Banking and finance (including shipping finance) in Norway

Arntzen Grette

Arntzen Grette‘s banking and finance department is led by Siril Visnes, who works closely with lenders and borrowers on a variety of financing structures, encompassing syndicated lending, bilateral loans, and project finance. Vidar Løhre is recommended for his work in cross-border banking and finance transactions; notably, he has recently increased his activity in borrower-side mandates. Trond Kildal is a key advisor on financing transactions, having particular aptitude in leveraged finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Siril Visnes


Autres avocats clés:

Vidar Løhre; Trond Kildal


Principaux clients

Macquarie Bank Limited


Fleetscape Capital Holding


DNB Bank ASA


Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken


Handelsbanken


Danske Bank A/S


Wilmington Trust


HSBC Bank plc N


Global Loan Agency Services Limited


BNP Paribas


Avinor AS


Arctic Seafarm AS


DNB


Carnegie


Pareto Securities


Arctic Securies


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Moelven Industrier ASA with their NOK 2.9 billion sustainability linked facilities with DNB Bank and Danske Bank.
  • Advised Avinor AS on the NOK 6 billion refinancing of its revolving credit facility with a syndicate of Nordic and international banks lead by SEB.
  • Advised Arctic Seafarm AS on a NOK 1.05 billion green financing of a land-based salmon farming facility in Norway, backed by DNB Bank and Eksfin.

BAHR

With a client roster comprising domestic and international lenders, borrowers, and investment funds, BAHR is at the forefront of large transactions in the market. The group is particularly active in offshore and shipping financings and restructurings, while expanding its focus on infrastructure and renewables. Regarded by clients as ‘technically brilliant’, Ida Marie Windrup heads up the banking group, while industry veteran Richard Sjøqvist leads the finance group. Eivind Eliassen has extensive experience in asset-based financing, while Daniel Jovanovic, recently promoted to the partnership, is recommended for his work on major financing and restructuring mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ida Marie Windrup; Richard Sjøqvist


Autres avocats clés:

Eivind Eliassen; Daniel Jovanovic; Stine Hemnes-Parten; Kristine Hjertenæs; Rebecca Lund Nakkim; Thomas Riis


Les références

‘Richard Sjøqvist is in particular good, he is far the most senior in all areas in the team. Available and very commercial.’

‘BAHR has excellent response time, they are solution-oriented oriented whether you are the client or counterparty, and the advice they provide is usually on point and good.’

‘Rebecca Lund Nakkim is a true favourite. She is a machine, always delivers on time, extremely service-minded and always has a solution ready for whatever issue you should face. She is truly devoted to excellence and one of the brightest lawyers I have ever worked with during my 13 year career.’

Principaux clients

Aker Group


DNB Group


Hitec Vision


Macquarie Bank


Nordea Bank Group


Norvestor


PGS


TGS ASA with subsidiaries


SalMar ASA


Schibsted


Swedbank AB


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Ventyr SN II on the contemplated EUR 4–4.5 billion project financing of Norway’s first offshore wind project.
  • Advising DNB Bank and other arrangers on VISMA’s EUR 3.7 billion multicurrency term and revolving credit facilities.
  • Advising Swedbank on a NOK 2.5 billion unsecured senior multicurrency revolving credit facility to SATS ASA.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

Clients regularly turn to Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS for assistance with shipping and maritime infrastructure financing, direct lending transactions, and complex financing structures. With in-depth knowledge of acquisition finance, direct lending structures, and security arrangements, department head Kaare P Sverdrup is active on cross-border matters. Camilla Skøie Mørkve is adept at private credit and acquisition financing transactions, and Thomas A. Dale acts on syndicated lending and financing within the energy sector. Snorre Lyse oversees acquisition financing, and Sunniva Kinsella covers domestic and cross-border financing, having particular expertise in syndicated facilities and green financing structures.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kaare P. Sverdrup


Autres avocats clés:

Camilla Skøie Mørkve; Thomas A. Dale; Snorre Lyse; Sunniva Kinsella; Kristian Kronborg; Marie Biørnstad; Fatma Lamin


Les références

‘In my view, the most internationally minded law firm in Norway, with strong client focus, hard-working ethic, but also the most skilful personalities in their trait.’

‘For international debt investors into Norwegian bonds, it’s highly valuable that Schjødt has been an important player in forming the Norwegian bond template, giving them good insight and knowledge of the instrument.’

Principaux clients

Lenders to Aurelia Bidco AS


Nordea Bank ABP


DNB Bank ASA


CIC Group AS


CIC Hospitality AS


Scandinavian Air Shuttle


Crayon Group Holding ASA


Crayon Group AS


DNB Bank ASA


Elmera Group ASA


Hexagon Composites ASA


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


BNP Paribas


TGS ASA


Macquarie Capital Principal Finance


Nomura International PLC


Swedbank AB NUF


Nordic Trustee AS


Sentinel Capital Partners


Kymera International


Danske Bank A/S


Golden Ocean Group Limited


Garfunkelux Holdco 3 S.A


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised lenders including Apollo, Blackstone, CVC, Goldman Sachs, Macquarie, Oaktree and Sixth Street on NOK 141 billion financing for the public-to-private acquisition of Adevinta ASA.
  • Advised Nordea Bank ABP on its acquisition of Danske Bank’s personal customer business in Norway involving a value of NOK 39,000,000,000 and included the transfer of a substantial personal banking portfolio to Nordea.
  • Advised Macquarie Capital Principal Finance and Nomura International PLC as initial investors and Nordic Trustee as agent and security agent on an EUR 371,000,000 direct lending transaction structured as a senior secured bond issue by Green Mountain Innlandet AS.

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS

Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS has developed a wide banking and finance practice, including experience in domestic and international finance transactions, debt restructuring, and financial regulatory services. Kristoffer Hegdahl chiefly concentrates on debt restructuring, having acted on restructuring mandates across a variety of sectors, while Tore Mydske exhibits skill in financial regulatory matters. Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl is a seasoned advisor on debt financing, including bilateral and syndicated credit facilities, direct lending, and bond issues. Hans Haugstad is a name to note for bank financing transactions, whereas Markus Kjelløkken is involved in the full life-cycle of work for firms relating to financial services regulation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kristoffer Hegdahl; Tore Mydske


Autres avocats clés:

Ellen Teresa Heyerdahl; Hans Haugstad; Markus Kjelløkken; Morten Emil Bergan


Les références

‘The team is very dedicated. They always deliver high-quality work. One of the best law firms in Norway. Wide range of capabilities.’

‘They have a deep industry knowledge, hereunder related to regulatory matters, and deliver high-quality advice. Probably the strongest regulatory team in Norway.’

‘Very strong collaboration skills. Managed a complex environment with more than 4 groups of stakeholders, also being able to influence international legal experts on Norwegian law and industry practice. Very strong presence and top-class follow-up and availability.’

Principaux clients

DNB Bank


Nordea Bank


Danske Bank


Svenska Handelsbanken


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken


Eksfin


Pareto Securities


Pareto Alternative Investments


Pareto Bank


ABG Sundal Collier


Nordic Corporate Bank


Euronext Oslo Børs


Storebrand


Swedbank


Sparebank1 Gruppen


Sparebank 1 Sør Norge ASA


Sparebank 1 Markets AS


Sparebanken Vest


Seadrill


Finance Norway


Kommunal Landspensjonskasse


Gabler Investments


Oaktree Capital


Elkem


B2Holding


XXL


Havfram


Seatankers


Fleetscape


Cadre


Nordic Trustee


Enity Bank Group


Instabank ASA


Fremtind Forsikring AS


Norli Forsiking AS


Convene AS


Frende Forsikring AS


Coeo Inkasso AS


Heder Bank ASA


JBF Bank


JBF Forsikring


Danske Invest Asset Management


Sparebank 1 Nord-Norge


Sparebanken Norge


Alfred Berg


Avida


PayProff


Ewos


Napier


Grøntvedt


P Capital Partners


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Danske Bank A/S with the sale of Danske Bank’s personal banking business in Norway to Nordea.
  • Acted as lead counsel to Nordea Finance in connection with its purchase of a car portfolio of 2,500 cars from Volvo and subsequent lease-back.
  • Acted as counsel to DOF Group ASA on their group refinancing, involving a fleet of apx. 50 offshore construction vessels.

Wiersholm

Regarded for its ‘solid commercial understanding’, Wiersholm covers the full spectrum of banking and finance services. The firm is particularly active in areas such as private equity-backed acquisition financing, as well as leveraged finance and syndicated lending. Atle Gabrielsen spearheads the practice and is an experienced practitioner in debt financing. Kristine Hasle covers a varied stream of transactions with notable expertise in ship finance and project finance. Audun Dahle-Nedrelid covers bank financing, and Petter Thomren Moltu is engaged by lenders and borrowers on a variety of financings. Martin Gunnheim concentrates on syndicated lending and bond issuances.

Responsables de la pratique:

Atle Gabrielsen


Autres avocats clés:

Kristine Hasle; Audun Dahle-Nedrelid; Petter Thomren Moltu; Martin Gunnheim


Les références

‘Pro-active, hands-on, and offers availability to an exceptional extent. The team is, overall, a pleasure to interact with. Certain individuals offer their solution-oriented take on complex issues, which is of great value.’

‘Petter Thomren Moltu offers an exceptional client experience – always proactive and to-the-point legal advice. His solution-oriented mindset, both in conference calls and drafting, is truly of value.’

‘Service-minded, available, skilled, and commercial.’

Principaux clients

DNB Bank ASA


Danske Bank, Norwegian branch


SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA


Handelsbanken


Avarn Security Group


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Nordea Bank Abp


Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA


ABN AMRO Bank N.V


Danske Bank A/S


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the lenders on a fund financing, structured as a hybrid of NAV and subscription line.

Wikborg Rein

Home to a versatile team of practitioners covering an array of financing types, Wikborg Rein is frequently turned to by a client roster consisting of domestic and foreign investment banks, financial institutions, private equity firms, and direct lenders. Practice co-head Andreas Kjensli Lund is noted for his expertise on bank financing, particularly in corporate and real estate financing. Ole Andenæs heads the financial regulations practice and has been active in processes towards the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority. Johan Rasmussen adds a broad knowledge of financing transactions to the group, with expertise spanning from acquisition financing to ship financing. Lars-Erik Østerbø is particularly active in ship finance and ECA-backed asset and project finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andreas Kjensli Lund; Ole Andenæs


Autres avocats clés:

Johan Rasmussen; Lars-Erik Østerbø; Alexander W. Owesen; Andreas Fjærvoll Larsen; Hallvard Håskjold; Stine H. Barstad; Madeleine L. Finstad


Les références

‘Alexander W Owesen – highly skilled within leveraged finance. Strong knowledge on bank and HY bond documentation, including bridge documentation and intercreditor issues. Available.’

‘The Wikborg Rein team we have worked with is always professional, delivering results on the agreed timeframe and is always available to discuss and assist.’

‘We have worked very closely with Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen and Hallvard Håskjold. These are stand-out legal professionals that are always available on short notice, deliver results, have good client management, and relationships.’

Principaux clients

DNB Bank ASA


Nordea Bank Abp


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Danske Bank A/S


Svenska Handelsbanken AB


Eksportfinansiering Norge


BNP Paribas


ING Bank N.V


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Credit Suisse AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the lenders in a new unsecured multicurrency revolving facility agreement with the publicly listed entity, Tomra Systems ASA as borrower.
  • Advised an agent on the USD 500,000,000 financing of the public listed entity DOF Group ASA’s acquisition of Maersk Supply Service A/S.
  • Advised NG Group AS with an approx. EUR 745,000,000 acquisition financing.

Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS

Acquisition financing, corporate financing, and regulatory guidance form the cornerstones of the banking and finance practice at Advokatfirmaet Haavind AS. Under the joint leadership of Hans-Christian Donjem and Ellen Schult Ulriksen, the practice has recently strategically grown its presence in lender-side mandates. Donjem is a reference for acquisition financing and corporate financing, while Ulriksen heads the corporate department and regularly acts on financial restructuring. Kasper Formo Asplin is a key contact for financial regulatory assistance. Christoffer Baisgård, who is adept at restructuring, while Helen Xu is another key name for AML.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hans-Christian Donjem; Ellen Schult Ulriksen


Autres avocats clés:

Kasper Formo Asplin; Christoffer Baisgård; Helen Xu; Lene Kristin Hennø


Les références

‘We are very satisfied with Haavind’s bank and finance team. They consistently deliver on time and within expectations, and stand out for their attentiveness to client needs. The team combines strong legal expertise with a pragmatic approach, making collaboration efficient and reliable. Overall, we are happy with their service and value their client-centric focus.’

‘Hans-Christian Donjem has been our go-to partner for years. He is extremely detail-oriented, has an impressive memory, and combines deep legal knowledge with a practical, solution-oriented approach. Always attentive and reliable, he is a pleasure to work with and stands out clearly from competitors.’

‘We use Haavind because they genuinely “get” our sectors—especially offshore shipping and aquaculture—so we spend less time explaining and more time executing. They’re proactive, pragmatic, and easy to work with. With major regulatory changes in aquaculture and plenty of cross-border uncertainty, they stay current and leverage deep know-how to help us navigate risk and keep transactions moving—always with a forward-leaning, solution-first mindset.’

Principaux clients

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Norwegian Offshore Rental AS


Clydesdale Bank PLC


Argie Holdings Pte. Ltd


Axactor ASA


Aider Konsern AS


Santander Consumer Bank ASA


Aprila Bank ASA


Nordic Corporate Bank ASA


BlackRock Inc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Norwegian Offshore Rental AS on a NOK 173 million cross-border secured credit and leasing facilities agreement with Sparebank1 Sør-Norge ASA.
  • Advised Axactor ASA on the complex two-year extension of its €545 million cross-border borrowing base credit facility with DNB Bank ASA and Nordea Bank Abp.
  • Advised Argie Holdings Pte. Ltd (CredAble) on the establishment of an off-balance sheet term loan facility.

Selmer

Selmer‘s full-service financing practice is adept at both lender and borrower-side mandates, with the firm having greater involvement in sustainability-linked financing in response to the evolving ESG space. Department head Christopher A. Jensen chiefly concentrates on bank financing, while Per Morten Christiansen‘s wide-ranging transactional practice covers domestic and cross-border loans, as well as acquisition, asset and project financings. Bernt Olav Steinland assists on the regulatory framework for financial undertakings and proceedings before the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. Marte Aarøe handles financing transactions, including project financing and leveraged acquisition financings.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christopher A. Jensen


Autres avocats clés:

Per Morten Christiansen; Bernt Olav Steinland; Marte Aarøe; Tor Herdlevær


Les références

‘I recommend Per Morten Christiansen.’

‘Selmer has great sectoral expertise and a great ability to deliver solid advice against challenging deadlines.’

‘Tor Herdlevaer’s the best in class. His commercial acumen and ability to clearly identify and cut through thorny legal issues are thoroughly impressive, whilst his advocacy style has persuaded intransigent clients to his point of view more than once. His deep industry expertise makes him a trusted advisor for a variety of topics, and he is also a pleasure to deal with.’

Principaux clients

Citibank


Nordea Bank Abp


SpareBank 1 SMN


Sparebanken Norge


Sparebanken Møre


Sparebank 1 Markets AS


Eksport Finance Norway


Eidesvik Offshore


Ekornes QM Holding group


Bertel O. Steen group


Europris group


Solør Bioenergi group


GC Sykehus AS


DNB Markets


Stiftelsen Diakonissehuset Lovisenberg


SpareBank 1 Sør Norge ASA


SpareBank 1 Østlandet


Maritime & Merchant Bank ASA


Rogaland Sparebank


Principaux dossiers


Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig

Advokatfirmaet Simonsen Vogt Wiig‘s banking and finance department is particularly adept at maritime financing. The firm is also well-placed in general bank lending, covering asset lending, leverage financing, and refinancing. Halvor Klingenberg has extensive experience in corporate financing, project financing, and asset-based financing, while Stig Strand is knowledgeable in finance within the banking industry. Linn Hertwig Eidsheim combines expertise in financing, maritime, and transport matters. Christine Rødsæther handles shipping transactions, including ship financing,

Responsables de la pratique:

Halvor Klingenberg; Linn Hertwig Eidsheim; Stig Strand


Autres avocats clés:

Christine Rødsæther; Eline Hammerlund Fangel; Tone Tafjord Seth; Ask Oliver Nausthaug Jåtten


Les références

‘Capable of assisting in choosing the most favourable financial structure for the projects, and clarifying the juridical aspects with all relevant parties.’

‘Partner Stig Strand again stands out as remarkably dedicated in all aspects of the projects he is assisting us with.’

‘We have worked with SVW’s banking and financing for many years. They have a pragmatic and commercial approach which makes them stand out from other law firms.’

Principaux clients

DNB Bank ASA


Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB


Pareto Bank ASA


Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA


Vireo AS


Fearnley Securities


Clarksons Platou


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Vireo AS and its subsidiaries in connection with the construction and financing of two separate biomethane projects.
  • Advised DNB Bank ASA and Eksportfinansiering Norge (as the export agency guaranteeing 50% of the commitment) on financing the (green) construction and operation of a large-scale biocarbon facility in Hønefoss, Norway.
  • Advised the airline NAS (and its subsidiaries) with the financing of numerous aircrafts.

CMS Kluge

With an international reach, CMS Kluge‘s banking and finance team is experienced in cross-border financings into Norway, with activity on the borrower-side across corporate finance, project finance, and ship finance. The team is jointly led by Snorre Haukali, a go-to for corporate borrowers from a range of sectors and Dag Thomas Hansson, a key contact for lenders, sponsors, and borrowers across corporate finance, acquisition finance, and project finance. Ida Johanne Bohmann chiefly focuses on syndicated financing and acquisition financing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Snorre Haukali; Dag Thomas Hansson


Autres avocats clés:

Ida Johanne Bohmann


Les références

‘The team stands out for its strong client focus, excellent market knowledge, and ability to deliver high-quality advice under tight deadlines. One of the key strengths is the lawyer’s availability and willingness to engage in discussions, which ensures that we receive tailored and practical solutions.

‘Compared to other firms, Dag Thomas Hansson’s combination of in-depth market knowledge, speed of delivery, and value for money sets him apart. Dag Thomas Hansson consistently demonstrates a clear understanding of both the legal and commercial aspects of complex transactions, making him a highly valuable partner.’

‘Extremely knowledgeable about the legal aspects of the sector and the history of the company, very quick response/turnaround time.’

Principaux clients

Aareal Bank


Armada Credit Partners


Aviva


P/F Bakkafrost


BNP Paribas


Commerzbank


Green Mountain


Danske Bank


Mowi


Norsk Hydro


Norwegian Refugee Council


Norske tog


Oikocredit


Santander


Société Générale


Xplora Technologies


DLA Piper

With activity in data centre finance and renewable finance, DLA Piper covers a wide array of financing transactions with particular aptitude in acquisition and project finance, real estate, and asset-backed lending. Børge A Grøttjord steers the practice and is an active advisor on real estate finance, public-private partnerships, and high-yield bond matters. Camilla Wollan acts on financial regulatory mandates. Admir Habibija and Andreas Helle are key supporting presences across a variety of mandates. Erik Ramm retired in July 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Børge Grøttjord


Autres avocats clés:

Camilla Wollan; Admir Habibija; Andreas Helle


Les références

‘The banking and finance team appears broadly composed and consistently maintains a high level of professional quality. They are skilled at bringing in the right expertise and allocating the appropriate resources where required. Their advice is particularly efficient and thorough.’

‘In addition to being academically strong, Børge Grøtjord is highly pragmatic and excels at finding good solutions in difficult and deadlocked negotiations. He is skilled at organizing and leading demanding projects. Grøtjord has been, and continues to be, a key sparring partner whom we particularly rely on where issues lie at the intersection of law and commercial considerations.’

‘Broad cross-disciplinary service. Great commercial team.’

Principaux clients

KLP Kommunal Landspensjonkasse


UniCredit


Credit Suisse


Danmarks Nationalbank


Nordea


HSBC Innovation Bank


Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets


Silicon Valley Bank


UBS Asset Management


JPMorgan


Danske Bank


Realkapital Eiendom


Odal Vindkraftverk


Cloudberry Production


Cloudberry Clean Energy


Nordic Wind Power


Azrieli Group


Tietoevry


TheFactory


Santander Consumer Bank


Bill Kill


Confirmasoft Holding


Aeternum Capital


Sparebanken Øst


Equip Capital


Green Mountain


DEAG


CitiBank


Qred


Nordiska Kreditmarknadsaktiebolaget


Coburn Resources Pty Ltd


Handelsbanken


HSBC


Loomis


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Castlelake on a NOK 1.9 billion secured bond issuance to refinance a portfolio of 30 prime Oslo properties, as part of its EUR 1 billion Nordic real estate financing strategy.
  • Advised Green Mountain Innlandet AS / Azrieli Group on a EUR 371 million bond issuance financing TikTok’s flagship data centre in Norway, involving a complex cross-border security and regulatory framework.
  • Advising Green Mountain Innlandet AS / Azrieli Group on the ongoing NOK 4.6 billion refinancing of its Norwegian data centre platform, consolidating senior and junior facilities into a new cross-border structure.

Kvale Advokatfirma DA

With interdisciplinary capabilities, combining transactional, banking litigation, and restructuring expertise, Kvale Advokatfirma DA‘s practice is well-placed to assist financial institutions. Practice head Hillevi Torngren Myhre oversees financing transactions across bond loans, hybrid capital, and structured products. Stine Snertingdalen combines a background in restructuring and insolvency with expertise in financing. Stephanie Brungot represents lenders and borrowers in a variety of financings, and Bjørn Løtveit advises on loan issuances, security, and restructuring.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hillevi Torngren Myhre


Autres avocats clés:

Stine Snertingdalen; Stephanie Brungot; Bjørn Løtveit; Erik Torjusen


Les références

The team demonstrated solid legal expertise, good commercial judgment, and a pragmatic approach to a complex and sensitive situation. They were responsive, solution-oriented, and worked efficiently to help us navigate the legal aspects of the case. Based on this experience, we would be happy to consider Kvale for similar mandates in the future.’

‘I recommend Stine Snertingdalen and Erik Torjusen.’

‘The Kvale team is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of banking and finance transactions. Renowned for its strong corporate expertise. With one of Norway’s foremost insolvency and restructuring groups, we are also specialised in refinancing, inter-creditor negotiations, and in providing advice in crisis engagement cases, including for securing and collecting outstanding claims.

Principaux clients

Norion Bank


Norion Bank, Norway branch


DNB Bank


Arctic Securities


Nordic Trustee


EksFin


Nordic Mining


Engebø Rutile and Garnet


Sparebanken Møre


Skue Sparebank


Hjartdal og Gransherad Sparebank


Gordon Brothers


SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge


SpareBank 1 SMN


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a global industrial company on its US$ multi-million funding of a major Norwegian iron ore mine.
  • Advising a public authority on the NOK multi-billion financing of key infrastructure.
  • Advising an overseas-based company on complex NOK 100s million reconstruction negotiations for its Norwegian subsidiaries.