CIS Regions

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region represents a diverse and resource-rich market with substantial economic potential. Once unified under Soviet governance, these independent nations now form a distinct economic territory bridging Eastern Europe and Asia. The region’s vast natural resources, industrial infrastructure, and emerging technology sectors are creating compelling opportunities for foreign investment. Energy exports remain a significant economic driver, but increasing digitalisation, financial services modernisation, and manufacturing development are transforming the business landscape. Success in CIS markets requires navigating unique regulatory frameworks and building strong local relationships.

Legal Expertise Rooted in the Gulf

Our firm has a proven track record of advising clients across the CIS region, offering tailored solutions to address their unique challenges. Our team includes Swiss, EU, and UK-qualified lawyers. We provide expert guidance on oil and gas ventures, cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, sanctions, unblocking assets, and complex dispute resolution for both regional and international clients.

What sets us apart is our firsthand experience in the CIS region. Several of our team members have lived and practised there, giving us deep insight into its legal systems, business culture, and commercial dynamics, ensuring practical, locally informed solutions.

Our team speaks Arabic, English, French, German, Russian, and Serbian, ensuring seamless communication and effective representation for our diverse international clientele.

Our CIS-related past experience

Successfully representing a Russian individual in challenging EU and Swiss sanctions, resulting in the complete removal of his name from the designated persons lists.
Representing a large Russian bank in complex Swiss litigation proceedings with disputed claims exceeding USD 25 mio.
Successfully representing the leading CIS fertiliser producer in international arbitration proceedings under the Swiss Arbitration Rules against a US company in a dispute over a sponsorship agreement that was unlawfully terminated due to the alleged sanctions status of the sponsor, including defending a counterclaim.
Successfully representing a famous Russian athlete in international arbitration proceedings under the Swiss Arbitration Rules in a dispute over a sports employment agreement that was unlawfully terminated due to sanctions.

Advising CIS-based companies on compliance with UK, EU, and Swiss sanctions regimes, including liaising with SECO and OFSI.
Successfully representing a high-profile Russian client in litigation proceedings against major Swiss banking institutions, with a total claim value of USD 172 mio related to asset freezing disputes.
Advising a CIS financial institution on the restructuring of international loan agreements and the enforcement of securities.
Unblocking the assets of an HNWI held in European financial institutions, including coordination with Euroclear and Swiss banks.
Assisting a major CIS energy company in cross-border litigation and asset recovery proceedings.