BANKING AND FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Description

This module introduces students to the major issues of Banking and Financial Transactions. Special emphasis will be placed on the European Legal Framework and the legal practice as well as on recent case-law of the domestic and foreign Jurisdictions.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to

• understand the legal practice and use the principles of EU Law applicable to Banking and Financial Transactions.
• discuss the major issues and the latest developments in Banking and Financial Transactions across the EU and Internationally.
• interpret legal sources and literature in the field of Banking Law and Financial Markets Regulation.
• assess the impact of the EU law on Banking and Capital Markets.
• apply such knowledge in banking and capital markets related issues and provide business oriented legal input.

Contents

The Banking and Financial Transactions module focuses on the law, documentation and legal issues affecting major transactions in global financial markets.  This module examines legal issues arising in debt and equity financing provided by financial institutions in international markets. The structure of transnational loan agreements, guarantees, letters of credit, and basic instruments common to trade financing are examined (leasing, factoring, forfaiting). The module also covers issues related to the syndication of loans. Issues relating to private equity, venture capital and crowdfunding as instruments of corporate financing are also considered. Securitization and structured finance together constitute one of the most dynamic segments of the financial markets. Securitization involves the creation and issuance of securities backed by one or more assets which generate cash flows sufficient to fund the securities. Structured finance includes securitization as well as transactions in which securities are not issued, but which involve the often-complex structuring of cash flows to achieve a desired tax, accounting or financial objective. Finally, tender offers are thoroughly examined. 

Academic Requirements

Participants are required to have good knowledge of Law of Contracts and Company Law as well as at least some basic previous knowledge of Banking Law.

Teaching method

The course will run under both seminar and workshop format, which requires a high degree of student activity. Students are expected to write a paper and make a presentation based on the paper (formative assessment). Participants to the classes will be supported through the discussion of case law and the analysis from a legal perspective of banking and financial transactions and related legal materials.

Lecturers

The course is taught by Associate Professor George Lekkas, Assosiate Professor Dimitrios Christodoulou and Assistant Professor Christina Livada.

Assessment and testing

• Written exam, closed book, short essay questions - 2 hours (60%)
• One short paper assignment (40%)