Best Structured Finance Lawyers in Oeiras
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List of the best lawyers in Oeiras, Portugal
1. About Structured Finance Law in Oeiras, Portugal
Structured finance in Portugal, including Oeiras, is shaped by both EU-wide rules and national regulations. In practice, it often involves pooling assets into a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that issues notes backed by cash flows from those assets. Local activity in Oeiras frequently concerns real estate, SME financing, and consumer lending portfolios that are securitised to attract investor funding. The SPV structure limits liability to the assets within the vehicle, providing investors with defined payment streams and risk allocation.
In Oeiras, the main regulatory oversight comes from the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM) and the Banco de Portugal. EU rules such as the Securitisation Regulation govern disclosure, risk retention and due diligence for securitised products, while the Portuguese Securities Code implements national requirements for issuance and trading of securitised instruments. These frameworks ensure market transparency and protect investors in cross-border and domestic deals alike.
2. Why You May Need a Lawyer
- Real estate developer in Lagoas Park seeking SPV funding: A developer plans to securitise receivables from a large residential or office project in Lagoas Park and needs to set up an SPV, assign assets legally, and align with Portuguese and EU disclosure rules.
- Bank or lender issuing asset-backed notes in Portugal: The issuer must draft waterfall structures, servicing agreements, and trustee arrangements while ensuring compliance with risk retention and ongoing reporting obligations.
- Cross-border investor due diligence: An EU investor wants to buy securitised notes issued by an SPV domiciled in Portugal, requiring detailed legal due diligence on asset quality, waterfall mechanics and counterparty risks.
- Regulatory compliance and disclosure updates: New or revised EU or Portuguese rules trigger changes to prospectuses, periodic reporting, and sponsor obligations that require legal interpretation and implementation.
- Disputes or potential misstatements in a securitisation prospectus: If an investor or originator suspects misstatements or breach of disclosure duties, a lawyer helps assess liability and negotiate remedies.
- Servicer or trustee default situations: When a servicer fails to meet performance standards or a trustee faces enforcement action, counsel helps protect the SPV, investors and enforce waterfall terms.
3. Local Laws Overview
Two main layers govern structured finance in Oeiras: EU regulations that apply across Portugal and national rules implemented by Portuguese authorities. The EU framework sets the baseline for securitisation activities, while national bodies tailor supervision and enforcement to local realities in Oeiras and the rest of the country.
Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 on securitisation establishes a uniform EU regime for securitisations, including risk retention, transparency, and due diligence obligations for sponsors and originators. This regulation has been in force since 1 January 2019 and shapes how SPVs in Portugal structure deals and report to regulators. Source: ESMA guidance and regulatory text.
“The Securitisation Regulation creates a uniform framework for securitisations across the EU, including reporting, due diligence, and retention requirements.”
Source: ESMA - Securitisation Regulation overview
Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public provides harmonised rules for the content and publication of prospectuses used in securitisation offers. It complements the securitisation rules and is applicable in Portugal for issuers seeking to list or offer notes to investors. This regulation took effect on 21 July 2019. Source: ESMA guidance.
“The Prospectus Regulation streamlines cross-border issuance by requiring standardized and high-quality disclosure for public offerings.”
Source: ESMA - Prospectus Regulation overview
Código dos Valores Mobiliários (Portuguese Securities Code) governs the issuance, trading and supervision of securities within Portugal, including securitisation instruments and SPVs. It is implemented and supervised by CMVM and aligns national rules with EU requirements.
Banco de Portugal and CMVM roles:
- Banco de Portugal supervises financial stability, payment systems and certain SPV activities linked to securitisation financing.
- CMVM regulates market conduct, approves prospectuses, and oversees disclosures and investor protection for securitised products.
Recent EU-level updates continue to refine how these regimes interact, with a focus on transparency and harmonisation across member states. For local practice in Oeiras, the combined effect is that SPV trustees, servicers and originators must align with both EU mandates and Portuguese market regulations.
“EU securitisation rules require full transparency and appropriate risk retention by sponsors, applicable to all member states including Portugal.”
Source: ESMA - Securitisation Regulation overview
For practical reference, the official regulatory bodies in Portugal provide ongoing guidance on securitisation practices and disclosures. You can consult their resources to understand how rules are applied locally in Oeiras and nationwide.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What is structured finance in Portugal and how does it work?
Structured finance pools assets into an SPV that issues notes to investors. The SPV uses cash flows from the assets to pay interest and principal, while governance and servicing agreements define how assets are managed. This approach diversifies risk and can improve funding terms for large projects in areas like Oeiras.
How do I start a securitisation project in Oeiras, Portugal?
Begin with a feasibility study and asset inventory, then engage a structured finance lawyer to draft term sheets, an SPV setup and a preliminary disclosure package. Next, obtain regulator input and finalize the prospectus before investor marketing.
What is the typical cost of hiring a structured finance lawyer in Oeiras?
Costs vary by deal complexity and time required. A typical initial consultation may range from €100 to €300, with ongoing advisory fees based on hours or milestones.
How long does a securitisation deal usually take in Portugal?
From initial structuring to closing, 8 to 16 weeks is common for straightforward deals, while complex cross-border securitisations can take several months depending on due diligence and regulatory clearance.
Do I need a local Portuguese lawyer if I am an EU investor?
Having a local lawyer is advisable to manage Portuguese regulatory obligations, SPV setup, and regulatory filings. An EU investor may rely on a Portuguese counsel for local compliance and enforcement matters.
What is risk retention in Securitisation Regulation and how does it apply in Portugal?
Risk retention requires the sponsor to retain a portion of the securitised exposure, typically 5 percent, to align incentives. In Portugal, this obligation is enforced through CMVM oversight and the SPV sponsor agreements.
What documents are required to issue asset backed notes in Portugal?
A typical package includes a prospectus or information memorandum, asset pool details, servicing agreements, waterfall specifications, and disclosure schedules. Regulatory approvals and third party opinions may also be required.
How is an SPV structured in Portugal for securitisation?
The SPV is usually a dedicated Portuguese company with assets transferred from the originator. It issues notes, appoints a servicer, and maintains accounts and reporting to investors and regulators.
What is the difference between a securitisation fund and asset backed security?
A securitisation fund pools assets into a fund structure under Portuguese law, while asset backed securities are notes issued by an SPV backed by a fixed asset pool. The fund structure often offers different regulatory and tax characteristics.
Can I securitise loan portfolios originated outside Portugal?
Yes, but cross-border deals require careful regulatory analysis, due diligence on asset quality, and alignment with EU and Portuguese disclosure and risk retention rules.
Is Portuguese law compatible with EU securitisation rules for cross border deals?
Yes, Portugal implements EU securitisation requirements via CMVM and Banco de Portugal, ensuring harmonisation with EU directives and regulations for cross border transactions.
What should I look for in a master servicing agreement?
Key terms include servicing standards, default handling, data reporting, fee structure, termination rights, and waterfall mechanics in line with the SPV's obligations to investors.
5. Additional Resources
- ESMA - European Securities and Markets Authority: Guidance and enforcement resources on securitisation and investor protection across the EU. https://www.esma.europa.eu
- CMVM - Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários: Portugal's market regulator responsible for securities issuance, disclosure requirements and market supervision. https://www.cmvm.pt
- Banco de Portugal: Central bank and supervisor for financial stability, SPVs and securitisation related operations in Portugal. https://www.bportugal.pt
6. Next Steps
- Clarify your objective and the asset pool to be securitised, including expected cash flows and target investor base. Create a high level outline of the SPV structure and governance.
- Identify a qualified structured finance lawyer or firm in Oeiras with demonstrable experience in securitisation and EU regulatory compliance. Ask for client references and a scope of work.
- Request a fee proposal and engagement letter outlining milestones, deliverables, and estimated total costs. Confirm whether the firm offers end-to-end services including SPV setup, prospectus drafting, and regulator liaison.
- Prepare a due diligence package with asset lists, current revenues, arrears data, and servicing terms. Share with your counsel to assess compliance and disclosure needs.
- Develop a working SPV and governance plan, including service providers, trustee, and master servicing agreement templates. Align with risk retention and disclosure obligations.
- Obtain regulatory feedback on the structure from CMVM and Banco de Portugal where required. Schedule a pre-issuance meeting if possible to avoid delays.
- Execute the required documents, prepare the information memorandum or prospectus, and file disclosures with the regulators. Target a realistic closing window based on due diligence results.
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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.
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