Operating at the forefront of the banking and finance sector, Aequo plays a key role in legislative reform. The ‘cohesive, results-oriented and committed’ team is regularly called upon by key players, from the National Bank of Ukraine to multilateral lenders and international organisations. It excels in large-scale and complex financial deals, including restructurings and innovative products for banks and financial institutions. As well as boasting expert knowledge in the fintech sector, the group excels in matters related to the real estate, infrastructure and agribusiness. Hailed as ‘one of the best professionals’ in the sector, bankruptcy and restructuring expert Yulia Kyrpa leads the team. Kyrpa advises an impressive roster of top IFIs, commercial banks and corporations on financing, capital markets and debt restrucutring. Oleg Krainskyi joined the team in February 2024 from Avellum, bringing extensive experience advising both public and private-sector clients. Dmytro Shudrenko plays an active role in reform processes, leveraging his experience in regulatory matters related to financial and credit institutions, payment providers and the fintech sector.

From national regulators and municipalities to state-owned and international investment banks, Asters is a go-to for advice on both complex financial deals and legislation. The practice fields niche expertise in foreign exchange control and regulation, as well as advising on licensing in the banking, financial services and securities markets. It continues to expand its focus, handling payment services matters, sub-brokerage activities and products and Ukrainian currency rules related to imports under the martial law regime. Armen Khachaturyan leads the team, alongside Iryna Pokanay, a go-to choice for international investors and foreign banks, who excels in cross-border transactions. Team co-head Roman Stepanenko boasts a broad practice, ranging from capital markets transactions and project finance to financial restructurings and derivative instruments. Kateryna Oliynyk handles both secured and unsecured financing transactions, and is an active member of the team, along with Oleksandr Khomenko and Maksym Tereshchuk. Inna Bondarenko focuses on project and trade finance and secured and syndicated lending.

The ‘dynamic, committed and proactive’ team at Avellum is regularly called upon by both Ukrainian and foreign clients to handle complex financial transactions, including project, acquisition and secured financing. Its impressive clientele ranges from government entities and both sovereign and corporate lenders to major investment and commercial banks and financial institutions. The firm also houses a strong capital markets practice, advising on bond issuance, debt offerings and securities, and public offerings and private placements. Team head Glib Bondar boasts an international financing and capital markets practice, bringing to the group a wealth of expertise in cross-border lending, Eurobond offerings and debt restructurings. Bondar also leverages his experience as head of the firm’s energy practice to advise on a variety of energy and infrastructure practice. Advising an impressive roster of national and international clients, Mariana Veremchuk excels in capital markets transactions.

The ‘established' banking and finance practice at Baker McKenzie, Kyiv Office continues to expand its industry specialisation, advising clients across the agricultural, payment services and financial regulations, financial sector reform and fintech sectors. Drawing on the firm’s global network, the team is called upon by a host of financial institutions, such as banks, payment institutions and asset managers. It excels at advising international companies on operations within Ukraine, including regulatory matters. The firm’s capital markets practice, led by Viacheslav Yakymchuk, is also active, alongside the project finance team, which excels in the energy and aviation sectors. Head of the banking and finance practice Serhiy Chorny is a go-to for finance and debt restructuring matters, operating on an international level. Bohdan Diakovych focuses his practice on banking regulatory issues, from financial monitoring matters to local currency and capital controls. Hanna Smyrnova is another key member of the team, along with Stepanyda Badovska.

As part of the firm’s CEE regional banking practice, CMS’ ‘remarkable’ banking and finance team is active in cross-border financings. The team is regularly called upon to advise on English law-governed transactions in the region. Its experience in international transactions sees the practice excel in banking and finance matters across CEE, MENA and Central Asia. An established figure in the sector, Ihor Olekhov boasts a broad international banking and finance practice and is a go-to for banks, investment companies and asset managers, insurance and other financial companies for advice on acquisition, asset and project finance and capital markets transactions. With a balanced borrower and lender practice, English-qualified Kateryna Chechulina excels in cross-border financings, with particular expertise in infrastructure projects. Iryna Barlit’s sector expertise spans the agriculture, infrastructure and renewable energy industries. Yaroslav Pavliuk joined the team from Avellum in July 2024.

Dentons' banking and finance practice is comprised of five key pillars: project finance, structured finance, financial regulatory, commercial lending and debt capital markets. Drawing on the firm’s global network, the team in Ukraine is regularly called upon by international financial institutions and excels in cross-border finance matters. It works in tandem with other groups within the firm, demonstrating industry specialisation in the energy, real estate and infrastructure sectors. A go-to advisor for both regulators and government entities and international companies, Natalia Selyakova leads, bringing to the team specialised knowledge of the fintech sector. Adam Mycyk boasts an established cross-border practice, advising an impressive list of financial institutions and investors on debt and equity transactions and investments. Artem Lukyanov handles a broad range of banking, finance and debt restructuring matters, from distressed debt trading to sanctions work and currency control. Artur Savin fields expertise in the financial services and regulation sectors.

The ‘knowledgeable, efficient and responsive’ team at Integrites excels in the renewable energy sector, a go-to for high-profile clients in the industry for advice on project financing. The group continues to take on new clients, advising on investments, loan facilities and restructurings. It boasts an impressive list of both domestic and foreign clients, including investors, financial institutions and various companies in the energy space. Team members are also active in policy reform, advising on regulation and the development of market instruments. Project financing specialist Igor Krasovskiy leads the team and ‘stands out' for his expert knowledge of the agriculture, energy, infrastructure, telecoms and fintech sectors. Oleh Zahnitko focuses his practice on corporate finance and financial regulation, including compliance and exchange control regulations, while Olena Savchuk advises a diverse roster of national and international clients. With a balanced borrower and lender practice, Yuriy Korchev handles both national and international transactions, secured and unsecured.

Redcliffe Partners' banking and finance team continues to deliver the ‘best quality’, with a recent focus on IFI and DFI work. The practice boasts strong cross-border capabilities and excels in multi-jurisdictional transactions. Its clientele includes multinational commercial banks, as well as major Ukrainian banks. Also fielding an active sanctions practice, the group advises on regulation in Ukraine and currency control issues. Practice head and ‘outstanding lawyer’ Olexiy Soshenko is regularly called upon by investment banks, financial institutions and borrowers, thanks to his expertise in syndications and secured finance transactions and both private and public securities offerings. Leveraging his position as head of the firm’s TMT group, Andriy Nikiforov advises on a host of financial products within the sector. Olesia Mykhailenko brings to the team banking and finance experience on both a national and international level, with extensive regulatory expertise.

Capital markets transactions are a key area of expertise for the team at Sayenko Kharenko, from new structures and instruments to regulatory reform. With strong cross-border capabilities, the team is a go-to for advice on multi-jurisdictional projects. Its clientele includes international banks and financial institutions, as well as local commercial banks and funds, asset managers, insurers and investors. Nazar Chernyavsky is an expert in regulatory matters within the banking sector and secured and structured finance, advising both Ukrainian banks and corporates, as well as international financial institutions. Boasting an established cross-border practice, Anton Korobeynikov excels in international debt capital markets transactions, bankruptcy and debt restructuring. Igor Lozenko brings to the team specialist industry expertise, which includes the energy, agriculture and mining sectors. Iryna Bakina specialises in regulatory matters within the banking and finance services space, while Olexander Olshansky has a balanced borrower and lender practice and handles both secured and unsecured debt transactions. Oles Trachuk is praised for his ‘structured approach and the clarity of his output’.

Acting for both international lenders and Ukrainian borrowers, Arzinger houses an established cross-border banking and finance practice. The ‘very knowledgeable’ team handles an impressive range of financing instruments, from pre-export and synthetic facilities to bilateral loans and ECA-secured financings. It is also well-placed to advise on complex regulatory matters within the sector. ‘Standout lawyer’ Oleksandr Plotnikov leads the team, specialising in cross-border financial and capital markets instruments, as well as NPLs and restructurings. He boasts broad industry knowledge, spanning the agriculture, energy, real estate, retail and infrastructure sectors. Promoted to senior associate in June 2024, Kyrylo Senyshyn demonstrates expertise in structure, project and trade finance, debt restructuring and regulatory matters. He has particular experience dealing with US clients, bringing to the team cross-border expertise.

EVERLEGAL remains a go-to choice for business and organisations looking to establish operations in Ukraine, providing banking, financial and tax support. Its cross-border capabilities see the practice advise an impressive roster of international clients. The team excels in the mitigation of financial loss, advising on debt collection and recovery, as well as the design of financial structures to minimise loss. Andriy Olenyuk boasts expert knowledge in both domestic and cross-border financial instruments, as well as handling corporate and intragroup finance. Advising both international banking institutions and Ukrainian corporates, Vsevolod Volkov is called upon to advise on cross-border financial instruments and finance regulation. He is also active in finance-related disputes.

Drawing on its network of offices throughout Ukraine, Ilyashev & Partners is well-placed to advise on cross-border matters. The team excels in multi-creditor restructurings on both a domestic and international basis, as well as boasting an established insolvency and debt recovery practice. It is also active in the insurance and online payment sectors, with expertise in e-commerce, cryptocurrency and licensing matters. Practice head Mikhail Ilyashev counts several prominent banks and corporations among his clientele and is regularly engaged to advise on debt collection. An established figure in the restructuring and insolvency space, Roman Marchenko leverages his experience in both the dispute resolution and corporate sectors. Oleksandr Rudenko fields expert knowledge of banking regulations and licensing and financial regulation.

Its full-service capability makes Kinstellar well-positioned to advise on the gamut of financing matters, from asset finance to restructuring and insolvency to derivatives and structured finance. The team demonstrates particular prowess in M&A within the financial sector, as well as boasting knowledge of the fintech space and international payment systems. In addition to its busy transactional practice, the group regularly handles financial services regulatory mandates. Practice head Illya Muchnyk handles debt and equity financings and financial restructurings, leveraging his experience as head of the firm’s fintech sector. Oleksandra Poliakova advises both national and international clients on corporate lending, syndicated loans and acquisition and structured finance.

Advising financial institutions and investors, LCF Law Group excels in project financing, restructurings and re-financings. The team also boasts expertise in market securities, financial services and insurance matters. Olena Volianska spearheads the firm’s bankruptcy and insolvency work and is regularly called upon by both lenders and borrowers to advise on debt recovery and collection disputes, bankruptcy proceedings and restructuring advice. Anna Ogrenchuk represents an impressive clientele of businesses, banks and financial companies, corporations and individuals in litigation, from bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring disputes to loan recovery. Artem Stoyanov is also a go-to choice for leading banks and financial institutions. Leveraging her position as head of the firm’s dispute resolution practice, Iryna Kobets provides further litigation support. Volodymyr Lavrynovych is another name to note.

AMBER Law Company‘s international network makes the team well-placed to advise international banks on compliance issues. It also excels in banking litigation, boasting a dedicated banking-related crimes team. Bringing to the group extensive experience in the Ukrainian banking and foreign exchange control system, Semen Khanin is an expert in currency regulation and control matters, investment operations and taxation. Andriy Segal specialises in compliance within the banking sector.

Boasting an ‘impressive portfolio of successful deals’, EQUITY Law Firm excels in banking and finance-related disputes. The team is a go-to for representation in debt collection, financial fraud and large-scale restructuring. Other key areas of expertise including non-performing loan portfolios and distressed assets, particular focal points for Sergiy Chuyev. ‘Experienced and well-connected’ practice co-head Oleg Malinevskiy is active in high-profile disputes within the banking and finance sector, with particular expertise in bankruptcy and restructuring. He leads the team alongside Vyacheslav Krahlevych and Andriy Nikitin.

Debt recovery is a key strength for the banking and finance team at GOLAW, representing major Ukrainian and foreign banks. Leveraging a strong background in the energy sector, Sergiy Oberkovych advises on project financing, ECA-covered financing, project bonds and acquisition financing for both individual projects and portfolios. Valentyn Gvozdiy advises a diverse roster of borrowers, lenders and private equity sponsors and brings to the team expertise on trade and export finance. Promoted to partner in April 2024, Viktoriia Bublichenko spearheads the firm’s tax, restructuring, claims and recoveries practice.

Boasting ‘profound expertise and extensive experience’ in the banking and finance sector, Gramatskiy&Partners focuses on the industrial sector, financing borrowers and developers. Its in-depth knowledge of regulatory matters makes it well-placed to advise both national and international clients on issues such as currency control and compliance. Igor Reutov focuses his cross-border practice on loan agreements, raising funds and financial structuring. He leads the team alongside Ernest Gramatskiy, who specialises in international banking compliance and anti-money laundering regulation, and Denys Boginich, who handles project financing and inter-company loan agreements.

Hillmont Partners LLC boasts an international banking and finance practice, active in multi-jurisdictional financings and restructurings. The group advises a diverse roster of both local and foreign clients, including corporate and investment banks, financial organisations, borrowers, project sponsors, developers and investors and lenders. James Hart boasts an active cross-border practice, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters, including investment planning, asset structuring and acquisitions. He leads the team alongside Valentyn Zasukha, who is regularly called upon by investors to advise on M&A.

Currency control is a key area of expertise for the team at KPMG Law in Ukraine, advising both local and international businesses on the regulatory framework. The group is a go-to for advice on market entry and is experienced in representing clients before state authorities, including banking and financial sector regulators. Yuriy Katser boasts a roster of both domestic and international clients, as well as playing an active role in legislative processes. He leads the team alongside Bogdan Shyshkovskyi, who is an expert in currency control, bankruptcy, assets recovery and debt restructuring issues.

Drawing on the firm’s global network, LLC “Deloitte & Touche Ukrainian Services Company” is well-placed to advise both domestic and foreign banks, as well as financial institutions and agencies on legislative amendments and currency restrictions. Practice head Dmytro Pavlenko's broad experience encompasses currency control and securities regulations, financial restructuring projects and M&A and corporate reorganisations in the banking sector. Viktoriia Sydorenko is active in multinational investment planning projects.

Providing a ‘full range of high-class legal services’, SDM Partners LLC is regularly called upon by a roster of both local and international banks and financial institutions for its knowledge of financial law and corporate governance. Financial leasing and debt restructuring are particular areas of expertise. Dmytro Syrota is active in both domestic and international M&A. Serhiy Dzis is another active member of the team.

Currency control and the fintech space are key areas of expertise for the banking and finance team at Wolf Theiss. Drawing on the firm’s network across Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the team is well-placed to advise both national and international clients on cross-border matters. It also has demonstrable expertise in the financial aspects of M&A transactions, as well as in banking regulations, payment services and financing. In addition to regularly leading on M&A matters, practice head Oksana Volynets brings to the team extensive experience in secured and project finance transactions and restructuring and insolvency work.