Garrigues fields a financial services team that is recognised for its ‘high professionalism’ and ‘deep expertise in sector regulations, standard practices, the regulator, and public bodies’. Known for its impressive track record in M&A transactions with a regulatory bias, the team supports a broad client base with incorporation processes, including securing regulatory approvals, maintaining licenses, implementing changes to operational programmes, and complying with EU legislation. The firm’s expertise also extends to fintech initiatives, related compliance challenges, and sanctioning proceedings before supervisory authorities. The practice is led by Luis de la Peña, a specialist in banking regulations and the regulatory aspects of financial products, with strong support from Francesc Cholvi, who plays a key role in M&A involving regulated entities.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is highly professional with extensive knowledge of the sector's regulations, standard practices, the regulator and the public bodies that affect us, but what really sets them apart is that they have a thorough and complete knowledge of the company's idiosyncrasies and its operations, which allows them to provide the best advice.'

  • ‘Full availability, quick response and knowledge. Francesc Cholvi stands out.'

  • ‘Knowledge and experience of the subject, efficiency, speed and flexibility.'

  • ‘Service and quality.'

Key clients

  • Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA
  • BNP Paribas SAS
  • Rothschild & Co. Concordia SAS (the holding company of the Rothschild family)
  • CBNK Banco De Colectivos SA
  • The Nimos Holding, SL (controlling company of Inveready Asset Management SGEIC SA)
  • Talenta Gestión SGIIC SA
  • inbestMe Europe AV SA
  • Axon Partners Group Investment SGEIC SAU
  • Royal Bank of Canada
  • Solventis SGIIC SA
  • EBN Capital SGIIC SA
  • TALENTA GESTIÓN SGIIC SA

Work highlights

  • Currently advising BBVA on the takeover bid it launched for Banco Sabadell, on 9 May 2024.
  • Advised the Spanish credit institution CBNK Bank on the reorganisation of its group.
  • Advised BNP PARIBAS on the acquisition of London headquartered currency management automation software firm Kantox.

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.
Francesc Cholvi
Garrigues
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Luis de la Peña
Garrigues

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Luis de la Peña

Other key lawyers

Francesc Cholvi