Finsec Law Advisors acts for financial services clients on regulatory issues arising from business structurings and operations, in addition to advising all categories of SEBI-registered intermediaries and entities holding other financial sector licenses. Counting foreign and domestic investors, promoters, listed companies and market intermediaries among its key roster of clients, the team assists in developing internal policies for governance and compliance with securities and financial laws. Managing partner Sandeep Parekh, who focuses on securities regulation matters, jointly leads the practice alongside Anil Choudhary, who has experience in representing clients across a broad range of securities enforcement actions. Senior associate Raghuvamsi Meka is another key contact in the group.

The versatile team at IndusLaw serves a wide variety of clients, from digital brokers to microfinance companies and digital payments providers, on the full spectrum of regulatory risks and support, as well as compliance frameworks. Avimukt Dar and Namita Viswanath lead the team; Dar assists domestic and international clients on the digital policy in India regarding data protection, e-commerce payments and foreign direct investment, and Viswanath regularly advises companies on how to structure their operations to accommodate fintech activity, as well as emerging technology issues. Shreya Suri has a great deal of expertise in advising on product offerings, particularly in relation to e-commerce, financial services and technology. Principal associate Raghav Muthanna handles investments and acquisitions in the information and financial technology spaces.

Juris Corp houses an accomplished banking and finance team, which combines its varied expertise in structured finance, derivates, restructuring and corporate matters to guide clients through a regulatory landscape undergoing rapid change. Jayesh H is a key contact at the firm and Saurabh Sharma provides advice regarding foreign exchange laws, securitisation and overseas direct investment. The team often advises both international commercial and domestic banks, as well as financial institutions, on their LIBOR transition exercises and capital adequacy norms, an area in which Ankit Sinha has particular expertise. On the derivatives side of the practice, Smrithi Nair leads the team. Vedanarayanan Lakshmanan joined the team from IndusInd Bank and contributes his comprehensive knowledge, while Aashka Shah, who was promoted to partner in May 2022, has a particular interest in the ratification of primary diligence carried out by banks.

The team at AZB & Partners makes use of its corporate and transactional expertise to work at the forefront of the financial regulatory and fintech spheres. Ashwath Rau heads the practice, often advising banks, major fintech companies and insurance companies with a strong focus on financial services, while G. Padmanabhan has extensive experience in the regulation and supervision of debt markets, banks and foreign exchange markets. The team often receives instructions from large banks and major financial institutions for regulatory advisory services, particularly in relation to payment issues. Vipul Jain provides regulatory advice to offshore private equity firms and payment system intermediaries, and Rushabh Maniar often acts for multinational companies providing financial services regarding novel complex regulatory matters. Aditya Alok was promoted to partner and contributes his expertise in advising global financial service companies and online marketplaces on regulatory issues.

Ikigai Law works at the heart of innovation and technology in India, often assisting fintech companies launching first-of-a-kind products, as well as helping to establish the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry in India. Anirudh Rastogi has over 15 years’ experience in advising technology businesses on a myriad of issues throughout the technology sector, while senior associate Astha Shrivastava provides strategic and regulatory advice regarding technology contracts and user-facing platform policies. The firm often engages in work relating to digital payments, lending and neo-banking within the fintech sphere, areas in which Aparajita Srivastava has a wealth of expertise. Neha Chaudhari leads the public policy practice and guides clients through the regulatory landscape, often advising international technology giants, the Indian government, and innovative start-ups.

The team at Spice Route Legal makes use of its ‘deep-seated financial services expertise‘ and ‘unparalleled understanding‘ of fintech to assist domestic and international banks, as well as cryptocurrency, fintech and payments companies. Mathew Chacko heads the fintech practice and draws on over 19 years’ experience in advising on blockchain, trade finance platforms, and the structuring of new fintech products. The ‘fantastic‘ Ankita Hariramani was promoted to counsel in July 2022; she focuses on assisting blockchain and fintech clients on the complex regulation surrounding payments, settlements, lending and wealth management. Senior associate Aadya Misra contributes her data expertise and often provides advice on cybersecurity architecture and the structuring of breach responses from a regulatory angle.

DSK Legal’s team combines its ‘vast experience‘ and varied expertise to assist its clients, with a strong focus on product development in the fintech and financial regulatory space. Avinash Kumar Khard is a key contact on the banking and finance side of the practice, and Anjan Dasgupta frequently advises domestic and international banks and financial institutions on compliance and product development. On the technology side, Rishi Anand leads the team, while Nakul Batra contributes his deep experience in commercial arrangements within the technology space. Siddharth Suresh and Karan Ajitsaria  joined the team from Dua Associates in April 2022. Suresh has a particular interest in technology and fintech, frequently advising on digital lending platforms regarding compliance with RBI guidelines; and Ajitsaria is well versed in company law compliance and general corporate advisory matters.