Department profile
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Banking & Finance

Europe Guide 2026 : Switzerland


Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Rankings

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

Industries (8)

  • Banks
  • Charities / Not for Profit
  • Education
  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Aviation

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - Switzerland

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
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

Provided by Chambers

  • Schellenberg Wittmer advised Deutsche Bank's New York branch on the Swiss law aspects relating to a new secured revolving credit financing and the amendment of an existing secured term credit financing granted to Trinseo.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • What distinguishes Schellenberg Wittmer is their practical approach combined with deep technical expertise. The team really understands the business side, not just the legal aspects.

    Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • In addition to the depth of their expertise and their discretion, I would emphasise the human dimension they bring to the relationship, as well as their outstanding availability and responsiveness.

    Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • They speak the language of the business due to their experience abroad. They have an excellent understanding of commercial issues and business needs.

    Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • Schellenberg Wittmer houses a hard-working team who achieve tight deadlines, handle a high workload and go the extra mile.

    Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • Schellenberg Wittmer has an experienced team with excellent knowledge of the sector.

    Banking & Finance respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Olivier Favre
    Band 3Olivier Favre

    Olivier Favre

    Olivier Favre is well reputed for his ability to handle financial regulatory mandates, including compliance with Swiss regulations, product offering approvals and interactions with financial regulators.

    • He swiftly grasps complex issues, offers clear and practical advice, and is always available when we need him.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • As a partner, he speaks the language of the business while providing to-the-point legal advice, and always with a business-minded focus.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • We know we can reach out whenever we need him.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • His ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure makes him an invaluable partner for our team.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Olivier Favre is a very smart and technical lawyer.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • Band 3Tarek Houdrouge
    Band 3Tarek Houdrouge

    Tarek Houdrouge

    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.
    • We have such a great relationship and level of trust with Tarek.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Tarek Houdrouge is very good and always reliable.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Tarek Houdrouge meets your expectations with a level of sophistication and awareness rarely seen. He provides excellent client service.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Tarek is an excellent lawyer who is able to handle complex cases, is commercially minded and provides tailored advice quickly.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • Band 4Anita Schläpfer
    Band 4Anita Schläpfer

    Anita Schläpfer

    Anita Schläpfer advises Swiss and international financial institutions, syndicates and sponsors on acquisition finance and secured lending transactions.
    • Anita Schläpfer is a knowledgeable and professional lawyer.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
  • Band 4Grégoire Wuest
    Band 4Grégoire Wuest

    Grégoire Wuest

    Geneva-based Grégoire Wuest advises both borrowers and lenders on acquisition financings, loan transfers and real estate refinancings. His practice also covers asset-based financings and regulatory compliance advice.

    • Grégoire Wuest is absolutely brilliant!

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Grégoire Wuest is an excellent partner for our transactions.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Grégoire Wuest is really approachable, responsive and immediately reachable.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope
    • Grégoire Wuest is the ultimate lawyer in terms of service quality, pragmatism and business acumen.

      Banking & Finance respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd (4)

Switzerland

Members

Provided by Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership