With extensive experience in the financial sector, Virgi Nael is the Head of Banking & Finance, Fintech at NJORD Law Firm. She has established herself as a trusted leader, guiding her team through the intricate landscapes of fintech, financial institution licensing, and resolvability frameworks, cementing NJORD’s position as a leader in legal innovation.

Virgi’s expertise extends beyond her role at NJORD. She serves on the supervisory boards of several highly regulated financial institutions, where her strategic guidance has helped these firms navigate dynamic regulatory changes, adapt to evolving frameworks, and achieve sustainable growth.

Virgi is also a certified adviser on Nasdaq Baltic First North, demonstrating her deep understanding of capital markets and corporate finance. Her extensive expertise enables her to provide practical, business-focused solutions that help clients achieve their goals in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

As a member of the Estonian Bar Association, Virgi upholds the highest standards of legal excellence. She leads a skilled team of attorneys at NJORD, delivering comprehensive legal services to banks, financial institutions, and fintech companies. Her commitment to innovation and client success continues to shape the future of the financial legal landscape.

Work Highlights:

• Led successful licensing and EU passporting for financial institutions.
• Developed comprehensive resolvability frameworks and bail-in playbooks for leading EU banks.
• Advised high-profile clients, including Plus500 Ltd., EBRD, and SRB remit banks.
• Developed group-wide governance structures for credit institutions and outsourcing strategies to optimize compliance and operational efficiency.
• Serves as Ethics Advisor for Mifundo, reporting findings and recommendations to the European Innovation Council, supporting Mifundo in maintaining the highest ethical standards while securing and managing funding.
• Serves on the supervisory boards of an e-money institution and an investment firm, providing strategic guidance to help these entities navigate regulatory complexities and drive sustainable growth.

• Banking & Finance Law
  • Financial institution licensing and regulatory compliance
  • Capital markets and corporate finance
  • Securities law and investment management
  • Regulatory frameworks for banking operations
• Fintech & Innovation
  • Legal and regulatory challenges for fintech companies
  • Payment services and e-money regulations
  • Digital banking and financial technology solutions
• Financial Institution Governance
  • Development of group-wide governance structures for credit institutions
  • Outsourcing strategies and risk management
  • Internal controls and compliance procedures
  • Governance frameworks for financial services firms
• Resolving Financial Institution Distress
  • Development of resolvability frameworks
  • Bail-in playbook development for banks
  • Regulatory strategies for systemic risk management
• Ethics and Compliance
  • Ethical standards in financial services
  • Regulatory compliance frameworks
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF)
  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) in financial institutions
• Advisory & Strategic Legal Counsel
  • Strategic legal advice for high-profile financial clients
  • Cross-border transactions and compliance issues
  • Investment risk and regulatory advisor