Arthur Cox brings strong domestic and cross-border experience to the fintech sector, with particular expertise in the blockchain market, where it assists with data protection, technology, tax structuring, and IP matters. The team works with a broad range of clients, including established technology companies, global financial institutions, start-ups, and investors. The practice is led by the trio of financial regulation expert Robert Cain, corporate law specialist Maura McLaughlin, and Colin Rooney, who focuses on data and IT matters. Ailish Finnerty  has extensive experience of assisting international investors with tax planning, while Ian Duffy regularly advises financial institutions on outsourcing and digital transformation projects.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP is well known for advising on the full spectrum of fintech work, including digital payments, cryptocurrencies, big data analytics, contracts, and artificial intelligence. Of late, the team has been active assisting multiple fintech companies with establishing their business in Ireland post-Brexit. AI and insurtech specialist Liam Flynn co-heads the team with Rowena Fitzgerald, who regularly works with domestic and international institutions on matters related to Irish and EU financial services law. Oisín Tobin advises technology companies on data transfer and privacy strategies, and Sarah Cloonan handles regulatory issues for new technology clients.

Matheson LLP relies on the experience of its financial regulatory, technology and commercial practices to provide comprehensive advice to fintech clients. In addition to handling a high proportion of work related to e-money services, blockchain and outsourcing, the team is highly active in the virtual assets space, where it helps clients with registration in Ireland. Joe Beashel has longstanding experience in the field of financial services regulation and jointly heads the team with Anne-Marie Bohan , who regularly assists technology companies with privacy and regulatory issues. Louise Dobbyn advises on all aspects of Irish and EU financial regulation.

McCann FitzGerald LLP is highly active in the fintech space and handles a considerable proportion of authorisation and registration work for virtual asset and crowdfunding service providers in Ireland. The team also assists with all matters related to transactions involving the sale and purchase of fintech firms, including due diligence, compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and drafting transaction documents. Josh Hogan heads the practice and regularly advises payment services, blockchain, and crowdfunding clients on financial services regulation; he is supported by senior associate James Fitzgerald. Adam Finlay and Doug McMahon specialise in matters related to data protection, cybersecurity, information technology, and outsourcing.

William Fry covers all corners of the fintech market, with a particularly strong presence in the field of payments and electronic money. The team is currently working with the European Commission on the regulation of distributed ledger technology and blockchain in Ireland. Shane Kelleher has extensive expertise of financial regulation and jointly heads the team with data protection and cybersecurity law expert John O’Connor. Máire O’Neill has longstanding experience of handling investment and acquisition transactions in the fintech sector. Louise McNabola specialises in assisting technology companies with registration and authorisation applications in Ireland.

A&L Goodbody LLP has a well-rounded practice with an impressive client base from regulated and unregulated sectors. The team advises on acquisition, licencing and regulatory matters, including other legal issues associated with the banking and payments business. The practice is also assisting with the establishment of an Irish electronic money institution and an application for authorisation as an e-money institution. Kevin Allen focuses on financial regulation and compliance-related issues and co-heads the financial regulatory advisory group with M&A expert Patrick Brandt. Peter Walker is experienced in handling asset-backed and private equity finance issues.

Dillon Eustace’s financial regulation team regularly assists clients with authorisation applications and regulatory issues related to capital requirements, anti-money laundering and consumer protection. The team works with clients active in a broad range of areas including payments and e-money services, cryptocurrency, and insurance. Keith Waine heads the practice and has extensive experience providing regulatory advice to domestic and international clients.

Eversheds Sutherland has built a strong reputation for advising fintech clients on authorisation, structuring, and regulatory issues, with particular expertise in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. Deborah Hutton and Enda Newton regularly work with payment institutions on establishment, compliance, and governance-related matters and jointly head the team with Marie McGinley.

The regulatory team at Walkers regularly advises fintech clients on matters relating to payment services, e-money, crowdfunding, outsourcing, and data protection. The team works with a wide range of clients, including investment firms, payment and e-money providers, crowdfunding platforms, and cryptocurrency issuers. Niall Esler heads the practice and has extensive experience of advising fintech institutions on the establishment of operations in Ireland. Shane Martin specialises in regulatory risk and compliance in the financial services sector, and senior associate Conor Daly focuses on data privacy and data security issues.