DL Corporate & Regulatory

Managing Partner:

Remi Delforge

[email protected]

https://delforgelaw.com/

Tel: +377 97 98 76 16

Le Rocqueville

20 boulevard Princesse Charlotte,

98000 Monaco

DL Corporate & Regulatory is a corporate and transactional law firm in Monaco with strong track-record on M&A, banking, securities, regulatory, commercial, employment, sport laws, franchising, and data protection. The Firm is regularly involved in Monaco’s major acquisitions, disposals and financings in Private Banking, Shipping, Telecommunications, IT, Hotel & Entertainment and Sports areas. In recent years, Advanced Technologies and Crypto-currency regulations have also become key areas of expertise. The Firm also advises regularly on construction projects and commercial real estate restructurings including public tender rules and subcontracting relationships.

Founded by Remi Delforge, a highly regarded lawyer in Monaco since 1998, the firm boasts an extensive track record in acquisition deals and restructurings, particularly within the banking and financial sectors. With one of the most experienced and respected corporate teams in Monaco, DL Corporate & Regulatory is actively involved in securities transactions, financings and regulatory matters, especially in banking, financial services and sports law.

The firm’s lawyers bring valuable experience from their roles as former in-house counsel for multinational corporations, banks and regulatory bodies. In response to the constantly evolving market and legal landscape in Monaco, the team is regularly trained and also provides training to clients on various topics, including Anti-Money Laundering laws, corporate matters, IT/data protection, and employment issues

DL Corporate & Regulatory maintain secure, confidential communication with our clients, including remotely, thanks to strengthened data preservation and confidentiality policies. Our team regularly receives updates and best practice guidelines to ensure the highest standards are upheld.

Beyond technology, the Team have deepened our client partnerships by launching multijurisdictional legal knowledge platforms. These platforms provide up-to-date Monaco law advice on topics such as banking and financial services, shareholding disclosures, AML and ABC regulations, data breaches, data protection, and foreign direct investment. Corporate clients have praised these platforms for saving time and improving access to practical information.

DL Corporate & Regulatory’s lawyers continue to train across all areas to enhance our impact and deliver top-tier legal advice. Notably, Vincent de Bonnafos, following the publication of his PhD as a handbook on responsible corporate actions, has been widely consulted. He also participates in legal research programs at Nice and Montreal Universities, focusing on deep technologies like generative AI and blockchain applications. Ambre Bernat recently earned her official DPO certification, enabling her and teammate Mariam Hakobian to effectively assist clients with GDPR and data protection issues. Mariam has also developed expertise in sanctions, aiding local banks with compliance related to EU and international sanctions regimes.

Banking/Finance:

2 partners; 6 associates based in Monaco.

The firm provides comprehensive support to international and local banks, as well as asset management companies in areas such as:

-Regulatory compliance in banking, financial matters, data protection and secrecy (including cross-border application of MiFID II, PRIIPS, PSD2, CRD4/CRR, GDPR, etc.), and assistance in subordinated loans meeting Additional Tier 1 capital requirements.

-Preparation of client documentation for banks and asset management firms, and adaptation of standard contracts to Monaco law (including mortgaged lending, securitisation and perfection formalities).

-Management of outsourcing projects involving both internal Group and third-party IT service providers.

-Analysis of contractual documentation, including distribution agreements, ISDA, FBF and Swiss Master Agreements for swap derivative and netting transactions,

-Structuring of innovative banking projects, such as mobile banking applications and the implementation of e-signatures.

-Assistance to institutional lenders in financing and refinancing transactions, ensuring Monaco law security and enforcement of collaterals.

The Firm and DL lawyers have received several awards in 2024 and recent years

Key Clients: Major banking and financial groups and their advisors, including top international law firms (notably the “Magic Circle”)

Regulatory:

2 partners; 5 associates based in Monaco

DL Corporate & Regulatory is recognised for its expertise in regulatory filings for banking and financial M&A transactions, change of control and data protection applications with the Monaco Data Protection Authority. The firm assists banks, retail companies, sports federations/clubs, and luxury brands with personal data processing in Monaco. Our team recently supported a major electronic device company in their data protection application for a mapping project in Monaco.

The firm regularly handles regulatory notifications to Monaco’s financial regulator for changes of control and internal restructurings. It also prepares cross-border guidelines for Swiss, UK and French private banking groups. In addition, DL Corporate & Regulatory manages advanced technology matters for prominent players across sectors such as banking, finance, payments, crypto, luxury, automotive, tourism, sports, gaming, and entertainment. This includes legal and regulatory assessments for e-money and crypto-asset projects being considered in the Principality.

DL Corporate & Regulatory's lawyers provide training on Monaco’s AML laws and compliance to personnel in banks, asset management firms, and other law firms. In response to Monaco’s recent FATF grey listing, the firm closely monitors changing AML regulations. It also has a proven track-record in the automotive, entertainment and tech industries, including mobile apps, streaming platforms, connected cars, and social media advertising.

Amid Monaco’s major public works projects, including the seabed extension and smart city initiatives, DL Corporate & Regulatory advises international tech companies, including GAFAM, on corporate, regulatory, and contractual due diligence for public tenders. A notable development in the firm’s practice is its involvement in IT mandates, both for organizational purposes and in response to cyberattacks targeting major corporations.

Corporate/M&A:

2 partners; 5 associates based in Monaco.

DL Corporate & Regulatory is a leading firm in corporate transactions and high-value deals in Monaco, known for its regulatory expertise, including change of control filings and authorizations with various regulators. The firm has recently played a key role in several M&A transactions across the private banking area, as well as sports media rights, artificial intelligence, and luxury sectors. Additionally, DL Corporate & Regulatory has been instrumental in strategic restructurings for international banking groups, including "branching out" projects.

The firm regularly teams up with other international law firms (particularly “Magic Circle” firms) on multijurisdictional projects and audits involving Monaco-based companies. It provides structuring assistance, regulatory and legal advice on a wide range of corporate matters (e.g. tax structuring, capital increases, corporate governance, labour law, data protection compliance). The firm also supports clients in management and human resources restructurings, both before and after transactions,as well as in divestments and company closures.

DL Corporate & Regulatory has successfully closed high-profile acquisitions, disposals, and group restructuring deals, many of which were financed by major lending institutions. The firm has also assisted several international luxury restaurant groups with their establishment in Monaco, particularly in the new Mareterra area.

Key Clients: Major players in Monaco's prominent industries such as banking, IT, sports, luxury goods, investment funds, and hotel chains.

Finance/Capital Markets:

2 partners; 5 associates based in Monaco.

The firm regularly assists lenders, borrowers and issuers in major financing and re-financing transactions as well as rights issues, exchange offers and similar schemes.

The firm provides comprehensive support in regulatory and tax structuring, transactional advice, and prepares legal opinions on corporate financing matters, including capacity and authority of Monaco borrowers and guarantors, and the validity and enforceability of obligations undertaken by Monaco-based parties.

The firm’s lawyers are experienced and up to date with Monaco law security and collateral documentation, including charges over bank accounts, financial instruments, goodwill, share pledges, mortgages, and first demand guarantees. They ensure full compliance with Monaco’s public order provisions and formal requirements.

Key Clients: banking groups and corporate borrowers

IT/Telecommunications:

1 partner; 3 associates based in Monaco.

DL Corporate & Regulatory is increasingly appointed to advise on IT regulations, contract negotiations, and support the implementation of global projects, including digital solutions, data storage, mobile applications, streaming platforms, connected cars, social media communications, and drone filming sessions.

Amid Monaco’s large-scale public works, such as the seabed extension, new hospital construction, and the "Extended Monaco" smart city initiative, the firm has been engaged by major international tech companies and car manufacturers to advise on corporate and contractual matters in public tender processes, subcontracting relationships and regulatory filings.

Key Clients: tech companies, car constructors, telecommunication and satellite operators

Data protection:

1 partner; 3 associates based in Monaco.

The firm has recognised expertise in data protection law and regularly advises on privacy policies and guidelines for banks, hotels, luxury groups, international data transfers and assists with regulatory filings required with the Monaco data protection regulator.

Because the EU GDPR is not directly applicable in Monaco but has an extraterritorial application, the firm also helps its international client structure their data processing to comply with both Monaco and EU regulations.

Key Clients: banking groups, tech companies, hotels, luxury companies

Sports:

1 partner; 3 associates.

For over 20 years, the firm and Remi Delforge have advised numerous sports federations and clubs in Monaco.

As the main legal advisor to the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM)—the organizer of the Monaco Grand Prix, Monte-Carlo Rally, Monaco ePrix, and Grand Prix de Monaco Historique—the firm played a key role in supporting ACM during the 2024 events. This included advising on current sports law legislation and guiding sponsors on advertising regulations in sensitive sectors such as alcohol, tobacco, banking, gambling, and crypto.

The firm’s sports law practice has grown significantly, assisting event organizers, sponsors, advertisers, and teams with business structuring, promotions, media rights, and regulatory issues, including anti-doping.

Key Clients: Clubs, national sports authorities, event organizers, sports teams, sponsors, and advertisers.