Leveraging an 'in-depth knowledge of the banking industry', Bernitsas Law has a 'proven track record in delivering outstanding results' for international funds, as well as credit and financial institutions across a wide range of cross-border transactional and regulatory work. The eclectic nature of work handled by the team is exemplified by that of the 'hardworking, responsive and reliable' Athanasia Tsene who provides 'fast and accurate advice' on debt capital markets and complex structured finance mandates, as well as project and acquisition finance matters. Maria Nefeli Bernitsa, who was recently promoted to partner, is also a key member of the team and combines capital markets expertise (including on new money issuances and liability management exercises) with a deep knowledge of the Greek regulatory financial framework, enhanced by her strong connections with the regulators. The vastly experienced Nikos Papachristopoulos co-heads the team alongside Tsene and Bernitsa and is recognised as a 'legal powerhouse for every kind of capital markets transaction imaginable'.

Combining 'deep expertise, a client-centric approach, and a forward-thinking mindset', Karatzas & Partners is well-positioned to provide 'practical, commercially minded and very responsive' advice to banks, corporates and funds across a myriad complex transactional and regulatory matters. As part of her broad finance offering, the 'exceptional' Christina Faitakis excels in handling construction/development finance matters, including for Lamda Development on a €915m acquisition and a €494m bond issuance to facilitate the development of Project Hellinikon, constituting the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. Appreciated for his 'logical and business oriented mind', Dionysis Flambouras is a market-leader for project finance matters and also excels at handling debt capital markets mandates. Other recommended practitioners include vastly experienced team head Catherine Karatzas, whose high-calibre work over the years has included a considerable flow of work impacting the broader Greek economy and its recovery from the debt crisis of 2008; the ‘business-oriented’ Nikos Fragos ; capital markets expert Alexandra Kondyli ; and senior counsel Katerina Dalamara, who is noted for her 'deep understanding of NPL banking and finance law'.

 

The ‘knowledgeable, insightful and resourceful’ team at Koutalidis Law Firm is characterized by its ‘strong business acumen and industry knowledge’, ensuring it is able to provide a ‘high level of service’ to creditors and debtors across a wide range of domestic and cross-border finance work. The ‘responsive’ Ioannis Kaptanis takes the lead on much of the project finance work, where he provides ‘business-oriented advice’ to lenders, concessionaires and sponsors seeking or providing finance to facilitate a number of very high-profile infrastructure deals. Effie Papoutsi excels in corporate finance work, both from a new money and refinancing perspective, with a broad-based offering which includes advice on acquisition finance and general corporate lending facilities. Nikos Koritsas is the overarching team head and has a strong grounding in capital markets-related work.

Lambadarios Law Firm provides 'client-focused solutions' to a lender-focused client base across a wide range of loan and capital markets products to facilitate an eclectic mix of corporate and project related activity. Although the firm has also picked up an increasing flow of mandates for international banks and development banks, it remains most active for the four systemic Greek banks, including in the context of providing the financing to facilitate some major infrastructure and energy-related projects in the country. Key to the team's success in this space is the work of Yannis Kourniotis, who excels at handling financing throughout the life-cycle of a project, including those structured according to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Notably he recently worked alongside the 'business-oriented' Konstantina Siozou on behalf of all four systemic banks providing a €710m corporate facility to the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator. The 'highly experienced and diligent' Prokopis Dimitriadis has 'in depth knowledge of the market specifics', and as well as handling a considerable volume of capital markets matters has also been at the forefront of the firm's efforts in relation to the secondary market for NPLs. Praised for his 'acute commercial thinking', which often manifests itself in the delivery of 'outside-of-the box solutions', Constantinos Lambadarios is also a key member of the team and co-heads the practice alongside Kourniotis, Siozou and Dimitriadis.

The ‘responsive and knowledgeable’ team at POTAMITISVEKRIS provides ‘business-oriented and cost-effective advice’ to creditors and debtors across a range of domestic and multi-jurisdictional new money financings and refinancings. The firm has ‘vast experience in project finance’, regularly advising key stakeholders providing or receiving the funding to facilitate large-scale projects in the country. In this context, the team is noted for its ability to provide ‘commercial not purely legalistic solutions’, with Euripides Ioannou often taking the lead on high-profile mandates relating to infrastructure, energy and real estate. Combining ‘great knowledge and technical ability with an ability to deliver results at great speed’, Greek and English law-qualified partner Anthea Terlegas also regularly assists on energy-related project financings and more broadly is noted for her skill at advising on big-ticket cross-border financings. ‘Exceptional’ managing partner George Bersis leads from the front, providing ‘commercial, business and solutions-oriented’ advice across a range of financings, including within the real estate space and capital markets, where he has recently been involved for stakeholders on a variety of IPOs listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Alexander Metallinos is also well regarded for capital markets matters, in addition to NPL securitisations. Senior partner Stathis Potamitis also handles financing and insolvency work as part of his broad-based transactional practice.

A longstanding presence in the Greek market, AKL Law Firm has 'extensive experience in handling high-profile deals and complex financing structures', particularly in the context of project, real estate and acquisition finance mandates. Much of the work flows from the four systemic Greek banks, including for Alpha Bank in connection with a senior facility for the refinancing of an SPV of a leading global infrastructure investor. 'Charismatic' team head Alexandros Kosmopoulos was involved in the aforementioned deal and also continues to advise  Eurobank as global co-ordinator for the Hellinikon Project –foreseen to be Greece’s largest syndicated loan. The 'exceptional' George Zohios is also recommended, particularly for his work for banks on bond loans and debt refinancings.

The 'well established and very experienced' team at Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm provides 'practical, business-driven solutions' to lenders and borrowers across a myriad new money deals and refinancings, as well as in the context of NPL transactions. The team is, however, probably best-known for its  'unmatched knowledge and expertise in the project finance sector', where the firm stands out for its consistent representation of lenders (including commercial banks and IFIs) providing the financing across a myriad infrastructure and energy projects. Ioanna Antonopoulou  and 'highly sophisticated' counsel Angeliki Chalikia are two of the key practitioners for this work, with Antonopoulou also handling some high-profile mandates for Hellenic Financial Stability Fund related to the hive down and capital increases of two of the Greek systemic banks. The 'proactive, insightful, and deeply knowledgeable' Theodore Rakintzis  is also a key member of the team as a result of his versatile banking and capital markets offering, while vastly experienced team head Konstantinos Vouterakos is particularly skilled at advising on securities regulation and bond issuances.

Drawing upon ‘deep knowledge of the banking, finance and securities law sector’, Moussas & Partners Attorneys at Law excels in providing ‘innovative and commercially-minded solutions’ to commercial banks, development banks, funds and fintech companies across a wide range of regulatory and transactional mandates, from both a domestic and multi-jurisdictional perspective. Part of the firm’s strength in the area is rooted in its longstanding association with the Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund (TEKE), ensuring that it has kept abreast of developments in the finance sector, as well as being at the forefront of the regulatory overhaul of the Greek banking sector. As well as his role as General Counsel to TEKE, managing partner Nicholas Moussas is also noted for his ability to provide ‘practical, accurate and high level legal advice’ across a range of loans and capital markets work, as well as on disputes in the sector. ‘Focused on finding a solution rather than pinpointing the problem’, Charalampos Kondis also has deep regulatory knowledge through his role as assistant counsel to TEKE which informs his standalone advisory work as well as banking and capital markets transactional work.

Acting on its own as well as frequently alongside key offices within the network, including London, Norton Rose Fulbright excels in providing 'business-oriented' advice to lenders and borrowers seeking or providing finance, particularly in core areas of firmwide sector focus, including energy and transport. In the offshore/maritime sector, the team, led by Yianni Cheilas, has recently been particularly active working on ESG/sustainability-linked financings for banking syndicates. As well as advising commercial/investment banks, the team is also well-versed at advising development banks and is, for example, very adept at handling multi-sourced project finance mandates.

Underpinned by a 'deep knowledge in the legislative and regulatory landscape', the 'highly skilled and collaborative' team at Papapolitis & Papapolitis delivers 'effective and tailored solutions' to an impressive roster of banks, funds and corporates across a range of new money deals and refinancings. The arrival in May 2024 of Elena Papachristou from Zepos & Yannopoulos is a major fillip for the team in light of her capital markets and regulatory knowledge, with clients appreciative of her 'deep understanding of the complex legal and regulatory framework in the banking industry'. Team head Nikolas Katsaros is 'very strategic' in his work in the space and is also noted for his 'deep understanding of finance matters' utilising finance products throughout the capital structure.

Noted for its 'continuous development of innovative solutions and products', Platis – Anastassiadis & Associates Law Partnership has gained a particularly strong foothold in the market in the regulatory sphere. Work here includes both discrete ad-hoc instructions, as well as larger projects aimed at modernising the underlying regulatory framework, for example with regard to the capital markets infrastructure. Leveraging his 'strong technical skills', managing partner Eirinikos Platis is at the forefront of much of this activity, including his recent work for the EBRD on its aim to support the reformation and digitization of the Greek fintech market. Vassileios Mavrommatis co-heads the team alongside Platis that also benefits from access to consulting and tax expertise throughout the firm's associated EY network.

With Athens-based practitioners able to advise on Greek and English law, as well as leveraging broader international resources throughout the network, should the need arise, Watson Farley & Williams – Greek Branch is particularly adept at advising stakeholders providing or receiving financing to facilitate large-scale project and asset finance mandates. Virginia Murray has a core focus on advising on project finance-related infrastructure and energy deals; she recently represented Attica Bank as lead arranger on a €63m term bond loan facility granted to Jasper Wind Hellas S.A. to finance the development and construction of three wind farms in Laconia in the southern Peloponnese. Marisetta Marcopoulou also excels at handling renewables-related financings, work which she combines with a vibrant maritime finance offering. Nikolaos Kostikas co-heads the team alongside Murray and Marcopoulou.

'The detail-oriented team' at Your Legal Partners provides 'responsive and high-quality advice' across a broad spectrum of finance matters, ranging from NPL and securitisations through to project, acquisition and corporate finance. Recognised as a 'trusted partner for complex matters and demanding transactional work', Katerina Christodoulou is pivotal to the team's success for debtors and creditors for both project-related work, including involving real estate, as well as in the context of corporate restructuring. The 'caring and empathetic' Katerina Politopoulou co-heads the team with Christodoulou, and alongside the 'highly esteemed' Prokopis Linardos regularly advises banks as finance providers on renewable energy projects. Fotini Mavrikaki is also recommended, as is 'very results-oriented and hardworking' senior associate Anastasia Kakali.

Now headed by Paris Tzoumas, the offering at Zepos & Yannopoulos maintains a strong position among lenders and borrowers, which are appreciative of its ‘client centric and business-oriented advice’. Tzoumas is skilled at handling transport, infrastructure and energy-related project finance matters and has also picked up some notable structured finance and debt capital markets instructions. Senior associate Efthymis Naoumis  is also an increasingly integral part of the team and is noted for his ability to deliver a ‘high quality service’ for investors in relation to NPL portfolio securitisations, in particular.

Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners provides ‘excellent and efficient’ advice to lenders and borrowers across an eclectic mix of banking and capital markets transactional and regulatory matters, ranging from syndicated and bilateral loans through to NPL-related transactions. Drawing upon significant in-house and private practice experience, Marios Bahas has excellent credibility in the sector and is well-versed advising banks on regulatory issues, as well in the context of banking M&A. Dimitris Emvalomenos, who co-heads the team alongside Bahas, has expertise across a wide array of finance transactions, including for banks on the securitisation of their NPL portfolios. Senior associate Betty Smyrniou is 'extremely knowledgeable' on aviation finance matters and has gained a reputation as a go-to-person for lessors, in particular, on their transactional work.

Led by Emmanuel Dryllerakis, Dryllerakis Law Firm has a strong grounding in the banking and finance market, advising both borrowers and lenders across a myriad regulatory and transactional matters. Leveraging an excellent relationship with the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission, the team is also well-positioned to advise listed companies on their corporate governance and listing obligations. The ‘exceptional’ Themelis Zamparas is also a key member of the team who provides ‘top quality advice’ on bond loan transactions, often in the context of projects in the real estate and energy sector.

KLC Law Firm provides a ‘hands-on and strong service’ to a myriad domestic banks, IFIs, investors and corporates on new money financings and refinancings. Much of this work relates to energy and infrastructure projects, with the ‘business-oriented’ Panagiotis Tzioumas providing ‘comfort with his advice and flexible solutions’. Team head Evi Dimitropoulou is also very well-versed at handling project finance transactions, as well as recently helping a number of incumbent banks and new entrants into the Greek market on the establishment of digital banks.

Co-headed by Dimitris Passas and Vassilis Saliaris, Moratis Passas Law Firm combines strong transactional and regulatory smarts to good effect across a range of matters for a varied array of stakeholders. The team has been particularly active in the NPL securitisation market, working for originators, servicers and investors, across a number of high-profile matters. As well as mainstream financing work, the practice also handles standalone regulatory matters, including in the context of fintech.

Drawing upon entrenched knowledge across a myriad financing techniques, including asset finance, venture capital funding, bond and syndicated loans, Politis & Partners is a popular choice among borrowers and lenders, which are appreciative of its ability to provide ‘tailored solutions that align with both legal and commercial needs’. Leveraging ‘exceptional problem solving skills’, Vangelis Politis is well-positioned to advise on complex financing work, including in relation to cross-border energy and infrastructure projects. Nikos Anastopoulos is lauded for his ‘detail-oriented and proactive approach’, and co-heads the team alongside Politis and Emmanouil Savoidakis .

PPT Legal provides 'business-oriented' advice to a fairly balanced mix of borrowers and lenders across a range of new money and refinancing transactions. The maritime sector continues to inform much of the deal flow, with local and international shipping companies (including Canfornav) and banks (Aegean Baltic Bank) regularly instructing the firm across a myriad domestic and cross-border transactions. Team head John Papapetros heads up the team that also includes Dimitris Manolopoulos who succeeded Papapetros as firmwide managing partner in March 2024.

The 'extremely knowledgeable and well-rounded' team at Saplegal - A.S. Papadimitriou & Partners Law Firm maintains traction among the country's domestic banks, which regularly seek the firm's advice, not only on finance transactions but also in relation to their own commercial and operational requirements. 'Commercially-minded' team head Thenia Panagopoulou is key to much of this work, including advice on NPL securitisations. In addition, she also handles some work for funds on debt financing to facilitate downstream investments.

While it does handle some transactional finance work, particularly within the maritime sector, Sarantitis' sweet-spot remains on banking regulatory advice, as well as risk management and financial services litigation. Team head Alexandros Metaxas is pivotal to much of the work in the space, including as it pertains to fintech/payments-related regulatory advice.

Underpinned by a deep understanding of the complex and labyrinthine nature of the Greek financial regulatory framework, Tsibanoulis & Partners is particularly well suited to handling both standalone and transactional-driven regulatory issues for lenders, securities investment firms and state-owned entities. The scope of this work is broad and includes regulatory advice associated with M&A in the sector, ATHEX-related listings compliance and advice on payments/fintech matters. Recognised as a thought leader in the space, managing partner Dimitris Tsibanoulis ' vast regulatory know-how - some of which was informed by his involvement in the recapitalisation of the Greek banks following the debt crisis - is valued by clients, both from a non-contentious and contentious perspective. Emmanouil Komis , who excels at guiding clients through the regulatory and supervisory aspects associated with the capital markets framework, and Konstantinos Antonakis, who leverages vast in-house banking expertise to good effect on regulatory and lending work, co-head the team alongside Tsibanoulis.

Well-versed in conventional banking and finance transactional work and also highly attuned to the rapidly changing scope of the Greek financial regulatory framework in the aftermath of the Greek debt crisis, Tsoukala and Partners Law Firm is a popular choice to advise on standalone regulatory matters, as well as regulatory mandates impinging on transactions in the sector. Led by 'superb' dual Greek and UK-law (non-practising) qualified partner Eleni Tsoukala, the team is well-versed in handling complex cross-border transactions and regularly receives referral work from a myriad high-profile international law firms. Tsoukala is also noted for her fintech expertise, including work for payment and e-money institutions.

Led by Athanassios Avgeros, Avramopoulos & Partners advises a borrower-focused client base seeking funding (via bilateral and syndicated loans and the capital markets) to facilitate a range of transactions, including projects and M&A. Drawing upon a ‘great depth of knowledge of financial services regulation’, Barbara Angelopoulou is noted for her ability to provide ‘commercially-minded advice’, including as it relates to payments matters.

KBVL applies a 'solutions-oriented approach' on behalf of lenders and borrowers seeking or providing finance across a range of different transactions, as well as from a regulatory perspective. Team head Alkis Mirkos  displays a 'pragmatic approach' across a range of corporate lending matters, as well as in the context of secondary NPL transactions.

With 'in-depth expertise and knowledge across capital markets and finance', KERAMEUS & PARTNERS is able to provide 'exceptional results tailored to the clients' needs', on both the regulatory and transactional front. Demonstrating  'remarkable strategic thinking and negotiation skills', team head Irene Nicolaou is key to the firm's success, with her deal flow including a considerable amount of work for funds and banks on the acquisition of loan portfolios and loan sales and securitizations.

Machas & Partners Law Firm has successfully forged a strong reputation among banks, corporates and funds, which are appreciative of its ‘technical excellence’ across domestic and cross-border transactions. Splitting her time between London and Greece, senior associate Daphne Kasimati excels in helping Greek corporates receive financing from UK banks, and although he is better known for his M&A expertise, Ioannis Charalampopoulos also handles capital markets-related work.

The 'very knowledgeable, well resourced and responsive' team at Sioufas & Associates Law Firm delivers 'a results-oriented and cost-effective service' to funds and servicers, in particular, in relation to NPL-related work.  Here, under the guidance of George Sioufas, the team is able to 'provide end-to-end solutions' for funds and servicers, including on due diligence, restructuring and related litigation. Olga Eftychidou and Nikolaos Katiforis co-head the team alongside Sioufas.