Banking & Finance

Our firm has deep expertise in providing legal services to financial institutions, advising on compliance with Greek and EU regulations governing banking, capital markets, and insurance. We have extensive experience in navigating the requirements of Greek Law 4261/2014, transposing the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD IV), and the EU Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR).

Our team has supported financial institutions in structuring innovative financial products, managing non-performing loan (NPL) portfolios, and addressing compliance obligations under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) and the Payment Services Directive II (PSD2). We have also played a pivotal role in assisting clients with fintech-related ventures, ESG compliance under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), and cross-border financing transactions.

We provide comprehensive legal services tailored to the needs of banks, investment firms, and insurance companies, ensuring full compliance with Greek and EU regulations. Our services include drafting and negotiating complex financial instruments, including syndicated loans, securitizations, and derivatives, in accordance with ISDA standards and Greek Law 3156/2003.

We advise on regulatory audits, licensing requirements under the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), and reporting obligations to the Bank of Greece and the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). Our team assists in navigating AML and CTF frameworks under Greek Law 4557/2018, transposing EU AML Directives, and resolving issues related to customer due diligence (CDD) and transaction monitoring.

Our expertise extends to assisting financial institutions in managing ESG-related disclosures, ensuring compliance with the EU Taxonomy Regulation (2020/852) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We also provide legal support in fintech projects, addressing regulatory challenges related to blockchain, digital wallets, and payment systems.

Greece’s financial sector is undergoing significant modernization, driven by regulatory reforms and the digital transformation of banking and financial services. The liberalization of the financial market has created opportunities for innovative financial products and alternative financing mechanisms. Recent developments include the adoption of Basel III standards, increased scrutiny of ESG compliance, and regulatory measures promoting financial stability.

The Greek government’s focus on green finance and sustainable investments has further accelerated the integration of ESG principles in the financial sector. Regulatory requirements under the EU’s Capital Markets Union (CMU) initiative, coupled with the implementation of digital payment systems under PSD2, present both challenges and opportunities for financial institutions operating in Greece.

Significant opportunities exist in green bonds, sustainable finance, and digital banking solutions. The rise of fintech in Greece offers investment prospects in blockchain-based platforms, peer-to-peer lending, and mobile payment applications.

The management and securitization of NPL portfolios remain a lucrative area for private equity firms and financial institutions. Additionally, privatization of state-owned financial assets and increasing demand for alternative investment funds provide avenues for growth. The ongoing digital transformation in banking, supported by incentives under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, further enhances opportunities for innovation in the financial sector.