Banking & Finance

Banking & Finance

Banking law covers the many state and federal regulations governing financial institutions. Attorneys in this area of the law handle everything from customer disputes and complaints against a bank to complex litigation between domestic and foreign institutions, their investors, the government, and other parties. However, most banking law attorneys are hired to provide advice concerning regulatory compliance. Banks may choose to maintain in-house counsel for this purpose or seek assistance from an independent law firm.

Banking law also deals with the various transactions that arise as a financial institution serves its customers and grows its business. Legal documents may need to be drafted to address individual accounts, such as a workout agreement for a customer who wants to avoid the repercussions of default. A bank may need to develop standardized customer agreements in conjunction with new products or lending programs on a larger scale. Transactional matters can also involve the establishment of a de novo charter, the sale or purchase of a branch, or creating a new holding company.