Switzerland

Located in Zurich, Advestra is a relatively new firm founded in 2020. Founders of the new firm came over from Bär & Karrer. The firm specializes in financial and corporate law. 

Highlights

In capital debt the firm advised banking syndicate including HSBC, Morgan Stanley, UBS Deutsche Banks and Goldman Sachs on the rights offering and the high-yield bonds of ams-OSRAM.

In Banking and Finance, the firm played an active role as mandated lead arranger, lender and agent to UBS and other members of the banking syndicate in connection with the financing for the acquisition of the Kanalservice Group by funds advised by Ufenau. The consistent level of engagement with leading multinational financial service institutions and syndicates is reflective of the expertise the firm has in the sector.

Testimonials

“Daniel (Raun) is a thorough professional, was extremely responsive to the multitude of questions we had. Other than the standard expectation we expect from the legal documentation, Daniel went the next mile in providing further written explanatory advise that was very helpful for our Management to have a simplistic understanding of the deal nuances and sped up our Internal decision making.” (M&A Client)

Key Clients

UBS Switzerland AG, Ardian,CityBank,Zürcher Kantonalbank, Andermatt Swiss Alp

Bär & Karrer is a leading financial and corporate powerhouse on the Swiss market. It has accomplished lawyers across the German, French and Italian speaking parts of Switzerland, with offices in Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Zug. The firm mainly advises on transactions with international aspects, but also works on domestic and cross-border deals.

Highlights

The firm was instrumental in the high-profile acquisition of 100% of Credit Suisse by UBS Bank. This transaction was highly significant on the broader global financial markets and played a critical role in containing the threat of wider damaging financial consequences. The highly sensitive and demanding timeline of the transaction reflects the significant level of expertise the firm has.

In capital markets equity, the firm demonstrates innovative market first engagement assisting as lead counsel for Novartis and Sandoz on the Spin-off of Sandoz.

Testimonials

“Service-minded and easy to work with; more pragmatic than other Swiss law firms I have worked with.” (Financial service regulatory client)

“Bar-Karrer team is always ready to help and they are very approachable. They are key partner of our firm, and we owe a debt of gratitude to them for the excellent service they provide. They are all amazing attorneys who practice nothing but the best client care methods. We are always impressed with the level of quality on the work they produce. My firm is active in a rather quite new field, and we do not have always the easy questions. But we always know that our firm is in very good hands with Bar-Karrer. They definitely deserve to be recognized for the exceptional service they provide.” (Financial service regulatory client)

Key clients

Novartis AG, UBS Group AG, Sandoz Group AG, Lonza Group AG, DSM - Firmenich AG

Bratschi is a Swiss law firm that is active in the financial and corporate space. It has seven offices across Zurich, Basel, Berne, Geneva, Zug, Lausanne, and St. Gallen. 

Highlights

The firm has a reputable presence in banking and finance and M&A. In the past year the firm has been active in advising primarily sellers and some buyers in a range of financial service providers including pharmaceuticals, technology, sport manufacturers and retail industries.  

A recent notable transaction involved the firm advising San Cristobal Mining Inc on all Swiss law aspects of the acquisition of Minera San Cristóbal SA and all its associated assets from Sumitomo Corporation.

Key clients

UBS Switzerland AG, Viking Cruises Group, Adecco Group, San Cristobal Mining Inc. Loft Dynamics AG, Simpson Strong-Tie Switzerland GmbH

Burckhardt is a Swiss boutique law firm, founded in 2010, that is active in the financial and corporate space. The firm has an office in both Basel and Zurich.

Highlights

The firm is best known for its work in the banking and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm mainly advises administrative agents and arrangers in acquisition financing and works on the lender-side in financing transactions.

In M&A the firm often represents buyers and sellers in mostly joint venture project. A recent notable M&A transaction that the firm advised on last year involves the acquisition of the Frama Group companies, involved in the fracking and folders/inserters sector, by Quadient, a French listed company.

CMS is an international law firm with a focus in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional mandates in the financial and corporate space, with over 75 offices worldwide. In Switzerland, the firm has offices in Zurich and Geneva.

The firm operates at a top tier level advising leading financial service institutions in the financial service regulatory sector and growing capital markets and M&A practices.

Highlights

In M&A, the firm played an important role in the sale of a majority stake in SCHURTER Holding AG, a leading Swiss technology company involved in the manufacturing of electrical and electronic components.

Key clients

Talenthouse AG, Float Lending AB, Wockhardt Bio AG, Aequitec AG, CPI Property Group,SYNLAB,BOLDT, ISS , RSBG SE

Homburger is a leading Swiss firm founded in 1957 that has established itself as a go-to firm on the market for corporate transactional work. Homburger is one of the largest Swiss law firms and has more than 150 professionals. The scale of the firm is bolstered by its leading market impact in financial and corporate practices including banking and finance, capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A. 

Highlights

The firm played a crucial role in one of the biggest deals of 2023 assisting Credit Suisse on various aspects in merger with UBS. The firm was instrumental in keeping the major financial service institution afloat through advising on transactional options, boardroom matters, contingency planning, bank regulatory and corporate law aspects in connection with the merger.

The firm also advised UBS Group on its debut issuance of USD 3.5 bn AT1 Notes with an equity conversion feature. This was notably innovative as the notes constitute UBS Group's first ever issuance of regulatory capital instruments with an equity conversion feature.

Testimonials

“They are creative in finding solutions to problems that seem unsolvable. They are very fast in their responses, they always stick to deadlines, they work on weekends and long nights, if needed, to support us and to reach our goals.” - (Private equity client)

“Deep M&A experience, negotiation strategy and creative solutions to bring parties together, pragmatism and willingness to take a position (not just point out risks) and reactivity.” (M&A client)

“They are very cost-efficient with very actionable, concise advice.” (M&A client)

“Always proactive with the right mindset for small-cap company” (Capital markets client)

Andreas Muller

“Has very deep M&A experience, outstanding negotiator and very articulate in explaining complex issue. Fast.”

“Very hard-working and responsive (at all times, at short notice). Very knowledgeable and experienced. Pragmatic, actionable advice and solutions. Very concise and clear communication. Fair billing and no attempts to inflate efforts required on a given matter/project.”

“Always available, unparalleled know how in the Swiss market, good listener, quick to deliver, responsive to feedback.”

Benedikt Maurenbrecher

“High quality advice, open for discussions and seeking to find solutions, great analytics and problem solving, with rapid response time.”

Benjamin Leisinger

 “Most efficient lawyer, fast and responsive. Best for capital instruments and bank regulation.”

“Benjamin provides great legal service tailored to the specific needs and shows exceptional commitment. He is always available and never misses any deadlines.”

Daniel Häberli

“High accessibility, pragmatic, fact-oriented solutions, deep specialist knowledge.”

Margrit Marti

“Familiar with our company, responsiveness, proactive approach guiding us as a mid-size company very good along all novelties in cap-market and overall legal topics.”

“Very responsive and skilled in navigating complex issues, in particular Swiss regulatory landscape. Also appreciated her proactive approach in interacting with various legal counsels of other selling shareholders always focused on ours and the company's interests.”

“Identifying and articulating legal/transactional structure risks, assessing them and proposing alternatives with pros and cons, offering a recommendation. She is comprehensive and fast. A pleasure to work with!”

Oriana Alicia Schöni

“She is always there when you need her. She has a very profound knowledge of Swiss corporate law and always listens to and implements her client's wishes, everything within deadlines and with very high quality. She will always let you know when she needs to re-confirm something with the partner but again her answers arrive within reasonable deadlines. It is great working with her.”

Stefan Kramer

“High quality of advice, listening to customer needs, problem solving and hands on proposals.”

“Highly competent and solution driven. Easy to work with.”

“Excellent understanding of our business. Thorough and quick legal analysis. Delivery of highly practical solutions. Effective and pleasant communication.”

Key Clients

UBS, ZKB (Zürcher Kantonalbank), Basler Kantonalbank, Swiss Structured Products Association, Citigroup, Roche, Nestlé, Zürcher Kantonalbank

Established in 1991 with the merging of Zurich and Geneva-based firms, Lenz & Staehelin has subsequently grown with a third office in Lausanne. The Lenz & Staehelin team comprises of 171 lawyers with coverage in English and Swiss law. The team has extensive experience on a wide range of practice areas including banking, financing, project development and financing to capital markets and M&A.

Highlights

A notably innovative example of the firm's recent work includes advising as legal advisor to Swissquote Bank SA on the structuring and implementation of Yuh, the banks new online digital banking platform and app.

The firm acted as lead counsel on the acquisition of MBCC Group by Sika AG, leading Swiss chemicals company, for an estimated $5.5 billion.

Testimonials

“Professional teams of experts, personalised advisory services, deep knowledge of specific issues and experienced partner in the field of law business” (M&A client)

“Very professional, reactive, smart people with very high and accurate qualifications” (M&A client)

“Outstanding commitment and legal expertise. Great team player.” (M&A client)

“They were very responsive, concise in their emails, commercial in the way they make decisions. They were able to distill complex and foreign concepts in an effective manner” (Private equity client)  Catterton

Key clients

Banque Pictet & Cie SA ("BPSA"), UBS AG, On AG, SoftwareOne AG, Sika AG, ABB Ltd. / ABB E-Mobility Holding AG, City of Geneva, Sika AG, Medartis Holding AG, ISDA, Bundesverband Deutscher Banken, European Federation of Energy Traders (EFET)

Loyens & Loeff is an international law firm with 11 offices across Europe, Asia and in the US. The Zurich office focuses on finance, corporate, investment and tax advisory work.  The Switzerland office is best known for its work in M&A, with notable banking and finance and debt capital market practices as well. The banking and finance practice was established in 2018 and advises lenders in debt restructuring and borrowing lessors in refinancing and green financing transactions.

Highlights

Deal highlights include advising Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH and its incorporated subsidiary, Cheplapharm Schweiz GmbH, as guarantor and security provider, in connection to the issuance of EUR 750 million senior secured notes.

In the M&A space, the firm played a critical role in advising Banco BTG Pactual S.A on the expansion of their banking business through the acquisition of FIS Privatbank SA. The firm assisted in all matters relating to the structuring of the transaction, due dilligence and general integration of the two banking institutions.  

Key clients

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH, Banco BTG, Pactual S.A

MLL Legal Ltd. has a strong reputation for its advisory in transactional work. The firm has offices in Zurich, Geneva, Zug and Lausanne and works with an international network of other law firms worldwide. The firm’s Geneva office has a long history dating back to 1882. The team is led by leading expert lawyers across a range of practice areas and industries. Such coverage includes engagement in capital markets banking and finance, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.

Highlights

A notable example of the firm’s work included engagement in advising Argentem Creek UK LLP, a US credit fund and lender, in connection to a $75 million loan agreement as well as assisting the lender with the structure of enforcement action against GNT Group, a Ukranian grain port producer.

The firm also played a notable role in advising owner of Vio Chemicals with regards to the sale of 100% of the shares to KKR-backed Biosynth Group.

Testimonials

“Collaboration works well; work is not duplicated but efficiently divided between work product creation and review” (Capital markets equity client)

“Highly committed and outstanding for mid-market transactions” (Equity capital markets client)

“Very responsive, very pragmatic and a very good overall knowledge and approach to business issues.” (Financial service regulatory client)

“The team delivers their advice on time, to the point and within budget. They are very easy to talk to. They seem to have a good team spirit” - (Financial service regulatory client)

“Responsive, profession and diligent” (Financial service regulatory client)

"Very focused, direct, and cost-conscious" (Restructuring and insolvency client)

"Very hands on, knowledgeable and reachable" (Restructuring and insolvency client)

"A very experienced and international team" (Restructuring and insolvency client)

Reto Luthiger
"Deep knowledge in the Fintech sector, renders advice to the point, very approachable, a smart lawyer all around." (Financial service regulatory client)

"He is an expert in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry with a deep understanding of the regulatory side." (Financial service regulatory client)

Wolfgang Müller
"Accurate, excellent co-operation and track record, highly committed and outstanding for various types of equity capital markets and M&A transactions" (Equity capital markets client) 

"Müller is very responsive, has a great deal of expertise and can communicate the results of work in an understandable and concise manner." (Equity capital markets client) 

Kilian Schärli

"He has great knowledge of crypto legislation and the crypto market; great understanding of business problems and provides quick and pragmatic solutions." (Financial service regulatory client)

"Responsive, knowledgeable and organized." (Banking and finance client)

Sabina Schellenberg

"Very easy to work with, to the point, pragmatic." (Restructuring and insolvency client)

Yannik Hässig

"He gets straight to the point" (Restructuring and insolvency client)

Key clients

First Abu Dhabi Bank, Apollo Global Management, Calida Holding, M&G Investment, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, Allreal Holding, Burkhalter, Calida Holding, Liontrust Asset Management, Nova Property Fund Management 

Niederer Kraft Frey, founded in 1937, is a Zurich-based law firm with a strong reputation in domestic and international transactions across all practice areas within financial and corporate. The firm has a strong reputation advising leading international financial service institutions on highly significant mandates in the Swiss market and demonstrating clear legal expertise and innovative approaches to complex deals.

Highlights

Niederer Kraft Frey advised on the notably innovative “China Switzerland Stock Connect” deal and acted on eight of nine inaugral GDR offerings and listings on SIX Swiss Exchange with an aggregate estimated volume of $3.1 billion. The new GDR debt instruments offer an innovative combination of Swiss, Chinese, New York and English specific elements to list global depository receipts that represent their domestic shares on SIX Swiss Exchange.

Another notable example of the firms recent active work involves the firm advising UBS in connection with one of the largest deals of 2023 on the Suisse Credit acquisition and advised the Swiss Confederation on the conclusion of a Loss Protection Agreement (LPA) with UBS Group AG.

Key clients

Swiss Confederation, CLSA Limited, UBS, Kunshan Dongwei Technology Co., Ltd., Citigroup Global, Markets Europe AG, Julius Baer, Credit Suisse, Swiss Confederation, CIBC

Pestalozzi is one of the oldest established Swiss law firms on the market. Founded in 1911, it is known for its corporate, financing, and capital markets advisory for a mix of both domestic and foreign clients. The firm has offices in Geneva and Zurich and is a member of the Lex Mundi international network of independent firms that embeds the firm in a wider community of lawyers in multiple jurisdictions globally.

Highlights

The firm's deal work include advising Citibank N.A. on legal and regulatory and tax aspects in connection with a financing for a power plant project in Vietnam. The deal requires complex cross border regulatory engagement and comprehensive expertise of tax aspects in relation to the financing of the power plant.

The firm also acted as lead counsel to Leclanché SA on its capital increase via a debt-to-equity conversion and subsequent listing of the newly created shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Key clients

Aqua Solar,Invest Group, Opillia Brewery,PJSC,Boryspil, Brovary, Fastiv territorial, community, REMKO Sp. Z o.o, Waste Energy Alta, Svynets LLC

Founded in 1980, Prager Dreifuss is a recognised Swiss law firm active across financial and corporate transactional advisory. The firm, which has offices in Zurich, Bern, Zug and Brussels, advises both domestic and international clients, assisted by their relationships with other law firms globally.  The firm has presence in corporate M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, restructuring and insolvency and financial service regulatory work.

Highlights

The firm is best known for its work in restructuring and insolvency, but also has notable banking and finance, capital markets and M&A practices. In banking and finance, the firm represents lending and borrowing clients in senior financing and facility agreements. 

In capital markets, the firm advises on initial coin offerings and cryptocurrency mandates.  

In M&A, the firm advises sellers and buyers in acquisitions in the media, asset management and energy industries. 

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm advises bondholders and indentures trustees in insolvencies and bankruptcies. 

Schellenberg Wittmer is a leading Swiss law firm. It has offices in Zurich, Geneva and Singapore and regional desks in Southeast Asia, Brazil and Africa.

Highlights

In banking and finance, the firm advised leading investment bank, Deutsche Bank New York Branch on all aspects of Swiss law in connection with a secured term and revolving credit financing granted to Trinseo Materials Operating, Trinseo Materials Finance, and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Trinseo under a senior secured credit agreement valued at an estimated $1.1 billion.

The firm advised on the acquisition of Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd's pharmaceuticals to Sosei Heptares; this was a cross border transaction requiring comprehensive legal and regulatory expertise.

Testimonials

Bank lending 

"Very hands-on, high accuracy and fast response times with good commercial acumen."

Banking         

"The partner we are working with has excellent knowledge of the banking industry and has a very business-orientated mindset."

"The partner we are working with has very valuable knowledge of the banking industry and its regulatory framework."

"Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Find solutions. Clear communication."

Banking and finance

"Excellent and proactive service.”

"The banking team of Schellenberg Wittmer are highly skilled, efficient and understand the banking and financial industry very well."

"As soon as we started working with Tarek Houdrouge, we realised we had made the right decision: he could anticipate the key challenges we would face so that we could manage them proactively, he demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects of our work, but also a good understanding of the cultural specificities of our firm that helped us manage our project as efficiently as possible. Also, we felt he demonstrated a very strong sense of integrity, as he asked several times whether we preferred him or us to conduct some parts of the administrative work when it was not necessary to have a legal background to achieve the tasks – resulting in very reasonable fees, hence great value for money.”

"Hands-on, very responsive, straight to the point, excellent understanding of the underlying business considerations.”

"Transparent communication. High availability. Professional consulting.”

Capital markets         

"Very detailed and reactive.”

"Very commercial and pragmatic approach of legal topics, very experienced partners with innovative legal solutions.”

Financial services regulatory          

"Top-quality legal services, very responsive, very complete, client-orientated and practical.”

"Hands-on, professional and quick turnaround."

M&A   

"SW's team handled the complex structure of the share deal and the related financing very professionally. They have vast expertise both in M&A and in financing matters which was relevant in the transaction at hand. Very pragmatic, business-orientated approach. Excellent responsiveness, proactive attitude. They think ahead.”

"Very knowledgeable on Swiss and international M&A issues, commercial and solutions-orientated, not theoretical.”

"Great business acumen and very pragmatic in its approach while legally savvy.”

"SW team led by Jean-Jacques Ah Choon is very professional and business-orientated. They provide legal advice in a pragmatic manner. The team is very proactive and reactive. It has been a real pleasure to work with SW team.”

"High-quality, practical advice.”

"Very knowledgeable, highly responsive and pleasant way of collaborating. Very reasonable approaches which are well balanced between dogmatic legal needs and business needs.”

"Pragmatic, quick and thorough advice with respect to all stock regulatory issues, formal governance processes and content of agreements as well as valuation.”

Jean Jacques Ah Choon      

"Jean Jacques is very reactive and business-orientated. He has a right vision and constructive approach in all circumstances. It is a delight to work with him and his team."

Philippe Borens        

"Focused on details and highly knowledgeable."

Josef Caleff   

"On top of legal developments, straight to the point, very pragmatic. Top tier!"

Olivier Favre  

"He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and solution-orientated. I was very satisfied with the advice provided by him.”

Tarek Houdrouge      

"Tarek Houdrouge is always very positive and solution-orientated. He has very good understanding of the banking industry, extremely good legal skills and provides pragmatic legal solutions."

"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 the past, most lawyers I have worked with were either good specialists, but then not so good at managing relationships, projects, or deadlines. Or they were rather good 'salesmen', with very strong interpersonal skills and high-level vision, but limited in-depth knowledge when it came to details. In all my interactions with Tarek Houdrouge, he has demonstrated he has both, which I feel is very rare. It makes it extremely efficient and pleasant working with him.”

Pascal Hubli  

"Very knowledgeable, highly responsive and pleasant way of collaborating. Very reasonable approaches which are well balanced between dogmatic legal needs and business needs."

Marcel Jakob 

"Marcel’s advice is always practical, solution-orientated and tailored to commercial needs."

"Knowledgeable, responsive, reliable, on point with answers, anticipates issues before they arise."

Lorenzo Olgiati         

"Extensive corporate law and M&A experience, outstanding responsiveness, pragmatic approach, business mindset, very strong in negotiations, thinking ahead."

"High commitment, always approachable. Clear language, very quick. Extremely practical, field expertise. Relevance focus."

Jérémie Tenot

“Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Finds solutions. Clear communication.”

Oliver Triebold         

"Depth of knowledge and commitment."

"Very approachable. Hands-on and pragmatic."          

"One of the best lawyers I ever met, proactive, understands our business and is very pragmatic in his approach, and legally excellent."

Christoph Vonlanthen          

"Very commercial and practical, focuses on getting solutions not being the smartest lawyer in the room."

"Business-orientated, pragmatic approach to solving legal issues, diversified legal skills and broad experience.”

Grégoire Wuest         

"Excellent sparing partner in business and regulatory issues."

"Highly knowledgeable, experienced and responsive."

Gion Jegher  

"Excellent."

Elia Schunck 

"Highly experienced in M&A and corporate law matters, extremely responsive, thinking ahead, business-orientated approach."

Grégoire Wuest         

"Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Finds solutions. Clear communication."

The Swiss firm VISCHER draws on the over 160-year legacy of its constituent firms, Gloor & Christ and Pestalozzi Haegi & Partner. Today, the firm boasts three offices in the crucial Swiss markets of Zurich, Basel and Geneva and is active across challenging mandates in the financial and corporate space. The firm has a specialized focus in tax and regulatory matters and commercial corporate transactions in Switzerland and globally.

Highlights

The firm assisted Danstar Ferment AG on the acquisition of all shares in Evola AG from the SIX Exchange listed firm Evola Holding SA. The transaction involves the delisting of Evola Holding SA from Swiss Exchange.

In debt capital markets, the firm advised on the development of the first global depositary receipts (GDRs) listed on the Six Swiss Exchange by Fangda Carbon New Material Co, Ltd, an integrated carbon material producer originated from China. This transaction offers an innovative development into the newly implemented debt instrument that widens market opportunity and expansion for global businesses and financial service institutions.

Key Clients

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA, Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd., Lallemand, Inc./Danstar Ferment AG, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (liquidator of, Lehman Brothers in Switzerland), Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited

The Swiss firm Walder Wyss boasts six locations across the country in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and Zurich. The firm focuses its specialism in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, competition law and intellectual property. The firm is known for its active work in banking and finance, capital markets and the M&A sector.

Highlights

Walder Wyss played an active role as lead counsel to Credit Suisse on the UBS, assisting Credit Suisse in relation to all Swiss law aspects of the transaction. This deal is in connection with one of the largest and most significant acquisitions in the financial markets during 2023. This deal is reflective of the type of work the firm engages in on a consistent basis.

In debt capital markets, Walder Wyss also advised on a prominent UBS Switzerland AG in connection with a significant covered bonds issuance valued at CHF 20 billion. 

Testimonials

“Extremely responsive, knowledgeable, patient. Careful, precise. Readily explained local formalities.”

“Hands on work mentality, always punctual and try to find the best possible outcome for all sides.”

Key clients

UBS / Credit Suisse, Banque J. Safra Sarasin SA, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Citibank, Inflexion, PostFinance, KomGo SA, Cequr AG

Wenger Plattner is an established Swiss law firm active in M&A and restructuring transactional work, as well as in advisory roles. The firm counsels on both international and domestic from its four offices in Basel, Berne, Geneva and Zurich Despite the firm being independent, it has a wide ranging international network with law firms.

Highlights

Deal highlights include advising the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as liquidators of Bank Hottinger & Cie AG since 2015. In 2023, the transaction was successfully executed in relation to the overall settlement for Bank Hottinger.

Wenger Plattner also played an important role advising as Swiss counsel for Novocure Ltd. In connection with the update of its $150 million credit facility the pharma industry.

Key Clients

ING Belgium SA, Novocure Ltd., Jersey, CENTRUM Group. Health Care Royalty Partners, EnBW, Audi AG, Novartis Pharma Ltd., Julius Baer Group, Bio-Techne, SWICA Gesundheitsorganisation (Health Insurance), Migros Genossenschafts-Bund

FBT Attorneys-at-law is a multi-disciplinary law firm founded in 1993 with offices in Geneva and Paris.   

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm’s practice covers banking and finance and financial services regulatory. 

The banking and finance team is experienced in providing advice to clients on all Swiss banking and financial regulations, particularly banking, securities dealers and market infrastructures, collective investment schemes and money laundering, and advises frequently on cross-border issues. The team also advises clients throughout licensing procedures and in enforcement against FINMA. 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

The banking and finance team was particularly active during the research period by providing advice across the banking and financial sectors on licensing process with FINMA and other regulatory authorities in the sector. The team also advised clients on the implementation of FinSA in their financial products offerings. 

Banking and finance

"Strong skills in banking and finance."             

"FBT has considerable experience in assisting and advising, in particular in: advising on specific regulation issues, as well as drafting documentation and agreements; and assisting in the framework of national and international litigation before civil, criminal, administrative and arbitration courts, particularly in the fields of banking and financial litigation."

Financial services regulatory          

“Up to date with current practice of authorities, well connected in the market.”

Frédérique Bensahel

"Years long expertise and experience in financial sector regulation. Very smart and able to find practical solutions to meet the client's needs."

"Responsive, skilled."

Serge Fasel   

"Serge Fasel is an expert in national and international complex litigation, in particular in the financial sector. He has extensive experience in the Swiss judicial environment. Always available upon short notice. Pragmatic approach."