Department profile
Watson Farley & Williams

Banking & Finance

Global Guide 2026 : Greece


Watson Farley & Williams

Rankings

About

Provided by Watson Farley & Williams

WFW was the first international law firm to open an office in Piraeus in 1984. WFW Greece has a cross-border banking & finance practice, best known for its work in the maritime, renewable energy and real estate sectors. 

Our finance practice spans across project, real estate and corporate finance and trade and commodity finance, as well as banking regulatory advice, insurance advice, restructurings, work-outs, insolvencies and enforcement.

We act for more than 150 international banking giants, as well as the four systemic banks in Greece. 

In Greece we:

  • Draft English-law and Greek-law documents, including transactions with both English-law and Greek-law aspects. Out of 30 lawyers, 8 are dual qualified and 9 are qualified in England and Wales;​
  • Provide detailed due diligence competence for financing transactions;
  • Have long-standing bank regulatory expertise (Nikolaos Kostikas worked 10 years as the Legal Counsel at UniCredit’s Greek branch). 
  • Have particular expertise in project financing, especially for renewable energy and oil & gas (one of the few Athens firms with real hands-on upstream oil financing experience through the Energean/Kavala Oil financings);
  • Have special expertise in the Greek ferry sector;
  • Advise PE and other funds on investments in Greek shipping and in the Greek domestic market in a range of sectors; and 
  • Have expertise working on transactions involving all key multilateral lenders (EBRD, IFC and EIB).

Clients (10)

  • HSBC Bank
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • Alpha Bank SA
  • Fortress Investment Corporation
  • DNB ASA
  • Piraeus Bank AE
  • Citibank International Limited
  • Grivalia Properties REIC
  • UniCredit Bank
  • Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank

Industries (10)

  • Banks
  • Charities / Not for Profit
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Private Clients / Individuals
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Software & Computer Services
  • Transportation

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - Greece

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Watson Farley & Williams houses a well-reputed banking and finance department in Greece. The law firm advises domestic and international banks on a range of finance transactions, notably in the energy and shipping sectors. Its services also cover corporate finance matters, including those related to debt restructurings and refinancings, acting for international investment funds. Drawing on its overseas presence and dual-qualified practitioners, the firm is well placed to advise on deals that have a key English law component. The firm's abilities in regulatory matters complete its offering.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Watson Farley & Williams advised Aer Soléir and 547 Energy on the financing and development of three wind farms in Greece.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Watson Farley & Williams provides pragmatic approaches to complex situations.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • They are very experienced in a wide range of financings and know the market very well, and hence are in a position to suggest realistic solutions to complex matters in a timely manner.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • The team are very knowledgeable. The combination of Greek law and UK law partners and associates adds value to our company's needs.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Nikolaos Kostikas
    Band 3Nikolaos Kostikas

    Nikolaos Kostikas

    Nikolaos Kostikas has proven expertise advising national funds and international banks on NPL portfolio transactions, as well as restructuring and acquisition financing mandates.
    • Nikolaos is responsive and very knowledgeable.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
    • Nikolaos Kostikas is highly skilled, with excellent understanding of Greek law matters.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
  • Band 4Virginia Murray
    Band 4Virginia Murray

    Virginia Murray

    Virginia Murray has a strong finance practice advising investors and financial institutions on various banking and finance mandates, including project and acquisition transactions in the energy sector. She is dual-qualified in Greece and in England and Wales, and is therefore a strong choice for cross-border transactions.

Ranked Individuals at Watson Farley & Williams (2)

Greece

Members

Provided by Watson Farley & Williams

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