On November 21, 2024, the Chair of Banking and Financial Market Law at the University of Liechtenstein, led by Prof. Dr. Bernhard Burtscher, hosted the "Liechtenstein Banking Law Forum" at the University of Liechtenstein. The conference focused on the upcoming comprehensive reform of Liechtenstein’s financial market law planned for 2025.

The government intends to undertake a sweeping revision of the Liechtenstein legal framework for banking and securities firm supervision in 2025. The goal is to establish a modern, EU-compliant legal framework for financial market participants and to strengthen Liechtenstein’s position as an international financial center.

The morning session focused on the core of the reform: the revision of the Liechtenstein Banking Act. Mag. Peter Jedlicka from the Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein (FMA) presented the background and key elements of the reform—especially the decoupling of banking supervision and securities firm supervision. Prof. Dr. Bernhard Burtscher from the University of Liechtenstein then examined selected questions relating to the new Banking Act. Dr. Alexander Putzer from LGT Bank discussed the implications of the reform on banks’ compliance functions. PD Dr. Thomas Stern concluded the morning with a reflection on the reform and an outlook on the future of European banking regulation.

The lunch break and supporting program provided opportunities for networking and exchange, before the afternoon session turned to capital market law. Dr. Claudia Blasy from the FMA presented the new Securities Firms Act (WPFG), the new Securities Services Act (WPDG), and the new Trading Venue and Stock Exchange Act (HPBG). Florian Ebner, LL.M. (WU) from the University of Liechtenstein addressed fundamental legal questions surrounding the Trading Venue and Stock Exchange Act, which, for the first time, establishes a legal basis for operating a stock exchange in Liechtenstein. Finally, Dr. Christina Delia Preiner, LL.M. from Gasser Partner Attorneys-at-Law discussed selected issues of both the old and new capital market laws.

The University of Liechtenstein extends its sincere thanks to all speakers for their contributions and to all participants for attending and engaging in lively discussions. Following the successful launch event, the Liechtenstein Banking Law Forum is expected to become an annual event at the University of Liechtenstein, providing an ongoing platform for discourse on banking law within the Liechtenstein financial market.