Banking & Finance | Europe

With its excellent bench strength and in-depth expertise in all banking and finance-related mandates, BINDER GRÖSSWANG remains a highly sought-after firm. The team frequently advises on syndicated revolving credit facilities and large refinancings. Additionally, the law firm is visible in facility agreements and also assists with other loan structures. Its excellence in transactions is complemented by its prowess in handling regulatory issues such as cryptocurrency advice, banking-related M&A transactions and banking licence procedures. BINDER GRÖSSWANG's ability to handle not only complex domestic but also cross-border mandates makes it a prime choice for established banks and corporates.

International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer remains one of the top players in Austria for banking and finance mandates. The team regularly acts for well-known lenders and borrowers on syndicated, real estate and acquisition financings, with further expertise in bridge loans and refinancings. Additionally, the firm also assists with amendments and extensions to new loans, including those under English law. Freshfields also stands out for its complementary capabilities in banking regulation and restructuring, advising on domestic and CEE-wide mandates. The team also regularly collaborates with other departments and offices across Freshfields' network to offer comprehensive, cross-border services to clients active in a range of industries.

The highly reputable law firm Schoenherr remains widely respected for its market-leading banking and finance expertise. The team frequently advises on ESG-linked revolving credit facility agreements and unsecured notes, as well as real estate financing. Additionally, the firm assists with asset-backed, debt, project and acquisition finance. Its strong offering is complemented by Schoenherr's comprehensive coverage of all regulatory issues pertaining to the banking and finance industry. The firm is highly visible in the Austrian market, but equally handles cross-border mandates, especially those across the CEE region, often advising well-known banks and corporates.

Prestigious law firm Wolf Theiss boasts an outstanding banking and finance practice which is regularly instructed on domestic and cross-border mandates, especially across the CEE region. The team is particularly active advising on project finance, with recent mandates in the infrastructure sector. Additionally, clients can benefit from the firm's expertise in acquisition and real estate finance, as well as asset finance and ESG-linked products. Furthermore, Wolf Theiss is respected for its capabilities in regulatory issues, ranging from crypto-assets and ownership control proceedings to fintech and licensing mandates. Its clientele of large financial institutions and corporates further demonstrates the firm's strong market coverage.

CMS is a distinguished player in banking and finance both in Austria and across the CEE region and is particularly sought after for its cross-border capabilities. The team is regularly mandated for its expertise in project, corporate, real estate and acquisition finance. The firm possesses further expertise in refinancing transactions and regulatory advice, while also showing valuable experience in facility agreements. The Vienna-based team caters to a diverse portfolio of clients, with a particularly strong following of domestic and international financial institutions.

DORDA is a well-respected law firm with expertise across the full range of banking and finance law, often acting for domestic and international lenders. The team regularly assists with bridge loans and acquisition finance, as well as real estate transactions, with further expertise in direct lending mandates. Additionally, DORDA covers LBO financing and large syndicated financing and refinancing projects. Its capabilities in restructuring also make it a choice for clients seeking insolvency-related advice. The team also offers complementary dispute resolution services to its banking clients.

E+H Rechtsanwälte houses a dynamic banking and finance practice, advising financial institutions, state bodies and corporates on domestic as well as international transactions. The team's expertise covers acquisition, real estate and corporate finance. Additionally, the firm assists with sovereign credit agreements and credit facilities. E+H Rechtsanwälte's strength in regulatory mandates pertaining to M&A transactions.

The Vienna-based banking and finance team at CERHA HEMPEL offers accomplished services to lenders and borrowers across Austria and the CEE region. The firm is particularly active in acquisition, real estate and corporate finance, with additional expertise in project finance. Furthermore, CERHA HEMPEL is noted for its strong regulatory capabilities, frequently assisting with compliance, licensing and AIFMD mandates.

Well-known international law firm DLA Piper has a broad banking and finance service offering and an impressive international network across the CEE region. The Vienna-based group regularly assists with acquisition, project and real estate financing, as well as complex litigation in the financial sector. The team services a diverse client base, ranging from retail banks and insurance companies to corporates in the real estate sector.

Fellner Wratzfeld & Partners houses a solid banking and finance practice group, best known for its expertise in financing disputes and large restructurings. The team around Markus Fellner also assists with a plethora of real estate, acquisition and project finance transactions, often acting for domestic and international financial institutions. Additionally, the firm offers expertise in regulatory issues.

The Vienna-based law firm PHH Rechtsanwält:innen is particularly noted for its expertise in real estate, project and aviation finance, as well as debt finance and restructuring. The team also has strong experience in advising on market entry. The group possesses further expertise in regulatory matters. The firm's clientele includes a range of financial institutions as well as corporate clients.

International law firm Baker McKenzie is a recognised player in the Austrian banking and finance market. The team regularly advises on a broad spectrum of work including real estate, joint venture and corporate financing. Furthermore, the firm offers expertise in debt restructuring and credit facilities. Its prowess in handling regulatory mandates includes insurance regulatory law and FMA approvals. Clients, comprising a range of banks, corporates and public authorities, also benefit from Baker McKenzie's sprawling international office network.

BRANDL TALOS is respected for its expertise in banking and finance regulatory mandates and banking litigation. The team assists with a plethora of issues ranging from FMA investigations and compliance proceedings to licensing of blockchain products and market entry requirements for foreign investors. Furthermore, the firm handles cases regarding financial crime allegations and the financing of large cooperation projects. With its cross-border capabilities, BRANDL TALOS is equally well placed to advise large international banks, as well as regulatory authorities.

DSC Doralt Seist Csoklich Rechtsanwälte is noted for its strong work for a variety of major Austrian banks. The firm is active on real estate development project financings as well as regulatory topics around loan agreements, compliance and transaction structuring. The team has experience on mandates related to crypto products, and is well versed in cross-border mandates.

The Vienna-based law firm Herbst Kinsky is known for its role in banking and finance mandates across Austria and beyond. The practice offers experience in an array of mandates including acquisition, corporate and real estate finance, as well as asset finance and refinancings. Furthermore, the team assists with banking regulatory advice.

Linz-based law firm SAXINGER houses a solid team with expertise in all banking and financing mandates. The firm is particularly visible in real estate, acquisition and project financing, and also assists with mezzanine loans, acting for both borrowers and lenders. Additionally, the team possesses expertise in regulatory issues pertaining to investments and inter-company business transfers. While particularly active in the Austrian market, SAXINGER also advises on cross-border mandates. The firm's client roster comprises a range of financial institutions, corporations and public authorities.