We support our clients in the contemporary and effective design, structuring, and implementation of the organisation, leadership and supervision of the company (articles of association, regulations, and directives), as well as in strategic risk management at the highest management level (GRC: Governance, Risk Management & Compliance). We also pay special attention to the social responsibility of companies (CSR/Corporate Social Responsibility) and the associated ESG issues (Environmental, Social & Governance) as well as related reporting and due diligence obligations (non-financial reporting; child labour; conflict materials; supply chain risk management).
We are pioneers in the areas of ESG and climate protection law. Our ambition has been and continues to be to shape developments in Switzerland and internationally. In close collaboration with our clients and network partners, we develop a thorough understanding of ESG innovations, sustainable finance, and the business models based on them (Green FinTech). The rapid developments at the UN, OECD, TCFD, and EU levels will also have implications for Switzerland.
Legal
- Design/Adjustment of corporate documentation (articles of association, organisational regulations, internal directives, etc.)
- Drafting contracts in climate protection law and related to ESG (know-how and technology transfer; joint ventures; R&D; distribution and supply contracts; ticketing)
- CSR/ESG reporting obligations (non-financial reporting; child labour; conflict materials; supply chain risk management; sustainability report; TCFD; GRI); assurance reports; workshop
- Green FinTech
- Legal framework of impact investments
- Strategic advice to the board of directors in times of change (change management)
- Conflict management (wide range of conflict resolution techniques and mediation)
- Representation in court and administrative proceedings in climate law matters and responsibility processes (organisational liability)
- Organisation and management of foundations / IKS
- Governance in decentralised ecosystems
- Sustainable business models (platforms, circular economy)
- M&A: ESG due diligence
Tax
- Tax-related corporate governance advice with a focus on reputation protection (tax policy / tax function management)
- Transfer pricing (transfer pricing policy / fulfilment of documentation requirements, especially CbCR, and drafting of master and local files)
- Tax and levy planning under the CO2 Act
- CO2 certificates
Compliance
- Rapid, cost-effective compliance check
- Support in building an internal compliance programme (ICP)
- Monitoring developments in climate protection law/ESG
- Legal risk management for managers and investors
- ESG screening and risk assessment
- Development of ESG strategies and structures
- Amendment of regulations for bank advisers (MiFID II and IDD), pension funds (EbAV-II Directive), adjustment of investment guidelines and investment processes, disclosure requirements
- Assessment of obligations of institutional investors and asset managers (fiduciary duty; consideration of climate risks in financial advice; transparency)
- Implementation of sustainability regulations for asset managers, insurers, investment advisers, etc., in the areas of organisation, operations, risk management, and target market assessment (UCITS, AIFM, MiFID II, Solvency II, IDD, EbAV-II Directive)
- ESG legal due diligence and reporting (standards; EU classification system), ESG portfolio screening ("comply or explain"), supply chain policy, climate stress test
- Compensation obligation for fuel importers, CO2 emissions regulations for new vehicles, CO2 levy on fuels, building program, CO2 limits for buildings
- Handling of analyses and ratings (e.g., WWF rating of Swiss retail banks; FOEN climate compatibility analysis of Swiss pension funds and insurance portfolios)
