Cobalt‘s experienced banking, finance and AML practice assists leading private equity funds and major banks with substantial M&A transactions and capital markets financings, in addition to advising on the issuance of green bonds and Eurobonds, and handling relevant regulatory work. Edgars Lodzins heads up the team, bringing extensive experience in M&A and capital markets transactions for a range of local and international financial institutions to his role. Senior counsel Andrejs Lielkalns stands out for his expertise on cross-border transactions and EU regulatory matters. Public and constitutional law expert Edgars Pastars regularly handles AML and sanctions work.

Ellex‘s banking and finance team regularly advises regional and international financial institutions, and other lenders, on high-value transactions and project financings. In addition, the team also has specialisms in alternative financing fund establishment and structuring, as well as on a range of regulatory and capital markets matters. The team is led by Marta Cera, who focuses on regulatory issues, secured lending and AML. Senior associate Roberts Rimsa often oversees work involving financial collateral and debt recovery, while Beata Plociņa is noted for her expertise in the aviation sector. Anna Misneva is also noted.

Sorainen‘s banking and insurance practice group has experience handling complex transactions and PPP projects, often undertaking major cross-border mandates. The team often advises on large M&A deals and portfolio transfers, with further expertise covering regulatory issues and disputes. Recently, the firm has seen large transactions in aviation finance, with a further pipeline of work coming from the fintech, insurance and real estate sectors. Rūdolfs Eņģelis is well respected for his transactional work, and also has experience advising on restructuring and compliance matters. At the associate level, Inese Heinacka, Agneta Rumpa and Mārtiņš Rudzītis are recommended. Ramona Miglane was a new arrival in May 2024.

Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns specialises in IPOs, derivatives and capital market matters, with expertise also covering financings, acquisitions and other transactions. Disputes represent another key area of the practice’s strength. The team is led by Māris Vainovskis, who advises a range of financial institutions, as well as governmental and regulatory groups. Sabīne Vilka is noted for her assistance on IPOs, and finance and merger structuring, while Justīne Ignatavičute is recommended for her transactional, licensing, and bond work.

TGS Baltic advises on a wide range of banking and finance matters, ranging from loan transactions and regulatory work through to cross-border financings and crowdfunding. The team also has experience in the capital markets arena, and recently advised Eco Baltia on an initial bond issue totalling €8m. Insurance services, covering intermediation, structuring, and licensing, are also areas of expertise. With over 20 years’ experience, Inese Hazenfusa leads the team. Mārtiņš Galzons is noted for both his transactional and capital markets work. Associate Artis Kļaviņš brings expertise covering white-collar crime and corporate compliance to the team.

Praised for its ‘remarkable expertise’, drill. Law Firm‘s team stands out for its strengths in the areas of fintech, online investment platforms, and regulatory compliance. The department is especially well suited to assisting non-banking credit institutions, private equity investors, and venture capitalists across a range of banking and finance transactions and acquisitions. Senior associate Laura Erkske is also an integral team member. Since publication, Ramona Miglāne left the firm.

Kronbergs Cukste Levin is instructed by a mixture of local and international banks, private equity firms, and non-bank lending clients throughout the banking and finance space. Recent highlights include the firm’s role as liquidator the ABLV bank proceedings, as well as a steady stream of M&A transactions, corporate governance, and regulatory cases. Praised by one client for her ‘excellent and unrivalled experience’, Vineta Čukste–Jurjeva leads the department. Kristine Sakarne is noted for her experience assisting with financing transactions, private bond issues, and fintech matters.

VILGERTS advises on a range of financings, refinancings, and acquisitions, alongside secured and unsecured bond issuances, for which the firm often acts as the collateral agent. The team has also recently seen cases relating to financial fraud and loan fulfillment. Core sectors of expertise include real estate and insurance. Gints Vilgerts spearheads the team with considerable M&A, real estate and corporate experience. Jānis Kubilis supports on the disputes side, while Madara Zeltiņa often assists on insurance matters. Charles Clarke and Elīza Grīnvalde are also noteworthy.

WALLESS‘ ‘kind, qualified and responsive’ practice is regularly involved in acquisition financings, refinancings and regulatory matters for a range of foreign and domestic investors, spanning banks, consumer lending groups, and corporates. The team has experience covering a large spread of sectors including energy, real estate and fintech. Sintija Radionova acts as co-head alongside corporate expert Zane Eglīte-Fogele. In recent years, the team has seen considerable growth with the notable additions of Aivars Lošmanis from VILGERTS in December 2022, and Valters Diure from Ellex in October 2023.

BDO Law assists clients with risk assessments and due diligence matters, notably those relating to AML and EU sanctions compliance. Vita Liberte and Janis Zelmenis  jointly head up the practice; the former specialises in tax and corporate matters, while the latter focuses on high-net-worth individuals, as well as AML legislation.

The finance group at LEADELL Vītols is particularly well versed in advising on cross-border insolvency and default recovery cases. Key clients include the likes of BTA Baltic Insurance Company and Swedbank Leasing. The practice is headed up by Kārlis Vītols who, in addition to debt recovery, has considerable experience advising on restructuring matters. Ilze Jankeviča is also active, often assisting with disputes. Jānis Meija rounds out the roster of recommended names.

Spridzans, Snipe & Hramcenko is noted for providing advice to start-ups on the process of attracting investments, regulatory compliance, and debt recovery and liquidation-related issues. The practice also advises on a range of other banking and finance, and capital markets matters, ranging from transactions, to IPOs and bond issues. The team is led by a trio comprising Ansis Spridzans, Svetlana Hramcenko and Arta Snipe.