Edgars Pastars becomes a Partner in COBALT Latvia office

As of 1 September 2024, Specialist Counsel Edgars Pastars is appointed as a Partner in COBALT Latvia office. In this new role, Edgars will also head the firm’s Financial Regulatory and Compliance Practice.

With this appointment, COBALT reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional legal advice in the banking, finance and compliance sector across the Baltic region. Edgars brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in navigating and shaping the complex finance, regulatory and compliance landscape and assisting financial institutions and businesses on compliance matters. Edgars has recently participated in drafting numerous laws and regulations, such as those on covered bonds, securitization, security trustees, reassignment of mortgages, and operations of pension funds.

“Edgars’ exceptional energy and dedication have been instrumental in expanding our Banking & Finance practice in recent years, particularly in the crucial area of regulatory and compliance. His passion and expertise have driven significant growth, and we are thrilled to announce his promotion to Partner,” says Edgars Lodziņš, Partner and Head of Capital Markets and Finance Practice at COBALT Latvia office.

“This appointment reflects our firm’s continued growth, as well as growing maturity of legal market which requires  more and more nuanced approach to specific needs of clients,” added Dace Silava-Tomsone, Managing Partner at COBALT Latvia office. “Congratulations to Edgars, whose expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our service offering and strengthen our position as a leading law firm in the Baltic region.”

Edgars has been a valued member of the COBALT team since 2014 and actively represents the Latvian banking industry in compliance and legal matters both domestically and internationally, including as a member of the Legal Committee of the European Banking Federation. He is an ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS). Renowned as one of Latvia’s foremost public law experts, he is also the co-author of several influential books on constitutional law.

Beyond his professional achievements, Edgars is deeply committed to an inclusive society. He played an active role in the legislation of Latvia’s partnership institution, working alongside with pro bono team members to ensure it protects the rights of all individuals. This year, Edgars was honoured with the Diversity Award for his significant contributions to LGBTQ rights development in Latvia.