Financial institutions

Dealing with financial institutions is especially challenging. It requires thorough understanding of the industry, its financial transactions, operational complexity, internal dependencies, efficiency pressures, regulatory requirements, compliance necessities etc. We know the play. We offer the specialized legal expertise based on understanding and experience to:

• Banks and credit institutions
• Investment and venture capital funds
• Insurance and pension companies
• Rating agencies, clearing and settlements institutions
• Shadow banking organizations and friendly societies
• FinTechs

Investment funds and financial markets

• We represent Clients in the proceeding in front of the regulators.
• This includes supporting the international funds entering new markets in licensing and notification proceedings before the Financial Supervisory Authority.
• We also deal with administration of collaterals for the covered bonds and we can act as bondholder’s custodian.
• We assist in resolution of disputes between bonds issuers and bondholders.
• If needed we also do all the work related to real estate backed bonds or to other types of debt transactions.

Banks

We know banks from inside. Being an inhouse on general counsel positions opens another perspective on how the banks operate, what their management expects and what irritates Clients seeking practical external advice. We help Banks in various ways.

• Advising on transactions
• Opining on banking and finance laws and regulations
• Assisting in legislative, regulatory, contractual and dispute challenges
• Assessing boardroom, corporate governance and compliance risks
• Checking and establishing intra-company regulations

but also… Other businesses

During years we have worked for a variety of Clients representing several industries such as production, transport and spedition, distribution of consumer goods and international trade. They are all different and we understand that what makes a good lawyer is firstly learning the specificity of the business. We enjoy this the most, we ask Clients what are their needs and we do listen to their answers.

The constant strive for efficiency in larger companies requires from them to be open to constant re-thinking of who they want to be and how they want to operate. In fact, with very best people that work with us we help in business strategy writing and in restructuring of processes. Please see the gtbraun.org for more details on that.

Small and medium sized companies

Actually, for us they are a group of the most inspiring clients. Indeed this is where the true hidden champions are.

Capital markets transactions

If there is a need to work out the best suiting solution for the capital boost of a company, be it an equity or bonds issuance, acquiring or disposing of a business we will provide the Client with the right level of experience to run the process.

Internal corporate governance

We help resetting the business to make it working more efficiently. We work out integration plans after restructurings. We also can offer support in such delicate matters as the disputes between the partners and other corporate governance issues.

Successions

There are those moments in the lives of the businesses when the generational shifts requires to undergo through a safe hands succession process that assures right level of say for the company funders. These are the milestones in histories of the companies. Not only from the legal viewpoints. If the process is rightly designed and managed it creates new opportunities for all parties engaged. Support in this process - above all - needs to be focusing on its smoothness so that the new management structures are efficient and controllable.    

… and Start-ups

The everyday life may limit even the genius innovative outliers, in fact especially them. There are a number of formalities a great idea meets on its way to full commerciality. Choosing a right form of company, registering it, finding initial capital and ensuring right level of control over the company, getting licenses, registering patents and other intellectual property rights, building an internal structure of the company, hiring people, finding the partners locally and abroad, vetting their credibility, etc. From the concept phase to business acceleration – there is a lot that needs to be done. Starting any business requires dedication of a team of players that know their roles. We are always excited to be part of such teams.     

Regulatory Compliance

Legal, regulatory and compliance challenges require expertise-based solutions. A practice-based and business oriented expertise as a response to the regulatory requests, recommendations and objectives as set by the regulators often require advice on topics such as:

• Internal compliance
• Prudential approach to products and selling processes
• Corporate governance, including streamlining of over-complexities
• Tax related risks, including responding to tax transparency expectations
• Supervisory recommendations setting out sustainability expectations
• Assessment of soundness of company reporting and internal audit

Financial Crime Compliance

Multiple regulated institutions need advice on legal risks and compliance management to pre-empt non-compliance threats. It is becoming a routine necessity for assurance and is evidence of a prudent approach to the management of institution. Examples of non-compliance criminal matters we can assist with include:

• White collar and corporate crimes
• Bribery and corruption cases
• Anti-money laundering procedures gaps
• Cases of international trade sanctions evasion

Consumer Regulations and Conduct Risk

Another pressure on business comes from a wide range of pro-consumer organizations. This trend is observed across the sectors. A common feature is an increased impact on companies’ culture and behavior. The expectations refer to the clarity of product descriptions as well as to the competence, the remuneration rules and the strengthened accountability of top management. These tend to focus on:

• Retail financial services, including payments and loan products
• Disfavored customers inclusion
• Investor compensation schemes
• Insurance and investment products
• Conduct risk
• Too or inadequate complex products
• Product liability