Best Funds & Asset Management Lawyers in Agia Paraskevi

About Funds & Asset Management Law in Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Agia Paraskevi is a municipality in the Athens metropolitan area. Legal rules that govern funds and asset management in Agia Paraskevi are the same as those that apply across Greece. Fund activity and asset management services are regulated primarily at the national and European level, which means local presence matters for practical reasons - for example where a manager, custodian, registered office, or investors are located - but the legal framework is set by Greek law and EU directives.

Typical market activity includes collective investment schemes, alternative investment funds, real estate funds, discretionary portfolio management, and investment advisory services. Service providers and funds established or operating in Agia Paraskevi must comply with licensing, corporate, tax, reporting, anti-money-laundering, and data-protection rules imposed by Greek authorities and relevant European institutions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Funds and asset management is a highly regulated area with significant legal, tax, and compliance obligations. You may need a lawyer if you plan to set up a fund, operate as an asset manager, raise capital from investors, acquire or sell fund assets, or respond to regulatory inquiries. Lawyers help in drafting offering documents, preparing licensing and registration applications, conducting regulatory and tax due diligence, negotiating investor agreements, structuring transactions, and designing compliance programs for KYC-AML and data protection.

A lawyer will also be essential if you face disputes - for example investor claims, breach of fiduciary duty allegations, contractual disagreements with service providers, or enforcement actions by regulators. Local counsel brings knowledge of Greek procedural rules, administrative remedies, and how Greek courts and regulators typically approach fund and asset management matters.

Local Laws Overview

Although Agia Paraskevi is a local municipality, the relevant legal framework for funds and asset management is national and European. Key features include the following.

Regulatory authorities - The Hellenic Capital Market Commission is the primary regulator for funds, fund managers, and investment services. The Bank of Greece supervises banking and deposit-taking institutions where relevant. Tax matters are administered by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue. Anti-money-laundering supervision and reporting obligations are overseen by the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit and related authorities.

Licensing and authorization - Fund managers, management companies, and investment firms need authorization to provide regulated services. European directives such as the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities rules and the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive are implemented into Greek law and set standards for authorization, capital requirements, governance, and conduct of business.

Fund types and structures - Common vehicles include UCITS-style structures for retail collective investments, alternative investment funds for institutional and professional investors, closed-end and open-end real estate funds, and special purpose vehicles for private equity or project financing. The choice of vehicle affects investor eligibility, disclosure requirements, permitted investments, and marketing rules.

Compliance requirements - Firms must implement policies for customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, sanctions screening, and suspicious activity reporting. Data protection rules under national law and the EU framework require secure handling of investor information. Reporting obligations include periodic financial disclosure, regulatory reporting to supervisors, and tax reporting.

Tax and corporate rules - Corporate governance follows Greek company law and the Civil Code. Tax treatment depends on the fund vehicle, investor residency, type of income, and applicable exemptions or special regimes. Registration in the General Commercial Registry is required for companies and certain funds. Real estate transactions and transfers may carry additional taxes and registration formalities.

Enforcement and dispute resolution - Administrative fines, suspension of activities, and civil liability claims are possible outcomes of non-compliance. Disputes may be resolved through Greek civil courts, administrative courts for regulatory decisions, or arbitration if the parties agree.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up a fund or asset management company in Agia Paraskevi?

Setting up a fund or management company follows national rules. Choose the legal vehicle that fits your investors and strategy, prepare constitutional documents and an offering memorandum or prospectus, satisfy minimum capital and governance requirements, appoint required service providers such as a custodian and auditor, and apply for authorization with the national regulator. Local counsel will help prepare the applications and ensure compliance with company registration and tax formalities.

Do I need a Greek license to manage assets for clients in Agia Paraskevi?

If you provide regulated investment services or manage regulated funds in Greece, you will generally need authorization from the relevant Greek regulator or authorization recognized under EU passporting rules. Exemptions exist for certain limited activities or professional investors, but you should obtain legal advice before operating without authorization.

What documents and agreements are typically required?

Core documents include the fund rules or prospectus, management company articles of association, investment management agreement, custody agreement, subscription and redemption documents, investor agreements, risk disclosures, and internal compliance manuals. KYC and AML documentation for investors is also required. Lawyers draft and review these documents to ensure they meet regulatory and contractual standards.

How long does the authorization process usually take?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the readiness of documentation. Authorization for straightforward management companies or funds can take several months, while larger or novel structures may take longer. Preparation and front-loading regulatory requirements can shorten processing time.

What are the main tax issues I should consider?

Tax matters include the tax status of the fund, withholding taxes on distributions, corporate income tax where applicable, VAT implications for management fees, and tax reporting obligations for investors and service providers. Cross-border investors raise additional questions about double taxation treaties and permanent establishment risks. Early consultation with tax counsel is essential.

Can a foreign manager market a fund to Greek investors?

Cross-border marketing is subject to EU passporting rules and Greek local marketing rules. Depending on whether the fund is retail or professional, different authorization or notification procedures apply. Compliance with investor protection rules and local disclosure obligations is required.

What compliance programs are required by law?

Firms must have written policies covering anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist financing, KYC procedures, transaction monitoring, record keeping, internal controls, and staff training. Data protection measures consistent with the EU framework are also mandatory. Regulators expect demonstrable and functioning compliance programs.

Do I need a local custodian or trustee?

For many types of funds, particularly retail or regulated collective investment schemes, a local or approved custodian is required to safeguard assets and perform oversight duties. The custodian arrangement is a key regulatory safeguard and must be reflected in formal agreements.

What happens if investors bring a claim against a fund manager?

Investor claims can include breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, or misrepresentation. Remedies may include damages, injunctions, or rescission of agreements. Regulatory investigations can run in parallel. A prompt legal response, preservation of records, and engagement with regulators and insurers are important steps.

How do I choose the right lawyer in Agia Paraskevi for funds and asset management?

Look for a lawyer or law firm with demonstrated experience in funds, securities regulation, tax, and financial services. Verify their track record with similar transactions or regulatory matters, ask about their familiarity with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and tax authorities, confirm language skills if you need English or other languages, and clarify fees and engagement terms. Local knowledge of administrative procedures and contacts with regulators is an advantage.

Additional Resources

Helpful authorities and organizations to consult include the Hellenic Capital Market Commission for licensing and regulatory guidance, the Bank of Greece for banking-related matters, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax guidance, and the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit for AML reporting obligations. The General Commercial Registry handles business registrations. The local or regional bar association - for example the Athens Bar Association - can help with finding qualified lawyers. Industry associations and professional services firms can provide market insight and benchmarking for fund structures and service providers.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your objectives - Decide whether you want to launch a fund, provide asset management services, or invest through a local vehicle. Distinguish between retail and professional client strategies.

2. Gather documents - Assemble business plans, projected financials, identity documents of principals, sample investment mandates, and any existing agreements with service providers.

3. Consult a specialist lawyer - Book an initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in funds and asset management in Greece. Prepare questions about licensing, timelines, fees, tax treatment, and compliance requirements.

4. Decide on structure and service providers - With legal and tax advice, select the appropriate fund vehicle, appoint a custodian, auditor, and administrators, and prepare offering documentation.

5. Prepare applications and compliance programs - Work with counsel to prepare authorization or registration filings, KYC-AML procedures, and data protection measures.

6. Implement operational readiness - Ensure systems for investor onboarding, record keeping, reporting, and internal controls are in place before marketing or accepting capital.

7. Maintain ongoing compliance - After launch, keep up with reporting obligations, audits, regulatory communications, and periodic reviews of your compliance program.

If you are located in Agia Paraskevi and need tailored legal help, start with a local or Athens-based lawyer who specializes in funds and asset management. They will help you translate national and EU rules into a practical plan, manage regulatory interactions, and reduce the legal and commercial risks of operating in Greece.