Next Generation Partners

Fintech in Germany

Annerton Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Annerton Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's comprehensive regulatory capacities in the financial sector are regularly called upon by banks, financial institutions and international corporations as well as startups and fintech companies. The team advises on matters pertaining to blockchain, banking as a service (Baas), e-commerce and crypto custody as well as BaFin licensing procedures; the latter was recently utilised in the context of crypto custody transactions. Frank Müller (Munich) is experienced in BaFin licensing procedures as well as in advising financial institutions and fintech companies on cooperation agreements; Alireza Siadat (Frankfurt) specialises in matters pertaining to market entry, passporting, compliance and crypto assets and Susanne Grohé (Berlin) offers expertise in e-money, blockchain and DLT topics as well as e-commerce, money laundering and outsourcing matters; she is supported by senior associate Kemal Ahmedi. The compliance segment was strengthened with the addition of Sebastian Glaab; he joined from an international credit institution in July 2022.

Other key lawyers:

Susanne Grohé; Frank Müller; Peter Frey; Christian Walz; Matthäus Schindele; Alireza Siadat; Anna Izzo-Wagner; Florian Lörsch; Anh-Vu Tran; Sebastian Glaab; Kemal Ahmedi


Key clients

Binance Deutschland GmbH


Fuel


Expatrio Global Services GmbH


New Horizon GmbH


PAYONE GmbH


Prepaid Verband Deutschland e.V.


Concardis GmbH


smava GmbH


Fireblocks


Stokr


Volksbank Mittweida


DZ Bank


Zalando SE


Vereinigte Volksbank


Raiffeisen Bank eG


Kadmos GmbH


Tangany GmbH


Solaris SE


FinTecSystems GmbH


October Deutschland GmbH


Swarm Capital


MISA Art


Business Service Solution GmbH


Byte Federal, Inc


PPRO Holding GmbH


Tomorrow GmbH


adorsys GmbH


Mangopay SA


Work highlights


  • Advising the FinTech-Volksbank VVRB (United Volksbank Raffeisenbank) on its cooperation with the tax platform Zasta and the real estate payment platform Getmomo.

  • Advising Binance on applying for crypto custody and crypto trading permits in Germany.

  • Advising DZ Bank on the implementation of the DLT-based pay per use business.

Hengeler Mueller

Hengeler Mueller's fintech practice regularly cooperates with the regulatory, M&A and venture capital teams on transactions, financing rounds and regulatory matters; these competencies are frequently called upon by banks, investors, private equity houses and companies. Regulatory matters frequently pertain to the crypto sector, including crypto custody, blockchain and the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), where Christian Schmies regularly takes the lead. The team also includes Vera Jungkind, who covers the data protection interface, as well as joint venture and venture capital investment expert Jens Wenzel.

Other key lawyers:

Andreas Hoger; Christian Schmies; Emanuel Strehle; Jens Wenzel; Vera Jungkind


Jones Day

Jones Day is well versed in topics pertaining to cryptocurrencies, distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain, this expertise is frequently called upon by financial institutions in the context of implementing innovative business models as well as matters pertaining to DLT-based platforms; as was recently demonstarted in the assistance with setting up various tokenisation platforms. Other clients include fintech companies, which the team assists with crypto broker licensing procedures. Practice heads Ivo Poslushny (private equity transactions and venture capital financing rounds) and Nick Wittek (blockchain, cryptocurrencies, financial market infrastructure) are the key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Nick Wittek; Ivo Posluschny


Other key lawyers:

Michael Fischer; Stefan Schneider


Testimonials

‘Expertise within the firm on a wide range of topics.’

‘Flexibility even for smaller clients.’

‘High quality results delivered on time.’

Key clients

Bessemer Venture Partners


DZ Bank AG


FleetCor Technologies, Inc.


360X AG


360X Art AG


Portag3 Ventures LP


Work highlights


  • Advising 360X AG, a fintech company sponsored by Deutsche Börse and Commerzbank, on building a securitization/tokenization platform using distributed ledger technology/blockchain and a global trading venue for tokens.

  • Advising DZ Bank on trading over-the-counter interest rate derivatives in the form of digital Smart Derivative Contracts (SDC) in Germany and Europe.

  • Advising FleetCor Technologies, Inc. on the acquisition of Plugsurfing, a European provider of software and networks for electric vehicles. Plugsurfing offers a platform for the use of charging stations for electric vehicles from various operators in Europe.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP ‘s multidisciplinary team comprehensively advises financial institutions, investors, fintech companies and technology companies on transactions, investments in fintech companies and regulatory issues; the latter also pertains to licensing procedures regarding new business models, including crypto asset-related services. The team frequently cooperates across locations on fintech-based business models, which is complemented by expertise in enforcement procedures and litigation. The practice is led by Axel Schiemann, who covers crypto asset-related issues as well as banking and regulatory issues in connection with fintech innovations, and Markus Krüger, who is well versed in transactions and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Markus Krüger; Axel Schiemann


Testimonials

‘Very strong on technical regulatory issues. Comprehensive knowledge and experience in financial services issues and cooperation with BaFin and the ECB.’

‘Markus Krüger is an extremely thoughtful lawyer who offers first-class advice, always with the ultimate economic goal in mind.’

‘The fintech team at Latham & Watkins has an excellent track record in Germany and can utilize the entire range of banking and regulatory practice. Particularly noteworthy is the outstanding international networking.’

‘Markus Krüger is an excellent lawyer, extremely experienced and client-focused. Axel Schiemann has unique in-depth experience.’

Key clients

Dwins


eToro Group


Hedosophia Group


Toscafund Asset Management


Yapily


Work highlights


  • Advising Yapili on the acquisition of finAPI.

  • Advising a fintech company and an international asset manager in connection with the issuance of listed asset-backed securities qualified as social bonds, through which a portfolio of German consumer loans was securitized.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke advises financial services providers, fintech companies and startups on regulatory and IT law as well as tax and consumer protection matters. Recent instructions pertain to crypto-related matters, including the new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), non-fungible tokens (NFT) and the structuring of online platforms regarding the digitisation of investments in startups. Practice head Eric Romba offers regulatory advice on digital business models, while Robert Oppenheim and financial services practice head Tanja Aschenbeck (payment transaction law and regulatory topics) comprehensively advise on BaFin procedures and licensing procedures.

Practice head(s):

Eric Romba


Other key lawyers:

Tanja Aschenbeck; Robert Oppenheim


Key clients

MFC Labs GmbH


Twelvebytwelve GmbH


Zinsbaustein GmbH


Aquaty GmbH


Botlabs GmbH


Golden Share Company AG


bunch technology GmbH


Moonfare GmbH


FunderNation


AS Mintos Marketplace


UnitPlus InnoInvest GmbH


justETF GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising bunch technology GmbH on regulatory, tax and IT law as well as on the structuring of an online platform that digitizes investments by business angels in start-ups.

  • Advising the Latvian fintech AS Mintos Marketplace on entering the German market using MiFID II passporting.

  • Advising Moonfare on international fund distribution.

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP utilises cross-practice cooperation of its finance, regulatory and technology teams and is experienced in matters pertaining to crypto tokens and virtual currencies. Other mainstays are regulatory topics, including the structuring of crowdfunding services according to the regulation on European crowdfunding service providers (ECSP) as well as token-related licensing matters, transactions, investments, cooperation agreements and product launches. Michael Jünemann (regulatory law, blockchain, DLT) heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Michael Jünemann


Other key lawyers:

Johannes Wirtz


Testimonials

‘This team is up-to-date and results-oriented. They were extremely competent and responsive to work with.’

‘Michael Jünemann: Intelligent and client-oriented.’

‘Know-how and punctuality.’

‘Excellent knowledge of crowdfunding regulation.’

‘Quick feedback, pleasant collaboration, clear outline of possible solutions.’

Key clients

CONCEDUS Digital Assets GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising a Dutch crowdfunding platform on the structuring of crowdfunding services for the German market.

  • Advising blockchain infrastructure company Blockdaemon on its acquisition of German company Anyblock Analytics to expand its NFT offering and expand its European presence.

Greenberg Traurig Germany

Greenberg Traurig Germany‘s multidisciplinary advice offering covers banking and regulatory issues as well as payment services law matters, practice head Carsten Kociok is a key contact here, which includes e-money products and blockchain technology. The client roster consists of credit, financial services and e-money institutions as well as startups, which the team advises on licensing, blockchain and token-related matters as well as payment products, takeovers and digital platforms. Head of the technology team, co-head of the global FinTech task force and co-head of the global IP & technology practice Viola Bensinger is another key contact and advises on digital payment services and software licensing as well as on e-commerce and data protection issues.

Practice head(s):

Carsten Kociok


Other key lawyers:

Viola Bensinger; Ricarda Seifert


Testimonials

‘The team has an impressive knowledge range across the fintech sector, from commercial issues to financial services regulation and the General Data Protection Regulation.’

‘Carsten Kociok stands out with his expertise and client-orientedness.’

‘We worked with Carsten Kociok’s Germany-based team on fintech matters, and when we needed advice on specific matters in the UK and the Netherlands, he brought in the colleagues, which allowed us to deal with all matters seamlessly in one place.’

‘Carsten Kociok and Ricarda Seifert were excellent partners for us in dealing with a wide range of complex and demanding questions on a wide range of fintech topics, whether established topics or novel technologies. Carsten Kociok’s advice is particularly rich in legal knowledge and economic understanding.’

‘The team responds very quickly to every inquiry and is extremely competent. There are hardly any comparable law firms in this field.’

‘Very quick comprehension. Initial assessments immediately hit the spot.’

Key clients

PayPal


Papaya Global


GoDaddy


Linus Digital Finance


Jump Trading


FAP Group


PAR Capital Advisors


Share GmbH


Enpal


Lendis


Work highlights


  • Advising the payroll service provider Papaya Global Ltd. on the takeover and integration of the Azimo Payments/E-Money Group.

  • Advising PayPal (Europe) on the implementation and design of numerous payment products.

  • Advising LINUS Digital Finance on the operation of a complex technology-enabled digital investment platform that enables investors to invest in private real estate debt and private real estate equity.

Lindenpartners

Lindenpartners focuses on banking and securities supervisory law – here, Frank Zingel is a key contact – as well as the competencies demonstrated by Brigitta Varadinek at the interfaces with IT, litigation and banking contract law. The practice advises on matters pertaining to the payment services supervision law (ZAG), the development of digital banking products, cryptocurrency custody solutions as well as compliance and ESG-related topics. Among the client roster are banks, software companies, fintechs and startups. Jessica Glaser (previously at Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband) joined the team as associated partner in April 2023 and is well versed in regulatory matters; payment transaction law specialist Kati Meister left the practice for an in-house role in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Frank Zingel; Brigitta Varadinek


Other key lawyers:

Moritz Indenhuck; Lars Röh; Jessica Glaser


Key clients

Deutsche WertpapierService Bank AG


Bundesverband der Deutschen Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken


LIQID Asset Management GmbH


Raisin GmbH


Solaris SE


Star Finanz GmbH


TESOBE Ltd.


S-Kreditpartner GmbH


Wallis GmbH


Mittelstand.ai GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Deutsche WertpapierService Bank AG on the development of a BTC custody solution.

  • Advising Star-Finanz on the development of digital banking products.

  • Advising LIQID on the custodian bank migration from Deutsche Bank to V-Bank.

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH's fintech practice primarily focuses on regulatory topics, including crypto-related licensing procedures, the development of platform business and market entry issues as well as cooperation and development agreements and interfacing data protection matters; these competecies are complemented with expertise in financing rounds and transactions. Key contacts include Stefanie Hellmich (IT and data protection) and Rolf Kobabe (regulatory law). Daniel Latta is experienced in payment transactions law and joined the practice from Noerr at the end of 2022.

Other key lawyers:

Rolf Kobabe; Stefanie Hellmich; Daniel Latta


Key clients

Black Manta Capital Partners GmbH


N26 GmbH


Augsburger Aktienbank


Volkswagen Bank GmbH


GOCARDLESS LTD


Wechselgott GmbH


WebID Solutions GmbH


Leondra GmbH


Zinsbaustein GmbH


Cargonexx GmbH


bloXXter GmbH


Goldmarie Finanzen GmbH


AUDITcapital GmbH (ecozins)


NFTrust GmbH & Co KGaA


Work highlights


  • Advising BCMP GmbH on the creation of a contract with a tied agent as well as a memo with the essential framework conditions for cooperation with the tied agent.

  • Advising GoCardless Ltd. during the IT review of the payment conditions with regard to instant payments.

  • Regulatory advice to Wechselgott GmbH with regard to insurance sales law issues and in connection with the application for registration as an account information service.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP offers cross-practice and cross-location cooperation on fintech matters and is well versed in cross-border transactions and mergers in the crypto sector, while the regulatory advice covers Bitcoin-related products and BaFin licensing matters. Practice head Karsten Wöckener complements this with expertise in financing rounds and issues pertaining to the launch of digital platforms. Clients include fintech companies, neobanks and digital payment services providers.

Practice head(s):

Karsten Wöckener


Other key lawyers:

Henning Berger; Jost Kotthoff; Stefan Pitz; Andreas Lischka


Testimonials

‘Karsten Wöckener particularly impresses with his expertise in the fintech sector.’

‘The team’s unique selling point is its knowledge of digital currencies and the regulatory framework in various EU jurisdictions.’

‘Karsten Wöckener’s practice is strong in advising on financial innovations such as the tokenization of assets. What stands out is the commercial and technical understanding of the new business models as well as the ability to analyze and document them – despite their often high complexity – in a legally correct and precise manner, but also in a way that is understandable and manageable for practical users.’

‘It is a well-coordinated team that has decades of experience in the market – especially at partner level. They explain very well on which issues it is worth negotiating and on which issues it seems pointless, either because this is market practice or because this is never accepted by the other side. This makes the work very efficient.’

‘Andreas Lischka: Very deep knowledge of all banking and credit law, also advises on English law. He is available to answer questions at any time and answers them very quickly and competently. He has a very confident and competent demeanor, one always feels supported.’

Key clients

Bitpanda Issuance GmbH


Bitpanda GmbH, now Bitpanda Group AG


ETC Issuance GmbH


Fidelity International


Tradias Issuance GmbH


wefox


creditshelf


FNZ Group


Nets / Nexi Group


Pollen Street Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising the Austrian fintech Bitpanda on the expansion of its product portfolio to include the Bitpanda Bitcoin ETC as well as on the reclassification of Bitpanda GmbH into a Swiss Holding AG and the subsequent merger of Bitpanda GmbH into a Swiss GmbH in order to prepare the Bitpanda Group’s capital market viability.

  • Advising ETC Group on expanding its product portfolio to include the first cryptocurrency-linked exchange-traded commodity (ETC) based on an index provided by MSCI Inc.

  • Advising creditshelf AG and creditshelf solutions GmbH on an asset-backed financing of €100 million by Goldman Sachs.

CMS

CMS combines regulatory and IT law expertise in the fintech area. The team assists with transactions, blockchain topics, the integration of payment services into existing business models and the launch of new fintech products. Andrea München is experienced in German, Luxembourg and European regulatory law and a key contact for cross-border matters, while Markus Kaulartz routinely handles matters pertaining to cryptocurrencies and AI as well as IT law.

Other key lawyers:

Markus Häuser; Joachim Kaetzler; Andrea München; Philip Lotze; Markus Kaulartz; Barbara Bayer


GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB's fintech experts regularly cooperate across practices and advise on transactions, mergers, outsourcing and IT projects as well as regulatory issues. The latter is a key strength of Matthias Terlau and frequently called upon by startups, financial services providers and banks in the context of product developments and launches, BaFin licensing procedures as well as cooperation agreements. Interfacing capital markets, banking supervisory and corporate law matters are covered by Tobias Riethmüller (previously at GSK Stockmann); he joined the team in May 2023 and is well versed in advising on digital financing platforms and blockchain-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Matthias Terlau


Other key lawyers:

Michael Heise; Florian Schmitz; Tobias Riethmüller


Testimonials

‘The team around Matthias Terlau is very competent and friendly to deal with.’

‘Matthias Terlau is top expert in payment services law and a walking encyclopedia. He answers complex legal questions straight away and is a popular contact.’

‘Very practical and solution-oriented approach with outstanding expertise.’

‘The expertise in the areas of corporate law and BaFin regulation is fantastic.’

‘In addition to the extensive technical know-how, Görg always impresses with their way of working. No matter what deadline, no matter how many stakeholders are involved, no matter how many countries and jurisdictions, Görg’s team is always ahead.’

‘No matter how hectic things get, they always remain calm and objective. I’ve never heard of a deadline, no matter how short, not being met.’

‘Görg has become a trustworthy partner, without whom we would not have gotten through the years so successfully.’

‘When it comes to BaFin regulatory issues, no one compares to Matthias Terlau. He is knowledgeable regarding regulation, so one always gets perfectly researched answers, and despite his much sought-after technical expertise, he responds very fast.’

Key clients

Berliner Sparkasse / Landesbank Berlin


Deutsche Bank AG


Landesbank Berlin


Moss GmbH


paydirekt GmbH


Riverty GmbH


Samsung Electronics GmbH


S-Kreditpartner / Sparkassen Gruppe


Verimi GmbH


WEAT Electronic Datenservice GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Moss GmbH on BaFin licensing matters pertaining to e-money.

  • Advising the S-Kreditpartner/Sparkassengruppe on the launch of the new FlexiGeld product.

  • Advising Verimi GmbH on its merger with the ID service Yes.

GSK Stockmann

GSK Stockmann's team is led by Timo Bernau and specialises in assisting fintech companies, startups, banks and investment companies with regulatory matters in the context of digital business transformations. The practice advises on digital, DLT-based financial products and business models as well as cooperation agreements and BaFin licensing procedures in the crypto sector. Tobias Riethmüller (fintech, capital markets law) joined GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Timo Bernau


Other key lawyers:

Philippe Lorenz


Testimonials

‘Very high level of knowledge regarding fintech startups. Very competent advice and top results.’

‘Top engagement.’

Key clients

InCred GmbH


Salt Global Tech Ltd


Finba Technologies GmbH


Twinu GmbH


xcircle UG


Fleming Finanz-IT GmbH


Solaris SE


CAPTIQ GmbH


DF Deutsche Finance Systems GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising DF Deutsche Finance Systems GmbH on BaFin licensing procedures regarding the license as crypto registrar under the KWG, including the creation of technical documentation as well as internal and external compliance documentation.

  • Advising Siemens AG on the structuring and issue of a crypto securities bond in accordance with the eWpG with an expected volume of €50-100 million, including the negotiation of the necessary contracts and advice on the preparation of the issuance documentation.

  • Advising Solaris SE on payment matters and on entering into securities trading.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP focuses on the digitisation of business models, payment licenses, product launches, including regulatory matters, and outsourcing, as well as licensing procedures and market expansions or entry. The team routinely cooperates across locations and is regularly instructed by banks, financial institutions and (fintech) companies. Practice head Richard Reimer frequently takes the lead, he is experienced in institutional and product-specific regulatory law.

Practice head(s):

Richard Reimer


Other key lawyers:

Jochen Seitz


Testimonials

‘Very pragmatic team with a flexible approach and direct access to relevant lawyers and partners.’

‘Excellent expertise, a pragmatic and results-oriented approach and a well-coordinated team guarantee competent and time-critical advice in the fintech sector.’

‘The teams are key experts in their respective areas for structuring modern technology-based financing solutions from regulation to refinancing. The collaboration is smooth, pragmatic and time-efficient.’

Key clients

auxmoney GmbH


Cflox GmbH


Grover


Hokodo SAS


pay.cetera B.V.


Scalable Capital


Tilta Fintech GmbH


VR Payment GmbH


Work highlights


  • Advising Pay.cetera BV in connection with the application for a license as a payment services provider.

  • Advising VR Payment GmbH in connection with BaFin’s supervisory requirements and supporting new product launches, including contract drafting.

  • Advice to Cflox GmbH on payment transaction issues and in particular on innovative payment methods.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright's multidisciplinary fintech team is led by corporate specialist Frank Henkel and focuses on transactions and takeovers. The practice also assists platform operators and (fintech) companies with German market entry, the development of digital payment platforms as well as investment law and regulatory issues pertaining to crypto-based products. Caroline Herkströter and Ute Brunner-Reumann, who both are experienced in regulatory matters, joined DLA Piper in the summer of 2023 and Anne Fischer (corporate and regulatory advice) joined the team from the same firm in November 2022.

Practice head(s):

Frank Henkel


Other key lawyers:

Christoph Ritzer; Anne Fischer


Testimonials

‘They have a very good team that simultaneously covers compliance, M&A, investments and all regulatory aspects such as ownership control procedures and communication with the regulatory authorities.’

‘First-class specialists for M&A in the highly regulated banking and fintech market.’

Key clients

ABC International Bank Plc


ABN Amro


AIG


Amundi


AnaCap Financial Partners


Artifiction AG


AutoScout24 GmbH


ByBit


Commerzbank


ELEMENT Insurance AG


Excubate


Fintus GmbH


ING


Ingenico


Kongregate


Munich RE


PayPal


Purplebricks Group Plc


Robert Bosch GmbH


Royal Bank of Canada


trimplement GmbH


UniCredit Bank AG


Zego


Work highlights


  • Advising the portfolio company Fintus GmbH on the takeover of Finstreet GmbH, a fintech company that offers software solutions for financial service providers and banks.

  • Advising a trading platform for cryptocurrencies in connection with its possible market entry in Germany.

  • Advising the InsurTechs ELEMENT Insurance AG on the takeover of the entire insurance portfolio of mailo Versicherung AG, based in Cologne.

Schalast Law | Tax

Andreas Walter heads Schalast Law | Tax's practice, which advises startups, credit institutions, companies and investors. The team advises on regulatory matters, including banking licensing issues as well as cooperation agreements, the introduction of (token-based) products and topics pertaining to B2B credit platforms.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Walter


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Gebhard; Thorsten Voß; Matthias Geurts


Testimonials

‘Very pleasant cooperation; solution-oriented.’

‘Very competent, up-to-date on new topics such as tokenized forms of financing.’

Key clients

Land Berlin (House of Finance & Tech)


Wayflyer Limited


Provinzial


Ammer Card


Mano Mano (Colibri SAS)


Interbridge


Winbridge


kineo finance


Timeless Investments


M-Project GmbH


Least Authority TFA GmbH


Silicon Valley Bank


Raisin Bank AG


360x Music AG


Fosun und Töchter


Beyond Capital Partners


Mondu GmbH


Maturus Finance GmbH


Teylor AG


Moss (Nufin GmbH)


iwoca Ltd.


Greentrade


Myos (Amafin GmbH)


EstateGuru


AQE Capital


Tokenstreet


LUKSO


Bookwire


Fulfin (Isarlend GmbH)


Work highlights


  • Advising iwoca on a cooperation with eBay to offer eBay sellers a new and innovative loan product (Flexi Capital).

  • Advising the newly established Silicon Valley Bridge Bank NA regarding a banking license.