Firms To Watch: Banking and finance: Bank regulatory

Building on the firm’s strength in the TMT sector, Bird & Bird’s regulatory practice in the financial services sector, headed by Cathie-Rosalie Joly and augmented by the February 2025 arrival of PwC Société d'Avocats' Nicolas Mordaunt-Crook, has a strong focus on crypto, fintech and payments matters.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner  added new capabilities in the financial regulation and asset management field after hiring a team led by Damien Luqué  early 2025.
Headed by partner Vincent Danton  who is also a structured finance and securitisation expert, LPA Law's team advises French banks and financial institutions, as well as emerging markets and foreign banks, asset management and insurance companies on a vast range of regulatory issues including prudential requirements and new business launches.

Banking and finance: Bank regulatory in France

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman has a strong footprint among the world’s largest banking, financial, asset management and insurance institutions. The Parisian team offers a large array of expertise, spanning banking and asset management regulatory and prudential requirements, internal reorganisation projects as well as the launch of new businesses or partnerships (such as recently in the asset management and debt fund areas). The practice also regularly combines forces with the firm’s M&A team to manage the regulatory aspects linked to corporate deals conducted in the financial services sector. Finally, the practice also advises some fintech companies while the firm range of expertise extends to anti-money laundering, compliance and regulators-led investigations. The practice is headed by Brice Henry  with Mia Dassas  as the other key member. Counsel  Pascal Molinelli provides support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brice Henry


Autres avocats clés:

Mia Dassas; Pascal Molinelli


Les références

‘Very professional team. High quality of service. Generally high billing.’

Principaux clients

Lazard


Qonto


Tikehau Capital


Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP assists a prominent client base of leading French and international regulated institutions in dealing with their key issues including the reorganisation and expansion of regulated activities in France or the acquisition of new entities.  Additionally, the practice has also positioned itself as a reference in the crypto-currency sphere, advising leading crypto asset and fintech players on the development of their French businesses and on new EU MiCA regulation. Finally, the team also advises LCH SA, the sole French CCP, on all aspects of its clearing activities. The highly experienced Hubert Blanc-Jouvan conducts the practice, supported by counsel Maxime Gandibleux and senior associate  Francesco Assi .

Responsables de la pratique:

Hubert Blanc-Jouvan


Autres avocats clés:

Maxime Gandibleux; Francesco Assi


Les références

‘One of the very best teams on the market. Its strength lies in a high-quality partner, Hubert Blanc-Jouvan, who knows his business and his clients perfectly.’

‘Hubert Blanc-Jouvan shows impressive workforce.’

‘All the members of the team listen to their customers, which contributes to a rapid and in-depth understanding of issues and to relevant advice that can be implemented quickly.’

Principaux clients

LCH SA


Binance


Bank of America


Barclays


Credit Suisse


Goldman Sachs


J.P. Morgan


TP ICAP


Citigroup


Société Générale


BNP Paribas


Euroclear


Lloyds Banking Group


National Australia Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Binance crypto platform in relation to the entry into application of the new EU regulation on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA regulation).
  • Advised several international groups in the reorganisation of their regulated activities in France.
  • Advised LCH SA, the French CCP, on the termination of clearing arrangements with Euronext.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance assists a prominent client base of leading French and international banks as well as a range of fintechs, sovereign entities, clearing platforms, financial institutions and corporations. Through practice head  Frédérick Lacroix, the team is able to handle a comprehensive range of work including complex banks' reorganisation, transactional work in addition to advising on ESG, fintech and e-payment regulations. Of note, the team regularly handles innovative work such as recently advising on the first eurozone sovereign digital issuance. Counsel Hélène Kouyaté provides support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Frédérick Lacroix


Autres avocats clés:

Hélène Kouyaté


Les références

‘Excellent knowledge of French, European and global “regulatory” aspects. very great adaptability and inventiveness to deal with delicate situations or those requiring a good interpretation of texts taking into account the general macro-economic context.’

‘Frederick Lacroix: a reference in “regulatory” in the financial sector.’

Principaux clients

Crédit Agricole


BNP Paribas


Natixis


Bank of America


Barclays


HSBC


Morgan Stanley


Goldman Sachs


Citi


JP Morgan


Royal Bank of Canada


Funds


Amundi


AXA IM


Insurance


AXA


Admiral


Fintech


Onbrane


Adyen


Mollie


Clearing and Netting


Futures Industry Association (FIA)


Banque Centrale de Compensation (LCH SA)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised La Banque Postale on the strategic acquisition of La Financière de l’Échiquier.
  • Advised the dealers in the update of the Euro Medium Term Note Programme of RCI Banque.
     
  • Advised on the first Eurozone sovereign digital bond issuance by a Eurozone sovereign, the Republic of Slovenia.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. 's long established practice particularly stands out in the field of asset management, notably in relation to insurance and real estate funds. Leading French and Anglo-Saxon wealth and asset management houses regularly consult the firm for their regulatory requirements, M&A transactions as well as when facing disciplinary investigations from public authorities. Its range of expertise also extends to e-finance. The practice is co-headed by Stéphane PuelOlivier Bernardi, Guillaume Goffin and Benjamin Delaunay.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stéphane Puel; Olivier Bernardi; Guillaume Goffin; Benjamin Delaunay


Les références

‘Great professionalism, particularly through the broad spectrum of subjects that their teams are able to cover.’

‘Guillaume Goffin demonstrates great professionalism and responsiveness even when faced with very short deadlines. The explanations and reasoning are systematically presented in a clear and concise manner.’

‘The team provided very high-quality advice and is able to anticipate the sticking points in advance. Great availability of the teams.’

‘Stéphane Puel’s team shows strong communication and professional connection. The team always knows how to answer specific questions in financial law, investment funds and innovative structuring strategy of funds, as well as from an innovative point of view on ESG points.’

‘Technical and regulatory excellence; they can solve any legal problem, especially the most technical ones. Guillaume Goffin: can solve any technical problem while adapting to commercial constraints.’

‘Olivier Bernardi is a sharp, passionate lawyer who always gives his clients sharp and relevant advice. His seriousness and knowledge of regulatory mechanisms and authorities is one of his many assets.’

‘Gide’s regulatory team is unquestionably a reference on the Paris market, its leading position has been established for almost 20 years now. The team has a very good vision of market practices and experience. Its very strong involvement with supervisory authorities and professional associations is also a considerable asset’

‘Stéphane Puel’s excellence is widely recognized. Guillaume Goffin and Benjamin Delaunay have reached a level of expertise that makes them new references in regulatory. Benjamin Delaunay is notably the leading lawyer in the regulatory space for real estate investment funds. The quality of his analyses and his ability to propose innovative and reliable solutions, particularly in crisis management situations, are particularly appreciated.’

Principaux clients

ITM Entreprises (Les Mouquetaires)


Euryale


Le Conservateur


Carmignac Gestion


BPCE Vie


Partners Group


Blackstone


Meridiam


Keys REIM


Apollo


Atream


Novaxia Investment


CIC Private Debt


Financière Meeschaert


Digital Africa


Iznes


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB)


BlackRock


Natixis IM


BNP Paribas Asset Management


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Citadel


Cardif Assurance Vie


BPCE


Société Générale


CNP Assurances


HSBC France


NNIP


Amundi


Morgan Stanley


Oddo BHF


Primonial REIM


Lombard Odier Europe


Crédit Suisse


French State


KKR


Westbrook Partners


Casino


Cdiscount


Adéo


Nuveen France


Younited Credit


ICAMAP


Banque Centrale de Mauritanie


Greenman Arth


Remake Asset Management


Perial Asset Management


Emergence


La Banque Postale


Agence française de développement


Woorton


Rothschild & Co


Natixis Interépargne


Gallagher Securities Europe


Spitz Poulle Kannan

Dedicated to the financial services sector, Spitz Poulle Kannan houses the largest team on the French market, allowing for a comprehensive coverage of the field. Prominent French and international banks, asset management houses as well as some fintech companies notably seek out advice in relation to regulatory compliance, the launch or reorganisation of businesses, M&A transactions or in their dealing with French and EU regulators. The practice is particularly active in the banking sector, advising on banking. securities and derivatives regulations, and also handles some work in the fintech sector. The practice is co-headed by Arut KannanJean-Baptiste Poulle and Nicolas Spitz. Counsel Sandra Kahn provides key support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Arut Kannan; Nicolas Spitz; Jean-Baptiste Poulle


Autres avocats clés:

Sandra Khan


Les références

‘Excellent, relevant, strategic legal analysis.’

‘Excellence in knowledge of the sector and its latest assessments. Accessibility. Practicality.’

‘Experts on regulatory subjects, fully dedicated. The service is impeccable: swift answers, well organized.’

‘Nicolas Spitz is a remarkable expert on regulatory topics. He has a very detailed knowledge of the texts and regulations, but also of the soft law and of the practices of regulators.’

‘They really know the law and are able to apply it in a commercial, practical, business-friendly manner. Strong connections within the French market, market players and regulators. Recommended for any innovative projects. ’

‘Jean-Baptiste Poulle is simply excellent. ’

Principaux clients

Deutsche Bank


Edmond de Rothschild


BNP Paribas


UniCredit


Morgan Stanley


Natixis


Groupe BPCE


Total Energies


La Banque Postale


Crédit Agricole


MUFG Bank


Goldman Sachs


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Euroclear


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on Société Générale/ AllianceBernstein on their plan to form a joint venture.
  • Advised TA Associates on the regulatory aspects of their acquisition of a majority stake in Valoria Capital.
  • Assisted Nissan in the rebalancing of its alliance with Renault, in which Renault reduced its stake from 43.4% to 15%.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton ‘s practice has a strong EU focus, advising French and international banks on governance, remuneration, regulatory capital, derivatives and sustainable finance regulation. The team also stands out for its ability to handle cases before the EU courts and also provides support on financial regulatory issues linked to prominent M&A transactions. Finally, the expertise also encompasses sanctions and anti-money laundering compliance. The practice is headed by Amélie Champsaur , with senior associate  Aurèle Delors also recommended.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amélie Champsaur


Autres avocats clés:

Aurèle Delors


Les références

‘The team’s members are capable of understanding both the legal aspects and the underlying economics of the matter. The mastery of litigation techniques is also remarkable.’

‘Ms. Champsaur is exceptional, with an extraordinary intelligence. She is absolutely unique in her field. Ms. Delors is also extremely competent, organized and has a rare skill in public law.’

‘Excellent expertise in regulatory capital.’

Principaux clients

BNP Paribas


Banque Degroof Petercam SA/NV


Dexia


My Money Group


B3


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing BNP Paribas and BNP Paribas Public Sector in an action in damages against the Single Resolution Board before the EU Court in relation to the SRB’s rejection of BNP Paribas Public Sector’s request for return of collateral linked to ex ante contributions provided in the form of irrevocable payment commitments.
  • Representing Banque Degroof Petercam SA/NV in its proposed sale to Indosuez Wealth Management.
  • Advised Dexia in the Bank of Italy-approved cross-border merger between Dexia Crédit Local and Dexia Crediop, alongside the establishment of a non-regulated branch in Italy.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP assists leading French banks as well as alternative leanders and digital banks, credit insurers and other asset management and financial institutions in dealing with a large array of issues: business reorganisation, sales of financial product portfolios, M&A deals as well as digital and payment issues. The team’s advisory practice is complemented by established experience in managing prudential and regulatory investigation, notably led by France’s prudential regulator ACPR. The team is co-headed by  Régis OréalVincent HattonAntoine Juaristi  , Martin Le Touzé and Sonia Rogez  who joined as of counsel from Racine in June 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vincent Hatton; Antoine Juaristi; Martin Le Touzé; Régis Oréal; Sonia Rogez


Les références

‘The team knows the ecosystem and understands clients’ issues.’

‘Vincent Hatton is proactive and offers solutions.’

‘Martin Le Touzé has undeniable technical qualities and fully understands expectations of his clients. He is pragmatic and gets straight to the point, while formulating the most subtle nuances in a simple way.’

Principaux clients

AXA


Ayvens Group


BPCE/Natixis group


Bpifrance


BTP Banque


CNP Assurances


Crédit Agricole


Allianz Trade


FIFA Clearing House


Generali


Hoist Finance AB


La Banque Postale


Revolut (Fintech)


Orange Bank


Société Générale


Western Union International Bank Gmbh (WUIB)


Western Union Payment Services Ireland Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising BNP Paribas Cardif on the acquisition of 80-100% of the share capital of Neuflize Vie from ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and AXA SA.
  • Advised Ayvens, a French fleet managing and operational car leasing company, on the filing of applications for regulatory approvals with banking and insurance regulators in more than 25 jurisdictions in connection with the integration of the respective local businesses of ALD and Lease Plan.
  • Advised BTP Banque on the disposal of its shareholding in CGI Bat  to SMABTP.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP assists many leading French and foreign financial institutions on the launch of new offerings, on their regulatory and prudential requirements as well as on issues linked to retail banking and payment services. The practice also assists its clients on French and pan-European business reorganisation and on their corporate transactions.  The team is led by Sébastien Gros , with counsel Franck Dupret providing key support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sébastien Gros


Autres avocats clés:

Franck Dupret


Les références

‘Excellent knowledge of the needs of the sector, responsiveness, pragmatism, homogeneous team composed of members who work well together. Constructive dialogue aimed at finding solutions’.

‘Sébastien Gros: has great analytical skills, is rigorous and is appreciated by his team, his clients and other key players. He combines technical expertise and a strong listening ability. Franck Dupret is experienced and responsive; he knows his clients and their needs very well. He is very pleasant. ‘

Principaux clients

Crédit Agricole Group


Accel


Iveco


Goldman Sachs


PayPal


La Français des Jeux


HSBC Continental Europe


Edenred


Stellantis Bank (formerly Opel Bank)


Loomis


Euronet Group (including Ria)


Stellantis Financial Services


Deliveroo


La Banque Postale Consumer Finance


Lakestar


Neuflize OBC


Northzone


Société Générale


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising several Crédit Agricole Group entities in relation to several banking regulatory issues.
  • Advising La Française des Jeux on several banking regulatory issues and in particular concerning their license as a payment institution in France.
  • Advising Goldman Sachs concerning the share deal acquisition of French regulated financial institutions.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan Lewis welcomed the former members of Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP after the latter firm closed its Paris office at the end of 2024. Co-headed by Hubert de Vauplane and Hugues Bouchetemble, the practice assists leading French and international banks, private banks, wealth asset management firms as well as some insurance institutions and fintechs in dealing with a comprehensive range of work, including banking and finance regulatory matters, the launch and reorganisation of businesses, and in dealing with regulators’ compliance investigations. The practice also has an excellent fintech practice, notably advising companies on the granting of licenses.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hubert de Vauplane; Hugues Bouchetemble


Bredin Prat

Led by counsel Béna Mara,  Bredin Prat's regulatory practice often provides support in M&A transactions conducted by the firm in the banking and financial sector. On a standalone basis, the practice also assists banks, asset managers and other financial institutions in dealing with a range of compliance and regulatory issues as well as with the launch or closing of businesses.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bena Mara


Autres avocats clés:

Arnaud Caillat


Les références

‘Competent, rigorous team, respects objectives and deadlines.’

‘Bena Mara and her team are a very committed team. They are always approachable and deliver on time. ’

‘One of the standout qualities of Bredin Prat is their commitment to their clients. They are always responsive, clear in their communication, and proactive in addressing any issues that arise. The firm’s lawyers are not only skilled but also personable, making the entire legal process much more manageable and less stressful.’

‘Bena Mara and Arnaud Caillat are incredibly knowledgeable and demonstrate a high level of expertise in regulatory banking area. They have a deep understanding of the law, which allows them to put risks into perspective and contribute to informed decision-making.’

‘They have created an exceptional team. Reliable and client-oriented. You have the feeling that you are in the right hands.’

‘Bena Mara is quick and clearly client-oriented.’

Principaux clients

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale


Banque Fédérative de Crédit Mutuel


Crédit Industriel et commercial


Dexia Crédit Local


Société Générale


Evercore


Santander


Rothschild & Co


Mizuho


Iveco


Husqvarna Financial Services


KKR


April


Klarna


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel in connection with the acquisition of the remaining stake in Cofidis Group’s share capital from Argosyn.
  • Assisting Dexia Crédit Local in the context of its organized run-off.
  • Assisting Evercore, a global independent investment banking advisory firm, on the opening of its Paris office.

CMS Francis Lefebvre

Headed by Jérôme SutourCMS Francis Lefebvre’s practice regularly assists asset management funds as well as some banks and insurers in dealing with their regulatory needs including compliance, business reorganisation and the setting up of their French activity. The team also assists clients in their dealings with French regulatory bodies regarding prudential requirements. Léa Hadjadj provides additional key support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jérôme Sutour


Autres avocats clés:

Léa Hadjadj; Mathieu Françon


Les références

‘Great listening and availability of Mathieu Françon. Great technical capacity. Indisputable responsiveness’.

‘Good flexibility and knowledge’.

Principaux clients

Hines SGP


N26


IM Global Partner (IMGP)


Ostrum


Mirova


Natixis


Acer Finance


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted HINES SGP in the structuring and creation of an OPPCI fund.
  • Assisting N26 with the setting up of N26’s French branch.
  • Assisting IMGP in the acquisition of SYZ Asset Management.

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier’s public law and regulatory team advises major banking  and insurance institutions and asset management funds in dealing with regulatory and prudential requirements including banking licenses and regulatory filings. The practice also provides support to the M&A team, advising on regulatory issues linked to major deals conducted in the financial sector. The team is headed by public law expert  Henri Savoie, with counsel  Guillaume Griffart providing key support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Henri Savoie


Autres avocats clés:

Guillaume Griffart


Les références

‘Henri Savoie and Guillaume Griffart are very good to work with. ’

‘Very knowledgeable team with an exceptional track-record of advising on complex public M&A deals. They have the capacity to handle cross-border transactions seamlessly with their pragmatic, efficient approach and quick grasp of local market specificities. ’

‘Counsel Guillaume Griffart is an outstanding professional and a pleasure to work with. ’

Principaux clients

Société Générale


BPCE


Natixis


Wendel


La Banque Postale


Fédération nationale du Crédit Agricole/Crédit Agricole SA


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Caisse des dépôts et consignations


Milleis / AnaCap


SAS Rue La Boétie


CA Consumer Finance


Crédit Logement


Orange Bank


Safran


Agrica


Mediobanca


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on the regulatory questions and formalities related to the acquisition of IK Partners by Wendel.
  • Advising on the acquisition by ALD of LeasePlan for 4.9 billion euros.
  • Advising on the successive increases of SAS Rue La Boétie’s interest in Crédit Agricole SA’s share capital for a total amount of 1 billion euros.

Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca

Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca  regularly assists banks in dealing with internal reorganisation projects while also advising them on their regulatory issues. The team is also particularly active assisting clients facing French regulators' investigation regarding compliance and criminal risk issues. Finally, the team also advises clients including fintech companies on payment issues. The practice is headed by  Frédéric Bellanca .

Responsables de la pratique:

Frédéric Bellanca


Les références

‘Great support during exchanges with financial institutions and regulators.’

Principaux clients

Crédit Agricole Group


Crédit Agricole Titres


Crédit Lyonnais


Crédit Industriel et Commercial (CIC)


Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale


LVMH


Crédit Agricole Indosuez France


CA Consumer Finance


ING Bank N.V.


PrimaryBid S.A.


Bourse Direct


Orange Bank


Mizuho Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Orange Bank in its strategic review and closure of its activities in France.
  • Advising Bourse Direct in relation to the structuring of stock lending transactions related to clients’ securities held as custodian.
  • Advising Crédit Agricole Normandie-Seine regarding the integration within its regulated entity itself of real estate activities.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés stands out for its excellent expertise in the digital assets and blockchain space, to which new and established French, US and UK fintech and crypto assets players, as well as some banks and corporations, turn to for their regulatory needs and the launch of their businesses in France and Europe.. The team regularly assists clients with PSAN (Digital asset services provider) registrations and recently advised on Europe's first MICA application as a compliant stable coin issuer. Anne Maréchal and Cyril Tour  are key names for the above. Additionally, through Albane Lancrenon , the firm can also help companies and financial institutions in dealing with banking and financial authorities’ compliance investigations. Associates Adam Stolcz and Julie Bader also contribute.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anne Maréchal; Cyril Tour; Albane Lancrenon; Louis de Gaulle


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Stolcz, Julie Bader


Les références

‘An excellent banking regulatory practice. The team is well coordinated, and always communicates openly and clearly. They possess a unique knowledge and understanding of French regulatory matters, with several team members having had prior employment experience with regulators. Personalised attention and focus on each client.’

‘Anne Maréchal is a consummate professional who understands client service. She brings a top notch level of expertise on regulatory matters. Cyril Tour is an incredibly smart, reliable and practical lawyer,’

‘The team has a perfect understanding of regulatory issues and provides best advice to structure and implement appropriate policies and procedures. The team also has useful contacts with the relevant authorities to ensure that files are properly monitored.’

Principaux clients

Bred Banque Populaire


Capexis


Carrefour Banque


Chainstream


Circle


Crédit Agricole


GOin


Ledger


Orange Bank


Pétale Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising American stablecoin Circle on the development of its activities in France and in Europe, including the creation of Circle France, the applications to both the AMF and ACPR for regulatory approvals (PSAN registration, optional PSAN approval and license as an electronic money issuer).
  • Representing CARREFOUR BANQUE during the ACPR’s general procedure for monitoring compliance with its professional obligations.
     
  • Representing Euryale AM during the AMF’s general procedure for monitoring compliance with its professional obligations.

Jeantet

Jeantet ‘s practice is a market’s reference for disciplinary and compliance audits conducted by the French banking and stock-market regulators (ACPR, AMF), notably in relation to anti-money laundering regulations. Financial institutions also regularly mandate the firm to assist with consumer banking litigation, while the team’s range of expertise also extends to banking and asset management regulatory advice. The practice is co-headed by the highly regarded Martine Samuelian  and  Olivier Lyon-Lynch .

Responsables de la pratique:

Martine Samuelian; Olivier Lyon Lynch


Autres avocats clés:

Alexandre Hassine; Julie Serrier


Les références

‘An expertise that is difficult to match in regulatory and AMF litigation and a very high-level team.’

‘Martien Samuelian, a senior stateswoman: an exceptional experience. Julie Serrier: excellent professional, strong potential.’

‘Martine Samuelian and her team have remarkable technical skills and their advice is always given in the client’s interest.’

‘Martine Samuelian and Alexandre Hassine: high technical skills and support in all circumstances’

‘The team has excellent expertise in banking regulations and regulatory compliance audits. It demonstrates strong responsiveness and pragmatism.’

‘The team is absolutely remarkable and is one of the most efficient in the market. Very high professionalism, and very keen sense of risks.’

‘Rigour, responsiveness and technicality. Partners and associates are very involved and know how to respond to complex issues wisely, while considering the operational impacts of the proposed solutions.’

‘Martine Samuelian’s long experience and technical expertise are a major asset and provide real added value in the management of banking and financial law issues. ‘

Principaux clients

CREDIT MUTUEL ARKEA


CIC


ABEILLE VIE


CIC SUD OUEST


TREEZOR


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Abeille Vie before the ACPR Enforcement Commission relating to the AML’s obligations.
  • Advised Treezor (a Société Générale’s subsidiary) before the ACPR Enforcement Commission relating to the AML’s obligations.
  • Advised Credit Mutuel Arkea on the acquisition of equity stakes in KYANEOS ASSET MANAGEMENT and KYANEOS GESTION.

Linklaters

Linklaters offers a solid coverage in the financial services space of banks, asset management firms and fintech issues, which the return of the highly experienced Marc Perrone (ex Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP ) early 2025 should strengthen further.  The team provides regulatory and compliance advice (MiFID II), assists with the launch of new financial services offers and also regularly provides support to the M&A practice. Finally, the practice also assists clients with regulators-led investigations. Ngoc-Hong Ma and counsel Laurent Benoit. are the key names in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ngoc-Hong Ma


Autres avocats clés:

Laurent Benoit


Les références

‘The teams is very pleasant and available.’

‘Linklaters is highly professional, trusted and reliable, furnishing always sound, comprehensive and business focused legal advice.’

The highly skilled team is able to handle a wide range of diverse banking, financial, regulatory and corporate governance related legal matters and be instrumental contributors to the clients’ needs.’

Principaux clients

CACEIS Bank


Credit Agricole Consumer Finance


Envision AESC Group Ltd.


Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL) in the successful completion of the US$ 4.8 billion combination between Webhelp and Concentrix.
  • Advised CACEIS, with a view to signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for the acquisition of RBC Investor Services operations in Europe.
  • Advised the lenders of the Douai Gigafactory project (sponsored by Envision AESC) in a legal complex analysis on the financial cover provided by a third-country export credit agency (grey legal area).

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright assists leading French banks as well as some fintech and other financial entities in dealing with a diversity of issues, spanning banking compliance, derivatives as well as the launch of new businesses and products. The practice also assists banks with their regulatory issues linked to their M&A and divestment transactions, such as recently in Morocco. The practice is co-headed by Roberto Cristofolini and Sébastien Praicheux.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roberto Cristofolini; Sébastien Praicheux


Les références

‘The team is absolutely remarkable. Very high professionalism of the teams. The level of advice and expertise is excellent.’

 

Principaux clients

BNP Paribas CIB


CIC


Crédit Mutuel Asset Management


Diversité du Cinéma Français (DCF)


A globally systemically important bank


A French Bank


Global Futures and Options Ltd (GFO-X)


OKX Group


Citi


RBC


Ecobank Group


Euroclear


Cardif


Natixis


UBS


HSBC


CACEIS


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising BNP Paribas in respect of a prime brokerage derivatives and clearing arrangements.
  • Advising Société Générale on the sale of its activities in Morocco.
  • Advising CIC on the derivatives and repurchase and stock lending marketplace opinions and documentation for the purposes of prudential and regulatory capital requirements.

Racine

Racine assists a number of major French credit institutions, insurance companies, investment services providers and payment services institutions, as well as fintech and other financial services startups. Headed by David Masson , the practice handle a whole range of work: compliance and regulatory advice; launch of new businesses or setting up of new regulated entities.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Masson


Autres avocats clés:

Lena Chemla


Les références

‘Fine knowledge of European banking regulations. Their advice and analyses are always relevant and elegant.’

‘David Masson stands out for his great availability and responsiveness, but also his deep knowledge of the banking and payment market and finally his ability to impose his views when he thinks it is necessary.’

‘The team is extremely responsive and has a highly competent regulatory team, providing a tailor-made and pragmatic service, always adapted to its client’s regulatory environment.’

‘Competent and organized team. Good listeners and very willing’.

‘Attentive listening, quality and availability.’

‘Lena Chemla is available, seeks to understand her client’s activity and its specificities in order to provide pragmatic advice and tailor-made support.’

‘Team committed and experienced’.

‘David Masson’s team shows strong ability to mobilize and great availability.’

Principaux clients

Crédit Agricole SA


Fédération Nationale du Crédit Agricole


Crédit Mutuel Arkéa


Mazars


iGraal


Fortunéo


Crédit Agricole AUTO BANK


BMW Finance


Fipto


Ibionext


Pennylane


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Crédit Agricole on the transposition of the Consumer Credit Directive II.
  • Advising the French unicorn Pennylane on its regulatory issues and relations with the French Banking Supervision Authority (ACPR).
  • Advising BMW Finance on the implementation of the European Union Regulation on digital operational resilience for the financial sector (DORA).

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is entrusted by leading banking institutions to advise on banking and anti-money laundering regulations, while fintech is another strong area of work where the team regularly assists on regulation (MICA), licensing and the launch of new businesses. Additionally, the team regularly handles the regulatory aspects linked to M&A, debt restructuring and internal reorganisation projects conducted by the firm, and also assists clients facing regulatory investigations from France's public authorities. The practice is led by Emilie Rogey.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emilie Rogey


Les références

‘Educational, communicative and rigorous.’

‘Dynamic and responsive team.’

‘Emilie Rogey is the pillar of the team: friendly, very helpful and very approachable.’

Principaux clients

Jefferries Finance LLC


Macquarie Capital Ltd


Deutsche Bank, US and Paris Branch


JP Morgan, Paris Branch


Goldman Sachs, Paris Branch


Santander, Paris Branch


Société Générale – SG Forge


Natixis – BPCE


Meta


Klarna


Trade Republic


ModulR


Qonto


Lydia


Luko


BNP Paribas Personal Finance


Aema Group


Wilmington Trust


Edmond de Rothschild


Groupe Casino


Mérieux Equity Partners


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting the purchaser in obtaining its regulatory clearance from the ECB as regards the change of control of the Belgium credit institution Bank Nagelmackers SA.
  • Advised Groupe BPCE on its €1.1 billion acquisition of Société Générale Equipment Finance.
  • Advised Societe Generale-FORGE on the launch of EUR CoinVertible.