Bio

Yuval Shalheveth’s practice focuses on commercial law, banking and financial services. He represents a variety of clients, including banks, credit card companies, payment institutions, fintech companies and startups, blockchain and cryptocurrency players, as well as commercial corporations.

Yuval has been involved in major transactions in this field, including the implementation of the Basel II/ Basel III frameworks in Israel; financing transactions; issuance of co-branded credit cards; and collaborations between banks and fintech companies. He also consults on matters relating to licensing and regulatory matters; anti-money laundering/ combating the financing of terrorism (AML/ CFT); transactions; investments; ISDA Master agreements; and derivatives.

Yuval also handles commercial and corporate law including commercial transactions, both local and international, investments, M&A and other matters.

Ranked as a leading lawyer in Israel in the fields of banking, fintech and blockchain by major international guides (including Chambers, The Legal 500 and IFLR) as well as local guides, Yuval combines broad knowledge and inter-disciplinary understanding, with experience in litigation and other legal fields.

Yuval received his LL.B. in 1996 and his LL.M in 2008, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the latter in a joint program with Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He joined the firm in 1999, and became a partner in 2006.

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Represented ONE ZERO, the first new bank in Israel for 40 years, including in its license process.
  • Represented a group comprised of member of the Bronfman family and Mr. Rubin Schron the acquisition of control in Israel Discount Bank.
  • Represented Mr. Shlomo Eliyahu in the acquisition of control in Migdal Insurance Company.
  • Represented an Israeli bank in proceedings and arrangements relating to the collapse of Lehman Brothers.
  • Represented a credit card company on regulatory matters and the implementation of innovative technological-based products and services.
  • Represented the two largest players in crypto-currency services in Israel, including assistance in their license process.
  • Audited the mortgage portfolio of two large banks, for submission to the Bank of Israel (at the Bank of Israel’s approval).
  • Assisted various fintech startups, active in various fields, in the financial regulations applicable to their activity, including AML/CFT.
  • Represented key players in co-branding of credit cards and the operation of loyalty and benefit programs.
  • Advised major multinational corporations with respect to financial regulations applicable to their operations in Israel.
  • Represented several large Israeli groups (including Minrav, Africa-Israel (AFI) and others in large infrastructure projects and the financing thereof.
  • Represented an Israeli bank in the implementation of ‘open banking’, including payment initiation services.
  • Represented a large multinational corporation in the acquisition of an Israeli blockchain technology company.

Recognition

Global 2024: Banking & Finance: Regulatory
Banking & Finance
Recommended 2024: Fintech & Blockchain - Fintech
Fintech 2024: Fintech Legal
Banking
FinTech 2023: FinTech Legal
Recommended Lawyer - Banking and Finance

Chambers Global

“Yuval is one of the top lawyers in this region for compliance, banking, anti-money laundering and KYC matters. Overall Yuval is an M&A expert for FinTech. He is a hands-on person and so well educated about this sector.”

“He is a brilliant lawyer, provides creative solutions to problems and highly respected, so when speaking with regulators he is someone you want.”

Yuval Shalheveth’s experience and knowledge in the banking and credit sector are almost unparalleled.”

Education
2008 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Georgetown University (Washington) | LLM
1996 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem | LLB
Admission
1997 Israel
Yuval Shalheveth

Yuval Shalheveth

Partner
31 Hillel Street, Jerusalem
Yuval Shalheveth