Kilian Schärli
MLL LegalPraised by clients for being ‘practical and plugged in’, MLL Legal is a strong choice for clients pursuing new technologies, such as innovative financing structures and new business models utilising fintech. The team routinely operates for banks and financial institutions, as well as fintech start-ups and securities firms. Steering the practice is Kilian Schärli and Reto Luthiger, with the former being particularly active in the technology, industrial and internet sectors, while the latter is noted for his experience in the remit of financial markets regulatory work and civil law matters. Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler acts for a diverse client base comprised of banks, asset managers and investment vehicles. Ronald Kogens departed in May 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘MLL team is responsive, knowledgeable, and innovative in providing legal advice in matters relating to fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrencies. They have a problem-solving attitude and a hands-on mentality. I've been working with several others teams in different countries and MLL is for me among the top teams.’
‘Reto Luthiger is a prominent expert in fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency. Highly updated in the industry and technological advancement. Reto is leading the regulatory side in Switzerland but also very informed in developments in the EU. His ability to deeply understand the tech side and come up with legal solutions has been very instrumental.'
Karin Oberlin handles the corporate and commercial sides. She has great management skills and responsiveness. Deep familiarity with the business side combined with legal expertise allows her to be always ahead with the legal services needed in a very innovative structure. ’
‘Collaborative approach covering corporate, regulatory and tax. Practical and plugged in.’
‘I am immensely impressed by the exceptional service and outstanding capabilities of MLL. Their legal expertise and commitment to clients are truly remarkable. Throughout my case, they demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, attention to detail, and an unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. Their track record of success speaks volumes about their competence.’
‘I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the invaluable guidance provided by my legal advisors, Kilian Schärli and Reto Luthiger. Their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering support have been instrumental in resolving my legal concerns.'
'Their ability to decipher complex legal matters and provide clear, concise advice has been truly commendable. I wholeheartedly endorse their services to anyone in need of expert legal counsel.’
‘Very experienced team that covers a lot of the key players in the Swiss Fintech sector. Broad knowledge and very hands-on and pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
- Pyth Data Association
- SR Saphirstein AG
- Bitcoin Suisse SA
- Paradigm Connect Asia Pte + ParaClear Association
- ECO Inc and ECO Association
- Access Labs and Access Protocol Association
- Amrit AG
- TWINT AG
- Kraken (Payward)
- Validation Cloud
- Bittrex Global
- Elusiv Association
- Ammer Group
- GreenPark Sports Association
- Yahoo
- Enso Labs/Enso Association
- Adaptive Holdings Ltd (US entity) and CasperLabs (Swiss entity)
- Swiss Life Asset Management
- Fireblocks
- Utxo AG / NFT Maker
- EOS Block One
- SEBA Bank AG
- Yoordi AG
- Backed Finance AG / Backed Asset GmbH
- Crypto Finance AG
- SEBA Bank AG
- InCore Bank AG
- Solana Foundation
- Ripple Labs
- Värdex Suisse AG
Work highlights
- Advised Backed Assets in the structuring, the launch and daily operations of a program of tokenized structured products tracking underlyings such as US treasury based ETFs, S&P500 based ETF, Coinbase share, from Switzerland with a full EU-prospectus through Liechtenstein.
- Advised Pyth Data Association – one of the largest and most reliable oracle network delivering real-time market data for crypto, equities, FX and commodities to over 13 blockchains – in its launch and daily operations.
- Accompanied SEBA Bank AG – a full digital asset bank in Switzerland - in the launch and continuous extension of a comprehensive Swiss and European Exchange Traded Products program for cryptocurrency linked Exchanged Traded Products (ETP).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kilian Schärli, Reto Luthiger