Investment Funds | Europe

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.

Kellerhals Carrard has a notable team with particular strength in acting for domestic and international clients on the structuring, registration, listing and distribution of funds. The law firm is sought after for Swiss regulatory advice for fund platforms from Ireland and Luxembourg. Kellerhals Carrard represents asset managers, hedge funds and banks, and assists with a range of funds, such as pension funds, exchange-traded funds and venture capital funds. The law firm also handles tax questions relating to investment funds.

Niederer Kraft Frey advises investment banks and pension funds on the launch of investment foundations, product approval proceedings and licensing issues. The law firm also acts on the registration, structuring and distribution of funds. The team additionally assists fund management companies with collective investment regulatory matters.

FBT Attorneys boasts an experienced team acting for domestic and international asset managers, banks and promoters on distribution and custodian issues. The law firm also assists with licensing and fund creation matters. FBT Attorneys advises on a range of products, such as special investment funds and structured products. The team is also well equipped to assist with contentious mandates, as well as advice on collective investment schemes and the implementation of regulations such as the Swiss Financial Services Act.

Schellenberg Wittmer storms into the rankings this year with glowing market support. The established team attracts a range of significant asset managers and financial institutions to assist with fund registration and licensing proceedings before FINMA. The law firm is also sought after to advise on regulatory issues and the structuring of new funds, particularly in relation to real estate and pension activities.

Walder Wyss frequently advises on regulatory and legislative questions, such as fund authorisation and distribution. The law firm also assists with fund structuring and is active on real estate funds, structured products and ETFs. Walder Wyss stands out for its particular experience in regulatory and distribution issues relating to Swiss UCITS. The team also has a growing practice in relation to ESG requirements for funds.

Baker McKenzie earns a position in the rankings this year on the back of positive market support. The law firm leverages its experience in the market to assist investment managers and financial institutions with the establishment of investment foundations, structured products, ETPs and real estate funds. Clients also turn to the team for its expertise in relation to the distribution of funds and ESG requirements.

Pestalozzi joins the rankings this year with strong market feedback and an impressive client list made up of important asset management companies. The law firm draws upon its expertise to assist clients with the establishment of funds, including licensing, registration and distribution issues. The team is equally adept at handling regulatory and compliance mandates before Swiss regulators such as FINMA.