Firms To Watch: Fintech

The fintech practice at Houthoff is well versed in advising on financial regulatory matters. Berry van Wijk heads up the practice, in which IT specialist Thomas de Weerd and Juan Vervuurt are names to note.

Fintech in Netherlands

Allen & Overy LLP

The fintech team at Allen & Overy LLP has an excellent reputation for its ‘comprehensive knowledge and experience‘. The practice is led by M&A specialist Gijs Linse after former co-head and fintech expert Daphne van der Houwen left the firm in January 2024. The group’s workload includes handling a wide range of complex fintech-related regulatory issues and M&A transactions. Other key practitioners include the ‘helpful, creative, hardworking and intelligent’ Jort de Groodt and financial regulatory specialist Pien Kerckhaert.

Practice head(s):

Gijs Linse


Other key lawyers:

Pien Kerckhaert; Gerard Kastelein; Christiaan de Brauw; Jort de Groodt; Mirte Miltenburg


Testimonials

‘The A&O team is one of the few teams in the Netherlands that has comprehensive knowledge and experience regarding tokenising securities in the Dutch market.’

‘The A&O team is able to assist on different aspects of transactions, making such processes very efficient.’

‘I love working with Allen & Overy. They are very experienced, intelligent and know our business well allowing them to provide pragmatic solutions to our problems. They are always responsive.’

Key clients

Coinbase


EPI SE


Silverflow


Paypal


ABN AMRO


Remitly Global, Inc.


Jumbo Supermarkten B.V.


Amdax


Work highlights


  • Advised Coinbase on Dutch regulatory matters, including obtaining a registration with DNB in the Netherlands for providing crypto services.
  • Advised the European Payments Initiative (EPI) on the acquisition of Currence iDEAL and Payconiq International.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance‘s 'commercial and tech-savvy' fintech team is well placed to handle the full range of fintech matters. The group regularly acts for a client base of start-ups and large corporations on financial regulatory matters and high-value acquisitions, to name a couple of areas of strength. Practice head Marian Scheele is 'a great communicator', and senior associate Wouter van den Bosch stands out for his 'substantial knowledge of the fintech sector'.

Practice head(s):

Marian Scheele


Other key lawyers:

Bas Boris Visser; Wouter van den Bosch; Jaap Tempelman


Testimonials

‘Very strong cross-border capabilities, where they really work as a single integrated team to deliver a seamless customer experience.’

‘We seek out external counsel for specialist topics – the team really do have the industry expertise we need at their fingertips. Further, their delivery is exceptionally good. They really listen to what we need and deliver that.’

‘The team is very hard working, knowledgeable and kind. They are hands-on and always happy to help.’

‘Wouter van den Bosch is responsive and very easy to connect with. He is able to find pragmatic solutions and has substantial knowledge of the fintech sector.’

‘They know very well what is going on across different jurisdictions, which is especially important now that regulatory requirements are quite different across the world.’

‘Marian Scheele is a great communicator and always has a great team of lawyers in different jurisdictions which come with the right advice to make an informed business decision.’

‘The most commercial and tech-savvy legal practice in the Netherlands. The Clifford Chance team has a great understanding of the market and our business, which helps them in delivering advice that is very usable and pragmatic.’

‘Marian Scheele is highly recommended – she has a great understanding of the market and of our business. In addition, her experience and contacts with the industry, including with regulators, means that she can add great value in license application processes.’

Key clients

Adyen


Tencent


WeChatPay Europe


ING


ABN AMRO


Rabobank (Project Elevator)


Mollie


Adevinta


D2X


OKCoin


MarketAxess


Net Zero Company


Hartwig Houdstermaatschappij


Oreades


FlatexDeGiro


Prosus


Naspers


Fourthline


MTN Group


Litebit


Anycoin


Multifund


Groendus Energie


Work highlights


  • Advising Tencent on financial regulatory issues relating to financial services provided in the EU.
  • Advising ING, ABN AMRO and Rabobank in relation to the acquisition of Currence iDEAL (iDEAL) by European Payments Initiative (EPI).

Dentons

The fintech practice at Dentons has a strong reputation for handling a broad spectrum of work in the area, with particular expertise in payment services matters. The group is well versed in assisting domestic and internationals clients with the regulatory and contractual aspects of PSD2 licensing, crypto and Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA), IT and data protection, and banking work. Team lead Arno Voerman receives plaudits as 'a master' in the Dutch fintech market. Marc Elshof left the firm in October 2023.

Practice head(s):

Arno Voerman


Other key lawyers:

Anouschka van de Graaf


Testimonials

‘The team takes a pragmatic approach, is available and flexible, and provides the best technical legal knowledge at great value for money.’

‘Arno Voerman is a master; he is best in class. He has a very good understanding of the business, great legal knowledge and provides very pragmatic advice.’

‘The team is very pragmatic and in-the-know, not only on the legal side but more importantly on related technological advances.’

‘Arno Voerman is delightful to work with. His ability to help navigate the dynamic fintech / start-up environment while remaining sharp on the law is a true value-add.’

‘The practice stands as a beacon in the realm of payments, including expertise with real-world practicality. The team consistently finds actionable, innovative solutions.’

‘Arno Voerman is not only the eminent partner but also the driving force behind the practice. In the multifaceted realm of payments’ which spans e-money, crowdfunding, and cryptocurrency, Arno has established himself as the undisputed authority.’

‘While his vast knowledge and approachability are commendable, it is Arno’s unwavering commitment to practicality in his advice that truly sets him apart.’

‘Clients not only benefit from Arno’s innovative solutions but also appreciate the actionable and real-world guidance he consistently provides, prompting them to re-envision their strategies and potential.’

Key clients

Aegon


ibanXS


Payaut


Rabobank


Vitesse PSP


Aplauz NL B.V.


Bitstamp


Work highlights


  • Assisted Aplauz NL B.V. with obtaing an lectronic money institution (EMI) license from the Dutch National Bank.

NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh‘s team has a strong reputation in the fintech space in the Netherlands. The group regularly handles cross-jurisdictional matters, and has particular expertise in advising on the regulatory aspects of cases involving financial products and the establishment of online platforms. The practice is led by the quartet of the 'pragmatic' Larissa Silverentand, the 'excellent' Jasha Sprecher, Sven Uiterwijk, and Frans van der Eerden. Specialist counsel Roel Theissen is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Larissa Silverentand; Jasha Sprecher; Sven Uiterwijk; Frans van der Eerden


Other key lawyers:

Roel Theissen


Testimonials

‘The NautaDutilh regulatory team is exceptional. They have in-depth knowledge of the laws and serve many clients. In addition, they know the regulators well, resulting in very valuable insights.’

‘Jasha Sprecher is an excellent lawyer. He has in-depth knowledge of financial regulatory laws, extensive experience in dealing with the regulator, and very valuable insight in the fintech market.’

‘Larissa Silverentand and Jasha Sprecher combine in-depth knowledge of the sector and the rules and regulations with a practical approach. The partners are very approachable and flexible.’

‘Larissa Silverentand and her team are always available to provide their expertise in the broadest sense, and always thinking with the client in a pragmatic way.’

‘They are specialists in their field of work. This applies to the partners as well as the associates. They carefully map out the legal opportunities and risks so that you as an organisation can make the right decisions. And they have a pleasant way of communicating and are very approachable.’

‘Jasha Sprecher is the first that comes to mind when in need of a fintech lawyer. We work with Jasha all the time. He knows our business inside out and he knows the rules and regulations by heart. Very approachable, down-to-earth and intelligent.’

‘There’s truly no one like Larissa. We remain impressed by her intelligence and knowledge on fintech matters and her ability to think along with us (or ahead of us) from a more commercial or strategic perspective.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO Clearing Bank


ABN AMRO


American Express


Airwallex


BinckBank


BrandNewDay


Captin


Deutsche Bank


European Merchant Services


First Data


Franx B.V.


Geldmaat/GSN


ING Bank


Klarna


Prosus / PayU


NIBC Bank


Payoneer


Rewire (now part of Remitly)


Rabobank


Takeaway


Triodos


Uber


Vantiv


Wex


Worldline


WorldFirst


WorldPay/FIS


Xe (part of Euronet)


Booking.com


Modulr


Knab (Aegon Bank)


Ingenico


Moneyou


Moka


Work highlights


  • Assisting Worldpay/FIS on the acquisition of a 55% stake by GTCR in Worldpay.
  • Assisting Robeco of the sale of its online distribution platform to Van Lanschot Kempen.
  • Assisting ABN AMRO Bank N.V. with tokenised securities matters.

Bird & Bird

At Bird & Bird‘s office in The Hague, the fintech practice is jointly led by Brussels-based payments regulation specialist Scott McInnes and Germany-based financial markets regulation expert Michael Jünemann. Marjolein Geus is a key practitioner in the group, with a solid track record in advising clients on blockchain and distributed ledger technology matters. In February 2024 associate Daniëlle van de Vijver left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Scott McInnes; Michael Jünemann


Other key lawyers:

Marjolein Geus


Key clients

Emesa Nederland B.V.


Bizcuit B.V.


Bizcuit Payments B.V.


Geldvoorelkaar.nl


CCV Group B.V.


Zeekr


European Commission


Work highlights


  • Assisting the EU Commission with establishing a regulatory sandbox for blockchain and decentralized data solutions.
  • Advising a fintech client on the design and launch of an un-hosted, multi-signature cryptocurrency wallet.

CMS

The practice at CMS has Tessa Penninks, who has particular expertise in lending and insurtech matters, and crypto and digital assets specialist Clair Wermers at its helm. The team's workload includes advising retail companies and investment banks on the regulatory aspects of a broad range of fintech work, including blockchain and crypto. The group has an excellent track record in assisting foreign entities with the licensing aspects of tech-based payment options in the Netherlands. Associate Laurens Pronk is very experienced in acting for national and international fintech companies.

Practice head(s):

Tessa Penninks; Clair Wermers


Other key lawyers:

Karsten Bruinsma; Laurens Pronk


Testimonials

‘Laurens Pronk is a pleasure to work with, and Tessa and Laurens work together efficiently.’

‘Both Tessa and Laurens are easy-going, approachable lawyers. They are hands-on and pragmatic.’

Key clients

2Tokens


ABN Amro


Blocklab/Port of Rotterdam


Tradetrust (EBL token)


Commerzbank


Crowdz


Lemonade


Volkswagen Pon Financial Services


PayPal


Rabobank (Rabo Frontier Ventures)


Renault Finance


SurePay


Work highlights


  • Provides ongoing advice to Lemonade (Insurtech) on financial regulatory and data protection matters related to the client’s online content, marketing and the use of AI.

Finnius

Financial regulatory boutique Finnius is sought after by Dutch and international financial institutions, global banks and fintech start-ups to advise on a wide range of fintech matters. Bart Bierman is ‘sharp, knowledgeable and pragmatic‘, and Casper Riekerk handles payment and fund matters. Tim de Wit specialises in crypto work. Daniëlle van de Vijver joined the team in February 2024.

Other key lawyers:

Bart Bierman; Casper Riekerk; Tim de Wit; Daniëlle van de Vijver


Testimonials

‘Finnius is our go-to in the Netherlands for fintech.’

‘They can cover the whole spectrum of relevant rules and regulations, including investments, payments and e-money, bank capital, and data privacy.’

‘Good value-for-money, business-oriented and client-focused. Absolutely recommended.’

Key clients

Aegon Bank


Van Lawick & Co


Acrisure Group


Amdax B.V.


Biller B.V.


Bitonic B.V.


Bitvavo B.V.


bunq B.V.


Credit Europe Bank N.V.


Ecco Nova SPRL


FINOM Payments B.V.


Floryn B.V.


Jex


Kwynt Management B.V.


Mastercard Europe SA/NV


Midaspay Europe


Mizuho Bank Europe N.V.


Nederlandse Waterschapsbank N.V.


OBAM Investment Management B.V.


Pelican Payment Services B.V.


Plaid B.V.


Quintet (f/k/a InsingerGilissen Bankiers N.V.)


Semmie.nl B.V. / Sem.nl B.V.


Tele2 Finance


Tencent


Triodos Bank


Work highlights


  • Assisted Tencent with a payment institution license application in the Netherlands.
  • Advised Fleetcor Technologies, Inc. on the Dutch legal aspects of the acquisition of Global Reach Group, a UK-based cross-border payments provider and investment firm.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke's practice garners praise for its 'in-depth knowledge of fintech rules and regulations'. The group advises on a broad range of matters in the fintech space, including the establishment of  alternative payment methods, e-money and distribution issues. Practice head Johannes de Jong has an excellent reputation for handling financial regulation of funds, alternative finance matters and payment services issues. Associate director Juliet de Graaf 'always gives high-quality legal advice'. Associate Anka Langedijk brings experience in crypto.

Practice head(s):

Johannes de Jong


Other key lawyers:

Juliet de Graaf; Anka Langedijk; Gijs Versteegh


Testimonials

‘The team has extensive experience with license applications in the fintech space. As a result, they have a clear view on the regulator’s expectations, which expedites any regulator interaction.’

‘The team has in-depth knowledge of fintech rules and regulations, and is really good at giving practical and pragmatic advice.’

‘Juliet de Graaf is great to work with. She always gives high-quality legal advice, whilst remaining pragmatic and practical.’

Key clients

Airbnb


BUX


ClearBank Ltd


Fiat Republic Netherlands B.V.


PayPal (Europe) S.à.r.l.


Plaid, B.V.


Van Eck Asset Management B.V.


ING Bank N.V.


ASOS Plc


Banking Circle


Work highlights


  • Assisting Fiat Republic with an e-money licence application in the Netherlands for serving crypto platforms.

FG Lawyers

Boutique firm FG Lawyers is home to 'a diverse team of committed lawyers' in the fintech practice. The group regularly acts for crypto providers and foreign institutions, and in the case of the latter, advising on market entry matters. The department was bolstered by the arrival of Thom Beenen in January 2023; he co-heads the team with Anne Hakvoort, who has extensive expertise in assisting with platform-driven business models, and financial regulatory specialist Joost van Hunnik.

Practice head(s):

Anne Hakvoort; Joost van Hunnik; Thom Beenen


Testimonials

‘An experienced and diverse team of committed lawyers. They not only deliver as requested and on-time, but provide excellent advice and suggestions on a wide-range of legal topics.’

‘Joost van Hunnik is pragmatic, quick, knowledgeable, solutions-oriented and professional.’

‘FG Lawyers punches above its weight thanks to the strong experience base of its partners.’

Key clients

2525 Ventures B.V., a.k.a. Litebit


AION Bank SA/NV


Brxs B.V.


Capchase Inc


Crowdpartners B.V.


DELA Natura- en levensverzekeringen N.V.


Ebury Partners Belgium NV


Lendahand


NPEX B.V.


Oney Bank S.A.


Peaks B.V.


Sponsorvisie B.V.


ZIB Beleggingsonderneming B.V.


Work highlights


  • Assisted ZIB Beleggingsonderneming B.V. with obtaining authorisation under the ECSPR.
  • Advised LiteBit on the contemplated discontinuation of its business.

Loyens & Loeff

At Loyens & Loeff, the team has a solid track record in handling fintech-related fund raisings, acquisitions, sales and licensing matters. The group is also adept at assisting cross-border crowdfunding platforms on compliance issues relating to the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR). The practice is led by the triumvirate of Martijn Schoonewille, Kim Lucassen and Marc Wiggers. At senior associate level, Wendy Pronk is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Martijn Schoonewille; Kim Lucassen; Marc Wiggers


Other key lawyers:

Wendy Pronk; Pepijn Pinkse


Key clients

Ava Labs, Inc.


KEB Hana Bank


Barclays


D2X


Goldman Sachs


WeChat Pay


Unigestion


Work highlights


  • Acted as Dutch counsel to GTCR on the regulatory aspects of its acquisition of a majority stake in Worldpay.
  • Assisted Fourthline with the financial regulatory aspects of a €50m fund raise and shareholder restructurings.
  • Assisted Wefunder with obtaining a license as a crowdfunding service provider under the European Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSPR).

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons‘ fintech team specialises in handling crypto work, and is active on matters involving registration, referral deals and a broad range of regulatory issues. Practice head Rezah Stegeman is very well known for advising on financial regulatory matters. At associate level, Koen van Leeuwen has an established track record in handling prudential supervision and crypto regulation.

Practice head(s):

Rezah Stegeman


Other key lawyers:

Koen van Leeuwen; Harmen Wielens


Key clients

Binance


Hidden Road


Jane Street


World First


Bitpanda


Work highlights


  • Advised Binance on a referral deal with a Dutch crypto service provider.
  • Assisted Hidden Road with being registered as a crypto service provider with DNB.
  • Advising World First on Dutch regulatory matters.