The activities of the Banking and Finance practice group are among Lenz & Staehelin’s traditional core competences, and are closely tied up with Switzerland’s leading role as a centre of banking and finance. Our clients include banks, investment funds, insurance companies, asset managers and securities dealers. They benefit from our comprehensive knowledge of the specific legal issues and processes relevant to banking, finance and capital markets.

Regulatory
Close, long-standing relations with regulatory authorities are crucial in the heavily regulated financial services sector. In addition to proven expertise in banking, clearing and settlement systems, Lenz & Staehelin has traditionally maintained good working relationships with all the relevant government authorities and agencies. We are regularly retained by clients for the purpose of obtaining authorizations and licenses for banks, securities dealers and investment funds.

Finance
Broad expertise is essential, but providing advisory services and executing complex, large-scale financing projects also requires genuine specialists. Lenz & Staehelin’s ability to meet both these requirements has resulted in long-standing relationships with the major national and international banking institutions. Areas in which our firm has played a pioneering role include aircraft and rolling stock leasing in Switzerland, and asset securitization.

Securities
Increasingly stringent rules, regulations, and standards are part and parcel of the changing environment on the global securities markets. Lenz & Staehelin is familiar with the relevant issues, and keeps consistently up to date with the latest developments. We have accredited experts for the approval of securities on the SIX Swiss Exchange who are able to deliver comprehensive, prompt, and transparent advisory and support services for equity offerings, including IPOs, and for the listing of bonds, equity and other securities.

Investment products and services
Lenz & Staehelin has a unique team of dedicated lawyers with experience in all types of investment products and services, from investment funds to structured products, derivatives and other financial instruments, and expertise in areas ranging from structuring and asset management to registration and marketing. The practice group has a strong international focus and works closely with Swiss and foreign financial institutions and foreign law firms with a top reputation in this field.

Our work includes:

• Regulatory
  
  • Banks and securities dealers
  • Insurance companies
  • Investment funds, exchange traded funds and other collective investment vehicles
  • Pension funds
  • Clearing and settlement systems
  • Stock exchange
• Financing
  
  • Asset securitization
  • Credit facilities
  • Financial leasing
  • Financial products and derivatives
  • Project finance
  • Real estate financing
  • Structured finance
• Securities 
  
  • Capital markets
  • Securities offerings
  • Block trades
• Anti-money laundering, KYC rules
• Asset management
• International administrative assistance
• Tax