The banking and finance team at Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak has an emphasis on financial regulatory work, especially for clients in the fintech and payment services areas. Financial sector M&A is another key area of strength for the group, including reorganisations and acquisitions, in addition to legislative work and cross-border deals. The team is also witnessing an increasing uptake in sustainable financing. The firm’s client roster largely consists of domestic and international regulated financial institutions. Marcin Olechowski chairs the group with ‘unique insight and exceptional intelligence’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wojciech Iwański and Mateusz Blocher are both aligned with a lot of experience and valuable knowledge in specific areas, and are always available to discuss new subjects.’
‘This team definitely overtakes the competition with vast knowledge and ready-to-implement practical solutions adapted to the client's needs and capabilities. Great knowledge of the market, understanding of various perspectives and proficiency in law.’
‘Marcin Olechowski has unique insight and exceptional intelligence, and Wojciech Iwański is a great partner, always with a can-do approach. Mateusz Blocher is a fantastic professional.’
‘Wojciech Iwański and Mateusz Blocher are some of the few people that we feel keep up with us in terms of understanding the most complex financial regulations.’
‘I have been collaborating with the SK&S team specialising in finance, payments, and related areas. I rate this team as top-notch experts who are well versed in the legal aspects of these fields. SK&S consistently approaches all assignments with a clear understanding of the business aspect, recognising client needs and seeking appropriate solutions.'
'Wojciech Iwański is always accessible and demonstrates an above-average understanding of business needs. He has successfully instilled this approach throughout his team. Mateusz Blocher is an extremely competent individual with extensive knowledge in financial products, payments, fintech, and civil law. Mateusz always strives to present legal opinions appropriately and identify risks.'
'I value them for their knowledge combined with a practical sense and knowledge of the supervisory approach. An important added value is the involvement of SK&S lawyers in the work of market organisations.'
‘I value working with Wojciech Iwański and Mateusz Blocher because of both their high level of expertise and their pragmatism and realistic approach to business issues. They are sometimes characterised by a very cautious approach to certain topics, which can be of great value.'
Key clients
- Alior Bank S.A.
- Stellantis NV
- Commerzbank
- CA Auto Bank
- Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE
- The NN Group
- The Korea Development Bank
- Opontia
- Western Union
- Mastercard Europe
- AllegroPay
- PayPo
- Merxu
- Millennium Bank
- PKO BP
- Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego
- Biuro Informacji Kredytowej
- Blue Media
- China Construction Bank (Europe)
- Smartney
- Fundacja Rozwoju Rynku Finansowego
Work highlights
- Advising ZBP on various mandates, including PSD2 implementation in Poland, unauthorised transactions, the Ognivo interbank payment, and communication systems.
- Advised a club of South Korean banks on financings exceeding PLN2bn for the construction of a large-scale lithium-ion battery production facility in Europe.
- Advised EVO Payments on its acquisition by Global Payments, including representing the client when obtaining regulatory clearance before the KNF for the indirect acquisition of EVO Payments’ Polish subsidiary, eServices.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Rising stars 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.
Soltysinski Kawecki & Szlezak
Managing Partner at Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak. Dr. Olechowski specializes in civil and commercial law, banking and financial services law and regulation; M&A and international arbitration.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Marcin Olechowski