Best Structured Finance Lawyers in Arlon

1. About Structured Finance Law in Arlon, Belgium

Structured finance in Arlon, Belgium is shaped by the EU securitisation framework and Belgian regulatory practices. In practice, most activities occur through Belgian special purpose vehicles (SPVs) that hold assets and pass cash flows to investors under a waterfall structure. Banks and non bank lenders in Belgium frequently rely on securitisation to manage funding and risk transfer. Advisory work typically covers deal documentation, regulatory compliance, and cross border considerations with France, Luxembourg or Germany.

As an Arlon resident seeking structured finance advice, you will work with an avocat (lawyer) who understands both EU securitisation rules and Belgian corporate and financial services rules. A local structured finance attorney can coordinate with notaires for asset transfers, with the FSMA for licensing and reporting, and with the Banque Nationale de Belgique for prudential questions if the deal involves regulated institutions. Clear counsel helps ensure the deal respects true sale principles and avoids misinterpretation of risk retention requirements.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• You are considering a securitisation of a Belgian loan portfolio through a Belgian SPV and need the deed of sale, servicing agreements, and waterfall structure reviewed for enforceability.
• You want to structure a cross border securitisation with entities in Belgium and Luxembourg and require harmonised documentation and regulatory alignment.
• You are negotiating credit enhancement and over collateralisation packages and need precise drafting to avoid post closing disputes.
• Your issuer or sponsor is a Belgian financial institution and you must ensure compliance with risk retention and disclosure obligations under EU securitisation rules.
• You are faced with changes in Belgian reporting requirements after securitisation closes and need a plan to implement ongoing compliance with FSMA and the central bank expectations.
• You are assessing the removal or modification of an existing securitisation structure and require a detailed legal and regulatory impact analysis before renegotiation.

3. Local Laws Overview

Structured finance in Arlon operates under EU law with Belgian implementing measures. The key legal framework includes EU securitisation regulation and Belgian corporate and financial services rules applied by the local authorities. Below are the main named instruments and the jurisdictions that govern them.

Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 on securitisation

This EU regulation establishes common definitions, risk retention requirements and transparency rules for securitisation and public securitisation repositories. It applies across Belgium and governs how securitisations are structured and reported. The regulation aims to improve transparency for investors and regulators and to harmonise risk management practices in securitisation transactions.

“The Securitisation Regulation creates a unified EU framework for securitisation, with objective to increase market transparency and investor confidence.”

Effective dates: the regulation was adopted in 2017 and entered into force in 2018, with several provisions taking effect over subsequent years. Belgian entities follow its requirements through FSMA and the Banque Nationale de Belgique oversight.

Regulation (EU) 575/2013 (CRR) and related prudential requirements

The Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) sets out prudential treatment for securitisation exposures held by banks and investment firms. It influences how securitisation positions are weighted, how risk is retained, and how capital is allocated. While primarily aimed at prudential supervision, CRR provisions affect the structuring and risk management of securitisation transactions in Belgium.

Note that CRR interacts with the Securitisation Regulation in determining investor eligibility, capital treatment and reporting standards for securitised exposures.

Belgian domestic framework and corporate vehicles

Belgian securitisation activity is implemented within the Belgian corporate framework under the Code des sociétés et des associations (the Belgian Company and Association Code). This includes provisions governing the formation, operation and dissolution of SPVs and related entities. Local counsel will routinely address formality, fiduciary duties, and reporting requirements for SPVs used in securitisation deals.

National regulator supervision is carried out by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) and the Banque Nationale de Belgique (BNB). Their guidance covers licensing, servicing arrangements, and ongoing regulatory compliance for securitisation structures in Belgium.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is structured finance in simple terms?

Structured finance uses a special purpose vehicle to isolate assets and manage cash flows to investors. It typically involves securitisation of loans or receivables and can include credit enhancements and servicing arrangements.

How do I start a securitisation in Belgium?

Begin with a clear asset pool and business case, select an SPV form under Belgian law, secure servicing and credit enhancement, and obtain necessary regulatory clearances from FSMA and possibly the central bank. Engage an avocat early to draft the main agreements.

What is an SPV and why is it used?

An SPV is a separate legal entity created to hold assets and issue securities. It helps ring fence risks and assets from the sponsor and can improve financing terms for the underlying pool.

How much does it cost to hire a structured finance lawyer in Arlon?

Costs vary by deal size and complexity. A typical preliminary consultation ranges from several hundred to a few thousand euros, with drafting and negotiations accounting for a larger portion of the budget.

How long does a typical securitisation process take?

From initial structuring to closing, a standard Belgian securitisation can take 8 to 20 weeks, depending on due diligence, document negotiation, and regulatory approvals.

Do I need an avocat in Arlon for this work?

Yes. A local avocat with expertise in structured finance ensures Belgian compliance, local execution of documents, and coordination with regulators.

Can cross border securitisation be done with Belgian SPVs?

Yes. Cross border deals are common and require careful drafting to align Belgian law with foreign law, tax, and regulatory regimes.

What are the risk retention requirements?

The Securitisation Regulation imposes risk retention obligations in many securitisations. Typically, the sponsor must retain an economic interest, subject to certain exceptions and thresholds.

What's the difference between true sale and synthetic securitisation?

A true sale transfers ownership of assets to the SPV, while synthetic securitisation uses derivatives and credit default swaps to achieve risk transfer without transferring voting rights or title to assets.

Do I need a notaire for securitisation in Belgium?

A notaire may be involved for certain asset transfers or to formalise aspects of the SPV formation, depending on asset type and collateral structure.

Is securitisation regulated at the EU level?

Yes. The Securitisation Regulation provides a harmonised framework across Belgium and the rest of the EU, with supervision implemented by national authorities.

Should I hire a local law firm in Arlon or Brussels for this work?

For closeness to the asset pool and local regulatory interaction in Wallonia, a nearby Arlon or Luxembourg cross border oriented firm can be beneficial, supplemented by a Brussels team for EU level issues.

5. Additional Resources

• FSMA - Autorité des services et marchés financiers (Belgian financial markets regulator). Functions include licensing, supervision of marketparticipants, and enforcement actions in Belgium. https://www.fsma.be
• Banque Nationale de Belgique (BNB) - central bank and macroprudential supervisor in Belgium. It provides monetary policy, payment systems oversight, and financial stability guidance relevant to securitisation markets. https://www.nbb.be
• European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) - EU level supervisor and standard setter for securitisation disclosures, investor protection, and market integrity. https://www.esma.europa.eu

Source reference: Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 on securitisation and on a public securitisation repository. Official text available on EU legal portal. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2402/oj

Source reference: ESMA overview of securitisation and regulatory expectations for investors and markets. https://www.esma.europa.eu

6. Next Steps

1. Define your securitisation goals and asset pool. Document expected cash flows, credit enhancements, and target investor base.
2. Identify potential SPV structures and call relevant Belgian corporate forms under the Code des sociétés et des associations.
3. Engage an avocat experienced in structured finance in Arlon to map the deal, draft term sheets, and coordinate with FSMA and the central bank if needed. Schedule a first advisory meeting within 2 weeks.
4. Gather key documents for due diligence, including asset lists, servicing contracts, and current liabilities related to the pool. Allow 3-6 weeks for initial review.
5. Prepare the securitisation deeds, servicing agreements, and investor documentation. Arrange a joint review session with counsel from Belgium and any cross border partners.
6. Negotiate terms and finalize the closing checklist, ensuring EU securitisation rules and CRR considerations are addressed. Plan for regulatory filings and repository reporting where applicable.
7. Proceed to closing and establish ongoing compliance processes with FSMA and the SPV servicing arrangements. Schedule regular legal reviews as the deal evolves. Expect ongoing work beyond closing if amendments or refinancings occur.