Paolo Piantoni

Paolo Piantoni is a partner in Prelia's Milan office, where he advises on the full spectrum of banking, financial markets, and corporate law matters. His practice is built on commitment, diligence, and close attention to what clients actually need, not just what they ask for.

What distinguishes his practice is an international perspective forged through years of cross-border experience. This long-term exposure allows him to navigate multi-jurisdictional matters with insight that goes beyond purely domestic considerations. He sees how Italian regulation interfaces with international markets and structures deals accordingly.

He handles investment services regulation, the incorporation and authorization of investment companies and asset management companies, and the distribution of harmonized and non-harmonized Italian and foreign funds. His work spans insolvencies of financial intermediaries, regulatory compliance for banks and branches, anti-money-laundering rules, and the complex framework governing financial intermediaries under the Consolidated Banking Act. He's particularly recognized for his expertise in intermediaries' liability for financial services and derivative contracts.

On the corporate side, Piantoni structures M&A transactions involving investment funds and commercial companies, conducts due diligence, drafts acquisition agreements, and negotiates contractual joint ventures. He advises on directors' responsibilities, spin-off transactions, regulatory requirements for listed companies, and financing transactions with collateral arrangements over financial instruments. His approach combines technical precision with commercial awareness. He understands that regulatory compliance and deal structuring must serve business objectives, not obstruct them.

Piantoni's expertise is grounded in over two decades of practice across multiple jurisdictions and legal cultures. After graduating with full honors in law from the University of Milan in 1997, he built his foundation at the Loiacono Law Firm, advising leading banks and financial intermediaries on cross-border acquisitions and structured finance, while deepening his international capabilities through postgraduate studies at Oxford's School for International Finance Law, a period as in-house counsel at Citibank N.A. Salomon Smith Barney in Milan, and a year at Studio Legale Loiacono's London office. His subsequent experience with Librio, Zena e Associati, Studio Danovi e Giorgianni, and as of counsel at Galbiati, Sacchi e Associati further refined his approach before he joined Prelia as a partner in 2025.