Event Overview

The AIJA Banking & Finance Commission and the AIJA Tax Commission are pleased to organize a joint seminar, to explore Trends and Challenges in Cross-Border Finance and Taxation! This seminar will be held in the beautiful and historical city of Thessaloniki, Greece, in the end of September 2026, in front of the Aegean Sea. The perfect spot for entering smoothly into the Fall season, while enjoying the sweetness of an extended summertime and lively atmosphere!

In this seminar, the academic programme will cover a broad range of topics relating to the intersections of banking, finance, capital markets and taxation. Leading practitioners and industry experts will exchange views and discuss the latest trends and regulatory challenges in cross-border corporate structuring and asset finance transactions, involving multiple jurisdictions and stakeholders. The academic programme will also explore financing/securitisation transactions and address the role of taxes in this context, as well as the challenges of having different tax authorities potentially involved in a single transaction. In addition, investment fund structures and especially direct lending funds will be discussed from both finance and tax professionals’ perspectives. Finally, with the growing importance of sustainable finance, the programme will also address the intersection of taxation and sustainable finance initiatives, considering how tax frameworks can support or hinder the transition towards greener investments.

This event will offer an opportunity for AIJA members across the world to exchange views, build their AIJA networks, and deepen their expertise in a friendly and international setting. So mark your calendars for September 2026, in the heart of Greece’s second largest city!

AIJA Commissions involved
  • Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
  • Tax Law

Programme

Between Scylla and Charybdis: Steering Through the Waters of Cross-Border Finance and Taxation

18:45

19:00 - 21:00

21:00 - 23:30

08:30

09:00 - 09:30

09:30 - 10:00

10:00 - 11:00

The panel will discuss whether overregulation is indeed a thing and how it impacted markets in Europe and worldwide. What issues the financial markets have been financing due to excessive regulations from financial and tax perspective, such as reporting obligations, CBAM etc.?

The panelists will put some light on lessons have we learned from overregulation. They will cover the recent shift toward a more principles based regulations and discuss whether new rules have chance to raise attractiveness of local and cross-border investments.
11:00 - 11:30

11:30 - 12:30

This session will explore the practical challenges of creating, perfecting, managing and enforcing security interests in cross-border transactions involving different legal and tax regimes, assets and parties across multiple jurisdictions. Speakers will discuss how to ensure validity and perfection of collateral under conflicting legal regimes, the role of security agents and trustees in managing multi-jurisdictional securities, insolvency and enforcement rules on creditor recoveries.

While capital markets practitioners often focus on the legal perfection and enforcement of cross-border security interests, these transactions also raise complex tax challenges. The panel will explore how tax rules influence the structuring of secured loans, pledges, and guarantees — particularly when interest payments flow across jurisdictions.
12:30 - 14:00

14:00 - 15:00

How family offices and private bankers structure the financing and acquisition of luxury assets – from yachts, private jets, and art collections to prime real estate – across multiple jurisdictions? This session will discuss how legal, tax, and regulatory frameworks influence ownership and financing structures, including the use of special purpose vehicles, trusts, and offshore entities, as well as the impact of anti-money laundering rules, environmental regulations, sanctions issues and the challenges of asset mobility and enforcement.

This session will also address the tax arrangements for high-value assets. Panelists will explore cross-border issues including VAT and customs duties, WHT on financing flows, CFC implications for ownership structures, and risks around beneficial ownership.
15:00 - 15:30

15:30 - 16:30

This session will explore how corporate substance requirements and anti-abuse rules affect the application of tax treaties in cross-border restructurings and financing transactions. Panelists will examine typical holding and financing structures that now face challenges due to Principal Purpose Test (PPT), local GAARs and minimum substance requirements. The panel will discuss how to assess whether “minimum substance” is sufficient, how tax authorities approach recharacterization, and what practical solutions remain viable in 2026.
16:30 - 17:00

20:00

09:30

10:00 - 11:00

Could and how tokenisation be used as a new form of securitisation for the issuance of asset-backed interests through digital tokens? The session will explore how traditional securitisation structures can be adapted to distributed ledger environments, as well as the regulatory and tax challenges. The panel will also explore how tax systems are approaching tokenized assets from a VAT and direct tax perspective — focusing on classification, compliance, and cross-border structuring risks.
11:00 - 11:30

11:30 - 12:30

ESG, D&I, CSRD, start-ups, booming automotive, geopolitics and arming sector… - the panel will delve into latest trends on financial markets and will aim to enlighten what is yet to come. The speakers will uncover whether the most popular slogans have indeed found their place in the investment strategies of the biggest firms but also of the individual investors.
12:30 - 14:00

16:00 - 23:00

  • Meeting point: Makedonia Palace Hotel lobby at 16:00h
  • Bus transfer to Vergina (approx. 1 hour drive, 75 km west of Thessaloniki)
  • Guided visit (approx. 3 hours) to the Archaeological Site of Aigai (Vergina), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites of the Balkan Peninsula. The visit includes:
    • The extraordinary Royal Tombs Museum, built underground to preserve the burial mounds, including the tomb attributed to Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, adorned with remarkable frescoes and gold artifacts.
    • The monumental Palace of Aigai, one of the largest and most sophisticated buildings of Classical Greece, recently restored and reopened to visitors.
  • Dinner at Evridiki Restaurant (Εστιατόριο Ευρυδίκη) in the village of Vergina, featuring traditional Macedonian cuisine in a relaxed and authentic setting.
  • Return to Thessaloniki at approximately 22:30h.
This excursion combines world-class archaeology, the legacy of Alexander the Great and local gastronomy: a memorable cultural highlight of the seminar!

Fees & General Info

There are currently no registration fees available.

General terms and conditions

By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.

Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.

It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.

Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.

Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.

Scholarships

If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.

Prepare your stay

We have negotiated special rates in the Seminar Hotel: Makedonia Palace Hotel.

BOOK YOUR ROOM HERE

The rates in the link include the resillience tax and are only available until 20th of June 2026. After this date the preferential rate might not be available anymore so make sure you book your room at the best rate.

Reservation conditions available in the reservation link.

We have also negotiated preferential rates with a close-by hotel: QUEEN OLGA HOTEL.

  • Standard rooms:
    • 60,00€ BB for single occupancy
    • 80,00€ BB for double/twin room

  • Superior room (modern bathroom and some extra amenities):
    • 70,00€ BB single occupancy
    • 90,00€ BB for double/twin room

  • Sea view rooms:
    • 90,00€ BB single occupancy
    • 110,00€ BB for twin room

Please note that a Climate Crisis Resilience fee of €5.00 per night will also be applied (Climate Crisis Resilience Fee- 1/1/2024, not included in the rate).

The pre-block of rooms is limited so make sure you make your reservation at the earliest.

Participants can make their bookings by contacting the hotel at reservations@queenolga.gr by using the booking code "AIJA 2026".

Practical Information

1. Seminar Venue

Makedonia Palace Hotel
2 Megalou Alexandrou Avenue
546 40 Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: +30 2310 897197
www.makedoniapalace.com

The hotel is located on the Thessaloniki waterfront, within walking distance of the city centre.

2. Dress Code
  • Seminar sessions: Business formal
  • Welcome reception  and dinner and in Makedonia Palace Hotel: Business casual
  • Dinner in Kazaviti Restaurant: Smart casual, Mediterranean summer style. Light layers recommended.
  • Optional guided tour / excursion: Comfortable summer attire 
3. Transportation – Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Makedonia Palace

Taxi

  • Duration: approx. 25–40 minutes
  • Cost: approx. €20–€30 (may vary depending on traffic and time)
  • Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal.
  • Tip: Ask for the meter/official fare to be used and keep the receipt.

Public Bus (Airport Service)

  • 01X “KTEL – Airport” (day) and 01N “KTEL – Airport” (night)
  • Nearest stop to the hotel: “Faliro” (short walking distance)
  • Duration: 35–50 minutes depending on traffic
  • Cost (airport/express lines): €2 (special ticket)
  • Tickets can be purchased at airport ticket machines or kiosks, or directly on board the bus using a contactless card.

Metro (City Travel)

  • Single urban fare: €0.60 (70-minute validity)
  • If combining metro and bus, separate tickets are required.
  • There is no direct metro connection from the airport, so you would typically use a bus/taxi first, then metro for city travel.
4. Weather (End of September)

Typical temperatures:

  • Daytime: 24–27°C
  • Evening: 15–18°C

The sun can still be strong during the day; light clothing is suitable during the day. Sunglasses and sunscreen advisable for tours or excursions.

Light layers recommended for evenings near the sea; a light jacket is recommended.

5. Currency & Payments
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Credit/debit cards widely accepted.
  • ATMs available throughout the city.
  • Tipping is customary but not mandatory (5–10% in restaurants for good service; rounding up in taxis).
6. Health & Safety

Thessaloniki is generally safe. Standard travel precautions apply.

Emergency numbers (Greece):

  • 112 – All emergencies (EU-wide number)
  • 100 – Police
  • 199 – Fire
  • 166 – Ambulance

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places in Greece (restaurants, cafés, bars, etc.). Compliance is generally good, though enforcement can vary by venue.

Tap water: Tap water in Thessaloniki is generally considered safe to drink (it is monitored under Greek/EU standards). Some people still prefer bottled water for taste.

Food & Dietary Notes:

  • Vegetarian options are widely available.
  • Vegan options are increasingly common but less universal.
  • Gluten-free options available in most central restaurants (advance notice recommended for group dinners).
7.      Language & Time Zone

Language: Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.

Some local words to know:

  • Hello / Bye – Γεια (Yia)
  • Thank you – Ευχαριστώ (Efharistó)
  • Please / You’re welcome – Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)
  • Excuse me / Sorry – Συγγνώμη (Signómi)
  • Yes – Ναι (Ne)
  • No – Όχι (Óhi)
  • Cheers – Γεια μας (Yia mas)

Time zone: Greece is EET (UTC+02:00) and observes daylight saving time; end of September is typically EEST (UTC+03:00).

Electricity: 230V / 50Hz. Plugs are Type C and Type F (two round pins).

8. Visa Information

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. General Schengen rules (including the 90/180-day rule) apply where relevant.

Participants are kindly requested to verify visa requirements based on their nationality well in advance of travel.

9. Getting Around Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki city centre is compact and highly walkable, particularly along the seafront promenade directly in front of the Makedonia Palace Hotel. Many major landmarks, restaurants and cafés are within comfortable walking distance.

Public transport is generally reliable, though traffic may affect bus travel times during peak hours.

Taxis are widely available throughout the city and relatively affordable compared to many European cities. They can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi ranks, or booked via mobile apps.

Taxi apps:

  • Uber: Uber operates in Thessaloniki through licensed taxi drivers (Uber Taxi service).
  • Free Now: The Free Now app is widely used and offers an easy way to book licensed taxis.

Both apps allow card payment and are convenient alternatives to hailing a taxi directly.

Key Landmarks (from Makedonia Palace Hotel):
  • White Tower of Thessaloniki
    • Walking: approx. 15 minutes (1.2 km, via waterfront promenade)
    • Taxi: 5–8 minutes
  •  Aristotelous Square
    • Walking: approx. 25 minutes (2 km)
    • Taxi: 8–10 minutes
  • Rotonda (Rotunda of Galerius)
    • Walking: approx. 30 minutes (2.3 km)
    • Taxi: 10 minutes
  • Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
    • Walking: approx. 25 minutes (2 km)
    • Taxi: 8–10 minutes
  • Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
    • Walking: approx. 7 minutes (400 m)
    • Taxi: not necessary
  • Museum of Byzantine Culture
    • Walking: approx. 7 minutes (500 m)
    • Taxi: not necessary
  • Thessaloniki Waterfront Promenade
    • Located directly in front of the hotel
  • Ano Poli (Upper Town)
    • Walking: approx. 45–60 minutes (uphill)
    • Taxi: 15–20 minutes

 

Organising Committee

Isabella ARO
Isabella ARO Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd (FINLAND)
Iordanis ARVANITIDIS
Iordanis ARVANITIDIS AKD Luxembourg (LUXEMBOURG)
George GERASSIMOU
George GERASSIMOU GERASSIMOU & PARTNERS LAW FIRM (GREECE)
Katarzyna JAROSZYńSKA-LEWANDOWSKA
Katarzyna JAROSZYńSKA-LEWANDOWSKA Wolf Theiss P. Daszkowski sp.k. (POLAND)
Ivan Alexander MANEV
Ivan Alexander MANEV Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. Law Firm (BULGARIA)
Christina POINTNER
Christina POINTNER Gasser Partner Rechtsanwälte (LIECHTENSTEIN)
Jérémie TENOT
Jérémie TENOT Bonnard Lawson Genève SA (SWITZERLAND)
GEORGIOS TSAKONAS
GEORGIOS TSAKONAS PAPAPETROS, PAPANGELIS, TATAGIA AND PARTNERS LAW FIRM (GREECE)

Sponsors

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If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.

Become a sponsor More about sponsorship

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