Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Banking, finance and capital markets

With the recent arrival of Maris Liguts, who formerly spent more than five years at ZAB Deloitte Legal, FORT continues to grow its presence in the fintech, banking and finance spaces, assisting clients with transactions and restructurings, as well as complex AML and regulatory issues.

Banking, finance and capital markets in Latvia

Cobalt

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Edgars Lodzins


Autres avocats clés:

Andrejs Lielkalns; Edgars Pastars; Sandija Novicka


Les références

‘Edgars Lodzins: hands-on approach, pragmatic advice, easily reachable.’

‘The team keeps its knowledge up to date. The team actively provides alternative solutions to a problem. Team members are great personalities who can handle stressful situations.’

‘Edgars Lodzins is a partner who engages in simple and complex tasks.’

Principaux clients

American Express group


Banco Santander S.A.


Credit Agricole


Eiffel Investment Group SAS


European Investment Bank


HSBC


ING Belgium NV/SA


IPF Digital


Luminor Bank


MUFG Bank (Europe) N.V.


SEB Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Citi, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group and Nomura – as joint lead managers – on an issue of €850m Eurobonds by the Republic of Latvia.
  • Advised on the issuance of €50m green bonds by Latvenergo AS, the Latvian national energy company.
  • Advised Storent Holdings, a major construction equipment rental company, on the issuance and listing of bonds on the Baltic Bond List of NASDAQ Riga, which attracted €10.5m during the bond public offering.

Ellex

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marta Cera


Autres avocats clés:

Roberts Rimsa; Beata Plociņa; Anna Misneva


Les références

‘Very professional and experienced team.’

‘Marta Cera and Anna Misneva – both are very intelligent, smart and polite. Dig deep into the problem of clients.’

Principaux clients

BigBank


SG Capital Partners


Citigroup


Deutsche Bank


Providence Capital


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development


Goldman Sachs


JPMorgan


International Capital Markets Association


International Finance Corporation


Bank of America


Generali Europe


Warwick Capital


Danske Bank


Clearstream Banking S.A.


Livonia Partners


BNP Paribas


Raiffeisen Bank International


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Natixis, acting as a lender and security trustee, on a financing transaction for KGAL Investment Management GmbH & Co.
  • Advising Beverage Group Alimentation Couche-Tard on a $3.5bn refinancing transaction.
  • Advised Livonia Partners on the structuring, establishment and closing of a new second generation fund.

Sorainen

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rūdolfs Eņģelis; Ramona Miglāne


Autres avocats clés:

Inese Heinacka; Agneta Rumpa; Mārtiņš Rudzītis


Les références

‘I rate the cooperation as professional; I was completely satisfied.’

‘The team is very professional and competent. The desired result was achieved according to our needs.’

‘We worked with Rūdolfs Eņģelis and his team. Cooperation with this team was excellent, all meetings were well planned and organised and with feedback. The team always listened to our wishes and implemented them within the framework of the project.’

Principaux clients

KGAL Investment Management GmbH & Co. KG


Nordic Investment bank and Citadele banka


Conexus Baltic Grid


Amber Assets


Riga Energy Efficiency Fund (REEF)


Labylon Network Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Nordic Investment bank and Citadele banka on providing financing to AS PN Project, a company managed by Lords LB Asset Management, for the construction of an office complex.
  • Advised Conexus Baltic Grid, a unified natural gas transmission and storage operator in Latvia, on a €80m bond programme.
  • Advised KGAL on a leaseback transaction in relation to three new Airbus A220-300 aircraft with Air Baltic Corporation AS.

Eversheds Sutherland Bitans

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Māris Vainovskis


Autres avocats clés:

Sabīne Vilka; Justīne Ignatavičute; Kārlis Jēkabs Īvāns


Les références

‘Responsible and responsive, experienced.’

‘Justīne Ignatavičute – experienced professional, ready to help.’

Principaux clients

IPAS “Indexo”


International Swaps and Derivatives Association


KPMG Baltics AS on behalf of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


AS “SEB banka”


AS “Rietumu Banka”


SIA “Ouroboros”


AS “DelfinGroup”


AS “Hestio” (former A-birojs, AS)


AS “Eco Baltia”


AS “Clean R Grupa”


United Partners UPP Olaine OU


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised IPAS Indexo, a major investment management company in Latvia, on its initial public offering and listing of its shares on the regulated market of NASDAQ Riga Stock Exchange.
  • Instructed by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association to prepare a netting opinion for Latvia.
  • Advising the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on a project relating to the implementation of the EU taxonomy and development of a sustainable finance roadmap in Estonia and Latvia.

TGS Baltic

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Inese Hazenfusa


Autres avocats clés:

Mārtiņš Galzons; Artis Kļaviņš; Ilga Vaļko


Les références

‘Outstanding understanding of the assignment. Speed and dedication are on a very decent level, too. Flexibility and readiness to compromise on billing.’

‘For specific hands-on financial market advice one should reach Inese Hazenfusa and Mārtiņš Galzons straight away. Such speed and accuracy of their work is exceptional!’

Principaux clients

Signet Bank


European Investment Bank


J.S. Hamilton


Mundus Bridge Finance


Marijas 2, Novira Capital and Evernord joint venture


Bondora Group


mBank


Evernord


Crowdestate


MaxBanka (ExpoBank)


Glerup Agro SIA


Jyske Bank


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Marijas 2, a joint venture between Evernord and Novira Capital, on its public offer of bonds for real estate development.
  • Advised European Investment Bank on financing a multi-annual investment program relating to water and sanitation in the City of Riga.
  • Advised Signet Bank on the launch of €9.46m asset-backed securities in co-operation with car leasing company Primero.

drill. Law Firm

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.

Autres avocats clés:

Laura Erkske


Les références

‘We chose to collaborate with the firm’s banking and finance practice due to its remarkable expertise and reputation in the field. The team’s in-depth knowledge of local and international financing, gained from their experience in leading Latvian banks and contribution to financial legislation, aligned perfectly with our needs. Furthermore, the firm’s commitment to active partner and senior lawyer involvement, combined with their proven ability to deliver within budget constraints, solidified our decision.’

‘Professionals in the fintech industry with multiple years of experience and case studies.’

‘We worked with several practitioners and they were all great.’

Principaux clients

DelfinGroup


IPAS Indexo


ZGI Capital


Nectaro


Mintos Marketplace


SIA Indexo AIFP


Merito Management


Mobilly


Innovestor Technology Fund


Change Ventures Fund III


Schaefer


Esto LV


SIA OAK Investments


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised INDEXO alternative investment funds manager on the licensing process by the Financial and Capital Market Commission and on the management of funds of just under €15m.
  • Advised ZGI-4, a growth venture capital fund managed by ZGICapital, as lead investor, on its investment in the BRC group of companies for the purpose of acquiring Intrac holding.
  • Advising Nectaro, an investment firm licensed by Latvijas Banka, on the launch of its online investment platform.

Kronbergs Cukste Levin

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vineta Čukste-Jurjeva


Autres avocats clés:

Kristine Sakarne; Valters Kronbergs


Les références

‘All levels (from management to junior) of practitioners do understand client needs. I am getting responses in a timely manner, and they are always keeping to deadlines.’

‘We have used the firm for various projects and every time the assigned specialist was expert in the given area.’

‘Strong understanding of the banking and professional services sectors, as well as professional negligence in those sectors. The only large, well reputed, law firm in Riga we could identify with true experience in negligence claims related to the financial services sector. Their experience in this field combined with their understanding of the Latvian banking sector as well as their experience of the Latvian courts has been invaluable. ’

Principaux clients

PwC


ABLV


Luminor Bank


Express Credit


Sun Finance


Societe Generale


Wirecard Bank (Germany)


Estate Guru


German Bankers Association (via Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH)


AIG (American Insurance Group)


Latvian Alternative Finance Association


Extra Credit


Ministry of Economy


Deposit Solutions


Principaux dossiers


  • Serving as a liquidator of ABLV bank.
  • Serving as securities agent for the bond issuance of Sun Finance.
  • Advising the German Bankers’ Association on the safe custody of securities which are held on a trust-custody basis by sub-custodians.

VILGERTS

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gints Vilgerts


Autres avocats clés:

Jānis Kubilis; Madara Zeltiņa; Charles Clarke; Elīza Grīnvalde


Principaux clients

East Capital Real Estate


AvaFin


BPM Capital


Citadele Leasing


COFACE


Cachet


Summus Capital


DelfinGroup AS


Banga Ltd. SIA


Marijas 2 SIA


Longo Group AS


Given Jewellery AS


Signet bank AS


TUW PZUW


Air Baltic Corporation AS


If P&C Insurance AS


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised BPM Capital OÜ on its mezzanine loan financing to Digital Mind AS for the buy-out of Alna.
  • Advised pan-Baltic used car retailer Longo Group AS on the issuance of €5m secured bonds in cooperation with Signet Bank AS.
  • Acting as the collateral agent in a new commercial real estate development project following a €45m bond issue by the developer.

WALLESS

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sintija Radionova; Zane Eglīte-Fogele


Autres avocats clés:

Aivars Lošmanis; Valters Diure; Konstantīns Teļakovs


Les références

‘Very kind, qualified and responsive. Always can rely on professional and prompt assistance in the banking and finance field. They have big experience in representing and solving complicated banking cases.’

‘Sintija Radionova has an individual approach to us as a client, and always tries to find solutions for our problems, by attracting other team members on short notice.’

Principaux clients

Šiaulių Bankas


Luminor Bank AS Latvijas filiāle


4finance, AS


PayRay, UAB


Latvenergo


BNP Paribas Emissions- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH


NC K2C


Creators of the Outside World (CROWD)


Lumi Capital group companies


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Šiaulių Bankas on regulatory matters relating to the merger of the bank’s retail business.
  • Advised Lumi Capital group companies on acquisition financing for the purchase of two supermarkets in Riga.
  • Representing Luminor Bank in litigations on a regular basis.

BDO Law

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vita Liberte; Janis Zelmenis


Autres avocats clés:

Janis Ciguzis


LEADELL Vītols

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kārlis Vītols


Autres avocats clés:

Ilze Jankeviča; Jānis Meija


Principaux clients

BTA Baltic Insurance Company


Mitek Industries AB filiāle “Mitek Baltic”


NAFA Europe B.V.


Swedbank Leasing


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented NAFA Europe B.V. in two insolvency proceedings regarding loan recovery with a total worth over €7m.
  • Representing BTA Baltic Insurance Company in a recourse claim against the heir of a driver.
  • Representing Swedbank Leasing in debt recovery proceedings worth over €2m.

Spridzans, Snipe & Hramcenko

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.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ansis Spridzans; Svetlana Hramcenko; Arta Snipe


Les références

‘Ansis Spridzans and Arta Snipe are high-class experts in their field.’

Principaux clients

bonusukarte.lv SIA


Blue Shock Race SIA


ASP Asset Management AIFP


Citadele banka AS


Vivat Verwaltungs GmbH


Spirit Capital Investments SIA


Nectaro SIA


Easy Debt Service SIA


Nordstreet UAB


SME Finance UAB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised CBL Asset Management, a subsidiary of Citadele banka, on the sale of its Ukrainian daughter company Mizush Asset Management.
  • Advised Bonusukarte.lv on the acquisition of a payment institution licence.
  • Advised alternative investment fund management company ASP Asset Management on the setting-up of several investment funds, including assisting with investor onboarding and investment transactions.