Coffee break with David Lamers

Running, cycling, and scaling a bank: David’s journey as Solaris’ longest-standing legal mind

Interview: Marina Burtyleva

Interviewee: David Lamers

How long have you been at Solaris, and what was your role when you first joined?

David: I joined Solaris in October 2015, which was six months before we received our banking license – so in a way, I was here before the company officially started.

From the very beginning, I took on the role of General Counsel, overseeing all legal affairs. My job has always been about managing risk, protecting the company from legal challenges, and ensuring strategic decisions are implemented in a compliant way.

However, back then, Solaris was just a shelf company. We had no license, no products, no processes. My job in those early days was to set up the legal department from scratch:

• Setting up legal structures, processes and templates
• Ensuring our products were built in a compliant way
• Building a team to support our growth

So while my responsibilities haven’t changed, the scope and complexity of my role have grown immensely.

What does your role look like now?

David: As Solaris has expanded, my role has shifted towards more strategic work.

Today, I focus on:

• Corporate governance and overseeing legal risk management at the highest level
• Advising management and the board on strategic decisions
• Leading a team of 14 lawyers who cover four jurisdictions, ensuring that all legal aspects of our operations run smoothly

How has Solaris changed since you first joined?

David: When I started, Solaris was just an idea.

We had no license, no employees beyond a small founding team, and our only goal was to bring the company to life. I still vividly remember my first day: I walked into an open-space office, where eight people were sitting at a big table. That was it. We were all there to set up Solaris from the ground up, each working in our respective areas to make sure we got our license and built something sustainable.

Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into a European-wide company. Over the years, we’ve expanded into multiple markets, launched a variety of financial products, and even explored crypto custody services and digital assets.

We went from startup mode to a mature financial institution – a real bank, operating across multiple jurisdictions, providing embedded finance solutions at scale. And while our journey has had its challenges, we’ve always adapted and kept moving forward.

What’s your proudest achievement at Solaris?

David: Looking back at everything we’ve accomplished, there are so many milestones:

• Getting our banking license within six months
• Expanding into multiple European markets
• Navigating every financing round—from seed to Series G
• Launching new subsidiaries, including crypto custody services
• Taking over the ADAC credit card portfolio

But if I had to pick one achievement that makes me the proudest, it would be building my team.

Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of assembling a strong, highly skilled, and reliable legal team. They are my solid rock. A group of professionals who work seamlessly together, handle complex challenges, and provide stability even in times of rapid change.

We’ve managed to keep a low turnover, which is rare in such a fast-moving industry. Seeing how the team has grown and how well they work together is the greatest achievement of my time at Solaris.

What’s one non-work-related thing that always brightens your day at Solaris?

David: For me, it’s the people.

It’s not just my legal team – it’s all the colleagues I work with across departments.

We have a great group of professionals who genuinely enjoy working together, and that makes all the difference. With my team we organize off-site and on-site team days, where we step away from daily tasks, brainstorm improvements, and strengthen our collaboration.

And of course, there’s always time for team dinners and after-work gatherings. The relationships we’ve built over the years are what make this place special.

What’s a small daily habit or routine that helps you stay productive and balanced?

David: I stay balanced by doing sports—whether it’s running, cycling, or swimming. I make sure to train almost every day.

I used to be a triathlete, so while I enjoy all three disciplines, cycling is my favorite. It helps me clear my mind, disconnect from work, and come back with a fresh perspective.

In the last two and a half years, my routine has shifted a bit, I now make sure to spend at least an hour every evening with my little son. That time with family is the most important part of my day, and it helps me stay grounded no matter how busy things get.

Final thoughts: What’s your wish for Solaris in 2025?

David: Use current momentum to move forward again, based on the solid foundation we have now achieved with the restructuring, the new shareholder base, the financing round we secured, and the measures we took to address the challenges that previously hindered us from running the business as we would have liked in past years.

Now, it's really about moving forward with confidence and building on this solid ground.