Best Structured Finance Lawyers in Raanana

1. About Structured Finance Law in Raanana, Israel

Structured finance in Israel is governed by national securities and corporate law, and the practice is national rather than municipal. In Raanana, as in other Israeli cities, transactions typically involve a special purpose vehicle (SPV), asset securitization, and various credit enhancements designed to isolate risk and improve liquidity. The legal framework relies on the Securities Law and the Companies Law to shape how assets are funded, raised from investors, and governed over time.

In practice, investors and lenders in Raanana rely on Israeli counsel to structure SPVs, draft intercreditor agreements, and ensure compliance with disclosure and fiduciary duties. Cross-border elements are common, given Israel’s vibrant tech and finance sectors, and thus familiarity with international standards alongside local rules is increasingly important. This guide outlines the key local considerations and practical steps for residents seeking structured finance legal advice.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Structured finance transactions in Raanana often require precise legal work to avoid default risk and regulatory issues. A lawyer helps you navigate complex drafting, regulatory filings, and enforceable security interests.

• Setting up an SPV for securitization of Israeli receivables. A lawyer drafts the SPV charter under the Companies Law, creates the securitization documents, and coordinates with the issuer and investors to ensure compliance with disclosure rules.
• Negotiating intercreditor and security packages. In a secured financing, you need a clear waterfall, enforcement triggers, and collateral descriptions that stand up in Israeli courts.
• Preparing prospectuses or private placement materials. If you offer securities to the public or to accredited investors in Israel, a lawyer must ensure compliance with the Securities Law and ISA guidelines on disclosure and investor protection.
• Structuring cross-border transactions. If foreign investors participate, counsel coordinates tax, transfer pricing, and cross-border regulatory issues to prevent unintended liabilities.
• Addressing insolvency or restructuring implications. A lawyer helps map out default scenarios, debtor-in-possession options, and recovery strategies under Israeli insolvency rules.
• Ensuring tax-efficient structuring for SPVs. Counsel reviews corporate residency, cross-border flow-through status, and potential VAT or capital gains implications for securitized assets.

3. Local Laws Overview

Israel relies on several core statutes and regulations to govern structured finance activities. The following laws are central to most securitization and structured finance arrangements in Israel today.

Israel Securities Law, 1968 governs offers to the public, trading of securities, and issuer disclosure requirements. It is the primary framework for prospectuses, reporting, and market integrity. Recent amendments have focused on enhancing investor protections and market transparency.

Israel Securities Law, 1968 forms the basis for public offers and securities regulation in Israel, with ongoing amendments to strengthen disclosure and investor protections.

Israel Securities Authority (ISA) explains the scope of the law and its enforcement framework.

Companies Law, 1999 governs the formation, governance, and dissolution of companies, including SPVs used in securitization. It provides requirements for board structure, shareholder rights, and corporate acts that are critical for structured finance vehicles.

Companies Law governs corporate structure and governance for SPVs used in securitization, including formation and ongoing compliance obligations.

Israel Ministry of Justice and Knesset resources outline the applicability of this law to SPVs and securitization structures.

Insolvency and Economic Rehabilitation Law, 2018 modernizes insolvency and restructuring procedures in Israel. It affects how securitization structures respond to distress, including timelines for proceedings and the treatment of secured creditors.

Insolvency and Economic Rehabilitation Law modernizes procedures for restructuring and liquidation to streamline outcomes for creditors and debtors alike.

Israeli government portals provide official summaries and updates on insolvency reform and related procedures.

These laws operate within a broader regulatory ecosystem administered by the ISA and the Bank of Israel. For structured finance, you should expect close coordination among corporate, securities, and tax authorities, particularly in cross-border deals. The following sections summarize practical implications for your matters in Raanana.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is structured finance in Israel?

Structured finance uses SPVs and securitization to fund assets, manage risk, and access capital. Israeli lawyers tailor these structures to comply with local securities and corporate law.

How do I start a securitization SPV in Israel?

Engage an advocate or solicitor with securitization experience. You will form the SPV under the Companies Law and draft the financing agreements, security packages, and any prospectus obligations.

When is a prospectus required for an offer to investors?

The Israeli Securities Law requires a prospectus for offers to the public and for certain large private placements. Smaller private deals may rely on exemptions and accredited investors rules.

Where can I register or file securitization documents in Israel?

Issuers file disclosures and reports with the Israel Securities Authority and coordinate with the Companies Registrar for SPV formation.

Why do I need a lawyer for an SPV in Raanana?

A lawyer ensures the SPV complies with Companies Law, secures proper security interests, and handles cross-border issues and tax planning.

Can I structure a deal without an Israeli lawyer?

Although possible, it increases compliance risk and the chance of enforcement problems. An Israeli advocate reduces risk and improves enforceability.

Should I work with a local lawyer in Raanana or a national firm?

A local practitioner can provide practical familiarity with local courts and business practices, while a national firm may offer broader cross-border resources.

Do I need to be an Israeli resident to hire a lawyer in Raanana?

Not necessarily. You can engage a licensed Israeli advocate who can represent you from Raanana or remotely, but some services may benefit from in-person meetings.

Is there a difference between an advocate and a lawyer in Israel?

The common English terms are lawyer or advocate. In Israel, the professional designation is Adv. (עו״ד), and you should look for counsel licensed to practice in Israel.

How long does it take to close a securitization deal in Israel?

Timelines vary with deal complexity. SPV formation may take 2-6 weeks, and full documentation and closing can run 6-12 weeks or more.

How much does a structured finance engagement typically cost in Israel?

Costs depend on scope, but you should expect fees for SPV setup, drafting security documents, and regulatory filings. Get a written engagement letter with milestones.

What should I ask a structured finance lawyer in an initial meeting?

Ask about experience with SPVs, securitization documents, ISA disclosure requirements, cross-border issues, and expected timelines for your deal.

5. Additional Resources

• Israel Securities Authority (ISA) - Regulates securities offerings, disclosure, and market conduct. Functions include authorizing public offers and supervising issuers. isa.gov.il
• Bank of Israel - Oversees monetary policy, financial stability, and banking regulation that impacts structured finance activities and credit markets. boi.org.il
• Tax Authority - Administers tax rules relevant to securitization structures, SPVs, and cross-border transactions. tax.gov.il

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your structured finance objective. Write a one-page brief describing the assets, target investors, and preferred jurisdiction for the SPV.
2. Identify local counsel with securitization experience in Israel. Look for demonstrated work on SPV formation and asset-backed transactions.
3. Request initial consultations from 2-3 firms in Raanana or the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Bring your brief and any term sheets.
4. Prepare a draft scope and budget. Ask for a fixed-fee estimate for SPV setup, security documents, and regulatory filings.
5. Review engagement letters carefully. Confirm jurisdiction, governing law, and dispute resolution provisions.
6. Coordinate with tax and regulatory advisors. Ensure cross-border aspects align with ISA and Tax Authority requirements.
7. Proceed to document drafting and closing. Schedule milestones and keep all counterparties informed throughout the process.