Frédérique Bensahel is considered as a leading lawyer in the banking and financial sector in Switzerland. As Partner at FBT and head of its Banking and Finance group, she advises Swiss and foreign financial institutions, in particular banks, asset managers, brokers, dealers as well as investment funds and fund managers on all regulatory and contractual issues. Frédérique Bensahel’s practice covers, in particular, fund and structured product distribution. Her activities also extend to civil financial litigation and regulatory proceedings. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Banking and Financial Services Asset Management Investment Funds Hedge Funds and Private Equity Distribution of Financial Products Independent Asset Manager and Trustee Regulation Wealth Management FINMA Enforcement Proceedings Financial Litigation
FBT Attorneys-at-Law
FBT Attorneys-at-Law advises Swiss and foreign banks, securities dealers, insurance companies, investment fund and fund management companies, collective asset managers, asset managers and family offices on banking and finance regulations, including securities dealers, market infrastructure and derivatives, collective investment schemes, and financial services. The firm has a special focus on Swiss-French cross-border issues and often collaborates with its Paris office. Team head Frédérique Bensahel has expertise in banking and financial regulation, investment funds, cross-border activities, securities offering, collective investment schemes (both regulatory and contractual aspects), private equity and asset management, and complex financial disputes. Marco Villa advises large domestic and international banks and financial companies on banking contract law and financial regulations while Jean-Marie Kiener has expertise in derivatives and market infrastructure.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ' The team provides concise and speedy answers.’
- ‘Frédérique Bensahel, Serge Fasel, and Olivia de Weck are straightforward and have very good knowledge in their areas.’
- ‘The FBT team is great. They have very deep knowledge of banking civil law. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’
- ‘Olivia De Weck is an excellent lawyer and provides very good legal advice. She has always a very clear view on strategies to be taken.’
- ‘The team takes care of all issues related to investment funds; the team is led by Frédérique Bensahel who has 30 years of experience and who is assisted by well-chosen associates.’
- ‘I have known and worked with Jean-Louis Tsimaratos and Frédérique Bensahel for 30 years now. Both are bright, available, and reactive. Both are specialised in asset management and perfectly understand the fund industry and its cross-border aspects.’
- ‘FBT has well-integrated contentious and transactional teams, which collaborate effectively. They are well-versed in cross-border disputes and work seamlessly with law firms in other jurisdictions.’
- ‘Frédérique Bensahel is a leader in her field with unrivalled connections across the market. She is pragmatic and commercial. Jean-Marie Kiener is great to work with, collegiate, intelligent, and articulate. Aurelie Moyal-Azra has huge technical expertise.’
Work highlights
- Advised the client/borrower on a CHF 1.5 billion revolving syndicated credit facility.
- Advising a client on the purchase of the share capital of a Swiss bank.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Next Generation Partners
Jean-Marie Kiener is a Counsel and a member of FBT’s Banking and Finance Group. He advises a number of Swiss and foreign financial institutions, notably banks and companies active in asset management, trading or intermediation of financial instruments. He also has extensive experience in civil and regulatory financial litigation and sanctions. Jean-Marie Kiener is the author of publications in the field of financial regulation and a regular speaker at conferences in this field. AREAS OF EXPERTISE Banking and Finance Regulation Licences Financial Market Infrastructures Collective Investment Schemes
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Frédérique Bensahel