Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Regulatory, compliance and investigations

Teichmann International hosts a noteworthy team with regulatory, compliance and investigations capabilities. The practice is spearheaded by AML/financial crime expert, Fabian Teichmann, and Urs Bigger, who is an expert in compliance.  
A specialist boutique, ENQUIRE Attorneys-at-Law Ltd., is led by Claudia Fritsche and advises clients on internal investigations and whistleblowing mandates.

Regulatory, compliance and investigations in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Operating in Bär & Karrer Ltd.‘s Geneva office, Saverio Lembo and Andrew Garbarski lead the white-collar crime group, which advises across the full spectrum of alleged business crimes. Zurich-based Eric Stupp, Joel Fischer and Andreas Länzlinger head the crisis management and internal investigations team, which demonstrates significant prowess in managing cross-border mandates. Basel-based Claudia Götz Staehelin and Oliver M. Brupbacher round out the team’s leadership, contributing their vast expertise in the life sciences and healthcare sector to the practice, having joined from Kellerhals Carrard in April 2023. Other key undertakings for the team, regarded as a ‘leader in Switzerland’, include corporate governance, compliance processes and regulatory issues, alongside a host of others.

Praxisleiter:

Andreas Länzlinger; Eric Stupp; Joel Fischer; Claudia Götz Staehelin; Oliver M. Brupbacher; Saverio Lembo; Andrew M. Garbarski


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Massimo Chiasera


Referenzen

‘The firm is definitely a leader in Switzerland. They are able to attract the top young lawyers to become the best among the best and, like their seniors, become a role model. ’

‘Their availability is 24/7.’

‘Bär & Karrer is clearly Switzerland’s best law firm. They have excellent attorneys and as a client, you get the best team. In the case of Bär & Karrer, clients come first – and not short-term commercial interests.’

Kernmandanten

Moderna Switzerland GmbH / Moderna, Inc.


Bitcoin Suisse AG


Highlight-Mandate


  • Appointed by the DOJ to manage a settlement of over 1.1 bn. These are the first, such major monitorships outside of the financial services sector in Switzerland and involve as such many novel and complex questions.
  • Advises Moderna on various legal matters in connection with its business in Switzerland and abroad, including legal and regulatory advice related to the establishment of its supply chain for its COVID-19 Vaccine, Swiss launch preparations, trade and commercial matters, as well as health care compliance and regulatory aspects and data privacy.

Homburger

Utilising its cross-border expertise, Homburger’s ‘very skilled’ practice provides considerable know-how to clients seeking assistance with criminal investigations and proceedings, extracting knowledge from other strong practice areas at the firm, including its banking, corporate and IP departments. Vastly experienced co-lead Flavio Romerio is a strong choice for large-scale internal investigations mandates, and fellow co-lead Claudio Bazzani incorporates a diverse multitude of internal and regulatory investigations as well as compliance issues in his arsenal of skills. Bazzani is praised for his provision of ‘tactically smart advice’ to clients. Alongside them, Marcel Dietrich’s commercial, public and administrative law experience is regularly capitalised on by Swiss and foreign governmental agencies.

Praxisleiter:

Flavio Romerio; Claudio Bazzani; Marcel Dietrich


Referenzen

‘Homburger’s regulatory, compliance and investigations practice is a very skilled team of professionals. They always provide advice that is both, to the point and taking into account all relevant circumstances.’

‘Claudio Bazzani is a very reliable and skilled lawyer.’

Claudio Bazzani always provides tactically smart advice that helps client to feel comfortable.’

Kernmandanten

Credit Suisse


VISA Europe


Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft


Basler Kantonalbank


AMAG


OC Oerlikon


RUAG


Booking.com


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented ABB in criminal investigation and proceedings of the Swiss Office of Attorney General regarding alleged bribery and corruption committed by a member of ABB’s senior management.
  • Advising Alpiq, the largest energy provider in Switzerland, on regulatory and compliance matters across its entire business.
  • Represented a global pharmaceutical company in a post M&A internal investigation into potentially fraudulent forecasts by members of the target’s management during the due diligence process.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Counting corporations, financial institutions and boards of directors in a diverse and impressive client roster, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd advises on the full gamut of regulatory, compliance and investigations mandates. Notable work for the group includes criminal liability in insolvency situations, white-collar crime work and a variety of regulatory proceedings. Peter Burckhardt and Benjamin Borsodi co-helm the practice, with the former being noted for his business crime expertise and the latter bolstering the team with expansive experience in international legal assistance, corporate investigations and asset tracing. Clara Poglia, George Ayoub, Louis Burrus and Paul Gully-Hart are other key names in the team.

Praxisleiter:

Benjamin Borsodi ; Peter Burckardt


Referenzen

‘Best lawyers, amazing teamwork.’

‘Very strong anti-money laundering experience.’

Kernmandanten

Gunvor


A High-Ranking Individual


Czech Republic


A Large International Commodity Trading Group


A Major Trading House


UBS


Odebrecht and Braskem


EFG Bank AG


Volkswagen


Credit Suisse


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisting Gunvor Group in a major investigation involving allegations of corruption in Ecuador. The case is active in the USA and substantial documentation review takes place in Switzerland.
  • Representing and assisting an entity of a State who has been defrauded by former high-ranking officials. This case is particularly complex as we are running parallel proceedings in Switzerland and liaising with multiple jurisdictions.
  • Advising a large international commodity trading group in the context of several foreign requests for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

Baker McKenzie

‘Very competent and experienced’ Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG advises clients on a full spectrum of regulatory, compliance and investigations matters, encompassing complex multijurisdictional mandates that entail anti-bribery, data privacy and regulatory enforcement issues. Zurich-based practice head Christoph Kurth contributes his wide-ranging experience across a host of cross-border criminal and regulatory issues to the team, and Geneva-based practice head Simon Ntah is esteemed in the white-collar crime realm. Philippe Reich principally focuses on trade compliance, international trade and regulatory and foreign investments.

Praxisleiter:

Christoph Kurth; Simon Ntah


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Philippe Reich


Referenzen

‘Since 2022 the practice has expanded its Sanctions and Export control members to meet increased demand.’

‘Philippe Reich as the trade partner is both experienced in the field, has the right connections and is business minded. At the height of the Russia crisis in 2022, Philippe’s clear answers within a fluid legal environment were invaluable.’

‘Baker McKenzie is the only bigger firm in Switzerland that can resort to its own, worldwide web of firms. ’

Highlight-Mandate


Kellerhals Carrard

Combining ‘legal excellence, client focus and ethical conduct’, Kellerhals Carrard maintains a strong presence in the banking and life sciences sectors, and is consistently instructed by a varied client roster to advise on white-collar crime, internal investigations and crisis management and compliance. Its comprehensive ESG desk adds further depth to the team’s diverse capabilities in this arena. Daniel Lengauer, Michael Daphinoff and François Micheli jointly steer the team. Lengauer is regularly entrusted by clients to advise on the implementation of compliance management systems, while Daphinoff specialises in white-collar crime, internal investigations and administrative investigations. Micheli is vastly experienced in managing international cases of criminal economic law. In April 2023, Claudia Götz Staehelin and Oliver Brupbacher departed the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Daniel Lengauer; Michael Daphinoff; François Micheli


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Florian Baumann


Referenzen

‘The team has extensive expertise and experience in the relevant areas of law. They team always put the needs and goals of their clients first and offer customised solutions.’

‘The fee structure is transparent and fair and is communicated in advance.’

‘The team offers a good combination of legal excellence, client focus and ethical conduct.’

Kernmandanten

Bürgschaftsgenossenschaft Ost-Süd


Bürgschaftsgenossenschaft Mitte


Cautionnement Romand


Bürgschaftsgenossenschaft SAFFA


Credit Suisse AG


CSS Versicherungen


fenaco Landi Gruppe


République Gabonaise


Swiss Banker


Parmalat Group


Brazilian Financier


Swiss Bank


Portuguese Entrepreneur


Former Manager of Lastminute.com


Former Manager Swiss Real Estate Company in liquidation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Retained by four government-accredited loan guarantee organisations to uncover possible credit abuses, persecute possible fraudsters, and recover the unlawfully obtained loans for the next 7 years. This relates to the Swiss Federal Council presenting an emergency relief scheme involving guaranteed COVID bridging loans to support companies encountering liquidity problems due to the coronavirus.
  • Representing CSS since 2018 in FINMA enforcement proceedings concerning, among other things, compliance in distribution and the allocation of distribution and administrative costs. In its order of 15 July 2022, FINMA required CSS to refund CHF 129m to the affected supplementary insured persons. The ruling of 15 July 2022 was appealed to the Federal Administrative Court.
  • Defending the interests of a Sovereign State, in French criminal proceedings (> 20 persons indicted; directed mainly against family members of the Head of State). Involved in defining and implementing the State’s strategy in coordination with the President, the Minister of Justice and Ambassador.

LALIVE

With an extensive client roster that encompasses corporations, senior managers, NGOs and ultra-high net worth individuals, ‘diligent, knowledgeable and experienced’ LALIVE demonstrates significant strengths in internal investigations such as money laundering and cybercrime as well as compliance and regulatory matters that include corporate governance, risk and compliance management systems. Alexander Troller’s comprehensive range of knowledge extends from financial matters to estate and inheritance disputes, while Daniel Lucien Bühr notably focuses on investigations, best practice risk and compliance management. Human rights Sandrine Giroud utilises her considerable experience in litigation to strengthen the practice. Simone Nadelhofer and Matthias Gstoehl joined Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd in September 2024.

Praxisleiter:

Daniel Lucien Bühr; Alexander Troller; Sandrine Giroud


Referenzen

‘Lalive is a strong and reliable law firm and certainly a good choice when it comes to disputes and investigations. They are diligent, knowledgeable, and experienced.’

‘Simone Nadelhofer is a very intelligent and highly qualified lawyer. She is multilingual and has lots of international experience. She knows how to conduct complex investigations.’

‘Matthias Gstoehl is a very experienced and qualified lawyer. He plans investigation with a strategic mind.’

Kernmandanten

Federative Republic of Brazil


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing an UHNWI in asset recovery proceedings in allegations of fraud, mismanagement of assets, market manipulation, insider trading, commingling and execution of unauthorised transactions for assets valued at over USD 1bn.

Lenz & Staehelin

With a core understanding of white-collar litigation, ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Lenz & Staehelin‘s regulatory practice has expanded to cover banking and regulatory compliance investigations and a significant range of antitrust issues. Marcel Meinhardt is a key contact for antitrust and competition investigations, with a wealth of experience in international and national investigations. Dominique Müller leads the investigation team in Zurich and is a prominent presence in the realm of banking and finance, while Valérie Menoud specialises in banking, financial services and corporate law. Hikmat Maleh is a strong choice for clients in the white-collar crime, asset recovery and investigations space, and Astrid Waser is well-versed in workplace misconduct and environmental investigations. Shelby R. du Pasquier is another key name to the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Marcel Meinhardt; Dominique Müller; Hikmat Maleh; Valérie Menoud


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Astrid Waser; Shelby R. du Pasquier


Referenzen

‘Lenz & Staehelin’s extensive experience of the industry and regulators’ practice is of enormous value in addition to their deep expertise of the legal and regulatory framework. ’

‘Shelly R. du Pasquier’s extensive and varied experience with assisting numerous financial institutions in regulatory & compliance issues, allows his to be extremely efficient and to the point at all times.’

‘Lenz & Staehelin offers a full palette of services, so they can add any needed skills to any case. They stand out for their reactivity and the quality of their analysis.’

Kernmandanten

Firmenich


Hermitage Fund and Bill Browder


Implenia


PostFinance


Swiss Post


Unilever


Various funds


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a Swiss listed group in connection with the investigation and remediation of a sanctions violation.
  • Advised several Swiss financial actors in the context of inquiries or enforcement proceedings by the Swiss regulator FINMA in relation to suspicions of AML or capital markets regulation breaches.
  • Representing Firmenich International SA in the Competition Commission investigation regarding fragrances.

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

With expertise in multi-jurisdictional and cross-border matters, Niederer Kraft Frey AG‘s wide-ranging experience encompasses the insurance, medical and fashion sectors, among others, with particular strengths in handling white-collar related mandates. The team’s capabilities have been strengthened by the firm’s new office in Geneva, with white-collar experts Myriam Fehr-Alaoui and Nicolas Kuonen joining the team in January 2023 from Python and Tavernier Tschanz respectively. ‘Fantastic’ joint practice head Juerg Bloch is entrusted by clients to manage white-collar criminal defence matters and internal investigations, with fellow practice head Philipp Candreia fielding a strong practice that includes various investigations as well as enforcement matters concerning prudentially regulated institutions.

Praxisleiter:

Juerg Bloch; Philipp Candreia


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Myriam Fehr-Alaoui; Nicolas Kuonen


Referenzen

‘A team of highly qualified legal experts rendering excellent and useful advice.’

‘What really stands out is the collaboration in this field and the drive by the team to achieve the desired outcome. ’

‘I would like to specifically mention Juerg Bloch in the respective practice area, who really stood out supporting us in different matters. Juerg has a very profound legal knowledge in his practice area and is exceptionally approachable. Particularly, I would like to highlight his solution driven mindset.’

Kernmandanten

EFG Bank AG


Credit Suisse


BMW AG


EMIX Trading AG


Leonteq


Chevron


Globegarden


LEONI Group


Prada Group


UBS Group


International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)


HDI Global


B.A. Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Mandated to conduct an internal investigation into whether M Investments SA was hacked or whether someone within the organisation defrauded the company intentionally, as several fraudulent payments were made from this account to accounts abroad. In addition, representing M Investments SA in criminal and civil proceedings against Bank B in Geneva.
  • Conducted a comprehensive internal investigation into Swiss based investment vehicle B.A. Group. Several investors and business partners claim that the client facilitated a multi-million Ponzi scheme and assisted in defrauding investors. A dozen criminal complaints were filed against various individuals (incl. our client) within the past 12 months.
  • Representing one of the largest private banks in the investigations involving Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (“1MDB”). This is one of the world’s largest money laundering and corruption investigations in history, involving authorities in the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia and Luxembourg. It involves the alleged theft of over USD 7bn from 1MDB, several billion of which was allegedly laundered through BSI.

Pestalozzi

With a varied multitude of governmental bodies, states, banks and financial institutions in its client roster, ‘exceptional’ Pestalozzi fuses its expertise across governmental investigations, corruption, financial fraud and liability claims to provide a comprehensive regulatory and investigations service that traverses multiple jurisdictions. ‘Standout’ Christophe Emonet spearheads the team with his notable experience in asset recovery and cross-border bankruptcies. Another key contact is Michael Kramer, who bolsters the practice with his considerable expertise in commercial litigation and arbitration. Nicolas Herren is noted for his in-depth capabilities surrounding banking and commercial disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Christophe Emonet


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michael Kramer; Thomas Rohner; Nicolas Herren; Christophe Berclaz


Referenzen

‘One-stop-shop for criminal and non-criminal aspects of compliance cases.’

‘Well connected with law enforcement and regulators in Switzerland. The team provides profound, well-tailored advice for clients.’

‘Thomas Rohner, strong in preventative compliance and litigation aspects’

Kernmandanten

Advance Magazine Publishers Inc. and Conde Nast Publications SA (editors of Vogue magazine)


Bank of America


Banque Cantonale de Genève


City of Almaty


Coop


Credit Suisse


Fahad Al Rajaan


The Estate of Fahad Al Rajaan


Glencore


Johnson & Johnson


National Oil Corporation of Libya


Olivier Maus (stakeholder of Maus Frères SA, Lacoste)


Republic of Kazakhstan


Swiss Life AG


The Estate of Fahad Al Rajaan (and number of companies he was the BO of)


Turkmengas


A number of other major financial institutions and Swiss cantonal banks and Swiss domiciled private banks


Further, Pestalozzi also represents numerous notable borrowers of finance, particularly commodities traders based in Switzerland


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing National Oil Corporation of Libya in a major corruption trial, now pending before the Swiss Supreme Court after we won before the Court of Appeal of the Federal Criminal Court.
  • Representing Fahad Al Rajaan, and, since his passing away in September 2022, his Estate, in of the biggest ongoing cross-border investigation related to more than $80bn banking transactions, conducted by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland and in multiple parallel mutual assistance proceedings related to his work as former CEO of the Public Institution of Social Security of Kuwait.
  • Representing the City of Almaty in another large cross-border investigation and recovery claims against the Khrapunov clan.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH

Routinely operating for a range of Swiss banks, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan (Schweiz) GmbH is particularly active in handling international white-collar crime investigations, leveraging its international network to do so. Managing partner Thomas Werlen and Jonas Hertner helm the practice, with the former possessing a strong presence in the financial sector and the latter’s capabilities including the full gamut of commercial litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Thomas Werlen; Jonas Hertner


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Simon Vorburger; Remo Decurtins; Oliver Buff


Referenzen

‘They were excellent. They provided practical legal advice.’

Kernmandanten

McCormick


Aabar Investments


Mubadala Investment Company


Vitaly Malkin / Top Matrix Holdings Ltd.


Wolfgang Beltracchi


Berenberg Bank


Gerald Metals


EFG Bank AG and EFG Bank European Financial Group SA


JBS / J&F Investments


Anthony Killarney


BPS


BSI Holding


Bünyamin Altun


CONMEBOL


Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)


Finacor SA


Hypo Vorarlberg Bank AG


MSI DK


Neue Privatbank AG


NMC Health


Puma Energy


Renault


Romanello Financial Corp.


Sallfort Privatbank AG


Schaffhauser Kantonalbank


Tennor Holding


Wegelin


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising UHNWI entrepreneur and philanthropist Vitaly Malkin regarding substantial claims against Credit Suisse as a result of the bank’s systematic control failures over a prolonged period.
  • Representing a high-profile Swiss individual who was sanctioned by the US government vis-à-vis the Swiss and US governments.
  • Advised Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company and its subsidiary Aabar in the first ever criminal trial against a corporation in Switzerland.

Wenger Vieli Ltd

Recommended for its ‘profound understanding of the industry’s complex regulatory landscape’, Wenger Vieli Ltd utilises its interdisciplinary approach to assist clients with an extensive array of compliance and regulatory matters, as well as investigations. The practice frequently deploys its considerable knowledge in the financial services, energy, life sciences, and technology sectors. Co-lead Michael Mráz is vastly experienced in advising clients on criminal and investigative proceedings, while fellow co-lead Martin Peyer demonstrates prowess in financial sector related matters.

Referenzen

‘The team has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of the industry’s complex regulatory landscape.’

Kernmandanten

Serpentine Ventures


Nextech Invest


radicant


Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank


Private Bank IHAG Switzerland


neon


Inyova


Privatbank Bellerive


Danske Bank


BBVA (Switzerland)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Serpentine Ventures on ongoing compliance matters related to set-up of funds and marketing.
  • Advising Nextech Invest on regulatory matters in connection with its FINMA license and on the launch of three new funds.