Banking & Finance
Europe Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 2
About
Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Our Banking and Finance Group comprises more than 20 qualified Swiss lawyers with an in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment of all types of financial institutions and the domestic and international financial markets. Many of the practice lawyers have gained in-house experience while working for banks, asset managers, regulators and international law firms. Our experience and expertise, together with the size of our team, enable us to provide top quality and tailor-made advice concerning finance transactions and regulatory issues of every type.
We act regularly on behalf of Swiss and foreign banks and other financial institutions, such as investment firms, insurance companies, fund management companies and asset managers, across a broad range of regulatory matters, including:
- Establishment and licensing of financial institutions in Switzerland
- Structuring of capital transactions for banks
- Mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions
- Advice and implementation of regulatory change projects
- Audit mandates granted by FINMA for investigations
- Assistance in enforcement proceedings and internal investigations
- Syndicated loan facilities and acquisition finance
- Structured finance transactions
- Acquisitions and disposals of banks and client portfolios, and reorganisations in the banking sector
- Asset management and investment law,
- Listing of securities on SIX Swiss Exchange, several members of our team are admitted as recognised representatives
- Fintech matters
Chambers Review
Schellenberg Wittmer is a renowned law firm that advises clients on regulatory mandates, including on the implementation of new banking legislation in Switzerland and interactions with banking authorities. On the transactional side, the team advises on syndicated credit facilities and acquisition finance. Schellenberg Wittmer also handles the local implementation of the cross-border restructuring of loan agreements.
Work Highlights
- Schellenberg Wittmer assisted Beaumier with a EUR200 million loan from Cheyne Capital for refinancing the client's existing bank facilities and supporting a CapEx programme.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Schellengberg Wittmer are very knowledgeable in banking and financial regulation, with deeply experienced team members and the full breadth of subject matter experts. They are very quick in reverting for any question that may arise."
"The team has excellent understanding of what is required, cutting through complex structures and calculations."
"They are quick, pragmatic and efficient, with fair billing and good-quality work for the price."
"Schellenberg Wittmer provide in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects but also a good understanding of the cultural specificities of our business, which helps us manage projects as efficiently as possible."
"The law firm demonstrates integrity in managing projects and tasks, being clear about what could be done in-house to limit costs for us. It also provides value for money given the lawyers' level of expertise and seniority."
"Schellengberg Wittmer are very knowledgeable in banking and financial regulation, with deeply experienced team members and the full breadth of subject matter experts. They are very quick in reverting for any question that may arise."
"The team has excellent understanding of what is required, cutting through complex structures and calculations."
"They are quick, pragmatic and efficient, with fair billing and good-quality work for the price."
"Schellenberg Wittmer provide in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects but also a good understanding of the cultural specificities of our business, which helps us manage projects as efficiently as possible."
"The law firm demonstrates integrity in managing projects and tasks, being clear about what could be done in-house to limit costs for us. It also provides value for money given the lawyers' level of expertise and seniority."
Notable Practitioners
Anita Schläpfer advises Swiss and international financial institutions, syndicates and sponsors on acquisition finance and secured lending transactions.
"Anita Schläpfer was very responsive and pleasant to work with.
"On the deal we worked on, Anita Schläpfer was able to think outside the box and devise creative solutions on the fly. This enabled her to shepherd the deal to closing in the face of numerous stakeholders' demands, which at times appeared difficult to reconcile."
Tarek Houdrouge advises banks and financial institutions on financial restructurings. He also handles a broad spectrum of regulatory matters, including banking secrecy, data protection and compliance with new legislation.
"Tarek Houdrouge is very knowledgeable in banking and financial regulation. He is always available to discuss sophisticated legal issues and, on top of everything, he is business-focused."
"He demonstrated very strong in-depth legal knowledge in each specific banking topic as well as having very good communication and strategy skills."
"Tarek Houdrouge has both the legal expertise and the business skills, which I feel is very rare. This makes working with him extremely efficient and pleasant."
Ranked Lawyers at
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Switzerland
Members
Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Christoph Vonlanthen
Grégoire Tribolet
Grégoire Wuest
Head of Department
Louis Burrus
Philippe Borens
Head of Department
Tarek Houdrouge
Head of Department
Industries
Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Aviation
Banks
Charities / Not for Profit
Education
Financial Services
Insurance
Private Clients / Individuals
Real Estate Finance