Ralph Malacrida

Bär & Karrer Ltd

Zurich www.baerkarrer.ch

ralph.malacrida@baerkarrer.ch Tel: +41 58 261 50 00

Biography

Ralph Malacrida is a former member of his firm’s managing board and a director of several Swiss companies. He specialises in finance transactions, including capital markets and structured/acquisition finance, as well as M&A. He has a strong track record advising clients on domestic and international transactions. Ralph is a member of several Bar associations, the Law Society, the Association for Financial Markets in Europe, and a recognised listing representative at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

What inspired you to pursue a legal career?

I was inspired by the prospect of working in an international environment with motivated people to realise ambitious projects.

What has been your most memorable case to date and why?

Each most recent deal seems to be the most memorable. On the last deal I advised the airlines SWISS and Edelweiss that received financial aid from the Swiss government and Lufthansa/German government of almost 2 billion Swiss francs to help them through the liquidity crisis caused by covid-19. This transaction was complex due to the numerous parties and jurisdictions involved and their divergent legal, commercial and political interests.

What effect has covid-19 had on the Swiss banking market and the type of work you have been receiving?

The Swiss banking market has been resilient. Further to the normal lending activities on which I regularly advise, the Swiss government’s covid-19 loan programme launched on 26 March 2020 resulted in additional services I have provided to mostly medium-sized borrowers of covid-19 credit facilities.

How will the implementation of the Financial Services Act impact the Swiss banking and capital markets area?

The implementation of the Financial Services Act will put Switzerland’s regulations on a par with EU regulations and enhance the reputation and competitiveness of Switzerland as a financial centre.

What do clients look for in an effective banking lawyer?

Efficient advice delivered on time and based on a good commercial understanding.

How is the generational shift changing legal practice at your firm? What do younger lawyers do differently?

Younger lawyers have a more natural tendency to make a very strong case for the growing importance of a tech-enabled law practice. Our firm is at the forefront of this development.

What do you anticipate being the long-term ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic on the banking sector, if any?

There will be an additional need for credit management, cost control and innovation. The competition between lenders will increase as they will be under pressure to achieve higher profitability and healthier balance sheets (either organically or through acquisitions and mergers).

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Don’t present problems without solutions.

WWL says: Ralph Malacrida is highly sought after in the market thanks to his strong track record advising clients on local and cross-border M&A and finance transactions.