia; George Ayoub; Louis Burrus; Simone Nadelhofer; Matthias Gstoehl; Paul Gully-Hart; Charles Goumaz; Roland M. Ryser; Gabriela Svalduz; Nina Lumengo Paka; Magdalena Heyder; Endri Gega