2025 European Distressed Investing & Asset Based Lending Summit

As Europe navigates a volatile economic landscape shaped by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and tightening credit conditions, understanding the macro environment is critical for professionals operating in the distressed and asset-based space. In this keynote, Martin Kron, Macroeconomic Analyst, Raiffeisen Bank, will explore the key drivers reshaping Europe’s financial outlook—highlighting risks, turning points, and actionable insights for the business community.

As refinancing pressures mount and macroeconomic uncertainty persists, Europe’s distressed investing landscape is entering a pivotal phase. This session provides a timely update on the evolving market, spotlighting key drivers of dislocation, sector-specific vulnerabilities, and how major European economies are responding to borrowing needs or being forced to increase taxes to fund it.

Panellists will examine how rising interest rates, trade tariffs, inflation, increased defence spending and credit tightening are shaping the pipeline of opportunities—and how investors are recalibrating their strategies in response. The discussion will also explore the shifting role of distressed and special situations funds, including recent fundraising trends, deployment tactics, and positioning for the next wave of market disruption. With insights from restructuring specialists, turnaround practitioners and lawyers, attendees will gain a nuanced view of the risks and rewards shaping Europe’s distressed cycle—and what it takes to capitalize on it.

Speakers include:

• Tomáš Richter, Attorney at JSK, Prague
• Cătălin Nichifor CTP,  Managing Partner, Nichifor Consulting, Romania
• Eva Ringelspacher, Member of the Executive Board, Dr. Wieselhuber & Partner, Germany

In this introductory session, Richard Hawkins will explore the fundamentals of Asset-Based Lending (ABL) and how it has evolved into a versatile financing solution for businesses across a range of sectors. He will outline the core mechanics of ABL, including collateral-based structures, borrower criteria, and the practical considerations that differentiate it from traditional bank lending and factoring.

Eastern Europe offers a compelling yet complex environment for asset-based lending (ABL), where diverse business models, legal frameworks, and liquidity needs shape both opportunity and risk. This session will deliver a practical look at how ABL is being applied in real-world scenarios across the region—covering deal structuring, collateral evaluation, and borrower selection criteria.

Experts will unpack key ABL terminology and business eligibility standards, alongside strategies lenders and investors use to navigate the region’s regulatory and operational hurdles. The conversation will also explore how equity, hybrid capital, and private credit solutions are being deployed as complementary liquidity tools in situations where traditional ABL may not be sufficient.

Panelists will share market updates on deal flow, risk appetite, pricing, and cross-border enforcement, offering valuable insights for anyone evaluating financing or investment opportunities in Eastern Europe.

Speakers include:

• Dominik Vojta, Counsel, Clifford Chance, Czech Republic
• Jay Krasoff, Managing Director, Chiron Financial
• Richard Hawkins, Senior Advisor, Atlantic RMS a Gordon Brothers Company
• Jeremy Harrison, Senior Advisor, Alvarez & Marsal

As the European distressed landscape becomes increasingly complex, investors and stakeholders are embracing innovative strategies to unlock value in underperforming or distressed assets. This session will examine emerging tools in deal structuring, financing, and restructuring—offering perspectives from both debtors and purchasers. Panelists will share practical insights into negotiating dynamics, valuation challenges, and evolving tactics for preserving or creating value amid financial and operational distress. Attendees will gain actionable knowledge on how market participants are adapting their approaches to drive successful outcomes in today’s environment.

Speakers include:

• Małgorzata Olech, Of Counsel, Squire Patton Boggs
• Lukáš Mikeska, Director, Restructuring, KPMG Czech Republic
• Dennis Levine, Managing Director, Bantry Bay
• William Starshak, Principal, Goldberg Kohn
• Jacek Byrt, Managing Director, A&M CEE, Poland