The ‘very experienced‘ team at Bernitsas Law provides an ‘innovative and commercial approach’ to lenders and borrowers across a broad swathe of transactional and regulatory work in the banking and capital markets sphere. Although it handles some more commoditised mandates, the team is best known for its aptitude at providing ‘solutions-oriented’ advice on complex transactions, including as it relates to work in the secondary market for non-performing loans (NPLs) and the structuring and implementation of securitisation transactions. The ‘exceptional’ Athanasia Tsene, who is lauded as a ‘true business partner’ as a result of her ability to provide ‘sharp and practical advice’, has been pivotal to the firm’s success in the NPL field, work which she combines with other, often highly structured finance transactions. Nikos Papachristopoulos has ‘extensive exposure and experience across all areas of banking, finance and capital markets’ and co-heads the team alongside Tsene. The team was strengthened at the beginning of 2024 by the arrival of fintech and payments expert Anastasia Mallerou and Pantazis Karamanolis, who adds tremendous gravitas to the practice in light of his vast in-house banking experience, from their own practices.

‘Combining legal knowledge with financial insights and deep comprehension of the banking sector’, Karatzas & Partners excels in providing ‘innovative financial solutions’ to creditors and debtors across a broad swathe of financing transactions, running the gamut from project and energy finance and corporate finance matters, through to capital markets mandates and highly structured deals. Stretching back to the firm’s pioneering work for the Greek government in relation to its debt exchange programme, a good deal of this work relates to innovative “first-of-its-kind” mandates, with more recent examples including work for the systemic Greek banks in relation to de-risking their exposure to NPLs through complex transactions on the secondary market. Another strength is the firm’s collaborative approach to work in the space, often drawing upon experts from other core practice areas, as well as its early adoption of sophisticated legal technologies, including the use of AI in due diligence. Praised for her ‘professionalism and in-depth knowledge of finance’ gleaned through her work in private practice as well as through her previous prestigious role as a consultant to the European Investment Bank (EIB), Christina Faitakis is pivotal to much of the team's high-profile work in the space, including on large securitisations and bond loans, as well as a considerable volume of real estate and energy project finance transactions. The ‘business-oriented’ Nikos Fragos  also excels in ‘providing solutions to complex legal issues’, encompassing debt capital markets work, NPL mandates and special situations financing. Alexandra Kondyli stands out for advising on capital markets mandates, including conventional bond and green bond issuances. Managing partner Catherine Karatzas heads the team, which also recently welcomed the vastly experienced Dionysis Flambouras, who joined the firm from Bernitsas Law in September 2023.

Now headed by Nikos Salakas, who re-joined the firm following a stint in-house at one of the country’s systemic banks, Koutalidis Law Firm provides a ‘cost-effective and business-oriented service’ to a lender-focused client base that includes domestic and international banks across a myriad of new money and refinancing transactions. Project finance is a core strength, where the firm has deep insight into the commercial drivers of transactions by dint of its varied client base, which includes lenders, sponsors and contractors. The ‘analytical, creative and hardworking’ Ioannis Kaptanis is central to the firm’s success in the space, and has handled a number of recent mandates for lenders seeking to refinance debt in accordance with large domestic infrastructure projects. As well as her NPL-related work, Effie Papoutsi is noted for her prowess in relation to acquisition finance mandates, primarily for funders of both sponsor-backed and corporate-led deals. Nikos Koritsas‘ varied practice includes a considerable volume of debt capital markets work, which he combines with his duties as managing partner.

Drawing upon ‘a sound commercial understanding of the market’, Lambadarios Law Firm provides a ‘very efficient, pragmatic and solutions-oriented’ service to stakeholders across myriad banking and capital markets transactions. Energy-related project finance is a particular area of strength, with the firm regularly utilising novel financing products and often engaged in negotiations with demanding international sponsors. Team head Prokopis Dimitriadis has been pivotal to work in this space, as has Katerina Gini, with both also excelling in NPL transactions. Constantinos Lambadarios has ‘excellent problem-solving skills’, which he utilises to good effect for lenders on project finance matters, including for the EBRD, which he recently advised, alongside Dimitriadis, on the landmark Greek Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), as part of the ‘Greece 2.0’ National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The ‘excellent and hardworking’ Yannis Kourniotis is also recommended.

Displaying a ‘thorough and deep knowledge of the financial markets and relevant legislation’, POTAMITISVEKRIS is a popular choice among creditors and debtors across a broad swathe of conventional and highly bespoke financing mandates. George Bersis has ‘deep knowledge of capital markets regulations’, ensuring that he is a safe pair of hands for banks and underwriters in relation to IPOs, as well as follow-on offerings and bond issuances. Alexander Metallinos is also highly accomplished at advising on capital markets matters, which forms part of a wide-ranging finance offering that also includes acquisition finance, structured finance and non-performing exposures (NPE) securitisations. Under the guidance of the ‘hardworking, committed and commercially insightful’ Euripides Ioannou, the team also excels at project finance work, and has developed a particularly strong reputation for advising lenders on providing the financing to fund power projects. Anthea Terlegas is also well versed in handling project finance mandates, as well as real estate finance transactions, and is well suited to handling cross-border mandates by dint of her English language skills and her dual Greek and UK legal qualifications. Stathis Potamitis is another high-profile name in the practice.

The ‘commercial’ team at Zepos & Yannopoulos has ‘deep knowledge’ across a broad range of banking and finance work, ensuring that it is well positioned to advise lenders, funds and corporates across a myriad of transactional and regulatory work, including often complex, highly structured mandates. ‘Up to date with current developments‘, the firm has been at the vanguard of securitisation work, including as a means to monetise the systemic banks’ NPL exposure. Since publication, Elena Papachristou and Christina Papanikolopoulou left the firm.

The ‘agile' and 'very friendly’ team at AKL Law Firm provides a ‘responsive and transparent service’ to a lender-focused client base on syndicated and bilateral loans to facilitate M&A activity and large projects. Team head Alexandros Kosmopoulos‘ ‘wealth of experience in the banking industry shines through in every aspect of his work’, including for systemic Greek banks, such as Eurobank, which he recently advised in relation to the recapitalisation of Ellaktor and the refinancing of its RES portfolio. The ‘incredibly talented’ George Zohios is also recommended and is appreciated for ‘his ability to simplify the most intricate financial matters’.

With a ‘deep knowledge of the banking, finance and securities sector’, developed through an impressive roster of fee-earning work, as well as through the firm’s involvement as counsel to the Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund (TEKE), Moussas & Partners Attorneys at Law is well placed to advise lenders and borrowers across the full spectrum of financial products from a transactional and regulatory perspective. Managing partner Nicholas Moussas has ‘outstanding knowledge of banking and finance law, practice and regulation’, and through his role as general counsel of TEKE has been able to provide clients with tremendous insight into legal developments in the banking and capital markets industry. Other key contacts include Vassilios Moussas, who has ‘long experience in large-scale projects and with respect to innovative products and financial services’, and Charalampos Kondis, who has ‘excellent knowledge of the banking legal framework’.

Leveraging the expertise of a number of ‘very experienced and versatile lawyers’, as well as the ability to tap into international legal know-how by virtue of its vast global  network, Norton Rose Fulbright delivers ‘a highly commercial approach’ to lenders and borrowers engaged in financings within the core firm-wide areas of sector expertise, including transport, energy and TMT. Splitting his time between Athens and London, triple Greek, UK and US-qualified team head Yianni Cheilas is well versed at handling large syndicated financings for commercial banks (including many underwritten by export credit agencies), often in the context of shipping and offshore financings.

Drawing upon ‘strong ties to the local business community and also very active in handling international transactions’, Papapolitis & Papapolitis provides a ‘goal and results-oriented‘ approach to lenders, funds and corporates across a wide array of transactional work, ranging from high-value NPL securitisations through to project and corporate finance mandates. Nicholas Papapolitis and Nikolas Katsaros are both well respected for their capital markets and acquisition finance work, and co-head the team alongside Maria Karabella, who is developing a thriving practice in domestic and cross-border financing matters, including corporate lending, off-shore and on-shore shipping finance, and structured and asset financing. Elena Papachristou was a new arrival in May 2024 from Zepos & Yannopoulos.

Noted for its ‘innovative approach’, Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership provides ‘solutions-focused and business-grounded advice’ across a range of banking and capital markets matters. Although the firm does handle some transactional work, it is undoubtedly best known for its regulatory prowess, both in conventional banking and fintech-related matters. ‘Responsive, productive, and solutions-oriented’ managing partner Eirinikos Platis has been pivotal to the team's success on the regulatory front and, as well as advising commercial banks, has been instructed by the Greek Ministry of Finance for advice in relation to the four systemic banks, in addition to a recent high-profile mandate regarding the modernisation and strengthening of the country’s capital markets infrastructure. Vassileios Mavrommatis co-heads the team alongside Platis and is noted, in particular, for his NPL knowledge.

Led by Virginia Murray, the ‘very client and business-oriented team’ at Watson Farley & Williams – Greek Branch is best known for its project finance prowess, acting for a strong client base that includes a mix of banks and investors. As well as an involvement in infrastructure and transportation projects, the team also regularly handles complex renewable projects, where it is well equipped to advise on the full scope of regulatory and financing matters throughout the project life cycle. The firm is also noted for its shipping finance expertise.

The ‘highly business-savvy’ team at Your Legal Partners provides a ‘results-oriented, attentive, and cost-effective’ service to lenders and borrowers on real estate and project financing mandates, in particular. In this context, the firm has ‘extended knowledge of the financing of concession projects’, with the ‘proactive and solutions-oriented’ Katerina Christodoulou combining procurement and banking knowledge to good effect on some major public project contracts – including her recent work for the lenders on a major domestic transport infrastructure project. The ‘very diligent’ Fotini Mavrikaki has ‘in-depth legal knowledge’ across a range of new money and distressed banking matters, including work for investors purchasing NPL portfolios. The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ Katerina Politopoulou co-heads the team alongside Christodoulou and, as well as regularly assisting on project finance matters, is also noted for her structured finance prowess.

Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners provides ‘responsive and commercial’ advice to lenders and borrowers across a broad swathe of banking and capital markets transactional and regulatory matters, ranging from syndicated and bilateral loans through to NPL-related matters and due diligence ahead of listings on the Athens Stock Exchange. Managing partner Dimitris Emvalomenos is vastly experienced in the field and is particularly adept at advising banks on the securitisation of their NPL portfolios. Drawing upon experience gleaned from a previous in-house position at a major domestic bank, as well as in private practice, team head Marios Bahas has an excellent perspective on the commercial drivers affecting financial institution clients and provides rounded transactional and regulatory expertise. Betty Smyrniou handles commercial and financing work within the aviation sector.

Led by the ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ Emmanuel Dryllerakis, Dryllerakis & Associates provides ‘succinct and commercial’ advice to creditors and debtors across a wide range of financing mandates, including within the energy and tourism sectors. In addition, the team regularly advises on NPL transactions, as well as handling work for foreign and domestic entities seeking to comply with national financial services regulations. The ‘exceptional’ Themelis Zamparas is another key member of the team and regularly acts for lenders and borrowers on bond loans and refinancings, as well as being adept at advising public companies on compliance with ATHEX requirements.

Appreciated for its ‘very collaborative’ approach, KLC Law Firm has gained most acclaim in the market for its lender-side work on the funding of large-scale domestic projects, including a number of recent mandates within the hospitality sector. Many of these matters flow from systemic banks, with the firm’s regulatory and transactional expertise coming to the fore in relation to project financing mandates under the country’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). ‘Very commercially minded’ managing partner Panagiotis Tzioumas has extensive experience in project finance, debt restructuring and NPL transactions, and also provides ‘significant added value in the context of financing co-granted by state and EU authorities, as well as supranationals‘. Evi Dimitropoulou now heads the team and adds weight to the firm’s growing project finance credentials.

Combining local expertise with an international mindset, Moratis Passas Law Firm is a popular choice among domestic and international banks, funds and investors across a strong mix of transactional and restructuring matters, as well as regulatory mandates. Vassilis Saliaris is one of the main contacts within the team and is particularly adept at handling buy and sell-side NPL mandates. Saliaris co-heads the team alongside managing partner Dimitris Passas.

The ‘extremely responsive and dependable’ team at Politis & Partners handles a range of financial transactions, including sovereign and syndicated loans, secured and unsecured loans, and project finance mandates – where it is particularly noted for its ability to provide ‘well-informed advice and carrying out tasks that involve multiple jurisdictions’. The ‘very practical’ Vangelis Politis provides ‘commercially sensible solutions’.

Drawing upon ‘vast and impressive knowledge across the banking, finance and capital markets fields’, PPT Legal is well positioned to advise stakeholders engaged in a wide array of new money and refinancing mandates. The transportation sector is a particularly rich source of work (both in relation to aviation and shipping finance), with a client base including banks, operators and lessors that ensures the firm has an excellent perspective on transactions from both the creditor and debtor side. Team head John Papapetros is at the forefront of the majority of the team's high-profile deals, including a number of recent bond issuances in the hospitality sector.

The ‘knowledgeable, responsive and client-oriented’ team at Saplegal - A.S. Papadimitriou & Partners Law Firm is noted not only for its black-letter legal knowledge but also its ability to provide ‘practical and constructive solutions’ to lenders, including large systemic banks such as Eurobank, across a wide range of regulatory and transactional mandates. Team head Thenia Panagopoulou ‘combines in-depth legal expertise and a commercial approach’ and has developed a particularly strong reputation for advising lenders and borrowers on distressed banking deals (both on the lender and borrower side), as well as on NPL mandates. Stergios Frastanlis is also a name to note.

In addition to its traditional strength in financial services regulatory and litigation matters, Sarantitis‘ team, which is led by Alexandros Metaxas, is increasingly active in handling transactional work. In this regard, the maritime sector continues to inform a considerable volume of this work, but broader corporate finance and debt refinancing mandates also feature.

Leveraging excellent ties with the regulatory authorities and agencies, Souriadakis Tsibris is well positioned to advise foreign banks, investment firms, ratings agencies and fund managers regarding the legality of investments, the creation of new instruments, the offering of services in or into Greece and the approach to Greek customers. ‘Excellent’ team head Michael Tsibris ‘provides solutions-oriented advice’ across a range of regulatory mandates (including as it relates to financial services M&A), as well as handling a considerable volume of capital markets matters.

Underpinned by a deep knowledge of the complex underlying financial regulatory framework within the country, Tsibanoulis & Partners provides an holistic service to lenders and borrowers across a broad range of transactional work, running the gamut from syndicated lending matters to bond issuances and debt restructuring. Anna Apostolaki and Emmanouil Komis co-head the team and are both very adept at handling complex transactional and standalone regulatory mandates within the capital markets arena, as well as in the context of broader banking work. The firm is also skilled in handling financing work with a governmental aspect, with managing partner Dimitris Tsibanoulis having significant exposure to mandates relating to the recapitalisation of banks following the Greek debt crisis. Sofia Kizantidi is another key contact.

Tsoukala and Partners Law Firm provides ‘high-quality and responsive advice’ to lenders and borrowers across a range of finance-related work, running the gamut from arranging corporate finance and real estate finance facilities, through to securitisations and NPL mandates. Team head and managing partner Eleni Tsoukala is central to the firm’s success in the area, including her recent work advising the majority shareholder of Chipita on certain post-closing finance matters relating to the $2bn sale of its business to Mondelēz International. The firm is also very active in the fintech space and is abreast of developments in the area, both domestically and internationally (in part due to its membership of the FinTech Lawyers Network).

Avramopoulos & Partners has deep knowledge across a range of financial products, including RCFs, syndicated loans and bond issuances, enabling it to provide effective advice to a borrower-focused client base seeking to raise finance for event-driven and general working capital purposes. Other work includes advice on NPL mandates, as well as financial regulatory matters. Team head Athanassios Avgeros handles transactional and regulatory matters, including as it relates to project finance and asset finance mandates.

KBVL has ‘deep expertise in the banking and finance sector’, regularly advising lenders and borrowers on both transactional and regulatory work. ‘Knowledgeable and very responsive’ team head Alkis Mirkos is appreciated for his ability to provide ‘new and innovative solutions’ in relation to new money and restructuring mandates, as well as on the buy and sell side of NPL portfolios.

The 'small but dynamic’ and ‘entrepreneurial’ team at Machas & Partners Law Firm has a ‘wealth of knowledge and proficiency in handling the intricacies of financial structures’, both from a domestic and cross-border perspective. The scope of this work includes covenant-lite and high-yield debt products in relation to acquisition finance mandates, as well as highly structured products and NPL-related work, where the firm is noted for its ability to handle securitisations encompassing various receivable types, alongside synthetic and traditional securitisation activities. With an ‘unparalleled dedication to client success’, Petros Machas ‘leads the firm with aplomb’, with valuable support from the likes of the ‘ferociously bright and technically brilliant’ Sonia Saranti, who was promoted to partner in January 2024.

Combining strong legal advice with the use of legal technologies, the ‘very effective, efficient, results-driven’ team at Sioufas & Associates Law Firm is particularly adept at advising on NPL-related matters for a buy-side client base. Managing partner George Sioufas is pivotal to this work and has deep experience in relation to the necessary due diligence on such transactions. On the lender side, the firm has a particularly strong reputation for representing banks in both out-of-court dispute resolution and litigation.