Financial Services
The financial sector is undergoing fundamental transformation through digitalization, new entrants and stricter regulation. Trusteed combines in-depth knowledge of financial markets with pragmatic legal advice. Whether traditional banks, insurers or innovative fintech platforms - we guide clients through the complexity of modern financial services.
Trusteed advises banks, insurers, asset managers and fintech companies on complex transactions, regulatory compliance and innovation. From banking restructurings to insurtech investments, from payment service providers to cryptocurrency platforms - we navigate through the dynamic landscape of financial regulation and digital disruption.
Key Regulations
Financial Supervision Act
Securities Giro Act
PSD2 & PSD3
MiFID II/MiFIR
EMIR & SFTR
Anti-Money Laundering Regulations
Solvency II (Insurance)
CRR/CRD (Banking)
DORA (Digital Resilience)
MiCA (Crypto-Assets)
Our Expertise
Specialized legal services within this sector
Transactions & Structuring
Complex transactions and optimal corporate structures
Regulation & Compliance
Compliance with sector-specific laws and regulations
International Aspects
Cross-border legal matters
Risk Management
Legal risk analysis and mitigation
Banking & Capital Markets
The banking sector is evolving through Basel IV implementation, open banking and digital transformation. We advise on banking restructurings, acquisitions of banking books and spin-offs of business units. Our expertise includes regulatory capital optimization, MREL/TLAC compliance and resolution planning. For capital markets transactions, we guide structured finance, securitizations and derivative documentation under ISDA and GMRA frameworks. We ensure compliance with prudential requirements while facilitating innovation and growth.
Asset Management & Investment Funds
Asset managers and funds operate in a complex web of AIFMD, UCITS and MiFID regulations. We structure investment funds, fund-of-funds and private debt vehicles with optimal tax and regulatory efficiency. Our specialists advise on fund launches, management company licenses and depositary agreements. For alternative investments such as real estate funds, infrastructure funds and venture capital structures, we offer integrated solutions that combine investor protection with operational flexibility and commercial viability.
Insurance & Insurtech
Insurers navigate through Solvency II capital requirements, conduct of business rules and digital distribution channels. We advise on insurance mergers, portfolio transfers and run-off transactions with attention to actuarial, regulatory and contractual complexity. For insurtech innovators, we structure peer-to-peer insurance platforms, parametric insurance products and embedded insurance propositions. Our guidance on intermediary regulations, product approval processes and claims handling procedures ensures compliant innovation.
Fintech & Digital Finance
Fintech disruptors are rewiring traditional financial services with AI, blockchain and platform business models. We advise payment service providers on PSD2 licensing, open banking API compliance and fraud prevention obligations. For crypto platforms, we navigate MiCA registration, travel rule compliance and DeFi regulatory frameworks. Our expertise covers digital onboarding, e-KYC procedures and regulatory sandboxes. In fintech M&A transactions, we combine technology due diligence with financial services regulatory analysis for comprehensive risk assessment.
Why Trusteed
In-depth Knowledge
Years of experience within this sector
Strategic Approach
Legal advice with business operations in mind
International Experience
Cross-border expertise and network
Sector Characteristics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we guide fintech companies through licensing procedures?
We analyze which licenses are necessary (bank, payment institution, investment firm) and prepare complete applications with DNB and AFM. Our support includes business plan development, fit & proper procedures and governance structures that meet regulatory expectations. We remain involved during the assessment period for optimal communication with supervisors.
What are the biggest challenges in banking M&A transactions?
Banking acquisitions require early engagement with DNB for change of control approval, extensive regulatory capital analyses and assessment of legacy conduct issues. We structure transactions that comply with fit & proper requirements, sound business model tests and recovery & resolution planning. Our experience with contingent liabilities and non-performing loan portfolios ensures adequate risk allocation.
How do we advise on MiCA compliance for crypto platforms?
We guide crypto-asset service providers through qualification analyses (determining if crypto-assets are involved), whitepaper requirements and authorization applications. Our compliance frameworks address custody arrangements, conflicts of interest and market abuse prevention. For stablecoins, we advise on reserve requirements, redemption rights and regulatory arbitrage risks between different jurisdictions.
What strategy do we adopt for cross-border financial services?
For passporting under EU financial services directives, we advise on notification procedures and host state requirements. For third country branches, we navigate equivalence regimes and local licensing requirements. We structure delivery models (branches, tied agents, reverse solicitation) that optimize market access within regulatory constraints, including post-Brexit arrangements.
How do we support regulatory investigations and enforcement?
During supervisory investigations by DNB or AFM, we represent clients during fact-finding, assist with information requests and develop remediation plans. Our experience with enforcement procedures includes negotiated settlements, penalty assessments and judicial reviews. We also advise on internal investigations into possible misconduct and implementation of lessons learned.
Discuss yourlegal matter
Financial services are characterized by complex regulations, high compliance costs and continuous innovation. Our specialists understand both traditional financial institutions and new digital entrants. From prudential supervision to conduct regulation, from licensing to enforcement procedures - we provide strategic advice that combines regulatory excellence with commercial objectives.
