In a recent decision, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has clarified equitable subordination risks in connection with shareholder loans. The key takeaways are as follows:

Market conditions and Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic and the response to it, including global lockdowns, has caused substantial disruption to business operations and trade which has resulted in significant cash flow and financial challenges for many businesses. As a result, in a number of cases, financing covenants have been breached which have triggered defaults under financing arrangements.

Stephenson Harwood’s Middle East team provide top tips on how to quickly recover debt in the UAE.

The strategy we set out in this bulletin is intended to crystallise the debt in the eyes of the national courts of the UAE making recovery of the debt quicker than it otherwise might be.

Issue letters of demand

On March 8, 2019, the Swiss Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Finance to initiate the consultation process on proposed amendments to the Banking Act. 

The proposed amendments aim at increasing the effectiveness, and legal basis, of certain bank resolution measures and related topics.

Interested parties can comment on the draft proposal until June 14, 2019.

Restructuring procedure for banks