Best Structured Finance Lawyers in De Panne

1. About Structured Finance Law in De Panne, Belgium

Structured finance in De Panne typically means securitising pools of assets through a dedicated special purpose vehicle (SPV) that issues securities to investors. In Belgium, these activities are governed by EU securitisation rules implemented at the national level and overseen by the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). Local developers, banks and investment funds in De Panne often use securitisation to fund real estate, hospitality projects or tourism receivables by converting future cash flows into capital market instruments.

Because De Panne is a coastal municipality with a tourism economy, many transactions involve real estate assets, hotel revenues, or municipal receivables. Transactions must comply with EU securitisation regulations and Belgian supervisory standards, which require careful documentation, disclosure and risk management. A Belgian solicitor or attorney with structured finance experience can help navigate SPV formation, securitisation documentation, and regulatory reporting obligations.

Regulation on securitisation in the EU establishes a unified framework for securitisation transactions and the STS regime, with each member state implementing it through national law. See Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 for securitisation and the STS criteria.

The EU securitisation framework requires clear pooling and servicing arrangements, disclosure, and risk retention standards to protect investors and ensure market stability.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• A De Panne hotel group plans to securitise future room revenue to fund a new property upgrade. You need an attorney to design the SPV structure, draft the pooling and servicing agreement (PSA), and ensure appropriate credit enhancements and investor disclosures.

• A local bank wants to securitise a portfolio of Belgian residential mortgages. You require counsel to navigate securitisation regulation, document the transfer of loans and confirm the path to an STS designation if pursued.

• You are a municipality or public-private partnership seeking funding through securitisation of future receivables such as tourist taxes. A lawyer can advise on securitisation approvals, governance agreements and compliance with Belgian public finance rules.

• Cross-border transactions involve De Panne and an SPV in another EU country. You need advice on cross-border AML/KYC requirements, jurisdictional choice, and local filing obligations.

• There is a restructuring or default event in an existing securitisation. You should engage counsel to renegotiate the PSA, adjust waterfall mechanics and manage investor communications.

3. Local Laws Overview

• Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 on securitisation and the STS regime - EU-wide framework that governs securitisation transactions and the designation of simple, transparent and standardized (STS) securitisations. It applies to Belgian securitisations and is implemented through national law and regulator guidance. Effective from 1 January 2019 for most provisions, with ongoing updates and guidance from EU and national authorities.

• Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments (MiFID II) - EU directive governing investment services and markets, affecting how securitisation deals are marketed and how investors are treated in Belgium. Belgian implementation supports transparency, conduct of business rules and investor protection in structured finance transactions.

• Wet van 2 augustus 2002 tot toezicht op de financiële sector en het beleggingsbedrijf (Financial Sector Supervision Act)

These laws interact with Belgian supervisory practices and the FSMA framework for financial products, disclosure, and risk management. For more details on EU securitisation and member state implementation, see ESMA materials and EU law references linked above.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is securitisation in Belgium and how does it work?

Securitisation pools financial assets and transfers them to an SPV that issues securities to investors. The SPV isolates the assets from the originator, enabling special cash flow structures and risk transfer. In Belgium, securitisation must comply with EU rules and local supervision.

How do I start a securitisation project in De Panne?

Begin with a feasibility assessment, identify eligible asset pools, and select an SPV structure. Engage a Belgian structured finance solicitor early to draft the PSA, transfer documents and disclosure materials. Plan for regulatory approvals and investor due diligence.

What is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) in these deals?

An SPV is a legally independent entity created to hold the securitised assets and issue securities. It protects investors by isolating asset risks from the originator and simplifying cash flow management.

How much does a structured finance lawyer typically charge in De Panne?

Fees depend on deal complexity, documents required and regulatory steps. Expect a combination of hourly rates and fixed fees for standard tasks such as document drafting and due diligence. Obtain a written engagement letter with a cost estimate.

How long does it take to set up a securitisation in Belgium?

Simple deals may complete in 3-6 months, while complex cross-border transactions can take 6-12 months. Key phases include structuring, due diligence, documentation, and regulatory filings.

Do I need a lawyer for a small securitisation deal?

Even smaller transactions benefit from counsel to ensure compliant documentation, accurate risk disclosures and proper SPV formation. A lawyer can help avoid later disputes or regulatory issues.

What is the difference between securitisation and a straight loan sale?

In securitisation, assets are pooled and transferred to an SPV that issues securities. A loan sale transfers individual loans to a buyer, without forming a securitised structure or SPV.

What documents are required to securitise in Belgium?

Typical documents include the pooling and servicing agreement, check lists for asset transfers, securitisation prospectus, investor disclosures, service contracts, and regulatory filings. Documentation must align with EU STS criteria if pursued.

Can a De Panne developer securitise future tourist receivables?

Yes, receivables from hotel stays, resort operations or tourism taxes can be securitised if properly structured. This requires an SPV, a detailed PSA, and investor disclosures tailored to the revenue stream.

Should I pursue STS designation for my securitisation?

STS designation improves market perception and may reduce risk retentions for investors. A lawyer can assess eligibility and guide you through the qualification process.

Do I need cross-border counsel for a cross-border securitisation?

Cross-border deals raise additional regulatory and tax considerations. It is advisable to hire counsel with Belgian and foreign law expertise to coordinate filings and compliance.

Is an SPV mandatory to be Belgian or can it be offshore?

Belgian securitisations often use Belgian SPVs for regulatory clarity, tax efficiency and local enforcement. Offshore SPVs are possible in some structures but require careful tax, regulatory, and governance planning.

5. Additional Resources

• - Provides guidelines, supervisory expectations and updates on securitisation and STS regimes. esma.europa.eu

• - Publishes standard documentation and market practice for securitisation and structured finance. icmagroup.org

• - Access to EU securitisation laws and regulations, including Regulation (EU) 2017/2402. eur-lex.europa.eu