The five-strong banking and finance team at Bardek, Lisac, Mušec, Skoko in association with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH (Austria) is one of the largest and most specialised in Croatia. Boasting two English law-qualified solicitors, they are recognised as one of the top firms in the country for banking and finance, and are frequently mandated to work on the largest transactions. With an internationally focused and enviable client base, the team has veteran grade experience advising clients in cross-jurisdictional transactions across acquisition finance, regulatory compliance, crypto and fintech, and cross-border restructurings. Amongst the most significant recent deals worked on by the practice, the team advised the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) landmark green and blue loan of up to EUR 200m to a leading Croatian hotel company. The transaction was the the first blue loan in Croatia’s tourism sector, and also one of the biggest deals in Croatia in 2024. The practice carried out high-level legal due diligence, drafted and negotiated the security documents, and conducted a thorough analysis of the English law loan agreement. The transaction also necessitated working in conjunction with the firm’s real estate department, in a cross-practice exchange of expertise. The team is led by 'exceptional legal practitioner' Jelena Nushol Fijačko, who has particular experience with managing non-performing loan transactions in Croatia and across the SEE region. Jelena is frequently assisted by the 'meticulous' Relja Rajković.

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Divjak Topic Bahtijarevic & Krka have enjoyed a strong uptick in the cross-border lending market, advising a diverse client base across a multiplicity of high-value cross-border financing deals. The team’s experience ranges from advising on all stages of complex banking and finance transactions to navigating multifaceted regulatory and compliance issues. The practice has specific expertise working on syndicated loans, refinancings, securitisations financial product structurings, leveraged financings, banking agreements, capital markets and investment funds. The firm’s clients include the largest European banks, investment funds and international financial institutions, alongside businesses and companies from various industries including telecoms, media, FMCG and IT. Senior partner and practice head Damir Topić has particular longstanding experience in advising strategic and private equity clients in complex cross-border and domestic transactions.

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Madirazza & Partners are at the forefront of the market when it comes to refinancings and financial restructurings. With longstanding experience advising both debtors and creditors in insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, the firm has represented a cross-section of clients from the wider banking, finance, and capital markets sector, and enjoys a strong reputation for carrying out cross-border financings and restructurings. Clients of the firm include international developers, investment funds, leading European banks and both international and regional financial institutions. The practice generally serves leading companies in a range of industry sectors, including transport, energy, with a focus on renewables, communications, pharmaceuticals and financial services. Managing partner Josip Madirazza heads up the practice, and specialises in financing transactions in the energy sector. Partners Tatjana Radmilović and Marinka Kovačić have 'extensive knowledge and excellent client management skills', and advise on public offerings and private placements of various types of securities on domestic and foreign markets.

Mamic Peric Reberski Rimac Law Firm LLC has continued to focus on its banking, finance and capital markets practice, advising financial institutions alongside leading domestic and regional banks on high-value and high-profile projects and transactions. The firm have particular expertise in refinancings, including bond issuances, syndicated loans and cross-border financings. The practice has a diverse client base, providing ongoing advisory and regulatory guidance to a swath of companies and businesses in Croatia and in the wider market. Clients the firm have been advising include energy companies, private and public banks, investment funds and the largest Croatian food production conglomerate. Practice head Luka Rimac brings over two decades of experience in banking and finance to the firm, with specific expertise in insolvency, restructuring, NPL transactions and capital markets transactions. Luka is joined by Frano Belohradsky, who specialises in complex loans and bond issuance transactions.

The banking, finance and capital markets practice at Šavorić & Partners advises its clients on a variety of finance transactions, including syndicated loans, mezzanine financing structures, restructurings and sovereign guaranteed lending arrangements. The firm’s clients include investment funds, international and investment banks, and financial institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Industry sectors which the practice serves include tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, telecoms and media and banking. Managing partner Boris Šavorić has almost 30 years of experience practicing in Croatia, while Mia Lazić  is the firm’s expert in banking and finance, with extensive experience handling debt restructurings and the sale of NPL portfolios. Dominik Žugaj has departed the firm.

Žuric i Partneri in cooperation with Kinstellar operates a banking, finance and capital markets practice from its Zagreb office. The firm predominantly advises clients on financing transactions, such as long term loans, with a specific focus on acquisition financings and refinancings. The team’s most notable recent work includes advising on the largest ever cross-border public debt restructuring deal in Croatia. Current clients include almost all of the major Croatian banks, alongside private equity funds, and other international and domestic credit and financial institutions. Industry sectors in which the firm serves include construction, energy, medicine and pharmaceuticals. The practice is led by partners Mihovil Granić and Edin Karakaš, who bring longstanding experience to providing a full service of advice to banks, including on regulatory matters in conjunction with acquisition financings. Counsel Marija Vuchetich specialises in project finance transactions in the energy sector.

The team at Batarelo Dvojkovic Vuchetich Law Firm LLP‘s banking, finance and capital markets practice services clients across the sector from central banks to international corporations and investment funds. The firm also has particular proficiency in banking regulatory, as an exclusive advisor to the European Central Bank in Croatia. Recent mandates have included advising a leading agribusiness group in the process of structuring and negotiating their financing in relation to the acquisition of agricultural companies, and advising one of the largest regional manufacturing groups on a multilevel financing structure. Other business sectors include clients from the energy and infrastructure industries, and specialist investment banks. Vladimir Batarelo leads the practice, and brings ‘extensive experience in navigating complex banking and financial agreements and documents’. Ivana Mihaljević joined the team in March 2024.

BUTERIN&PARTNERS‘ banking, finance and capital markets team are known for advising lenders and borrowers on a wide range of multi-jurisdictional, cross-border and local financing transactions. The practice’s primary proficiency lies in working on syndicated and bilateral lending, convertible lending, project financing, NPL purchases, re-financings and the restructuring of existing loans. The team are praised by clients for being 'capable of providing legal support in all areas of banking and financial markets, including the biggest and most complex cross-border transactions'. The firm’s clients range across the Croatian banking sector, including some of the biggest regional and international European banks, financial institutions and leading Croatian investment funds. The team particularly works on mandates concerning restructuring and refinancing projects in the infrastructure, food industry, tourism and construction sectors. Managing partner Zvonimir Buterin and recent addition Ozren Kobsa lead the firm’s practice, with combined 40 years of experience resolving complex transactional and regulatory issues. Ozren also provides EU-level regulatory advice related to banking, finance, netting, derivatives, capital markets and fintech.

Law Firm Glinska & Miškovic Ltd's banking, finance and capital markets team is well-known for its specialism in both syndicated and club bank debt financing, illustrating the firm’s expertise in cross-border financings. The team has good experience with acquisition and project financings, and also with refinancings, including syndicated credit facilities and reconstruction and development loans. The team’s clients include companies from diverse sectors such as real estate, design and development, tourism, banking and investment funds. Aleksej Mišković heads up the firm’s practice, regularly advising financial institutions regarding loans to and from Croatian companies and banks, and has significant experience with bond issuances on international capital markets.

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Ilej & Partners in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners have significant experience advising on a wide range of financing matters, from top-up financings to regulatory compliance matters for financial products. The firm act as Croatian counsel to some of the largest regional banks, often in connection with financings and re-financings of infrastructure projects. Key clients of the practice also include leading European banks, equity funds, gaming companies and financial services businesses. Recently the firm have advised the mandated lead arrangers on the restructuring of the existing facilities for one of the largest infrastructure projects in Croatia, the Istrian Y concession motorway. Partners and practice co-heads Ivana Sverak and Franka Baica are praised by clients as 'exceptional professionals who stand out for their sharp legal acumen, dedication to client service, and collaborative approach', and together bring significant expertise in banking and finance, covering derivatives, project finance, energy law and infrastructure, and project development.

'Calm, knowledgeable and trustworthy', the practice at KOVACEVIC PRPIC SIMEUNOVIC LLC carries out the full spectrum of banking, finance and capital markets mandates. The team’s expertise covers project, asset and structured finance transactions, both secured and unsecured syndicated and club bank debt financings, and public company re-financings. The firm’s capital markets work ranges from securities transactions and regulatory compliance and licensing to IPOs and takeover processes. Clients include some of the biggest regional banks, alongside leading European financial institutions and investment funds. The practice serves clients from across industry sectors, although they have particular expertise working in both the aviation and the energy industries, including aircraft financings and big renewable energy construction projects. Managing partners and practice co-heads Martina Prpić and Danijela Simeunović are 'very determined and persistent in solving solutions'. Both lawyers are highly proficient and experts in the field.

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Orehovec, Vinter, Kiš, Šimunovic carries out a variety of financial work such as loan restructurings, re-financings, debt collections, debt to equity swaps and loan transfers. The firm act for and advise a range of companies both regional and international, including banks, water supply companies and real estate businesses. The team also provide day-to-day business and legal services support to two of the largest Croatian companies, in oil and gas and in utility and transport services. Practice head Martina Simunovic Leposa has been a partner in the firm for over 10 years, counselling clients from the banking and finance sector with regard to collaterals, restructuring and loan repayment issues.

Banking, finance, and capital markets experts Ostermann Ivancic Attorneys-at-Law LLP serve a variety of domestic and foreign clients on project finance, M&A finance and general financing arrangements. The team particularly specialise in financing investments in renewable energy projects and large infrastructure projects, including two of the largest infrastructure projects currently taking place in Croatia. The firm’s clients typically include the main Croatian banks, international and local financial institutions, borrowers and debtors, and NPL servicers in domestic and cross-border financing transactions. Managing partner Mojmir Ostermann has led several landmark transactions in the Croatian market, while senior partner and practice head Vjekoslav Ivančić is particularly recognised by clients for 'consistently going above and beyond, always placing the client first', along with his in-depth knowledge of the energy regulatory regime, most notably in developing and financing energy and real estate projects.

Porobija & Porobija‘s banking, finance and capital markets team ‘handle complex and sensitive matters efficiently and effectively’, providing legal advice to clients in project finance and general banking matters. Typical workstreams cover share acquisitions, syndicated loans and asset financings, as well as capital investment projects. Clients the firm advises are often large Croatian and major international banks, often as part of a syndicate or consortium of lenders. The firm have notably acted with the Republic of Croatia on an international bond issue, advising the joint lead managers on the issue of EUR 1.5bn notes. Practice head Željka Rostaš Blažeković has particular expertise and specialism in project finance, advising on major Croatian infrastructure development projects.

Schoenherr in cooperation with Croatian lawyers operates its Croatian banking, finance and capital markets practice from the Zagreb office. The team’s expertise centres on matters such as bilateral and syndicated loan lending, structured debt financing, acquisition and real estate and project financing projects, and NPL sale and purchase transactions. The practice frequently carries out mandates for larger European international and regional banks and investment funds, financial services, insurance businesses and real estate financing companies. Industry sectors which the firm’s clients come from include energy, industrial production and manufacturing. The team often carry out cross-jurisdictional advisory work, including for Dutch and French entities requiring Croatian law input. Practice head Kresimira Kruslin has particular proficiency in advising on significant real estate finance projects, while Lea Mužić contributes a deep knowledge of regulatory issues in relation to renewable energy projects.

 

‘Known for its deep understanding of financial regulations and industry trends’, the practice at Vidan Law Office has extensive experience advising on banking, finance and capital markets mandates. Frequently servicing investment funds, investment banks and asset management companies, the firm have been working on a growing number of fintech mandates, as well as providing support on blockchain technology work associated with the regulatory framework. Recent matters include advising an investment fund on restructuring and a combined share asset deal, and providing advice on the global grants of restricted stock units to Croatian service providers. Managing partner Hrvoje Vidan has almost 20 years of experience advising clients in Croatia.

With over 20 years of experience in the sector, Vukmir & Associates team head Ivan Ćuk has overseen the development of the firm’s banking, finance, and capital markets department as it transitioned into a sector leading practice. The firm carries out regular compliance and regulatory work, data privacy assignments, and has recently been particularly focused on its interdisciplinary projects, combining its tech and digital expertise with the capital markets team’s skillset. Further benefitting from the experience of practice co-head Tomislav Pedišić, the firm has traditionally worked with exclusively foreign clients such as international financial institutions, although recently the practice has taken on an increasing number of significant local assignments and projects. On the capital markets front, ‘brilliant’ leading partner Sanja Tkalec Kovač advised the leading Croatian asset management company in relation to the takeover of the entirety of the investment funds of a separate fund management company.

The team at Wolf Theiss‘ banking, finance and capital markets practice are particularly known for international and cross-border work. Mandates which the team have particular proficiency with include carrying out bond issuances by banks aimed at satisfying capital requirements, and cross-border debt capital markets matters. The practice boasts an enviable list of banking clients, including top tier European and international banks, investment funds, and international financial institutions. The firm have notably been expanding its fintech focus, providing regulatory advice in connection with digital platforms, crypto currency regulations, and payment services. Practice head Luka Tadić-Čolić is frequently assisted by Lucia Močibob Kukić, who has led and been involved in some of the major cross-border financing and capital market transactions in Croatia.

Law Firm Andelovic, Siketic & Tomic operates a banking, finance and capital markets practice from its Zagreb office, working on mandates from a diverse array of clients including several of the largest Croatian banks. The practice advise mutli-national entities on cross-border financings, loan restructurings, and the negotiation of refinancings. The team also advise on the incorporation of Croatian hedge funds, and provide capital markets regulatory advice. Industry sectors which the firm’s clients come from include retail and tourism, along with construction. The practice is led by Petra Siketić, who is praised by clients for her “precise, efficient and hard-working” approach to transactions.

The banking, finance and capital markets practice at Babic & Partners Law Firm carries out discreet work advising financial services businesses on various finance matters. The team carry out work relating to re-financings of loan facilities and currency switch transactions for businesses in the pharmaceutical, fintech, and construction sectors, along with some advisory and regulatory work. The practice is led by Iva Basaric who has expertise in arranging credit facilities and employee share incentive plans.

The team at Bradvica Maric Wahl Cesarec‘s banking, finance and capital markets practice has good experience advising foreign and domestic banks and investment funds on acquisition and asset financings. The team also works on representing clients in structuring mezzanine financings, both debt and equity, publishing mandatory takeover offers, and providing regulatory advice and dealing with post-transactional issues. Practice head Branko Skerlev brings a “keen attention to detail, coupled with a proactive and solution-driven approach”. Branko has up to two decades of experience advising fund managers on the structuring and investment processes for both private equity and venture capital funds.

Gugic, Kovacic & Krivic law firm operates a banking, finance and capital markets practice carrying out a diverse range of work, from conducting buyers’ due diligence projects to structuring banking and capital markets transactions, drafting financial service agreements and representing clients in various insolvency procedures. The team also has particular expertise in carrying out legal analyses of non-performing loan portfolios. Clients include Croatian banks and investment funds, and a variety of domestic and foreign financial institutions. The firm is led by managing partner Damjan Krivic, while Lovro Kovačić brings particular expertise facilitating intra-group mergers and advising on compliance risks.

Hanzekovic & Partners‘ banking finance and capital markets team carry out mandates on a wide range of banking and finance matters, from acquisition finance and asset finance to project and real estate finance. The firm have noted an uptick in international infrastructure projects and cross-border financing work, and also advise investors in alternative investment funds while providing regulatory advice in relation to capital markets transactions. Industry sectors which the firm’s clients come from include infrastructure and transport, maritime and shipping, and telecoms. Partners and practice co-heads Irina Jelčić and Tin Težak have in-depth expertise in capital markets and financial restructuring.

Lovric Novokmet & Partners' banking finance and capital markets practice carries out a mix of mandates for investment funds and corporations, working on structuring transactions, corporate re-organisations, and providing banking and regulatory advice. The team have expertise with corporate and financial restructurings, and non-performing loan regulation advice. The firm's clients come from industries such as the engineering, tourism, automotive, infrastructure, and energy sectors. Practice head Martina Kalamiza Grozdek joined the firm in 2022, and has since advised financial and credit institutions, and private equity funds on a diverse range of banking and finance matters, such as acquisition finance, project finance, real estate finance and debt restructuring.

"Swift and proactive", M&S Partners' practice in banking, finance and capital markets services mandates for leading Croatian banks, financial institutions, and business companies. The firm also carry out day-to-day advisory work for banking clients and credit institutions, mostly in relation to anti-money laundering regulations and compliance procedures. Managing partner Andrej Šooš Maceljski has in depth experience advising leading Croatian banks on a variety of financing, AML, and acquisition finance matters.

Although specialising in shipbuilding finance, Macesic & Partners LLC ‘s banking, finance and capital markets team also advise multinational corporations and foreign banks as lenders in arrangements such as loan agreements, syndicated loans, and re-financings. The firm also advises on regulatory matters, restructurings and insolvency proceedings, and assist multinational companies on day to day capital markets matters. The main industry sectors which the firm’s clients come from are shipbuilding, manufacturing and construction. Senior partner Miroljub Maćešić leads the firm after the departure of practice head Zrinka Buzatović .

The banking, finance and capital markets team at Marohnic, Tomek & Gjoic, Law Firm carry out extensive work in the growing Croatian investment funds sector, servicing mandates for funds, investment managers, and investee companies alike. The team also carry out work on acquisition financings in the energy sector, and provide regulatory advisory work for both international clients and governmental institutions. Practice head Tonka Gjoić Tomić  has particular proficiency and expertise concerning all investment funds related work, including set-up, compliance, funds raising and take-overs.