Banking and Finance

Transition finance provides options for borrowers and issuers who are not able or willing to commit to green and sustainability principles in their financing options, as they are transitioning their businesses onto the path towards a sustainable future.

The year 2024 has been notable for developments in ESG. Climate cases, impactful new laws and regulations, and geopolitical developments have shaped – or will largely shape – companies' choices. Stibbe has been a key contributor to the Chambers ESG Guide.

As of 1 January 2025, Dutch insurers must obtain the Dutch Central Bank’s prior consent before making any amendments to, or entering into an asset-intensive reinsurance agreement that allows the reinsurer to hold assets in a third country.

On 17 September 2024, former president of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi published his report to the European Commission with observations on Europe’s sustainable competitiveness and recommendations for Europe’s future.

We will highlight certain focus areas from a Dutch tax perspective in debt restructuring cases involving a Dutch debtor, also considering creditors holding or obtaining an equity stake – directly or indirectly - in the borrowing entity.

Het wetsvoorstel opheffing verpandingsverboden heeft op 11 juni 2024 goedkeuring gekregen van de Tweede Kamer. De nieuwe wetgeving belooft aanzienlijke veranderingen te brengen voor het MKB en de financieringspraktijk in Nederland.

The Stibbe ESG & Sustainability Conference took place on 25 June. The take aways on the two main topics Greenwashing vs. Greenbleaching and Climate Litigation can be found in a freely accessible one-pager.