Matthias Gstoehl

LALIVE

Zurich www.lalive.law

mgstoehl@lalive.law Tel: +41 58 105 2100

Biography

Matthias Gstoehl specialises in complex domestic and multijurisdictional proceedings and investigations, including fraud and white-collar crime, asset recovery, insolvency, international mutual assistance, international sanctions and ESG-litigation. His practice focuses on banking and finance disputes. Drawing on firsthand experience in the sector, he handles complex matters requiring specialist knowledge in derivative instruments, hedge funds and financial products in general. He regularly acts in contentious corporate, commercial and governance disputes across various other sectors (healthcare, natural resources, sports and trusts).

What attracted you to a career in asset recovery?

The sense of purpose in helping clients to “right a wrong” – and doing this collaboratively with the client, their multi-disciplinary advisers and our own case team.

How has the role of an asset recovery practitioner changed since you started your career?

Technology and digitalisation have certainly played a key role in making it possible to process an ever-increasing amount of data. While this is certainly an opportunity, there are challenges too. For example, for us lawyers, it means we are spending more of our time in determining what’s really relevant and what’s not. Another factor is the internationalisation of cases and increased cross-border collaboration among authorities, which require us to keep a global focus when devising a recovery strategy.

How do you establish a detailed understanding of a client’s business to advise them effectively?

I usually start with reviewing any information the client has published, such as annual reports, which can be an excellent source of information. I also like to look at (reliable) media articles and other publicly available sources. I then note down a few key questions that I can ask when they explain their business to us in their own words, which I find the most important aspect.

How are regulators adapting their approach to digital assets?

I know of some regulators that are very advanced in their setup, are properly resourced and have an established practice and knowhow. They have highly trained specialists and make good use of data science.

How is the growing digitalisation of the legal field affecting your practice?

There is a significant increase in efficiency in terms of data and document processing and this will eventually also influence the way we work. We are being forced to rethink our processes and habits, with an increased focus on collaborative and decentralised work, whereas these two aspects become more and more significant. Also, I have transitioned to an almost entirely paperless working practice.

How has your experience on the IBA Anti-Corruption Committee enhanced your work in fraud and white-collar crime?

We share best practice and communicate any legal and other developments on anticorruption laws, compliance practices, enforcement trends and asset recovery issues to a global legal audience. This interaction and exchange, which can also occur informally, is invaluable.

What do you think will be the greatest challenge faced by the next generation of asset recovery practitioners?

I believe the rapid progress of technology and AI will continue to play a significant role and become a decisive factor in our ability to respond to clients’ needs. Also, given the internationalisation of cases, being connected to specialists outside of your own jurisdiction becomes increasingly relevant to assist clients in finding rapid assistance in foreign jurisdictions.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Focus on what you really like to do.

WWL says: Matthias Gstoehl receives glowing praise from peers who highlight his “expertise, confidence and knowledge”. They add, “He has immense knowledge of Swiss process and contacts within the prosecutor arena.”