At AAT and Partners, we provide sophisticated legal counsel in Banking, Finance and Investment Law, drawing on a deep understanding of Cameroon’s regulatory landscape, the OHADA corporate and securities framework and the CEMAC/COBAC financial supervision system. We support banks, financial institutions, investors, corporations  and individuals in navigating complex financial transactions and regulatory requirements with confidence and strategic foresight.

Cameroon’s financial sector is governed by a blend of national laws, regional banking regulations and uniform business law principles. Our firm is well-positioned to guide clients through this multilayered environment with clarity, integrity and precision.

Regulatory Landscape in Cameroon

Banking and financial operations in Cameroon are shaped by three primary legal pillars:

1. CEMAC/COBAC Regulations

The Banking Commission of Central Africa (COBAC) and CEMAC treaties establish:

• Prudential banking standards
• Licensing requirements for financial institutions
• AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Financing of Terrorism) obligations
• Supervisory and compliance frameworks
• Microfinance regulatory regimes

These rules apply to all banks, microfinance institutions and certain non-bank financial services providers operating in Cameroon.

2. OHADA Uniform Acts

OHADA law provides a harmonized structure for:

• Corporate formation and governance
• Secured transactions and guarantees
• Insolvency and restructuring
• Commercial instruments
• Arbitration and dispute settlement

These laws are central to financing transactions, securities, and business operations.

3. National Legislation

Cameroon’s legal system adds domestic statutes governing:

• Banking operations
• Financial services
• Public and private investment
• Securities markets
• Foreign exchange controls
• Taxation of financial transactions

Our firm interprets and applies these laws with careful attention to detail and business realities.

Our Practice Areas

1. Banking Law & Regulatory Compliance

We assist financial institutions and corporate clients with:

• Banking licensing and regulatory approvals
• Loan structuring and credit facilities
• Drafting and negotiation of financing agreements
• Banking compliance audits
• COBAC prudential requirements
• Customer disputes and internal investigations
• Policies for AML/CFT compliance
• Microfinance institution compliance and governance

We provide continuous support to ensure institutions meet regional supervisory standards.

2. Secured Transactions & Collateral under OHADA Law

We advise on the creation, registration and enforcement of securities under the OHADA Uniform Act on Securities, including:

• Pledges, mortgages and charges
• Assignment of receivables
• Guarantees and suretyships
• Collateral on inventory, equipment and financial assets
• Enforcement of security interests and debt recovery

Our firm ensures that clients’ rights are protected through properly structured and enforceable security mechanisms.

3. Corporate Finance & Investment Transactions

We support clients in structuring and closing:

• Project finance and infrastructure funding
• Syndicated loans and credit facilities
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) transactions
• Venture capital & private equity deals
• Mergers, acquisitions and share transfers
• Joint ventures and investment partnerships

We work closely with clients to achieve regulatory-compliant and commercially sound results.

4. Foreign Exchange & Cross-Border Transactions

CEMAC’s foreign exchange rules govern the movement of capital, international payments and investment inflows/outflows. We advise on:

• Foreign currency regulations
• Repatriation of profits and dividends
• Capital import/export requirements
• International guarantees and letters of credit
• Compliance with BEAC (Central Bank of Central African States) controls

We help foreign investors and local companies structure cross-border transactions while meeting regulatory obligations.

5. Investment Law & Business Climate Advisory

Cameroon offers varied investment opportunities but requires careful navigation of regulatory requirements. We provide:

• Guidance on investment incentives and special regimes
• Support for registration with investment promotion agencies
• Structuring of investment vehicles (SA, SARL, SAS, joint ventures)
• Legal due diligence
• Risk assessment and market-entry strategy
• Public–private partnership (PPP) advisory

We aim to secure long-term investment stability for both local and international clients.

6. Financial Disputes & Litigation

We represent clients in disputes involving:

• Banking liability
• Enforcement of securities
• Loan defaults and recovery
• Regulatory sanctions
• Shareholder and investment conflicts
• Arbitration under OHADA rules
• Contractual disputes in financing arrangements

Our approach combines legal precision with strategic negotiation and effective courtroom advocacy.