1204 Legal, conseil & tax’s banking and finance practice was bolstered by the addition of Géraldine Badel Poitras from Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés in January 2025. The practice is focused on regulatory matters, including administrative and enforcement proceedings.

Lenz & Staehelin covers the full gamut of banking and finance matters, including banking consolidation transactions and complex regulatory issues. The team serves a diverse clientele, comprising domestic and international institutions, which rely on them for refinancing and financial restructuring advice. Shelby R. du Pasquier spearheads the department and is distinguished by his expertise in internal investigations and the full spectrum of regulatory mandates. François Rayroux specialises in derivatives, while Olivier Stahler concentrates on the regulatory aspects of obtaining licenses for banks, securities houses and investment managers. Isy Isaac Sakkal is noteworthy for assisting with licensing processes and enforcement proceedings brought by FINMA. Philipp Fischer, who is well-versed in collective investment schemes, joined the team from OBERSON ABELS SA in June 2025. Fedor Poskriakov and Valérie Menoud also come highly recommended.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s banking and finance practice is a strong choice for both transactional and regulatory matters spanning structured finance, acquisitions of bank portfolios and reorganisations in the sector. The team also frequently engages in advisory work, handling ESG and Islamic finance documentation. Co-head Tarek Houdrouge is notable for his experience advising foreign banks and financial institutions on regulatory matters and lending transactions. Grégoire Wuest advises clients on implementing new regulations and developing digital products and services, also guiding them through FINMA approval procedures. Co-head Grégoire Tribolet possesses a strong grasp of fintech solutions, blockchain, regulatory compliance and licensing applications. Edmond Kohler closely supports the team.

The banking, insurance, and finance department at Bär & Karrer Ltd. has capabilities across structured derivatives transactions and the regulatory aspects of reorganisation projects, also advising lenders and borrowers on debt structuring and restructuring transactions. Cédric Chapuis and Frédéric Bétrisey jointly chair the team. Chapuis frequently advises financial institutions on regulatory compliance, including on AML issues. Bétrisey’s practice spans collective investment schemes, structured products, securities lending and derivative transactions. Martin Anderson is singled out for his expertise in banking consolidation, which encompasses the acquisition and divestiture of banks.

FBT Attorneys-at-Law focuses on banking and finance regulations, exhibiting proficiency in collective investment schemes, anti-money laundering and enforcement proceedings against FINMA. Practice head Frédérique Bensahel is a seasoned practitioner, with expertise in investigations and banking and finance disputes. Jean-Marie Kiener is actively involved in banking and derivatives regulation, as well as complex asset management disputes. Veronique Chatelain adds further depth in the areas of licensing and anti-money laundering. Marco Villa takes the point on mergers between and acquisitions of financial institutions.

The banking and finance team at HFW garners praise for its ‘good knowledge and experience in commodity trade finance and structured financings’. The team leverages its global presence to support clients in cross-border syndicated secured transactions. Olivier Bazin heads up the team and is a key figure in the Swiss commodities market. Jason Marett was promoted to partner in April 2025 and oversees a caseload consisting of structured trade finance, derivatives, and sustainable finance matters. Gibran Alaoui assists with trade finance and structured facilities.

MLL Legal advises foreign investors and banks on asset and corporate lending, real estate financing and day-to-day regulatory matters. Dmitry A. Pentsov is a key contact for lenders and borrowers, and assists Swiss-based clients with licensing requirements. Mona Stephenson co-leads the team and oversees multijurisdictional security packages.

Pestalozzi is commended for its specialisation in debt restructuring, banking and finance litigation and asset and acquisition finance. Sébastien Roy is the head of the group, counselling clients on setting up operations in Switzerland and on financing and regulatory matters. Christophe Emonet is active in banking disputes and investigations. Ludivine Boisard is also singled out for cross-border banking transactions, while Nicolas C. Herren specialises in banking and finance litigation.

Walder Wyss Ltd. has a strong track record advising on the financing aspects of restructuring mandates, regulatory approvals and licensing matters, as well as secured, acquisition, and structured finance facilities. Team lead Patrick W. Vogel specialises in acquisition finance, with an aptitude for the medtech and fintech sectors. Hubertus Hillerström has a broad practice, spanning structured, trade and commodities finance. Liburn Mehmetaj is praised by one client for having an ‘incredibly broad range of expertise’. Other standout practitioners include Valentine Schnyder and Anaëlle Genoud, both of whom were promoted to managing associate in January 2026.

Baker McKenzie Switzerland SA‘s banking and finance practice is known for its sanctions expertise. Beyond this, the team focuses on regulatory challenges, regularly supporting banks in obtaining FINMA licenses and other regulatory issues. The practice has a niche in advising Chinese clients operating in Switzerland, leveraging the expertise of practice head Jingjin Guo. Guo advises on trade, project and aircraft financing mandates.

The banking and finance offering at boutique firm Chabrier Avocats encompasses sanctions, trade finance and banking and finance disputes. Thomas Goossens has longstanding experience in regulatory and litigious matters in the banking field. Marc Gillieron provides strategic guidance across credit facilities, security packages and sanctions compliance.

Vaïk Müller spearheads the CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.‘s banking and finance department, which is noteworthy for its regulatory work, including AML, investment funds, asset management and derivatives. The bulk of Müller’s workload consists of regulatory licensing and financial product listings. David Müller continues to be a key asset to the team. Pascal Favre departed in March 2025.

Eversheds Sutherland AG has a particular niche in trade finance, with expertise in advising on loan and security agreements in the commodities sector. The team regularly acts for financial institutions, including both large international and boutique banks. Practice head Patrick Eberhardt is sought after for his experience in economic sanctions.

LALIVE has a dedicated focus on banking litigation. This specialisation in contentious work is provided to a wide breadth of clients, including banks and financial institutions, corporates, insurance companies, funds and high-net-worth individuals. Nicolas Ollivier oversees the department and is regularly involved in cases involving bank bankruptcy and structured products. He leads the team alongside fellow head Benoît A. Mauron. Sandrine Giroud focuses on financial disputes, fraud and asset recovery.

Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC houses a banking and finance practice that focuses on governance and regulatory issues. The team lead, Fabien Aepli, is highlighted for his ‘pragmatic regulatory advice’. He is adept at counselling on regulatory authorisations and anti-money laundering issues.

OBERSON ABELS SA is a boutique firm that specialises in fund regulatory work and is well-equipped to assist with the registration and distribution of collective investment schemes, specialising in related compliance duties. Antoine Amiguet advises Swiss and foreign financial institutions, from banks and collective investment schemes to insurance companies and pension funds. Sonia De la Fuente closely supports Amiguet. Philipp Fischer left the firm in June 2025.