Banking & Finance

The banking and financial sector is characterized by extensive and strict regulation, the precise adherence to which is essential for market success. This applies both to market entry and compliance with ongoing licensing requirements. The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and European institutions such as the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) determine compliance.
Dr. Christian Conreder
Partner
Attorney at Law (Germany)
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Our Philosophy

As your trusted partner, we are at your side to help you face these challenges. Our team has many years of experience, continuously monitors legal developments, and proactively develops tailored solutions for you – with professional excellence, strategic vision, and a global mindset.

We advise BaFin-regulated companies such as banks, securities and financial services institutions, investment management companies, and payment service providers. We also support international companies entering the market, familiar with the regulatory terrain and forward-looking in implementation.

We also support issuers of financial instruments, such as funds, bonds, and investments, with legal advice. In addition, we assist companies in the real economy with banking, financial market, and supervisory law issues, particularly in connection with BaFin and the German Bundesbank.

Thanks to our global presence and close cooperation with Rödl Treuhand and Rödl AIF-Verwahrstelle, we create comprehensive and sustainable solutions for the structuring and management of investments – across national borders, multi-jurisdictional, and strategically aligned.

Our Services

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Banking Law and Financial Law ​​

The banking and financial sector is characterized by extensive and strict regulation, the precise adherence to which is essential for market success. This applies both to market entry and compliance with ongoing licensing requirements. The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and European institutions such as the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) play a key role in determining compliance and interpretation of regulatory requirements. Thanks to Rödl’s global presence and close cooperation with Rödl Treuhand and Rödl AIF-Verwahrstelle, we offer comprehensive support in structuring and managing investments on an international, multi-jurisdictional level.

Investment Law & Investment Law

We provide comprehensive advice on investment law: from sustainability/ESG (Disclosure Regulation, Taxonomy Regulation) to tax law concept consulting and declaration for investment products to financing solutions for funds. We also support compliance for investment management companies, foreign contracts, outsourcing management, and issues relating to the Market Abuse Regulation. We pave the way for you on the subject of advice on financing, structuring of financing models, financing solutions for funds and other investments.

Our focus areas

  • Design of investment products or their examination for applicability of the supervisory law requirements (e.g. KAGB, VermAnlG, PRIIPs-VO)
  • Structuring and distribution approval of funds (AIF/UCITS) and other investments (loans, bonds, etc.)
  • Advising investment management companies (KVGen) and EU/EEA or third-country fund management companies with regard to the German market
  • Securities Law and Securities Trading Act (WpHG
  • Support/implementation of BaFin licensing and registration procedures as well as EU passport procedures (inbound/outbound)

Banking and Financial Market Supervisory Law

We advise and represent credit institutions, financial service providers, and companies in banking and financial market supervisory law. Our expertise includes regulatory compliance, licensing procedures, money laundering requirements, and communication with supervisory authorities such as BaFin and ECB. Our goal is to guide you safely through complex supervisory challenges.

Our focus areas

  • Design of business models and/or their examination for applicability of the supervisory law requirements German Banking Act (KWG) or Securities Institutions Act (WpIG) and their exceptions
  • Implementation of BaFin licensing procedures and cross-border financial services (inbound/outbound, EU passport procedures)•
  • Compliance consulting and money laundering prevention
  • Design of outsourcing agreements and SLAs as well as outsourcing management and controlling
  • Creation and review of contracts/GTC for banks, financial service providers, securities institutions, sales units
  • BaFin exemption procedure

Payment Transactions

We provide comprehensive advice on payment transaction law – from classic payment services to e-money and innovative FinTech solutions. We support the design of legally compliant business models, accompany licensing procedures, and represent clients before supervisory authorities. Our advice combines regulatory know-how with practical solutions.

Our focus areas

  • Design of business models and examination for applicability of the Payment Services Supervision Act (ZAG) and its exceptions
  • Advice on payment services and e-money
  • Support of licensing procedures for payment and e-money institutions
  • Ongoing support of the institutes
  • Design and negotiation of outsourcing agreements and SLAs as well as outsourcing management and controlling

Fintech / Blockchain

We advise FinTechs and blockchain companies on the supervisory classification of their business models under the ZAG. Whether wallet services, token-based payments, or platform solutions – we check the licensing requirement, identify exceptions, and guide you through the BaFin procedure. Our advice combines technological innovation with regulatory certainty.

Our focus areas

  • Advice on digital business models and token emissions as well as coordination with BaFin
  • Support for crowdinvesting, API banking, and DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
  • Electronic Securities
  • Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR)
  • Decentralised Finance and SLAs as well as outsourcing management and controlling