Banking and finance lawyers | FBT Attorneys-at-Law

Banking and Finance
For nearly 30 years, banking and finance law has been at the core of our practice.
We advise financial intermediaries – including banks, insurance companies, securities firms, fund managers, independent asset managers and trustees – on a full range of regulatory and contractual issues.

Team members

Banking and Finance

For nearly 30 years, banking and finance law has been at the core of our practice.
We advise financial intermediaries – including banks, insurance companies, securities firms, fund managers, independent asset managers and trustees – on a full range of regulatory and contractual issues.

Comprising experienced and specialised lawyers who receive ongoing training on the latest industry developments, our team provides clients with advice and representation of the highest standard. With extensive experience in banking and finance law and a track record of handling high-profile mandates, our firm is recognized as a leading player in Switzerland in this field. Our team is regularly honoured for its expertise and the exceptional quality of its services.

Our priority is to offer advice based on a deep understanding of the regulatory environment, the expertise of our lawyers and market practice. Our aim is to establish a long-lasting, trusted relationship with our clients. What sets us apart is the hands-on involvement of experienced lawyers and our ability to seamlessly coordinate our teams and international partners.

Banking and Financial Regulations

Authorisations for banks and securities dealers, branches and representation offices of foreign groups
Advice on and analysis of the impact of new legislations regarding banking, stock exchange and money laundering
Litigation / FINMA enforcement procedures
International assistance in administrative matters

Collective Investment Schemes and other similar Structures

Structuring, taxation and registration of Swiss investment funds as well as licensing of foreign investment funds in Switzerland
Authorisation of custodian banks, fund management companies, fund managers and representatives of collective investment schemes
Distribution of collective investment schemes and structured products
Coordination in the structuring of foreign investment vehicles
Contractual structuring (distribution, asset management, custodian bank, representation, fund management and SICAV)

Regulations on the Supervision of Private Insurance

Regulatory status of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries, distribution of insurance products

Asset Management

Individual and collective asset management
Setting up of asset management companies, affiliation to SROs/SOs and advice on contractual issues
Advice on the remuneration and the responsibility of the asset manager
Complex financial disputes

Financing

Bank loans, commercial financing, real estate financing and structured financing
Pledge and other security rights
Advice on trade finance

Publications

FBT Avocats SA is proud to announce its recognition as a Recommended Firm in this year’s IFLR1000 Western Europe rankings

We are honoured to have been ranked in the categories of Financial Services Regulatory and Banking & Finance.

Churning: practical guidelines for portfolio managers

18 September 2025/in Media and News Banking and Finance Aurélie Moyal-Azra, Frédérique Bensahel 2025 Groupe bancaire, Medias /by Yann Bellini

Churning has been in the news following a ruling in a criminal case rendered by the Swiss Supreme Court in 2024. In this ruling, our High Court established objective criteria for determining the existence of churning.

AMLA and criminal liability of companies in cases of money laundering

1 September 2025/in Media and News, News Banking and Finance Frédérique Bensahel, Julien Le Fort 2025 Groupe bancaire, Medias, News /by Yann Bellini

Since its introduction into Swiss law on 1 October 2003, corporate criminal liability has given rise to little published case law, making its application uncertain.