The draft UNCITRAL Model Law on Secured Transactions: why and how ?

An international conference

A Model Law on secured transactions over movables is currently being drafted under the auspices of UNCITRAL. The aim is to prepare a simple, short and concise text, proposed for adoption (or as a source of inspiration) to countries wishing to adapt their legislation to the current developments.
The conference will start with the presentation and analysis of the Model Law by several of its drafters. It will then give experts from various legal systems the opportunity to comment on the project. The last part will be devoted to other recent developments in the field of secured transactions and their relationship with the Model Law.
Ample time will be reserved for discussions and questions.

9:00 Introduction

Prof. Christine Chappuis, Dean of the University of Geneva Faculty of Law
Spyridon V. Bazinas, Senior Legal Officer, UNCITRAL Secretariat; Lecturer, University of Vienna Law School


9:45 Why do we need a Model Law?

Michel Deschamps, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault (Montreal); Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Montreal

10:30 Coffee break

10:50 What issues should the Model Law address?

Jean-François Riffard, Professor, Université de Clermont-Ferrand

11:35 Reactions to the current draft of the Model Law

• From a Swiss law point of view: Dr. Hans Kuhn, Counsel, Schellenberg Wittmer (Zurich); Lecturer, University of Lucerne

12:20 Standing lunch

13:00 Reactions to the current draft of the Model Law (continued)

• US law: Neil B. Cohen, Professor, Brooklyn Law School

• German law: Leif Boettcher, Notary

• Islamic finance: Michael McMillen, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP (New York); Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania Law School

15:45 Coffee break


16:10 Lessons to be taken from other recent developments

• The International Finance Corporation’s secured transactions program: Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, Global Product Leader, Secured Transactions and Collateral Registries, IFC Advisory Services, World Bank Group

• The recent reform of secured transactions in Belgium: Michèle Grégoire, Professor, Université libre de Bruxelles ; Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (Brussels)

17:30 Concluding remarks: Bénédict Foëx, Professor, University of Geneva; Counsel, Schellenberg Wittmer (Geneva)

Registration fee: CHF 150; CHF 50 for students and assistants

Registration on www.cdbf.ch or with Mr. Gervais Muja: gervais.muja@unige.ch , +41 22 379 86 52