Camilleri Preziosi is amongst the leading Maltese firms in this field, on account of our knowledge and understanding of the business, familiarity with the practices prevailing in this sector, and for our contribution to legal developments affecting the industry. We advise on the full spectrum of general banking matters and transactions as part of our daily practice, acting for both lenders and borrowers in relation to:

• all types of credit facilities;
• loan asset sales;
• bond issues;
• derivatives;
• convertible bonds;
• refinancings;
• insolvency matters;
• leasing;
• project finance;
• securitisation;
• trade finance; and
• banking litigation.

Our depth of knowledge and understanding in this area provides us with the versatility and the confidence not only to advise clients on their requirements but enables us to be at the forefront of the industry and to create innovative financial products and structures.

A major client is one of the two largest banking groups in Malta, Bank of Valletta p.l.c. We also act for a number of foreign banks operating from Malta (some of which we have advised in setting up and licensing) and for other, smaller local banks, including Erste Bank, BAWAG, Sparkasse Bank, Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S, Isola Bank and Volksbank Malta Limited.

Our activities in this area cover both transactional and regulatory work.  Our exposure to and experience in this sector enables our lawyers to provide advice not only on banking and finance transactions but also the broad spectrum of regulatory matters including advice on licensing of banks in Malta as well as assistance with compliance requirements under their licences.  We have in many instances assisted banks in the setting up of appropriate procedures and structures in compliance with Maltese regulation as well as to provide them with systems and procedures for taking security under Maltese law.

We regularly act for international banks, that whilst having no presence in Malta, grant facilities to Maltese entities.  This is an area that has seen significant growth over the past five years, with international clients setting up Malta holding companies for international acquisitions and funding their requirements from international banks.