The Polish banking sector underwent profound reforms and new regulatory obligations in 2025. Despite achieving record financial results, banks were faced with mounting tax pressures and changes in benchmarks, as well as the implementation of EU regulations concerning operational security, anti-money laundering, digital payments, the use of artificial intelligence, environmental issues, ESG reporting and green transformation. Against this backdrop, we also observed market consolidation, partly driven by growing competition from new banks. In this article, we explore how these factors have transformed the Polish financial institution market.

The most important changes brought about by the amendment to the Act on the National Revenue Administration are that uncertainties will be resolved in favour of the taxpayer, and that taxpayers will have the opportunity to respond during a customs and tax audit.

How to transform DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) rhetoric into a genuine competitive advantage and prepare for the upcoming changes to the Labour Code.

Every family business will eventually face the challenge of passing on the business to the next generation while ensuring that the accumulated wealth is not fragmented, sold or squandered. The solution to this problem is a family foundation. From May 2023, this solution has enabled Polish entrepreneurs to establish ‘family treasuries’ modelled on those in the West.

Fintech is not a place for theorists. It’s a world where algorithms outpace regulations and business decisions are made in fractions of a second. To advise effectively in this field, you need to understand technology as well as know the law. You also need to skilfully combine hard regulatory knowledge with business pragmatism. Thanks to our recognition in the Chambers FinTech 2026 ranking, we now have further proof that we can do both.

The world we live in today is facing challenges for which there are no easy answers. Climate crisis, social inequality and the need for energy and economic transformation are all problems that force us to step outside our comfort zones.

We have been recognised because we do not shy away from difficult, precedent-setting cases and are able to manage risk in uncertain times.

When considering a family foundation, every aspect of its operation should be planned precisely, and tax issues should always be discussed with specialists.

The European Commission’s new digital package provides an opportunity to accelerate innovation, including in banking.

This year’s edition of our atmospheric movie evenings is devoted to cybersecurity and information manipulation. This is now one of the most significant digital threats we must learn to deal with, so we are concluding our series of training sessions on the topic with a selection of important documentaries to help us understand and combat these risks more effectively.

Just two months after the Regulation came into force, the Commission launched a high-profile investigation into a contract awarded by the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications for the purchase of electric trains from a major Chinese manufacturer. This was intended to emphasise the EU’s stance on unfair competition and its determination to combat this phenomenon.

Changes to the way the length of service is determined, new executive ordinances for foreigners, and new powers for the National Labour Inspectorate are just some of the changes in labour law that will come into force in 2026.

The new results of the IFRL1000 ranking are in, and once again, our three main areas – transaction, financial, and infrastructure project advisory services – have been recognised. We have also been awarded four individual recommendations. These recognitions highlight our ability to handle the most complex projects and transactions.

Europe is undergoing a digital transformation. In fact, the Data Act changes the way companies will manage their data and use these new resources. It’s not just about compliance obligations; it’s also about opening up the European data market to new, modern business models.

One of the greatest advantages of the current regulations on hidden profits in family foundations is that the list of benefits covered by this regime is closed.

How can intellectual property and designs that have already been presented to the public, for example at trade fairs, be protected? All you need to do is exercise your exhibition priority right. This mechanism allows you to file an application for such a design at a later date without affecting its novelty. Let’s see how it works in practice.

One of the key aspects of the Data Act is the introduction of provisions on prohibited contractual practices. These provisions are intended to protect businesses operating within the broadly understood digital industry that have a weaker contractual position.

The planned changes to tax regulations for 2026 will once again have a significant impact on enterprises’ activities.

We were involved in a range of activities for this unique project, including providing comprehensive transactional support in the acquisition of a 67,000 m² greenfield property, obtaining debt financing for the construction of the park and drafting and negotiating the contract with the general contractor.

Europe is undergoing a digital transformation. The Data Act, the AI Act, the NIS2 Directive and the GDPR are setting new directions in areas ranging from data collection and use to security and responsibility for technology. This is the most significant change to the regulatory landscape since the introduction of the GDPR, with the new […]

We have joined the United Legals for Good initiative, created by the United Nations Global Compact Network Poland, in order to support positive change in the world. Rest assured that this is not just another membership; it is a conscious decision to take on a leadership role in an area that will define sustainable business for decades to come.

In the latest edition of the prestigious ITR World Tax 2026 ranking, we are once again among the top tax advisory firms in Poland. Why is this so important to us? Because despite growing and increasingly fierce competition, and a clear trend towards specialisation and the exploitation of market niches, we remain at the very top among tax specialists. This confirms that our consistent implementation of our work philosophy and mission continues to deliver real results, proving that tax law is not just a set of regulations, but a powerful strategic tool for building our clients’ competitive advantage.

We have been shortlisted for this unique award in two categories: ‘Professional Development Firm of the Year’ for our employee professional development programme, and ‘Mentorship Programme of the Year’ for our proprietary mentoring programme.

The EU Data Act, which came into force in September 2025, represents a breakthrough in the regulation of data access and use. Data generated by devices, ranging from agricultural tractors and industrial machinery to solar panels and transport fleets, is no longer the sole property of manufacturers. Other market participants now have the opportunity to access and use this data to develop new, innovative products and services. The Data Act marks a departure from business models based on data monopolisation, to one requiring data to be shared in accordance with its rules. We are therefore entering a completely new reality.

The introduction of the National e-Invoice System (KSeF) represents one of the most significant challenges for group companies in recent years. Although the KSeF is intended to simplify the invoicing process and reduce tax abuse, it also has a significant impact on transfer pricing, particularly with regard to the documentation and settlement of TP adjustments.

A family foundation is a legal entity whose purpose is to manage wealth effectively and ensure its succession without the risk of dispersing assets accumulated over generations. Therefore, a key issue related to the activities of such an organisation is the contribution of this wealth to the foundation in the form of various types of assets that will work for the beneficiaries. Let’s take a look at what this process involves in practice.

The Data Act requires a significant change in approach to cloud services. Companies should review their contracts and start planning updates immediately. It is crucial to introduce appropriate switching provisions and remove or renegotiate exit fees. Companies must also prepare their infrastructure, both technically and organisationally, for interoperability and migration in accordance with the new regulations.

Ten years ago, the international community adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a signatory, Poland committed itself to implementing measures in the areas of economy, society and the environment. A decade on, and it is a good time to summarise our achievements and the key ESG regulations that have shaped the legal landscape in Poland and throughout the European Union.

At the beginning of October 2025, Dominik Wojtas was made Partner and assumed the role of Head of Media and Media Litigation. In his new role, he will work closely with Piotr Kochański, Head of the Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group and, as before, will support the handling of our clients’ court cases.

According to estimates by the Polish Bank Association (ZBP), the last four months of 2025 may bring banks operating in Poland another PLN 10 billion in profits. This would set a new record, probably marking the last such good year. Forecasts for 2026 suggest that bank profits will decline to PLN 35 billion.

International Business Meetings is a modern platform that guarantees not only valuable relationships, but also constructive feedback. In other words, everything that is truly valuable in business.

Air Products is a global leader in the industrial gas industry. KGHM is a Polish champion in the mining and metallurgy sector, and one of the world’s largest producers of copper and silver. The two companies have a long-standing business relationship and have just finalised a complex transaction that could represent another milestone for them, and we supported Air Products throughout the entire sale process.

The energy transition is an unprecedented opportunity that comes once in a generation. It offers a significant opportunity for dynamic development and represents a significant leap forward for many sectors of the economy and Polish businesses. Thanks to green energy from nuclear power and renewable energy sources, it is an opportunity for millions of people to live longer and healthier lives. And in the long term, this will be a real opportunity for the environment and nature to take a deep, fresh breath. We all need it.

We advised on the Polish aspects of Swiss Life Asset Managers’ acquisition of Otovo’s solar subscription asset portfolio. This is undoubtedly one of the first transactions of its kind in the residential distributed energy sector in Europe. This has given us unique know-how and experience, significantly expanding our existing portfolio of energy projects.

The prestigious ITR EMEA Tax Awards statuette is not only a recognition for our tax team, but above all further proof of the effectiveness of our philosophy of ‘Litigation by Sectors: Kochański & Partners Perspective’.

Poland’s energy transition represents a historic opportunity, with investments totalling hundreds of billions of zlotys. However, a fundamental change in mindset is required for this process to be successful: a shift from a reactive and chaotic approach to a strategic and integrated one.

A new act on entrusting work to foreigners in Poland came into force on 1 June 2025. It sets out the rules under which employers may hire foreign workers, as well as the requirements that both parties must meet.

The Communication on Progress (CoP) report is an annual public report in which we present our activities and progress in implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

From 1 January 2026, new limits will come into force regarding the inclusion of depreciation charges and lease payments for passenger cars in tax-deductible costs.

Providing access to data for independent websites, integrators, and application providers enables the development of competitive services and new business models, boosting innovation.

On 24 July 2025, amendments to the Act on the control of certain investments came into force, including the removal of the time limitation of the provisions relating to the control of certain investments prior to foreign acquisition. These regulations were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and were valid for a specific period.

On 29 August 2025, the Ministry of Finance published a draft amendment to the CIT Act introducing a number of changes concerning family foundations. The aim is to reduce tax abuse and ensure that foundations fulfil their original purpose of facilitating the stable succession of assets within the family. Let’s take a look at what exactly will change.

On 4 August 2025, the Ministry of Finance presented a draft amendment to the General Tax Code which could be one of the most significant reforms in recent years. The most crucial aspect of the proposed changes is the elimination of the mechanism that suspends the statute of limitations for tax liabilities when criminal tax proceedings have been initiated.

The amendment, effective as of 23 August 2025, brings Polish restructuring law closer to EU standards. The implementation of the Directive on preventive restructuring frameworks, also known as the Second Chance Directive, has introduced measures to make restructuring procedures more effective and enhance creditor protection.

Proposing to raise CIT only for the banking sector is harmful and discriminatory. It is also short-sighted, and the highest price will not be paid by banks, but by millions of Poles saving for retirement and by the entire Polish economy, which is facing enormous investment challenges.

The energy transition is undoubtedly the greatest economic, technological and social challenge of our generation. However, the huge investments being made amid a maze of EU regulations, the serious international dimension of the projects, the enormous social pressure, and the significant financial risk all create a demanding landscape in which it is extremely easy to lose one’s bearings.

What makes family foundations such a popular choice among Polish entrepreneurs? What are their advantages and disadvantages? Who really benefits from this solution and are there other, equally advantageous ways of securing company assets?

An EcoVadis medal is one of the most prestigious global recognitions for sustainability performance.

Energy transition is one of Poland’s top priorities, and an obligation to ensure security, independence and sustainable development for future generations. However, the transition away from fossil fuels, coupled with rising energy demand and the need to protect the climate, creates a complex puzzle in which every piece must fit perfectly.

Higher fines for illegal employment of foreign nationals and new petty offences

The Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy is, until September 15, 2025, accepting applications to participate in the shortened working week pilot program. We take a look at what this groundbreaking project entails and how employers can benefit from it.

Last year, we combined all our litigation practices into a single group, because representing clients in disputes is a strength of each of them and part of the strategic support we provide. This makes us stronger than ever.

The banking sector is undergoing a period of intense regulatory and technological change, as it attempts to balance consumer needs with financial stability. Effective implementation of new regulations while maintaining market competitiveness will be paramount.

On 3 July 2025, the Ministry of Finance published draft tax explanations regarding VAT within the new deposit-return system. The system is intended to promote the recycling and reuse of beverage containers, such as glass and plastic bottles and cans.

Given that Poland invested nearly PLN 290 million in Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski’s IGNIS mission, organised by the European Space Agency (ESA), could it have made better use of its IP rights to promote this historic event? What conclusions can entrepreneurs and investors draw from Poland’s involvement in space exploration? Let’s find out.

Although family foundations have been around since May 2023, those wanting to organise their assets to pass them on to their family in the future – without having to liquidate their business or carry out complicated asset divisions – still have many questions. One of these is who decides on payments from the foundation and how these are taxed. Here, we explore how this works in practice and what you should know before designating the beneficiaries of your foundation.

According to “The Trademark Lawyer Magazine”, our IP team is ranked among the Top 10 law firms specialising in trademarks and intellectual property. This is yet more confirmation that we are able to effectively transform the intangible value generated by our clients into their strongest asset.

This article outlines the transposition of EU Directive 2023/970, which aims to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women for the same work or work of equal value. 

Expanding our group of equity partners is a strategic decision that cements the status of business development and marketing as equal pillars of the firm, alongside legal and technological excellence and strict financial control.

There is a lot of talk about corporate responsibility these days. But how can we ensure that ESG is more than just a catchy slogan in a company’s strategy presentation, and instead becomes a pillar of its everyday operations?

In November 2024, we launched the first mentoring programme in our firm’s history. We promised its participants a shared adventure, professional development, and the opportunity to form inspiring relationships. Our goal was simple: to create a space where determination meets experience and where even the most difficult questions find meaningful answers.

Banks are focusing on ‘green’ entrepreneurs. Are they more willing to finance such investments?

The new regulations aim to make products and services easier to use for people with special needs, such as people with disabilities or seniors. This is an important change for entrepreneurs in the e-commerce industry, among others.

Last year was a difficult time for the transaction market. Everyone—companies, investors, and markets—struggled with the problem of frozen capital, which blocked investment and development.

This is our seventh year with the KALYNA Polish-Ukrainian-Canadian Scholarship Foundation. Another year where, with so little, we have done so much good.

Poland has proven to be the technological and financial hub of Central and Eastern Europe. And we are part of this fascinating story, effectively supporting those who change our reality for the better every day.

The 12th Banking Law Congress demonstrates that the industry recognises the threats. The time has now come for bold and coordinated action to enable Polish banking to safely navigate into calmer waters.

One of the key advantages of a family foundation is the flexibility to shape its internal structure as required. The legislature has granted the founders considerable freedom in this respect, enabling the foundation to be adapted to specific financial, family and business needs.

The long-awaited Act on the Conditions for the Admissibility of Entrusting Work to Foreigners in the Republic of Poland came into force on 1 June 2025, replacing the previous legislation on employment promotion and labour market institutions.

As geopolitical tensions rise, critical infrastructure organisations will undoubtedly focus on mitigating the risks associated with using IT services from non-EEA providers.

Geopolitical turbulence will have a significant impact on the economy, including the Polish financial market, which, however, is well prepared for these global challenges.

Kochański & Partners IP Stars 2025 – high scoring in Trade Mark Prosecution and Trade Mark Disputes

For us, being included in the Diversity IN Check List is not the end, but another milestone on this exciting journey, and confirmation that what we are doing is meaningful and produces tangible results.

We have been shortlisted for the “Law Firm of the Year – Poland” category in the Women in Business Law EMEA ranking organised by the Legal Benchmarking Group, for our diversity & inclusion projects and initiatives built by strong and courageous teams that change the world for the better.

This principle, which states that doubts should be resolved in favour of the taxpayer, is set out in Article 2a of the General Tax Code and applies only in cases involving vague regulations. In practice, this leaves the tax authorities with considerable leeway for arbitrary application in proceedings where factual findings are crucial.

The Polish Deposit and Return System launches on 1 October. This is a real revolution for businesses, whether they are producers, importers, distributors or traders. Indeed, its implementation brings with it a number of challenges, including, perhaps less obviously, concerning VAT. Here is a brief guide to the most important issues relating to the Polish Deposit and Return System.

Agata is a force that does not hesitate to challenge the status quo. And when others say that nothing more can be done, she is able to look at things from a completely different perspective. And to propose effective solutions.

On 3 April 2025, a new draft Act Amending the Labour Code appeared on the website of the Sejm. Prepared by the Extraordinary Committee for Codification Amendments, it differs significantly from the original parliamentary draft implementing the Directive (print no. 934), the first reading of which took place on 6 February 2025. On 9 May 2025, the Sejm adopted the bill without amendments.

We take a look at the changes the pharmaceutical industry should prepare for.

Every family may unfortunately have members who can be confrontational, aggressive and uncooperative, who are in addition convinced that they are always right and that the world is always against them. They can create chaos and confusion, are a source of constant conflict or simply do not fit into the overall harmony. Sometimes we call them ‘black sheep’ because they cause difficult situations, place stress on relations or fail to meet expectations.

The significant changes in the tax environment and the growing expectations for fiscal transparency have prompted the legislature to streamline the existing provisions on the system for reporting tax schemes (MDR), thereby eliminating some procedural ambiguities. According to ministerial announcements, the main aim of the amendments is to improve the readability, clarity and consistency of the reporting system and more closely align it with that in force in the wider EU.

European Economic Congress 2025: Banks have capital and are ready to finance Poland’s economic growth.

In response to calls from Member States for a relaxation of ESG requirements, Omnibus I, the first package of simplifications, has been presented by the European Commission .

Given the recent increase in the number of tax audits, it is vital for companies to be aware of the changes being introduced so that they can better prepare for possible future audits by the tax authorities.

Landmark judgment of the CJEU of 27 February 2025 in case C-277/24 (Adjak) on the liability of management board members for a company’s tax debts 

We recently advised the Group on another transaction – the acquisition of RCU Ubezpieczenia and Ramius. This is another important step in the company’s development and implementation of its plan to consolidate the Polish insurance intermediation market. With this merger, PIB will gain new synergies and expand its range of services.

The Polish tax system could be in for a revolution. The Ministry of Finance has announced draft changes aimed at simplifying, streamlining and, in some areas, tightening the rules for dealing with the tax authorities.

This is the 25th World Intellectual Property Day. This year we are proposing a new formula for celebrating this event – a series of tips and hints on intellectual property, with a focus on the commercialisation aspect of IP rights.

On 4 February 2025, a draft act on collective agreements and collective arrangements (UC34) was published in the system of the Government Legislation Centre.

At some point, almost every family business is faced with the decision of how to develop the business they have built with their own hands, while at the same time protecting the capital they have accumulated over the years. A family foundation could be the answer.

The recognition in the Chambers Europe 2025 ranking would not have been possible without the trust, fantastic cooperation and positive feedback from our clients, whose challenges and successes motivate us to constantly raise the bar. Our sincere thanks to you all!

In the course of our work, we have identified countless areas where regulation is not so much a hindrance to business as a violation of fundamental principles of social justice and constitutional equality. Following an internal analysis, we have decided to propose deregulatory solutions in four specific areas. 

The U.S. District Court in Delaware has delivered a significant ruling in a case involving artificial intelligence trained on copyrighted Thomson Reuters’ data. Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that Ross Intelligence had gone too far. This judgement, while not final, is a milestone in the legal world regarding the protection of content in machine learning.

Over the past two years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of M&A deals involving companies based on artificial intelligence or using AI components.

Polish banking sector under pressure and Polish economy facing major challenges

Banks are no longer simply financial institutions, but organizations that simultaneously face multiple challenges: technological, regulatory, economic and social. This is one of the key conclusions of the Banking Forum 2025, the most important annual meeting of the financial industry in Poland.

The Legal 500 is an overview of top law firms and legal experts and is undoubtedly one of the most important industry guides for business.

Deregulation, especially in the area of tax and energy law, is the main and long-standing demand of the business community.

Kochański & Partners Master Academy 2025 | Energy Law Academy

The Swiss franc mortgage disputes have entered a new phase. More and more banks are concluding settlement agreements with borrowers, but tax settlements on this account are still highly controversial.

The International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG) is an acclaimed series of publications co-authored by the editors of the Global Legal Group (GLG) and an international panel of experts. It is a collection of key cross-border legal guides that are essential for law firms, companies, governments and individuals alike when doing business around the world.

DORA entered into force on 17 January, together with new requirements for operational digital resilience within the financial sector and rules on the provision of ICT services in the financial market.

The EU in the process of climate and energy transition In the European Green Deal,[1] the European Union has set long-term targets and actions to move the EU economy towards climate neutrality through decarbonisation and electrification based on investment in renewable energy sources. After five years in which the EU’s internal market has faced pandemic-related […]

Over the past few months, we have attended meetings with the Ministry of Finance regarding planned changes to the tax system. Thanks to this, we know exactly what is on the horizon and how it will affect the daily lives of taxpayers.

The Directive to strengthen the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms entered into force on 6 June 2023.

Sustainability is an increasingly important element of business strategy. In this context, the banking sector plays a key role as a provider of finance for corporate investment.

Is the Swiss franc mortgage bomb still ticking? A worrying report

This year’s Chambers Global 2025 international ranking results are now in. We have received hard proof that we have one of the strongest teams in the market for corporate and M&A law as well as litigation.

Proper protection of intellectual property is a key element of an effective growth strategy in the industrial sector. A patent not only secures a competitive advantage, but also opens the door to new growth opportunities.

On the occasion of another anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the Polish legislature decided to tighten regulations on economic cooperation with Russia and its allies.

The Council of Ministers has adopted a resolution on Poland’s migration strategy for 2025-2030 under the slogan ‘Taking back control. Ensuring security’.

The DORA regulation came into force on 17 January 2025, which means that covered entities should already be prepared, as recently confirmed by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). This is despite the fact that the law implementing DORA has not yet been adopted and the delay could be more than ten weeks.

We have just learned the results of this year’s list – and they are fantastic. Piotr Kochański makes his debut in the ranking, receiving an individual recommendation, and Karolina Marciniszyn, who co-heads the Intellectual and Industrial Property Law Practice with him, maintained her previous year’s.

KS NGR has selected the name POLSTR for the proposed benchmark, previously known by the technical name WIRF

From February 3, it will be possible to submit applications for grants for intellectual property protection under this year’s edition of the program.

A new Supreme Court judgement raises questions about freedom of expression on the Internet.

We are one such company – a Forbes Diamond. In fact, we have both a high growth rate and a coherent, consistently executed business strategy that delivers ‘hard’ results, but also effectively changes the world around us, making it greener, more accessible and more open. But we are not resting on our laurels!

So what can we do to empower women – and do it on their own terms? We have joined the Women’s Empowerment Principles initiative. And we are the first Polish law firm to do so. Not for an award or a certificate – but because we believe in the power of diversity.

An increasing number of borrowers are choosing to challenge their WIBOR-based variable interest rate mortgage loan agreements in court. They accuse banks of violating a number of legal acts, ranging from the Polish Civil Code or the Mortgage Act to the MIFID I, MIFID II EU directives and the Benchmark Regulation.

On 8 January, the President signed an amendment to the Aviation Law, which removes the obligation to adopt local zoning plans (MPZP) for areas covered by the airport master plan and allows for zoning decisions in these areas to be issued.

The new year of 2025 will see a number of important changes in new technology law. These range from AI and data regulations, through cyber security to the financial sector and digital services. We list the most important dates and look at upcoming regulations that will change the technological legal landscape.

The year 2025 brings significant changes to tax legislation that will affect businesses, individuals and corporations. We look at what you should know and how to properly prepare for the new requirements.

At the beginning of 2025, new regulations have been introduced that will impose additional obligations on companies. What should you be aware of?

The possibility of working on sick leave, Christmas Eve as a public holiday, and additional maternity leave for the parents of premature babies – let’s take a look at what has changed in labour law after the New Year.

The year 2024 belonged to the banks. The National Bank of Poland showed how much their profits increased.

The complexity of regulations and the need to interpret them correctly still require the support of specialists who can comprehensively assess the situation and make appropriate decisions.