Investment Funds
Europe Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+41 58 450 70 00About
Provided by Lenz & Staehelin
Lenz & Staehelin is best known for its regulatory and tax work in relation to the structuring and distribution of collective investment schemes in or from Switzerland as well as the structuring and registration of any type of regulated entity in the funds sector (asset managers, distributors, SICAVs, limited partnerships as well as representatives of foreign funds). Its well-connected contacts within the Swiss industry and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) are one of the key elements of its reputation in investments funds sector.
Lenz & Staehelin is also well known for its significant applications within the context of expert groups appointed by the Swiss Government, or by Swiss regulatory bodies, with the mission to shape the new Swiss regulatory framework in financial matters in particular as regards collective investment schemes. As such, Lenz & Staehelin had played a leading role in the context of the most recent regulatory and legal evolution as regards investment funds, as well as regards ETF.
Chambers Review
Lenz & Staehelin offers a stellar practice advising Swiss and international financial sector clients, including asset managers and banks. The law firm acts on a broad range of fund types, such as pension funds, ETFs and UCIT funds. Lenz & Staehelin offers notable strength in regulatory matters relating to collective investment schemes. The law firm also handles the creation and registration of regulated entities in the funds sector. Lenz & Staehelin offers additional expertise in the reorganisation of funds and the development of ESG criteria.
Work Highlights
- Lenz & Staehelin advised ETF providers such as BlackRock, Amundi and Axa on the structuring and launching of products in Switzerland, including approval by FINMA.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Lenz & Staehelin team are very supportive of our requests, have the capacity to listen and understand our specific needs and manage to deliver comprehensive advice within reasonable deadlines, including on complex matters."
"The depth of expertise means specialists can be brought into the conversation to ensure timely progress."
"The team consistently provides stellar, technical legal and regulatory advice on complex and sophisticated matters."
"Advice is delivered in a very practical way which enables us to reach good commercial decisions."
"The lawyers have strong business acumen and are solution-oriented."
"The Lenz & Staehelin team are very supportive of our requests, have the capacity to listen and understand our specific needs and manage to deliver comprehensive advice within reasonable deadlines, including on complex matters."
"The depth of expertise means specialists can be brought into the conversation to ensure timely progress."
"The team consistently provides stellar, technical legal and regulatory advice on complex and sophisticated matters."
"Advice is delivered in a very practical way which enables us to reach good commercial decisions."
"The lawyers have strong business acumen and are solution-oriented."
Notable Practitioners
The market-leading François Rayroux is highly esteemed by international asset managers for his work on regulatory topics, such as FINMA registrations and licensing applications. He has particular experience in pension funds and ESG criteria.
"François Rayroux has a deep understanding of the asset management market in Switzerland and consistently delivers business-ready and pragmatic legal advice, irrespective of the level of complexity of the matters."
"François Rayroux is an absolute expert in all fund-related matters."
"François Rayroux is extremely competent and senior. Clients' wishes are well recognised at all times."
"François is a leader in the legal market and in multiple fields."
Olivier Stahler is a popular choice with asset managers for advice on Swiss financial regulations. He also assists with licensing and regulatory authorisations, and the registration of UCITS funds.
"Olivier Stahler is a trusted adviser who has excellent legal skills and business judgement."
"Olivier Stahler's service level and competence are outstanding."
"He has good knowledge and is very thorough. We are very happy with his work."
Laurence Vogt Scholler assists asset managers with regulatory issues, including FINMA registrations and licensing. She also advises clients on ESG criteria as part of investment strategies, as well as matters related to ETFs.
"Laurence Vogt Scholler is always spot on and is a very smart lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Lenz & Staehelin
Switzerland
Members
Provided by Lenz & Staehelin
Fedor Poskriakov
Head of Department
Head of Department
Patrick Hünerwadel
Patrick Schleiffer
Shelby R. du Pasquier
Valérie Menoud
Industries
Provided by Lenz & Staehelin
Banks
Financial Services
Real Estate
Real Estate Finance
Software & Computer Services