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Securities matters in Moschato are governed by the same national and European legal framework that applies across Greece. That framework covers the issuance, trading, custody and disclosure obligations for securities such as shares, bonds, investment fund units and certain derivatives. Regulatory supervision is exercised at national level by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and by market infrastructure operators such as the Athens Stock Exchange and the Athens Central Securities Depository. If you live or do business in Moschato you will normally work with lawyers who practice in the Athens-Piraeus legal market and who are familiar with both Greek law and relevant EU rules.
Securities matters can be legally and factually complex. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following common situations:
- Disputes with a broker, investment firm or custodian about trades, account handling or fees.
- Suspected fraud, misrepresentation or market manipulation that affected your investments.
- Regulatory investigations or administrative sanctions from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission.
- Questions about rights and duties as a shareholder in a listed or private company - for example votes, dividends, minority protection and squeeze-out situations.
- Involvement in an initial public offering, private placement or cross-border securities transaction that raises prospectus, disclosure or licensing issues.
- Need for compliance advice if you operate as an investment firm, portfolio manager or financial adviser - including licensing, suitability rules and anti-money laundering requirements.
- Civil claims to recover losses or to obtain injunctions and interim measures such as freezing orders.
- Criminal charges or investigations alleging insider trading or other market abuse. These matters often require specialised defence counsel.
The most relevant legal features for securities matters in Moschato are:
- Dual regulation - securities activity is governed by Greek national law that implements EU directives and regulations. Key European rules that affect local practice include MiFID II for investment services, the Market Abuse Regulation for insider trading and market manipulation, and the Prospectus Regulation for public offerings.
- Regulatory authority - the Hellenic Capital Market Commission is the primary regulator for capital markets. It issues licences, supervises market participants, conducts administrative investigations and imposes sanctions when rules are breached.
- Market infrastructure - the Athens Stock Exchange and the Athens Central Securities Depository handle trading and settlement for listed securities. Their rules and operating procedures affect execution, custody and clearing.
- Disclosure and corporate governance - listed companies must comply with continuous disclosure and corporate governance rules, including timely publication of financial reports and material event notices.
- Insider trading and market manipulation - these are subject to both administrative sanctions by the regulator and criminal prosecution under Greek law when the facts support it.
- Prospectus and offering rules - public offers of securities generally require a prospectus that meets strict content and approval requirements, unless a specific exemption applies.
- Remedies and enforcement - injured investors typically pursue civil claims in the courts to obtain damages or injunctions. The regulator may bring administrative enforcement actions. Criminal prosecutors may pursue market abuse cases. Alternative dispute resolution and arbitration are sometimes used, depending on the contract terms between parties.
- Local court structure - securities litigation is generally handled by courts in the Athens-Piraeus area. Depending on the claim, actions may be brought before civil courts, administrative courts or criminal courts. For many practical matters you will deal with lawyers who are members of the Piraeus or Athens bar associations.
In general, securities include transferable financial instruments such as shares, bonds, notes, units in collective investment schemes and certain structured products. Greek law follows EU definitions, so instruments captured by EU securities legislation are treated as securities for regulatory and market purposes.
First gather all account statements, trade confirmations and correspondence. Contact the broker in writing asking for an explanation and remediation. If the broker does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and consider a civil claim for breach of contract or tort in the competent court. A lawyer can help preserve evidence and decide whether interim relief is needed.
If you have evidence or reasonable grounds, report your concerns to the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and provide any supporting documents. Avoid publishing allegations publicly without legal advice. A lawyer can help assess whether the case merits criminal or civil action and can assist in communication with the regulator.
Public offers of securities generally require an approved prospectus, except where specific exemptions apply - for example small offers, offers to qualified investors or offers below certain thresholds. The prospectus must meet detailed content and disclosure standards. Consult a lawyer early when planning an offer.
Yes. Minority shareholders have statutory and contractual rights, including actions for annulment of unlawful general meeting resolutions, derivative claims in certain circumstances and claims for damages where management breached duties. The available remedies depend on the company form and the facts, so legal advice is essential.
Possibly. Claims may be based on professional negligence, breach of contract or misrepresentation. The strength of a claim depends on whether the adviser owed you a duty, whether they breached it, and the causal link to your loss. Time limits apply, so consult a lawyer promptly.
Certain market abuses, such as insider trading and market manipulation, can attract criminal liability as well as administrative sanctions. Criminal prosecutions are handled by state prosecutors and courts. If you are the subject of a criminal investigation seek specialised criminal and securities counsel immediately.
Cross-border disputes can involve EU law, choice-of-law issues and international enforcement challenges. Jurisdiction will depend on contract clauses and applicable regulation. EU rules often facilitate cross-border recognition and enforcement, but complex legal and practical issues can arise. Use counsel experienced in international securities matters.
Fees vary by experience, complexity and the type of work. Lawyers may charge hourly rates, fixed fees for defined tasks, or contingency arrangements in some civil claims. Ask for a written fee estimate and an engagement letter that explains billing, anticipated costs and any retainer required.
Act promptly. Some legal remedies depend on strict deadlines, and evidence may disappear if you delay. Preserve documents, freeze suspicious transactions if possible, and contact a lawyer to assess urgent measures such as interim injunctions or regulatory complaints.
Useful bodies and resources to consult when you need information or to lodge complaints include:
- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - national regulator for capital markets and investor protection.
- Athens Stock Exchange and Athens Central Securities Depository - for market and settlement matters.
- Piraeus Bar Association and Athens Bar Association - for lists of qualified lawyers who handle securities work.
- General Commercial Registry (GEMI) - for company registration records and corporate documents.
- Bank of Greece and Ministry of Finance - for matters where banking regulation or fiscal issues intersect with securities matters.
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - for EU level regulatory framework and guidance that affects Greek practice.
- Local law firms and specialist practitioners in the Athens-Piraeus area - for tailored legal advice and representation.
If you need legal assistance with a securities issue in Moschato, follow these practical steps:
- Collect and organise all relevant documents - account statements, contracts, trade confirmations, prospectuses, correspondence and any evidence of communication.
- Take prompt action to preserve evidence - save electronic messages, record dates and identify witnesses.
- Contact a lawyer with securities experience - use the Piraeus or Athens bar association to identify qualified counsel and check their experience with similar matters.
- Prepare for an initial consultation - outline the facts, goals and any urgent deadlines. Ask about the lawyer's approach, likely costs and estimated timeline.
- Consider regulatory complaint and parallel civil or criminal action - a lawyer will advise whether to involve the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and how to coordinate regulatory and court remedies.
- Agree terms in writing - sign an engagement letter that sets out scope, fees and communication expectations.
- Stay informed - follow your lawyer's advice about preserving rights, avoiding public statements that could affect the case, and any interim measures that may be necessary.
When securities issues arise, timely, specialised legal help improves the chances of a successful outcome. Start with a clear factual record and seek local counsel who understands the interaction between Greek courts, national regulators and EU rules.
