ADON legal

Firm Details

ADON legal is a boutique financial law firm based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The team comprises eight highly skilled members, most at the partner level, with unique experience gained from serving as both external legal counsel and in-house legal advisors.

With a team larger than the average finance law practice at Lithuania’s leading law firms, ADON legal is well-equipped to handle complex regulatory assignments and sophisticated transactions. This capacity enables the firm to deliver high-quality legal solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of the financial sector.

Main Areas of Practice

• Fintech and Financial Services Regulation. ADON legal specializes in licensing financial institutions, structuring innovative financial services, and navigating regulatory compliance. The firm supports clients in overcoming regulatory hurdles and ensures alignment with supervisory requirements, helping them thrive in the fast-evolving fintech ecosystem.
• Banking and Finance. The firm provides tailored support for cross-border financings, project finance transactions, and loan portfolio sales. ADON legal delivers comprehensive solutions by drafting, negotiating, and coordinating finance documents, addressing diverse client needs with a focus on achieving optimal outcomes.
• Risk, Compliance, and Data Protection. ADON legal assists in designing compliance programs, preparing for inspections and audits, and addressing governance and data protection needs. The firm helps clients mitigate risks while ensuring regulatory compliance in critical areas such as anti-money laundering, data security, and risk management.
• Corporate and M&A. Combining corporate law and M&A expertise, ADON legal guides clients through company formations, joint ventures, and strategic transactions. The firm ensures seamless execution of mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance initiatives, with a particular emphasis on transactions in the financial sector.

Key Types of Work Handled

ADON legal provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of financial institutions and corporate clients. The firm’s expertise includes:

• Strategic Advisory for Financial Institutions. Offering high-level strategic advice to financial institutions, including navigating complex regulatory frameworks and structuring innovative financial products and services.
• Licensing. Supporting clients with obtaining and maintaining licenses for electronic money institutions (EMIs), payment institutions, and other financial service providers. This includes drafting documentation, liaising with supervisory authorities, and addressing ongoing compliance requirements.
• Corporate Governance Advisory. Supporting clients in optimizing corporate governance structures, drafting management agreements, and advising on the rights and liabilities of management bodies.
• Internal Control Systems Setup. Establishing robust internal control systems, with a focus on AML/CTF, sanctions compliance, and corporate governance.
• Compliance and Risk Management Program Development. Designing, implementing, and testing comprehensive compliance programs tailored to regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and data protection measures.
• Legal Audits and Internal Reviews. Conducting internal audits and legal reviews to assess compliance with regulatory obligations, identify risks, and recommend practical solutions.
• Cross-Border Structuring and Operations. Assisting clients in establishing cross-border operations, including company formations, structuring of financial services, and adapting business models to meet local and international regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Communication and Inspection Assistance. Providing guidance during inspections by supervisory authorities, including preparing clients for audits, drafting responses, and addressing regulatory inquiries or findings.
• Transactional Work. Advising on acquisitions, mergers, and portfolio transfers, particularly in the financial services sector. This includes negotiating and drafting transaction documents, as well as facilitating deal execution.
• Data Protection and Cybersecurity Compliance. Providing legal advice on data protection, cybersecurity measures, and GDPR compliance to ensure secure and lawful handling of personal and sensitive data.