Aurelija Balčiūnė
About
Aurelija Balčiūnė is a leading expert in anti-money laundering (AML) and financial regulatory compliance, with over 15 years of experience advising international and local banks, fintech companies, and financial institutions. As a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Associate Partner at COBALT’s Banking & Finance Practice Group, she helps clients navigate complex AML frameworks, implement robust compliance programs, and address challenging regulatory issues in Lithuania.
In addition to her AML focus, Aurelija has extensive experience in structured finance and aviation finance. She has played a key role in landmark transactions, including the creation of Luminor Bank – the largest transaction in the Baltic banking sector – and over a €900 million senior and mezzanine financing for Technopolis Group. Her ability to combine regulatory insight with practical transaction experience ensures clients receive comprehensive legal guidance across multiple sectors.
Chambers Europe 2025 praises her “great knowledge about the market in Lithuania and is able to solve things that are very demanding,” ranking her as “Up and Coming” in Banking & Finance. IFLR1000 has also recognised her as a “Rising Star” in Banking in Lithuania, reflecting her prominence in high-value financial deals and compliance advisory.
Aurelija is committed to delivering tailored solutions that protect clients’ interests while ensuring full regulatory compliance. Her expertise makes her a trusted advisor for institutions seeking to navigate the evolving complexities of the market with confidence.
- Banking and finance – Up and Coming, Chambers Europe 2025
- Banking and finance – Associate to watch, Chambers Europe 2022 and 2023
- Banking – Rising star, IFLR1000 2020
Languages
- Lithuanian, English, French, Spanish, Russian
Membership & education
- PhD studies at the Faculty of Law, Vilnius University (2012 – 2018)
- 2016 visiting researcher scholarship at Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, Hamburg
- 2012 Lifelong Learning Programme, Erasmus Intensive Programmes, NICLAS – New International Constitutional Law & Administrative Studies Summer School on Minorities, Universität Wien (coordinating institution)
- 2012 Faculty of Law, Vilnius University, Master’s degree in Law
