Cross-cutting practices
CSSF regulatory lawyer in Luxembourg
Carrying out a financial sector activity in Luxembourg requires authorisation from the CSSF and continuous regulatory compliance. The firm handles authorisation files (PSF, financial sector professionals, regulated providers), structures the required governance and manages relations with the regulator.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
The CSSF (financial sector supervisory commission) governs access to and the carrying out of financial activities in Luxembourg: without a suitable authorisation or status, the activity is unlawful, and a poorly prepared authorisation file is delayed or rejected.
Cerno Law Firm prepares authorisation applications, builds the regulatory file (governance, compliance, AML/KYC framework) and supports the exchanges with the CSSF through to the decision.
The need
You want to obtain a CSSF authorisation, a PSF status or to carry out a regulated financial sector activity in Luxembourg.
The authorisation file requires precisely documented governance, compliance and substance.
The risk
An incomplete authorisation file, refusal by the regulator, carrying out activity without an adequate status, sanctions and loss of credibility.
Defective regulatory compliance exposes you to CSSF measures and compromises the activity.
How the firm acts
Cerno Law Firm, a law firm admitted to the Luxembourg Bar, qualifies the required status, builds the CSSF authorisation file (governance, compliance, AML/KYC) and conducts relations with the regulator through to authorisation.
Our digital tools serve only to simplify the gathering of information and the tracking of the authorisation file; they never replace the lawyer's advice, who qualifies the status and defends the file before the CSSF.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Obtain a PSF authorisation or a regulated provider status.
- Prepare an authorisation file with the CSSF.
- Bring the governance of a financial sector player into compliance.
- Handle a request or an adversarial exchange with the regulator.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Description of the activity and business model
- • Organisation chart and envisaged governance
- • Compliance and AML/KYC framework
- • Identity and standing of the directors
Deliverables
- • Qualification of the regulatory status
- • Completed CSSF authorisation file
- • Tracking of relations with the regulator
Indicative timing
Processing by the CSSF varies according to the status sought and the quality of the file; a complete file limits the additional requests that lengthen the procedure.
Fees stated upfront
Regulatory files are costed according to the status sought and complexity, from EUR 1,500. An initial eligibility diagnostic is offered from EUR 175 excl. VAT.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a CSSF authorisation?
It is the authorisation issued by the financial sector supervisory commission allowing a regulated financial activity to be carried out lawfully in Luxembourg, for example under PSF status.
What is a PSF?
A financial sector professional, that is a regulated player subject to CSSF authorisation and supervision. The exact status depends on the activity; the firm qualifies it.
How long does it take to obtain an authorisation?
The timeframe depends on the status and the completeness of the file. The firm prepares a complete application to avoid the back-and-forth that lengthens processing.
Is a digital tool enough to build the file?
No. The tools help gather information, but the qualification of the status and the defence of the file before the CSSF are matters for the lawyer.
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
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Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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