Van Benthem & Keulen‘s regulatory practice grew in January 2024, with Dennis Apperloo joining from HVG Law LLP and augmenting the firm’s AML and sanctions advice. He joins as team co-head alongside Frank Richel, whose speciality lies in supporting a broad range of financial service providers, ranging from banks to insurers and funds on supervisory regulations and regulatory litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Delivering timely, practical and high quality advice that's also understandable for staff without a legal background.’

  • ‘They are very much willing to think with us. We see good quality in services, which are in line with our company language.’

  • ‘The team is very accessible and always on standby to assist if a legal problem escalates and we seek external litigation support. Since we have collaborated frequently, they know how we operate and what we need. Furthermore, I notice that the firm has a friendly and cooperative culture and differs from typical Zuidas offices.’

  • ‘Van Benthem & Keulen's FSR practice excels in understanding our unique business offering and therefore goes the extra step in our collaboration to ensure that our products remain compliant in the changing regulatory environment. This understanding of our business logic ensures that time can be saved upfront when starting new projects.’

  • ‘We have had the privilege to work with Dennis Apperloo. During that period he and VBK have expertly advised us through our initial hurdles regarding litigation matters and AML compliance.’

  • ‘Frank Richel has a broad level of knowledge, gives adequate legal opinions, has pleasant personality and has given good performances in court cases.’

  • ‘VBK has good expertise and the ability to apply this practically with attention to the client's position. The down-to-earth culture within VBK fits well with the culture of our company. The personal approach makes cooperation pleasant and approachable.’

  • ‘Frank Richel is a highly valued partner with whom we have worked for a long time.’

Key clients

  • ING Bank N.V.
  • Revolut Bank UAB
  • Triodos Bank N.V.
  • BNP Paribas Personal Finance B.V.
  • BNP Paribas SA
  • BNP Paribas Cardif Schadeverzekeringen N.V.
  • Scildon N.V.
  • De Volksbank N.V.
  • Citibank Europe Plc
  • Arval B.V.
  • equensWorldline N.V.

Work highlights

  • Advised ING Bank N.V. on the launch of new products and services and fraud-related matters.
  • Advised Revolut Bank UAB on its obligations under the Dutch AML regulations to perform KYC checks on minors using a sub-account of an adult user.
  • Advised several BNP Paribas branches in the Netherlands on matters including inducement legislation, insurance distribution and the launch of new products and services.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Frank Richel, Dennis Apperloo

Other key lawyers

Micky Peters