Aequo named European Finance Team of the Year by the Lawyer European Awards 2022

Over nine months Ukrainians have been showing the world how to bring the victory closer every day with courage, dignity, and resilience, mobilising our efforts on all fronts.

We are thrilled that despite the war and unprecedented challenges faced by Ukraine, Aequo's Banking & Finance practice has been named the European Finance Team of the Year by The Lawyer European Awards 2022

Securing financial sector stability is vital for our country, and our Banking & Finance team, led by executive partner Yulia Kyrpa, is proud to contribute into comprehensive reforms, addressing this challenge.

In particular, Aequo has been the long-term legal advisor to the Deposit Guarantee Fund of Ukraine (DGF). Our team assessed the DGF’s capabilities and bank resolution procedures from a legal perspective and prepared recommendations on how to improve existing Ukrainian regulatory framework and bring it in line with best European practices and EU directives. Some of them have already been reflected in the Ukrainian legislation, governing operations of the DGF, bank resolution procedures and deposit insurance matters, while the others are being implemented step by step within the course of Ukraine's integration into the European Union.

Later on, Aequo advised the DGF on a USD 5 billion debt restructuring, which allowed to restore solvency of the DGF. All these measures are crucial for strengthening the Ukrainian financial system amid the war and ensuring that the household deposit guarantee system is resilient enough to efficiently handle any challenges.
 
“We are honoured to have helped the DGF during the last eight years to stabilise the Ukrainian financial sector at a time of tremendous challenges. When Ukraine wins the war, our financial system will need to tackle the new challenges, so the comprehensive reforms and the trust of the Ukrainian population in the national deposit guarantee system is vital,” comments Yulia Kyrpa.

Moreover, Aequo has been shortlisted in the category Law Firm of the Year in Ukraine. This year The Lawyer European Awards celebrated the triumphs of all seven law firms shortlisted for this category, highlighting the undertakings and initiatives of each law firm as they have navigated their lives and businesses while at war.

Aequo has been also shortlisted in the best ESG initiative category for our legal support in several humanitarian initiatives in response to the ongoing war. 

The Lawyer European Awards was the first initiative of its kind to reward and celebrate excellence across the European legal market. Since 2009, each year it showcases the impressive achievements of Europe’s finest within the legal industry. The awards scheme attracts entries from over 120 independent law firms headquartered in Europe and global firms across the Continent.