Banking, Finance and Fintech / DLT

Our customer base also includes companies active in fintech, payment systems (deposit and non-deposit), crowdfunding and blockchain-based projects. This includes DeFi protocols, asset tokenization, digital tokens (payment, utility, investment, NFTs) and Web3 initiatives.

We carry out preliminary analyses of the legal regime applicable to new business models, and draw up applications to FINMA for legal opinions or exemptions. We also assist our clients with their applications for authorization (asset management, trustees, collective management, fintech licenses), affiliation to self-regulatory organizations (SROs) or registration in advisor registers. We are involved in every step, from file preparation to communication with the authorities.

We represent our clients in supervisory, enforcement or sanction proceedings conducted by FINMA or other competent authorities, ensuring a rigorous and proactive approach to regulatory risk management.

We advise senior management and compliance officers on the implementation of requirements arising from the Financial Services Act (FSA) and the Financial Security Act (FSIA), obligations relating to the distribution of financial instruments, and governance rules. We also assist financial intermediaries and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), particularly in the areas of anti-money laundering, sanctions compliance, travel rules and MROS reporting.

We help financial institutions structure their digitalization projects in compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes cloud projects, regtech, outsourcing of critical services or integration of artificial intelligence tools. We carry out legal due diligence, negotiate outsourcing contracts and analyze the implications for personal data processing and information security.

We draft and revise all the contractual and regulatory documents required for financial activities: asset management or advisory contracts, issue or offer documents, loan or financing contracts, distribution contracts, internal guidelines, general conditions or outsourcing agreements. For technology contracts and licenses, see also our section dedicated to commercial law.

We support our customers in the event of incidents relating to banking secrecy, confidentiality or cybersecurity, particularly in the event of a data leak or cyber-attack. We support them in managing their notification obligations towards the authorities and persons concerned. See also our expertise in data protection and cybersecurity.

We run in-house training courses on banking law, financial regulation or compliance, tailored to the business model and specific needs of each institution.