Strong Interest in the Fifth Intensive Course on "International Sanctions Law"

On 10 and 11 April 2025, the Professorship for Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation held the intensive course on "International Sanctions Law" for the fifth time.

After welcoming the speakers and participants, Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou, LL.M., introduced seven lectures that addressed various aspects of international sanctions law.

The course began with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Iryna Venediktova, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, who joined live from Ukraine. Her lecture titled "States’ Assets in the Context of Responsibility for Aggression: Legal Limits of Immunity and Prospects for Its Reconsideration" was also attended by representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern.

Den Abschluss bildeten Sandra Willers und Martin Griesmyar (Financial Crime Prevention, LGT Vaduz), die über die Bedeutung und den Geltungsbereich internationaler Sanktionen referierten – mit besonderem Blick auf die Beziehungen zwischen der EU und den USA sowie deren Auswirkungen auf liechtensteinische Banken.

Das grosse Interesse der zahlreichen Teilnehmenden bestätigte erneut die Relevanz und Aktualität dieses komplexen Themenfelds sowie den Bedarf nach regelmässigem fachlichem Austausch. Der nächste Intensivkurs findet am 6. und 7. November 2025 statt.

Honouring visionary architecture with natural materials

The Liechtenstein School of Architecture is pleased to announce that Practice Professor Anna Heringer has been awarded the prestigious Max Beckmann Prize by the City of Frankfurt am Main. The city honours her outstanding commitment to socially just, culturally rooted, and ecologically sustainable architecture. The prize is endowed with EUR 50,000.

Anna Heringer is internationally renowned for her projects using natural building materials such as earth and bamboo. Her work bridges traditional construction techniques with contemporary design, powerfully demonstrating how architecture can contribute to positive social and environmental transformation.

As a Practice Professor at the University of Liechtenstein, Anna Heringer brings this philosophy directly into her teaching—encouraging and inspiring students to take responsibility within a global building context.

We extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

On 27 May 2025, the Professorships for Company, Foundation and Trust Law; Banking and Financial Market Law; and Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation hosted the Compliance Day 2025. Around one hundred professionals from the legal, business, and industrial sectors filled the SAL (Saal am Lindaplatz) to exchange insights on the latest practice-relevant developments in compliance.

In her welcome address, Prof. Dr. Alexandra Butterstein, LL.M., Dean of the Liechtenstein Business Law School and Chair of the Professorship for Company, Foundation and Trust Law, emphasised the growing demands placed on compliance officers. With ever-increasing regulatory requirements, continuing education formats such as Compliance Day, the Certificate Programme for Compliance Officers, and the Intensive Course on Criminal Law and Corporations are becoming ever more relevant. She expressed her gratitude to the speakers, as well as the Liechtenstein Institute of Professional Trustees and the Financial Market Authority (FMA) Liechtenstein for their contributions to specific thematic blocks.

The morning session, moderated by Prof. Butterstein, focused on embedding compliance into operational processes. Dr. Christian Wind illustrated how risk controls can be integrated into value creation without sacrificing efficiency. MMag. Peter Schieferer followed with practical case studies on how industrial companies deal with classic compliance risks, such as inadequate IT security. Stephan Gebauer argued that rules alone are insufficient to ensure ethical behaviour—personal commitment and acceptance of constraints are equally essential.

The session concluded with a focus on compliance and risk prevention: Dr. Mathias Bitschnau explained reporting requirements under Article 17 of the Liechtenstein Due Diligence Act (SPG), and Dr. Stephan Ochsner addressed the growing complexity of international sanctions and their legal implementation. A panel discussion offered space to revisit and deepen the key topics addressed in the morning.

After the networking lunch, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Burtscher, Chair of the Professorship for Banking and Financial Market Law, moderated the afternoon block on financial markets. Under his lead, Dr. Alexander Putzer outlined the reform of Liechtenstein’s Banking Act, focusing on the role of compliance, the compatibility of advisory and supervisory duties, and challenges of adopting foreign regulations.

Mag. Philipp Röser presented the upcoming AML Regulation, including new reporting obligations, the protection of money laundering officers, and difficulties in identifying beneficial owners. Dr. Siegfried Herzog provided insights into the implementation of MiCAR, the relevance of the Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR), transparency requirements, and handling of stablecoins. The subsequent discussion centred on one key question: How can institutions manage regulatory complexity?

The final thematic block, moderated by Prof. Dr. Konstantina Papathanasiou, Chair of the Professorship for Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation and Chair of the Senate at the University of Liechtenstein, addressed the digitalisation of compliance frameworks. She highlighted recent legislative developments in the EU and Liechtenstein, including DORA, NIS II, and the Cybersecurity Act.

Mag. Anton Grones, a lawyer and technology expert, explored the role of data protection within globally integrated risk management systems, including references to the AI Act. In the final presentation, Dr. Michael Faske addressed the specific challenges of internal investigations in the digital era, with a focus on generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Participants engaged actively in the final Q&A session to explore the afternoon’s topics in greater depth.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Papathanasiou thanked all speakers and attendees on behalf of the organising chairs. She warmly invited participants to future events at the University of Liechtenstein. The day ended with an informal networking reception, where discussions continued in a relaxed setting, new contacts were made, and future collaborations were initiated.

The unanimous conclusion: Compliance Day once again confirmed its role as a key dialogue platform in the DACHLI region. The next edition is scheduled for spring 2026 and will once more offer hands-on insights for sustainable compliance management.

From 11 to 17 May 2025, the students of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Company, Foundation and Trust Law undertook a nearly week-long study trip to New York and Washington, D.C.

Under the academic direction of Prof. Dr. Alexandra Butterstein, LL.M., and Prof. Dr. Francesco A. Schurr, the students gained in-depth insights into U.S. trust and corporate law.

New York: Insights into U.S. Trust Law

The study trip began in New York with a thematic focus on international wealth planning at Baker McKenzie and Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg & Atlas LLP. At the prestigious law firm Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, participants gained practical insights into U.S. trust structures for international clients. From an academic perspective, visits to the Cardozo School of Law, New York University School of Law, and New York Law School added significant value. A particular highlight was the visit to the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations, where Myriam and Noah Oehri provided an overview of the Mission’s work.

Washington, D.C.: Encounters with Law and Diplomacy

The second part of the trip took place in Washington, D.C., beginning with visits to Georgetown University and American University. Here, students engaged in workshops on legal approaches to wealth transfer. This was followed by a visit to the U.S. Supreme Court, including a guided tour of the court and a courtroom lecture. The day concluded with a visit to the Embassy of Liechtenstein in Washington, D.C., where Ambassador Georg Sparber welcomed the group.

To round off the trip, current challenges in private wealth structuring were discussed during a session at the law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Overall, the study trip offered participants a unique opportunity to link theoretical knowledge with practical experience while expanding their international networks and professional expertise.

Eva Lässer and Michael Fenk create meaningful in-between spaces

In the heart of the rural St. Gallen Rhine Valley, Eva Lässer and Michael Fenk run EMM Architekten, an architectural practice focused on sharpening the eye for what truly matters: contextual, pared-back, and enduring architecture. Both graduated in Architecture from the University of Liechtenstein and now contribute a distinctive attitude to the built environment, deliberately engaging with marginal and in-between spaces.

Building with awareness for what often goes unnoticed

As architects working in the rural St. Gallen Rhine Valley, they have specialised in regional fringe issues: houses outside zoning areas, listed buildings, and construction using – primarily local – timber. Although there is significant building activity in their region, these topics often take a back seat to individual interests and financial return.

In contrast, they interpret architecture and its surroundings as a collective entity. When it comes to the necessary and qualitative densification of village contexts, they consider in-between spaces to be just as important as the buildings themselves. They aim to understand existing structures and preserve their inherent qualities. It is precisely these specific and precise responses that enable buildings to stand the test of time.

„Not everything that counts can be measured.“
– Eva Lässer & Michael Fenk

Achieving this requires not only architects like them, but also committed clients, sustainable materials, and skilled craftsmanship. EMM Architekten consciously pursue reduction – taking the time to weigh up needs, planning, and execution: quality over quantity. By using local and natural building materials – especially wood and clay – they aim to create liveable spaces and a pleasant indoor climate. At the same time, these materials have the capacity to evolve and age gracefully – the ideal basis for ensuring a building retains its value in the future.

Professional background at a glance

Michael Fenk
After completing an apprenticeship as a structural draughtsman along with a technical baccalaureate, he studied architecture at the University of Liechtenstein – alongside practical experience in an architectural office. This was followed by positions at Archraum in Altstätten, the founding of EMIL Fotografie in Hinterforst, and later the establishment of EMM Architekten. Today, he is part of the management team and contributes his expertise to three local heritage and planning commissions (Oberriet, Balgach, Thal).

Eva Lässer
After a commercial apprenticeship and a design-focused baccalaureate, she too went on to study architecture in Vaduz. Following a stay abroad in New Zealand and practical experience in offices such as bbarchitektur (Rorschach) and Archraum (Altstätten), she joined EMM Architekten and is now co-owner. In addition to her design work, she also serves on competition juries.

Their advice to current architecture students at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture

Michael Fenk:

„Get practical experience as early as possible – it helps with your studies and opens up new perspectives.“

Eva Lässer:

„Versatility pays off – those who think outside the box and bring a range of interests to the table not only broaden their horizons but also expand their career opportunities.“

Alumni-Porträt: Eva Lässer (BA 2013) and Michael Fenk (BA 2012)
Owners and Executive Management, EMM Architekten, Hinterforst (SG)

More information about the firm:
www.emm-architekten.ch

Photo Credit: EMM Architekten, EMIL Fotografie