Bulgarian and European banks, financial institutions, payment services providers and investors frequently turn to Kinstellar for advice on transactional, energy and real estate financing as well as for regulatory advice, including on crypto regulations and MiFID services. Svilen Issaev leads the practice and is well versed in financing transactions, while also handling regulatory and compliance mandates in this field, particularly those relating to the fintech and banking services sector. Diana Dimova is an expert in M&A and corporate matters in the banking and finance sector, and Denitsa Kuzeva regularly covers financing transactions and regulatory matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Kinstellar has an integrated team of local and international specialists in various areas of law, as well as an extensive network of affiliated and trusted experts from other firms, enabling Kinstellar to handle complex and high-profile assignments by assembling the most appropriate team for the task.’

  • ‘Diana Dimova and Svilen Issaev demonstrated exceptional efficiency, professionalism and flexibility in delivering the services to meet the changing requirements of the client. Their communication skills and availability made for an excellent team between Kinstellar and the client.’

  • ‘They are always helpful and on top of things.’

  • ‘Denitsa Kuzeva - excellent interpersonal skills, very good knowledge of the project, always helpful and excellent knowledge of the legal framework pertaining to the project. Svilen Issaev - very good knowledge of the project, always helpful and excellent knowledge of the legal framework regarding the project.’

  • ‘I have been working with Kinstellar’s team for almost 10 years and I have always been very pleased with the level of quality they provide. The banking team managed to deal with various complex issues within a very tight timeframe without compromising on the quality of their advice. Their proactive approach and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process very smooth and seamless.’

  • ‘I had the pleasure of working with Svilen Issaev, an exceptionally experienced banking lawyer, who excels at navigating complex matters with ease. He handled every situation with professionalism and tact, ensuring smooth negotiations and successful outcomes. Another key member of the team that really stands out is Denitsa Kuzeva. She is extremely knowledgeable, diligent and very easy to work with. Her ability to provide clear, well thought out guidance has been of immense value to the transactions.’

Key clients

  • United Bulgarian Bank
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • European Investment Bank
  • Bank of China
  • Citibank Europe Plc
  • SOF Connect
  • Telecommunications Towers Company CJSC (TAWAL)
  • Globe Trade Centre S.A.
  • Inter Cars S.A.
  • Lempriere Wool EOOD
  • Eleven Capital
  • Revolut

Work highlights

  • Advised TAWAL on Islamic financing facility in the total amount of $1.2bn in relation to the acquisition of the tower assets of United Group B.V. across Bulgaria, Slovenia and Croatia.
  • Advised the European Investment Bank on an irrevocable first demand guarantee agreement with United Bulgarian Bank, facilitating the provision of nearly EUR 150m financing to Bulgarian mid-cap companies.
  • Advised Inter Cars on amendments to a $642m loan, including the implementation of sustainability-linked provisions that commit Inter Cars to ESG targets.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Svilen Issaev

Other key lawyers

Diana Dimova, Denitsa Kuzeva, Nikolay Gergov