Clifford Chance LLP‘s mainland China-based fintech practice advises on the commercial, transactional, regulatory and contentious issues faced by both established and emerging fintech sector players. The team is sought out for fintech-related projects across key areas, such as smart contracts, tokenisation, and stablecoins/central bank digital currencies and is considered a ‘one-stop shop‘ for blockchain and cryptocurrency work. It is also active in relation to non-fungible tokens, robo-advice, eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer), artificial intelligence and insurtech. Kelly Gregory‘s recent track record includes advising Tencent on several private investments in the fintech space; co-managing partner Terence Foo is a transactions expert; and Tim Wang is a cross-border M&A and capital markets expert. In Hong Kong, Kimi Liu‘s ‘dedication to tailoring practical legal solutions to clients’ needs is vital‘; Ling Ho is Asia IP head and consultant Brian Harley has a longstanding focus on fintech work.

Well known for its advice to financial institutions, owners of robo-advisers and alternative lending companies, Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s Greater China practice also acts for clients that are active in relation to blockchains, AI, and payments and money transfers. The firm is additionally in association with the PRC’s Fujian Fidelity Law Firm, through which it provides integrated international and local advice to clients conducting business in China. In Hong Kong, the broad practice of Asia-Pacific regulatory head Mark Parsons includes commercial and regulatory work in the fintech space; Andrew McGinty focuses on the TMT, venture capital, real estate, life sciences and insurance sectors; and counsel Tommy Liu specialises in strategic transaction structuring and contractual arrangements for TMT-related projects. Cross-border transactions expert Lu Zhou is a key partner in Beijing.

DLA Piper‘s Hong Kong-based fintech practice is ‘very familiar with blockchain technology, decentralised finance and cryptocurrency‘. The group acts across a range of matters, including payments, robo advisory, alternative payments, security and digital assets, and the operation of crypto-currency exchanges and other online platforms. In late 2021, Kristi Swartz, instrumental in developing Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem, joined from now-closed Swartz, Binnersley & Associates, to head the fintech practice; and within the associate pool, Winson Lau is a fintech and digital assets practitioner, whose workload frequently involves analysing regulatory licensing and compliance requirements and Angele Lok‘s experience includes advising on tokenisation and related blockchain matters. During 2022, of counsel Alice Li, an emerging and disruptive technologies expert, was recruited from Deacons, while former Asia head of the firm’s global technology and fintech sector initiative, Scott Thiel , moved to lead TOKO, the firm’s digital asset creation engine.

Routinely acting for large institutional clients and fast-growing unicorns, Eversheds Sutherland‘s Hong Kong-based Asia technology group assists with a broad-spectrum of fintech-related matters. The team is particularly focused on strategic and bet-the-farm technology and digital transformation projects, which lie at the intersection of financial services and technology. Its recent experience includes several high-end, regulated fintech transactions; and the group is regularly sought out by international banks and global technology organisations in relation to virtual banks, merchants, technology service providers, and payment providers and processors. It is also increasingly active on behalf of multinational financial services, retail and technology companies, in relation to core banking and payments platforms. Fintech transactions specialist Rhys McWhirter leads the firm’s fintech and technology practice group across Asia, while the practice of Asia banking and finance head Michael Yau also covers fintech matters. Of counsel Frankie Tam is a technology specialist.

Morrison Foerster‘s dedicated fintech team in China is a go-to practice for corporations that prioritise the development of proprietary technology solutions. It also acts for strategic investors who regard investments in emerging technology companies as key growth drivers. Clients additionally benefit from the firm’s ability to leverage the firm’s strong venture capital and private equity funds credentials. Heading the China fintech practice from Hong Kong, Gordon Milner is a specialist in cross-border technology projects and Asia private equity group co-head, Thomas Chou, is also active in the technology/fintech space. In Shanghai, Chuan Sun works closely with multinational corporations, large SOEs and start-ups from the fintech/TMT world, while the practice of Beijing and Shanghai managing partner Paul McKenzie includes telecoms regulatory compliance, data privacy and cybersecurity. The associates to note are Hong Kong-based Zooey Chen, Gigi Yuen, Sarah Wang and Tyler Xiu.

Stephenson Harwood‘s ‘very innovative‘ Hong Kong-based practice is widely respected for its financial regulatory, fintech, licensing and compliance expertise. The team has extensive experience in advising financial institutions on the application of new technologies to finance, such as the digitalisation of money lending, P2P lending as well as the creation of financial technology ecosystems that combine payment, personal finance and remittance capabilities. Katherine Liu is highly focused on the financial services sector. Further support is provided by Penelope Shen, who advises on the establishment and structuring of private investment funds, and international trade finance and commercial banking specialist Anna Kwong. At associate level, Teresa Tsoi, James Wong, Anthony Wong and Phoebe Cheng are all experienced team members.