Banking and finance

Waselius

Waselius‘s banking and finance practice is well known for advising cross-border participants in the banking and finance sector on a wide range of financing transactions and regulatory issues. Timo Lehtimäki leads the banking and finance transactional practice and primarily focusses on cross-border transactions, while Olli Kiuru is head of the financial regulatory practice and works with domestic and international financial institutions, insurance companies and other regulated entities, including fintech companies. Maria Lehtimäki has notable experience in securitisation and structured finance work, as well as special situation and distressed investments, while Linda Nyman is the key contact at counsel level.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Independent law firm with an experienced and commercially minded team that operates very effectively and gets things done. They are very easy and pleasant to deal with, true professionals, and we know that our matters are in a safe pair of hands when we instruct Waselius & Wist.’
‘Maria Lehtimäki provides excellent and timely advice. She is responsive and stays involved in the deal, so there is partner involvement in all key issues. Senior associate Ville-Veikko Vänttinen is also helpful, efficient and proactive. They are both a pleasure to deal with.’
‘They are knowledgeable, reactive and, most importantly, very commercial. Waselius & Wist think in terms of solutions and not problems. They are always willing to think outside the box.’
‘Both Maria Lehtimäki and Ville-Veikko Vänttinen are top notch lawyers who come very recommended. Maria and Ville-Veikko get the deal done and come up with creative solutions.’
‘We have worked with Timo Lehtimäki on several transactions and the level of service and responsiveness have been outstanding. All work products have been delivered in a timely way and legal issues have been solved smoothly and quietly.’
‘All team members have been exceptionally friendly and had a deep knowledge of acquisition finance transactions.’
‘I especially value the level of commitment and service from Maria Lehtimäki who is a standout legal adviser in Finnish securitisations - definitely the market leader.’

Key clients

LocalTapiola Finance
Wells Fargo
BNP Paribas
Goldman Sachs
Credit Suisse
Nomura
Sixth Street Partners
Bridgepoint
American Express
Saldo Bank UAB Plc
PYN Fund Management Ltd
Morrow Bank
Alisa Bank Oyj
Banco Santander
Citibank
Ikano Bank
Zurich Insurance Group
Ermitage Partners
Ageras
Santander Consumer Finance Oy
Vapaus Bikes Oy
P Capital Partners AB
Monitchem Holdco 3 S.A. (CABB Group)

Work highlights

Advised LocalTapiola Finance (LähiTapiola Rahoitus Oy) as the originator in the €543.3m public securitisation of a portfolio of Finnish consumer auto hire purchase contracts.
Advised the lenders on the Finnish law aspects of the financing of the acquisition of the Nomentia group by Inflexion.
Advised Santander Consumer Finance Oy as the originator in the €450m public securitisation of a portfolio of Finnish consumer auto hire purchase contracts.