Best Debt Capital Markets Lawyers in Belgium

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Shegel
Neufchateau, Belgium

English
Shegel is an independent Belgian legal and management advisory firm with offices in both the Walloon and Flemish regions, strategically positioned near major cities such as Namur, Liège, Ghent, Antwerp, and Brussels. Founded in 2008 by Mrs. Stéphanie Heyman, a Master in Law from KU Leuven...

Founded in 2017
English
Cabinet d'avocats - Centrius Charleroi is a distinguished law firm in Belgium, comprising a team of 27 specialized attorneys. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including corporate law, tax law, labor law, criminal law, real estate law, and family law. Each...
Key Legal Law Firm
Watermael-Boitsfort, Belgium

English
Key Legal Law Firm, based in Brussels, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including company law, commercial law, real estate law, family law, information technology law, traffic law, employment law, insolvency law, public and administrative law, civil and...
Janssen Advocaten
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1935
English
Established in 1935, Janssen Advocaten has been a steadfast presence in Tongeren for over 80 years. The firm is led by Yves Janssen and Dominique Janssen, supported by a team of six dedicated professionals. They offer specialized legal services to both individuals and businesses, focusing on...
Legalstay
Hasselt, Belgium

English
Legalstay, led by Wim Thiry, offers over 25 years of specialized experience in immigration law. The firm provides accurate, up-to-date, and reliable legal advice to individuals, public authorities, organizations, and businesses, ensuring clients receive expert guidance tailored to their specific...
Stibbe
Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1911
1,000 people in their team
French
Dutch
German
English
We are a leading, independent, international law firm with main offices in Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg, and a branch office in London. We provide our clients with the highest quality service in legal advice, transactions, and litigation.Our dedicated multidisciplinary teams are trusted legal...
Advocatenkantoor Bomans Ruben
Sint-Truiden, Belgium

English
Advocatenkantoor Bomans Ruben, located in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including civil liability, insurance, traffic law, property law, and family law. The firm is committed to delivering tailored legal solutions that address the unique needs...

English
Notariskantoor Kris Pexsters is recognized for its expertise in the fields of conveyancing and notarial services. The firm guides clients through complex real estate transactions, ensuring legal certainty from the initial agreement to the final transfer of ownership. With a thorough understanding...
Orban & Töller
Eupen, Belgium

Founded in 1977
English
Orban & Töller, established in 1977 in Eupen, Belgium, is a distinguished law firm offering comprehensive legal services across various domains. The firm's multilingual team is proficient in German and French, with capabilities in Dutch and English, ensuring effective communication with a diverse...
SOLVA LEGAL
Huy, Belgium

English
SOLVO.LEGAL is a Belgian law firm specializing in private contract and liability law, offering expert guidance on all aspects of contract and obligations law, real estate law—including public-private partnerships (PPP) and domain property law—and liability law. The firm also provides effective...
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About Debt Capital Markets Law in Belgium

Debt Capital Markets (DCM) refer to the mechanisms by which entities such as corporations, financial institutions, and governments raise capital by issuing debt instruments like bonds and notes. In Belgium, DCM plays a crucial role in the country's financial system, providing businesses and public bodies with alternative financing sources to traditional bank loans. The legal framework governing DCM in Belgium is influenced both by national regulations and European Union directives, ensuring investor protection, market integrity, and transparency.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer with experience in Debt Capital Markets is highly recommended in a range of situations to safeguard your legal and financial interests. You may need legal advice if you are:

  • Issuing bonds or other debt instruments for the first time
  • Structuring complex financial transactions
  • Navigating regulatory compliance, such as prospectus requirements and listing rules
  • Diversifying funding sources for your company
  • Handling cross-border debt offerings involving Belgian law
  • Resolving disputes arising from debt instruments or defaults
  • Participating as an investor in the Belgian Debt Capital Markets
  • Seeking to understand taxation or secondary market trading implications
  • Dealing with public tender offers or bondholder meetings

A lawyer can assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and representing clients in interactions with authorities or courts.

Local Laws Overview

Belgian Debt Capital Markets are primarily governed by a combination of EU regulations, such as the Prospectus Regulation and the Market Abuse Regulation, and national laws including the Belgian Companies and Associations Code and various Royal Decrees. Some key aspects include:

  • Prospectus Requirements: A prospectus approved by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is generally required for public offers of debt securities or for admitting debt instruments to trading on a regulated market.
  • Listing Rules: The Euronext Brussels is the main regulated market in Belgium, with its own set of rules that must be followed for listing debt securities.
  • Bondholder Rights: Specific legal provisions protect bondholders under Belgian law, including mechanisms for convening bondholder meetings and collective actions.
  • Disclosure and Transparency: Issuers must comply with ongoing disclosure obligations to keep the market informed of significant events.
  • Taxation: Belgian withholding tax rules and the EU Savings Directive may apply to interest payments on debt instruments.
  • Enforcement: Procedures exist for bondholder enforcement of rights in the event of default.
  • Market Abuse: Laws prohibit insider dealing and market manipulation, with strict penalties for violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Debt Capital Market transaction?

A Debt Capital Market transaction typically involves the issuance, underwriting, and distribution of debt securities like bonds to raise funding from investors, either publicly or privately.

Who regulates the issuance of debt securities in Belgium?

The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is the primary regulator overseeing the issuance of debt securities in Belgium.

Do all debt securities require a public prospectus?

Not all debt securities require a public prospectus. Some private placements and offerings to qualified investors may be exempt under specific conditions.

Can foreign issuers raise capital through Belgian Debt Capital Markets?

Yes, foreign issuers can access Belgian Debt Capital Markets, but they must comply with local regulations and may need to appoint a local agent or advisor.

What taxes apply to debt securities in Belgium?

Interest from Belgian debt securities is generally subject to withholding tax, which can vary depending on the nature of the instrument and the investor's status.

How are bondholder rights protected?

Belgian law mandates regular reporting, voting rights, and collective actions for bondholders. Bondholder meetings can be convened to protect their interests collectively.

What happens in the event of a bond default in Belgium?

Bondholders may pursue collective enforcement mechanisms, such as acceleration of payment or legal proceedings, as allowed under Belgian law and the bond documentation.

Are there specific rules for green bonds or sustainable finance?

Yes, issuers of green bonds must follow both common debt issuance rules and the specific transparency and reporting standards applicable to sustainable finance in Belgium and the EU.

What is the role of Euronext Brussels in DCM?

Euronext Brussels is the key regulated market for listing and trading debt securities in Belgium, providing listing frameworks and ongoing disclosure obligations.

Is legal advice mandatory for issuing debt securities?

While not legally mandatory in all cases, obtaining legal advice is strongly recommended due to the complexity of regulatory, tax, and contractual issues involved.

Additional Resources

If you seek further guidance or information on Debt Capital Markets in Belgium, consider consulting these resources:

  • Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA): The main market regulator that provides updates on rules and investor protection guidelines.
  • National Bank of Belgium: Involved in some aspects of financial markets supervision and publication of relevant statistics.
  • Euronext Brussels: Resource for issuers and investors concerning listing requirements and market activities.
  • Belgian Federal Public Service Finance: Provides information on tax treatment and prevalent practices for debt securities.
  • Belgian Association of Financial Markets (BAFM): Offers sectoral insights and best practice guides for market participants.
  • Legal professional associations and law firms specializing in financial markets law.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in Debt Capital Markets in Belgium, consider the following steps:

  • Gather documentation related to your transaction or query, such as proposed terms, draft agreements, or previous correspondence with authorities.
  • List your goals, concerns, and specific questions to discuss with a legal advisor.
  • Identify and contact a lawyer or law firm with proven expertise in Debt Capital Markets and Belgian financial regulations.
  • Request an initial consultation to evaluate the complexity of your case and anticipated legal fees.
  • Stay informed about regulatory developments that may affect your situation, especially for ongoing or cross-border matters.

Seeking qualified legal advice early in any Debt Capital Markets transaction can help ensure compliance, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your interests throughout the process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Belgium through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Debt Capital Markets, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Belgium - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.