The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > London > Fintech

Clifford Chance LLP's fintech group attracts work from financial institutions, banks, regulators, insurance companies, investors, and start-ups, advising on projects utilising technology such as blockchain, smart contracts and AI. The team frequently works alongside other practice groups within the firm to advise on commercial contracts, data privacy, software licensing agreements,  regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks. Peter Chapman, who advises both traditional banks and emerging payment service providers on product developments and regulatory matters, leads the practice group alongside co-head of the firm's tech group, Jonathan Kewley. Litigation partner Samantha Ward stands out for her experience in cyber incident response planning matters, whereas fellow litigation partner Kate Scott specialises in disputes involving fintech litigants and recently represented a fintech client in a dispute regarding its access to the UK market.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's fintech practice acts for financial institutions, challenger banks, start-ups and numerous investors in the sector. The group's broad expertise covers corporate matters, such as joint ventures and M&A; regulatory advice in terms of the second Payment Services Directive (PSD2)/open banking, FCA approvals, GDPR and other pertinent legislation; ICOs, cyber crime, and high value disputes concerning digital finance platforms and the provision of digital products. The practice has strength assisting clients with FCA applications, and advising on specific, complex regulatory matters in relation to the application of blockchain within the context of new digital currencies and on the launch of new cryptocurrency platforms. Under the overall leadership of digital financial services and fintech head Matthew Gough, Andrew Henderson leads the group's crypto practice and has advised several key clients, such as Nivaura, through the FCA sandbox process, which provides a restricted environment in which companies can test new tech in a live environment. Senior associate David Cook manages contentious and non-contentious matters regarding cyber crime, cyber security and data protection, including GDPR.

Hogan Lovells International LLP's fintech group advises start-ups, robo-advisers and alternative lending companies on payments, money transfers, blockchain, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence matters, and also acts for financial institutions and banks in a wide range of areas, including investment work. The team handles the full life-cycle work for fintechs, from setup and regulatory authorisations to fundraising IPOs. Further, the group boasts considerable expertise in the intersecting areas of blockchain and open banking. Practice head Emily Reid specialises in financial services regulatory matters and leads the firm's relationship with Innovate Finance, a group designed to drive success in the sector through open, industry-wide discussions on the future of UK fintech. Technology lawyer John Salmon advises clients on mobile payments, cloud projects, cyber security, digital platforms, IT procurement and outsourcing and leads the firm's blockchain group, specifically looking into the use of blockchain in the financial services sector. Rachel Kent advises insurtech companies on how they can navigate the regulatory regime in the UK and also acts for regtech companies on the development of more effective solutions for their clients. In a recent instruction, Emily Reid advised longstanding client Curve, which the firm previously helped to gain FCA approval, on regulatory and competition law issues arising from changes to the Visa Europe Core Rules.

Kemp Little LLP's traditionally technology driven fintech practice continues to grow its financial services regulatory offering, most recently with the addition of John Drabble as a senior financial regulatory compliance consultant. The group acts in a full-service capacity for a wide range of start-ups and large-scale fintech companies, including payment service providers, insurtech providers, open banking innovators and cryptocurrency exchanges; it has also been instructed by large financial institutions. IT practice head Chris Hill, who is a leading voice on mobile payments and open banking, acts for a variety of fintech clients, where he specialises in advising on the various elements of fintech contracting, such as software, cloud computing, IP licensing and AI. Jacob Ghanty (head of the financial regulation team) focuses predominantly on payments law, an area in which he advises clients ranging from crowdfunding platforms to large incumbent banks. The team boasts further expertise working with clients on white labelling and distribution deals for regulated services. In a recent highlight Hill and recent joiner Anita Bapat advised Flux on its successful application to the FCA to become the first ever regulated account information service provider.

Linklaters LLP's fintech group acts for financial institutions and major banks, disruptive technology companies, many of which operate in the payments space, and crowdfunding platforms. The team frequently advises start-ups on the regulatory considerations of developing new digital tokens or payment systems, often based around utilising distributed ledger technology, and also advises large-scale fintech companies on setting up global banking structures that comply with regulatory standards. More broadly the practice is involved in fundraising work (ICOs/IPOs), corporate investments such as M&A and joint ventures, data governance, AI and cloud computing, and in advising on the use of blockchain platforms and smart contracts across a range of industries. Joint practice heads Julian Cunningham-Day and Richard Hay advise leading financial institutions on major technology projects, whereas Fionnghuala Griggs acts on corporate matters such as M&A and bank consortium projects. In a recent mandate, financial services regulatory partner Harry Eddis advised a Singapore-based start-up on the creation, transfer and issuance of digital tokens on a private blockchain.

Norton Rose Fulbright's 'pragmatic and experienced' fintech group advises clearing banks, financial institutions, challenger banks, start-ups, p2p platforms, payment institutions, investors and foreign governments on all areas of their operations, including AI, smart contracts, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, ICOs and insurtech. The team stands out for its work with fintech companies on the establishment of different platforms including trade, regulatory compliance and blockchain platforms. It also advises on investments and ICOs on behalf of major banks and cryptocurrency platforms. On the regulatory side, the team uses its global reach to advise foreign governments on updating their legislative frameworks in relation to technology developments such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Sean Murphy, whose practice covers the development of fintech and corporate transactions in the sector, recently advised The Web 3.0 Technologies Foundation on its 'Polkadot' initial coin offering. In another significant mandate, Nicholas Berry, who handles financial services regulatory work for insurance clients in the sector, advised Arch Insurance on insuring cryptocurrencies through the use of cold storage custody arrangements. Corporate associate Charlotte Rowlandson recently advised Lendingblock on its seed fundraising round.

Slaughter and May's fintech group advises start-ups, fast-growth challenger businesses and longstanding financial services and technology companies on corporate, commercial and regulatory developments and challenges. On the corporate side the team advises clients on the structuring of new business ventures, major acquisitions, private equity investments, strategic investment in the sector and corporate governance. In the regulatory space the team has expertise in PSD2 compliance/open banking, GDPR compliance (particularly in the context of blockchain and smart contracts) and in advising payment services on operating issues in the UK regulatory environment. The team is invested in enabling start-ups to grow through its fintech incubator programme, where it handles the full range of legal needs for a diverse set of early-stage clients. IP and tech partner Rob Sumroy has standout knowledge of AI, GDPR and blockchain and acts for leading innovators in the sector, including Y Tree and WorldRemit. In a recent highlight, financial services regulatory partner Ben Kingsley acted for challenger bank Oaknorth in its $440m equity raise led by Softbank Vision Fund.

Addleshaw Goddard stands out for its work for clients across the spectrum of fintech, including major banks and start-ups, which it advises on investments, collaborative projects and partnership agreements, particularly in the payments space. The group also stands out for its work assisting clients, primarily banks, with the development of new payment products, including mobile payment services and digital banking platforms. Practice head Fiona Ghosh (who has expertise in outsourcing, procurements, strategic alliances and joint ventures) recently advised Bink on its partnership agreement with Barclays bank relating to the provision of its technology to Barclays. Junior partner David Anderson predominantly advises clients on IT projects and strategic investments into IT and fintech companies; he is currently instructed by FNZ to manage its material outsourcing services contracts with blue-chip financial services clients. The firm’s extensive work for banks also covers regulatory compliance in relation to PSD2, having previously acted for CMA9 banks in relation to open banking solutions.

Standing out for the strength of its financial services regulatory practice, Allen & Overy LLP's 'capable and responsive' team acts for clients across the spectrum of fintech, where the team advises on corporate and financing transactions, regulatory compliance, and the structuring of lending platforms. Jane Finlayson-Brown stands out for her in-depth knowledge of information technology requirements, particularly the exploitation of data, an area in which she is frequently instructed by financial institutions looking to capitalise on opportunities to develop data driven products and services.

Ashurst's 'proactive and pragmatic' fintech team focuses predominantly on acting for global banks, financial services clients and corporations, but also carries out work for large-scale technology and social media clients in matters spanning open banking, digital payments, crypto exchanges, token-based products, p2p lending, and AI wealth management solutions. The group has a strong track record of advising major banks on the creation and launch of new financial platforms, including online banks and digital SME finance management and lending platforms. In addition, the team advises companies on early and late stage fundraising rounds and major incoming investments. On the regulatory side, the firm advises clients such as banks and trading platforms on FCA compliance and authorisations often relating to MiFID II and the Payment Services Regulation. David Futter specialises in technology procurements and collaborative partnerships in the fintech space, generally concerning the development of digital platform based financial products.

Bird & Bird LLP's fintech practice acts for a number of start-ups and growth scale companies in addition to some large financial services companies, displaying particular strength in the areas of payments, crowdfunding, open banking, blockchain and data protection. The firm's dedicated UK payments team (which is peopled by several lawyers with in-house experience in the sector) frequently advises clients on FCA authorisations, passporting, GDPR, competition law and compliance with various pieces of regulation, including the EU Interchange Fee Regulation, PSD2 and the EU Cross-Border Regulation. On the technology side, partner Jonathan Emmanuel, who specialises in commercial and outsourcing projects, frequently works alongside his colleagues to put in place SaaS agreements, virtual counsel services and various other agreements enabling start-ups to run their business successfully online. Trystan Tether (who has expertise in electronic banking, financial services, electronic cash and payment mechanisms) is currently advising Revolut and Stripe, separately, in relation to EU and UK payments regulation.

Acting for banks, financial institutions, start-ups and various other fintech innovators, DLA Piper's 'very practical' team handles venture capital acquisitions, investment rounds, corporate restructuring and governance matters, as well as the launch of new trading and fundraising platforms, digital banks and wealth management platforms. On the regulatory side the group advise on compliance and authorisation in relation to the use of blockchain technology, PSD2, the Cross-border Payments Regulation, data privacy and data protection. Led by partner Martin Bartlam, the firm runs an ICO masterclass focusing on how best to structure ICOs and the evolution of smart contracts. In addition, through its global digital finance initiative, the team collaborates with digital and crypto businesses across the world to develop a cohesive approach to the regulatory framework of the cryptocurrency industry. Anthony Day has notable expertise in blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI, and strategic collaborative arrangements, and a reputation for assisting financial institutions, and insurtech and fintech companies with the launch and development of digital platforms.

Fieldfisher's fintech group stands out for its commitment to advising start-ups and growth scale companies in the digital payments and banking space, on all aspects of their development, including fundraising, PSD2 compliance and implementation, cross-border regulatory issues, market access requirements, commercial contracts and cloud banking. Outside of this core area the team has further expertise in the areas of blockchain, p2p lending, M&A and data privacy. Partner Simon Briskman, whose clients include banks and financial institutions, has niche expertise in the use of AI and robotic process automation and offshoring and nearshoring projects; in a highlight instruction, he represented Atom Bank in its deal with Google to use the cloud to run its core banking platform. Recently promoted partner Marsili Hale specialises in assisting alternative finance providers and financial institutions with the creation of new finance structures.

Latham & Watkins's fintech group advises financial institutions, investors, emerging companies and technology and internet companies on projects relating to blockchain, cryptocurrency, tokenisation of assets, payments, cloud computing, AI, cyber security, digital banking and technology, as well as conventional corporate transactions. Andrew Moyle (global co-chair of the fintech practice) advises traditional financial institutions and new tech companies on payments and transfers, insurtech developments and virtual currencies. Senior associate Stuart Davis specialises in advising clients on the domestic and cross-border regulatory aspects of fintech initiatives, often in relation to the use of blockchain and in structuring ICOs. Davis and Moyle were recently appointed by the World Economic Forum to advise on a range of strategic initiatives, including a blockchain project for which they have produced several whitepapers. In another major instruction, the team was retained by Nivaura to provide advice on the legal and regulatory aspects of the development of a platform for creating, clearing and settling tokenised equity using blockchain technology. The group hired five new lawyers in 2018-2019, including associate Sam Maxson, who has expertise in cryptoassets and the 'tokenisation' of financial markets.

Pinsent Masons LLP's fintech group represents a number of banks, financial institutions and fast-growth companies invested in the payments space. The team has particular expertise advising on regulatory issues, including the implementation of Open Banking in line with PSD2, API licensing agreements, applications to become a regulated financial services entity to provide 'account information services', and compliance with the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017. In the commercial space, the group advises on investments, acquisitions, contractual agreements, product development, white labelling and service agreements. Yvonne Dunn, whose clients include banks and start-ups, brings specialist Open Banking knowledge to the team. Angus McFadyen is the firm's go-to payments lawyer; in a recent case he advised Yolt on the pan-European development and roll out of its financial management product. Junior partner Thilo Schneider focuses on corporate work in the sector, including M&A, venture capital investments and joint venture transactions. Financial services regulatory lawyer Andrew Barber (who joined the firm in 2019 from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP) has broad experience in payments, e-money and, in particular, the regulation and risks of ICOs and DLT.

Simmons & Simmons' fintech clients include major banks, financial institutions, investors and start-ups, which it advises on employment issues, investments and M&A, supply contracts, and repackaging platforms. On the regulatory side the group handles applications to the FCA for banking licenses and authorisations, ad also advises on cryptocurrency regulatory matters, ICOs and trade mark protection. Practice Head Angus McLean, whose clients include investment banks, software developers and start-ups, advises on technology issues in the financial services sector and has notable expertise in intellectual property law. Penny Miller specialises in UK and EU regulatory matters, where she advises clients on all aspects of financial services regulation; she is acting for the British Business Bank in relation to its designation of Alternative Finance Platforms. Associate Sophie Lessar focuses on payments, regulated lending and consumer protection, and frequently assists financial institutions with product developments.

Baker McKenzie's fintech team act for banks, financial services companies, fast-growth companies and technology companies, advising on corporate matters, product and platform launches in the UK and EU, regulatory compliance in relation to instruments such as MiFID 2 and PSD2, all aspects of blockchain related projects, and other key issues such as IP, data protection and tax. The firm's blockchain expertise is considerable, spanning payments, banking, insurance and wealth management, crypto-assets and tokenization. Practice head Sue McLean is the group's primary blockchain expert and regularly advises clients on outsourcing, technology procurement, development and licensing, cloud computing, AI, data privacy and cyber security. Caitlin McErlane and Philip Annett joined the firm's partner roster in 2019, bringing to the team expertise in trading platforms and regulatory enforcement, respectively.

Bristows LLP's technology-oriented fintech practice represents start-ups (particularly payment service providers), large insurance companies, major banks and corporations, in corporate transactions, data and IP protection, compliance with regulatory standards (PSD2), key contractual agreements governing the provision of services, outsourcing projects and disputes. Corporate partner Louise Eldridge handles M&A, venture capital transactions and joint venture deals and has experience advising clients on blockchain technology, digital transactions, and regtech and insurtech developments. Recent joiner Marc Dautlich is the firm's go-to data protection expert; he also brings to the group additional expertise in financial services regulation, spanning PSD2, e-privacy and the Lawful Business Practice Regulations. In a recent instruction, Eldridge acted for DNB Bank on its strategic investment in FinTech 11:FS Group.

Acting for start-ups, financial institutions, global regulators and policymakers, Burges Salmon LLP's fintech group distinguishes itself through its experience advising public and private sector clients on issues relating to blockchain technology, PSD2 compliance, EU payments law, data privacy, AI, automated reporting, retail distribution review regulations and tax-efficient regulatory structures. The team's knowledge of payments law is particularly strong, highlighted by its work with R3CEV (a global consortium of financial institutions) on the development of smart contract templates, and its work with Faster Payments Scheme to establish a platform to enable financial institutions to more effectively trace and prevent fraud. Practice Head Sarah Kenshall (who has experience working in-house and in private practice) advises technology providers in the payments space aiming to develop commercially viable projects or seeking assistance with software builds and major procurements.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's fintech team is particularly invested in the areas of blockchain, regtech and payments technology, where it acts for a wide range of start-ups, software companies, and p2p lending platforms. On the corporate side the group handles sales, management buyouts and private equity fundraising, while on the commercial end it manages contractual arrangements including partnership agreements and software licensing agreements. The team has further expertise acting for cryptocurrency and blockchain developers in the launch of new platforms in the UK and the EU. In a recent matter, financial services regulatory partner William Garner advised Coinbase on various elements of setting up its operations in Europe, including contract negotiations with third party service providers. Mark Bailey, the group's resident technology expert, specialises in IT-sector contracting, cloud computing, outsourcing and data centre operation, and has additional expertise in the area of blockchain technology. Bailey is working with Konsentus to produce a white paper on the impact of PSD2 on the banking sector.

Dentons' fintech practice primarily acts for banks, payment service providers, trading platforms, insurance companies and corporations invested in the sector. The group has strengths handling commercial and regulatory matters spanning PSD2 compliance and implementation, product and platform launches, partnership agreements, procurements, outsourcing, acquisitions and ICOs. Outside of these areas the team has further expertise assessing contractual arrangements between parties, reviewing the regulatory status of clients and, more broadly, in handling specific regulatory challenges that clients may face. Practice head Jonathan Garforth has particular expertise in open banking, payments and peer to peer lending, while recently promoted partner Tristan Jonckheer specialises in financial services outsourcing and advises clients on agreements for the development of digital payment services and financial products.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's 'pragmatic and responsive' fintech group acts for investors, start-ups, national and international banks, insurances companies and other financial services organisations, advising on regulatory considerations such as PSD2 and GDPR, cyber security risks, outsourcing arrangements, smart contracts, financing, and general corporate transactions. The team stands out for its ability to manage complex partnership agreements, primarily outsourcing arrangements for financial institutions and payment services but also in relation to the development of innovative funding solutions and payment platforms. Nick Pantlin's broad expertise covers the potential impact of blockchain technology and smart legal contracts in the financial services sector, whereas Caroline Rae specialises in corporate transactions, including takeovers, private acquisitions and capital raising. Senior associate Lyndon Coppin, former head of operations, technology and commercial legal at Barclays Bank, was one of several lawyers to join the team in 2018-2019.

Mayer Brown International LLP's fintech group acts for global financial institutions, asset managers, technology companies and start-ups and has expertise advising on cloud-related outsourcing agreements, blockchain projects and smart contracts, data protection and intellectual property risks in the development of new platforms and services. The firm generally has strong corporate practices, and in the fintech space the team has experience advising on significant investment transaction, acquisitions and IPOs. Mark Prinsley assists clients across the spectrum of fintech with IP, outsourcing, cyber security and data privacy matters.

Taylor Wessing LLP acts for financial institutions, software companies, investors, and e-commerce companies, as well as a number of clients in the payments space, ranging from well-known challenger banks to thriving start-ups. The group's strong corporate offering sees it advising clients on early and late stage funding rounds, private equity investments, shareholding sales and dispositions. On the regulatory side the team has strengths in advising payments service companies on PSD2 compliance and a range of other regulatory matters. Corporate partner Adrian Rainey handles M&A and venture capital work for clients ranging from institutional investors to start-ups, whereas associate Chris Ratcliffe assists payment providers, cryptocurrency platforms and challenger banks with regulatory applications, product terms and outsourcing arrangements. In 2019, Charlotte Hill joined the firm from Covington & Burling LLP, and now serves as head of the financial services and competition group.

Travers Smith LLP's fintech practice has particular expertise advising payments systems on setting up and running technology-based financial systems infrastructure, advising on the development of major fintech products, software and outsourcing arrangements, and assisting clients with the IP and data protection aspects of their projects. Dan Reavill, who specialises in IT and IP law, recently acted for eFront during its roll-out of an investment platform that enables investment vehicles to swap data and obtain information, involving the consideration of data and IP ownership and the preparation of contracts with third party data providers. Mark Evans is the firm's go-to international payments expert; his recent work includes helping Pay.UK to implement a legislative model enabling non-bank payment service providers to gain access to central bank settlement accounts.

Fox Williams LLP acts for disruptive fintechs including a number of p2p lenders and B2C fintech platforms, and investors, focusing predominantly on alternative finance, digital wealth and blockchain-based products. On the regulatory side the group advises on FCA authorisations and PSD2 compliance, cross-border regulatory issues, product structuring, GDPR, and consumer credit applications. The firm's corporate work for fintechs and investors spans early and late stage funding rounds, private equity investments and M&A. Jonathan Segal has niche expertise in the p2p lending space, where he often guides clients through the FCA authorisation process. Associate Marc Piano has a strong understanding of the technical and regulatory aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency projects, and sits as a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain.

Gowling WLG's fintech team advises banks and financial institutions, p2p lending platforms, manufactures and crypto asset firms on investments, IP issues, ICOs, platform structuring and a range of regulatory issues, spanning FCA authorisations, MiFID II requirements and the adoption of open banking. Led by David Brennan, the group's strong corporate offering covers investments in the tech sector, equity fundraising, reverse takeovers and joint ventures. Financial services regulatory associate Sushil Kuner, who joined the firm in 2018, advises clients on the regulatory aspects of ICOs, crypto-assets and blockchain projects, and sits in the firm's dedicated blockchain and smart contracts group.

Browne Jacobson LLP's 'proactive and commercial' team acts for high-growth fintech and insurtech businesses and investors in investment rounds and fundraising, and also advises more broadly on regulatory issues, such as FCA applications and GDPR, commercial agreements and contentious matters. In the insurtech space the group provides clients with full-service legal advice, ranging from employee matters to IT projects involving IP provisions, liability provisions and various other contractual elements. Corporate partner Jon Snade handles a high volume of funding round deals and transactions for fintech clients and investors, whereas Jonathan Edwards (who joined the firm's banking practice in 2018) has notable strength and depth in the p2p lending space.

Acting for challenger banks, payment services, insurance companies, and investors in the sector, Mills & Reeve LLP advises clients on commercial agreements, corporate transactions, GDPR compliance, tax and intellectual property matters. Practice head Kevin Calder acts for regulators, private companies and start-ups, advising on commercial arrangements and IT projects. Partner Zickie Limm heads up the firm's venture capital and equity investments team and also advises start-ups and fast-growth companies on fundraisings, growth transactions and exit transactions.

With clients ranging from payment service providers and crypto asset exchanges, to traditional financial institutions and asset managers, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP's fintech group stands out for its advice across all aspects of early, mid and late stage financing rounds, security token offerings and initial coin offerings, including the inherent regulatory issues at stake. Jacqui Hatfield acts for a diverse set of clients including challenger banks, robo advisers, wealth management platforms and p2p platforms, and has particular experience in the areas of crypto assets, smart contracts and STOs.

Focusing on fintech companies in the payments and alternative finance areas, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP regularly provides advice to clients on the regulatory and technical aspects of STOs, ICOs, the implementation of DLT. Moreover, the team has additional strengths in IP, platform restructuring and the development of new products. Practice head James Campbell advises start-ups, trading platforms and financial institutions on the regulation and licensing of trading platforms and on the structuring of ICOs.

Squire Patton Boggs is instructed by clients ranging from financial institutions to start-ups in relation to corporate transactions including fundraising and investments, joint ventures, M&A and equity structuring. In addition, the team has complementary expertise in employment law, procurement, cloud arrangements and intellectual property. Practice head Robert Bray's corporate expertise spans private equity and venture capital, M&A and joint ventures. Recently promoted partner Julian Ciecierski-Burns advised Wonga on its VC fundraising, and also acted for TransUnion in the sale of Noddle to CreditKarma.

Wiggin LLP's 'creative and persistent' fintech group has specialist expertise advising clients ranging from disruptive fast-growth machine learning companies to multinational corporates on data protection, privacy and cyber security issues. Outside of these core areas the team also assists clients with corporate transactions, including investments and acquisitions, multi-jurisdictional regulatory issues in the e-commerce space, and IP protection. Practice head David Naylor, who specialises in technology and IP law, stands out for his experience as general counsel to US and European companies on international business expansion and cross-border projects.