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

Allen & Overy LLP has particularly strong credentials in financial services regulation, as well as a wealth of experience advising traditional and emerging technology platforms and services on all aspects of their operations, underlined by its high-profile Fuse tech incubator, which has now been running since 2017. The practice is also well-equipped to advise a diverse range of clients on insurtech matters, investment and fundraising. Ben Regnard-Weinrabe is co-lead on the firm's fintech initiative; he works alongside Jane Finlayson-Brown, who has a strong track record of advising companies on information technology, including data exploitation. Etay Katz specialises in assisting financial services companies with regulatory compliance in the UK and various other jurisdictions.

Leveraging the firm's deep bench strength in the financial services and technology industries, Clifford Chance LLP's team represents clients across the fintech ecosystem, including banks, payment companies and start-ups. The range of work is equally diverse and includes corporate transactions, blockchain projects, regulatory compliance and litigation involving fintech companies. Peter Chapman specialises in advising clients on strategic legal and regulatory matters, such as PSD2, the proposed EU crowdfunding regulation and legal frameworks supporting blockchain and cryptocurrency developments. Jonathan Kewley has a wealth of experience in technology projects, with particular strength advising clients on the regulatory aspects of blockchain and AI. Samantha Ward is a go-to partner for fintech disputes and investigations, including cyber security and payments litigation. Kate Scott specialises in follow-on litigation and regulatory investigations, with particular strength in contentious cryptocurrency matters. Highly active partner Monica Sah advises clients on financial services regulation, including financial product structuring, custody issues and compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering Directive 5 (AMLD5). In a recent mandate, the firm advised Mastercard International on its acquisition of Nets' payment business for $2.85bn.

The team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises banks and financial services companies engaged in the fintech sector on cloud projects, blockchain and cryptocurrency developments, data protection matters, M&A, investments, regulatory enforcement and disputes. Matthew Gough has a wealth of experience in fintech-related commercial arrangements, including supply and purchase agreements, and IT and outsourcing agreements. Simon Gamlin has expertise in outsourcing projects and tech transactions, while Craig Rogers often advises financial institutions on joint ventures and collaborative projects established to develop new fintech products, including blockchain trading platforms. Senior associate James Burnie advises financial institutions on all aspects of EU and UK financial regulation, including MiFID II and the FCA Handbook. Fintech regulation specialist Andrew Henderson left for Macfarlanes LLP in January 2020.

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises start-ups, robo-advisers, alternative lending companies, global banks and other financial institutions on a full range of fintech matters, including blockchain projects, tech-driven transactions and regulatory compliance. Emily Reid assists clients across the fintech ecosystem with regulatory compliance and issues relating to product development, showing particular expertise in the areas of open banking and payments. John Salmon specialises in advising financial institutions on technology projects, spanning mobile payments, cloud projects, cyber security, digital platforms, IT procurement and outsourcing. Rachel Kent, who heads up the firm's financial services department, advises clients involved in fintech projects on navigating regulatory regimes both in the UK and overseas. Anthony Doolittle is a standout senior associate in the team. Among its recent highlights, the team continues to act for Open Banking (an entity established to create open APIs in retail and SME banking in the UK) in relation to all regulatory matters.

Kemp Little LLP's 'knowledgeable and approachable' practice group advises start-ups and growth stage fintech companies on all aspects of their regulatory and commercial challenges and developments. The range of work touches all areas of fintech, including open banking, blockchain, payments, AI and insurtech. An 'excellent technical lawyer', Chris Hill has experience of all types of commercial deals in the fintech space, including software, cloud, data IP and open banking; he also has notable strength in mobile payments. Jacob Ghanty focuses on financial services regulation, where he advises an impressive variety of payment companies, e-money issuers, banks and many others. Rich Folsom, who became a partner in April 2020, leads the firm's cryptocurrency group, boasting considerable expertise in the regulatory aspects of ICOs and the application of DLT.

Latham & Watkins' fintech team leverages the firm's global reach and its strong presence in the US to provide comprehensive regulatory and commercial support to clients in the fintech space. Practice head Andrew Moyle advises financial institutions and start-ups on the technology aspects of payments, insurtech and virtual currencies. He also has the necessary expertise to advise clients on commercial contracts, outsourcing arrangements and cloud computing. Stuart Davis  has remarkably broad expertise in the field. His experience includes acting for numerous central banks in relation to the development of fintech products and market infrastructure; advising media companies on the regulatory aspects of establishing virtual currencies; and guiding tech companies through IPOs. Fiona Maclean  is a name to note for cloud outsourcing and data privacy. Of recent note, Moyle and Davis led the team that advised Nivaura on the regulatory challenges of developing a novel platform for creating, clearing and settling tokenised equity using blockchain technology.

Linklaters LLP advises financial institutions and challenger banks, market infrastructure providers and technology company on all aspects of fintech projects, including regulatory matters and transactions. The team's primary areas of expertise include payments, financial products, data security and AI. Julian Cunningham-Day's expertise spans data management, outsourcing, procurement, M&A, capital raising, compliance and governance. He is also well-known for advising financial institutions on the IT implications of regulatory changes such as MiFID II and GDPR. Harry Eddis is an expert in financial markets regulation and has advised on projects involving electronic trading, payment services, e-money and cash token arrangements. Fionnghuala Griggs handles M&A transactions and investments in the fintech sector. 'Extremely knowledgeable' associate Richard Hay has considerable experience advising clients on the financial structuring and regulatory aspects of payment structures and products. Associates Lisa Chang and Charitha Shashiraj are also recommended. In a major development, the team recently assisted the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce with its preparation of an authoritative statement on DLT and smart contracts under English private law.

Norton Rose Fulbright's 'extremely knowledgeable' practice group is instructed by clearing banks and other financial institutions, start-ups, cryptocurrency platforms, payment institutions and investors. The range of work the firm that the team takes on is equally as diverse as the client roster, spanning consortia projects, corporate transactions, regulatory compliance and product development in key areas such as blockchain, insurtech and AI. Sean Murphy advises clients on investments, acquisitions, joint ventures and the development and deployment of fintech products. Imogen Garner advises a diverse range of clients on the regulatory challenges and authorisations related to their fintech products. Hannah Meakin specialises in the regulation of cryptocurrencies and ICOs, and the use of DLT in relation to market infrastructure and commodity derivatives. Nicholas Berry leads the firm's insurtech practice, which focuses on advising insurance clients, start-ups and regulators involved in cutting edge developments in the sector. Associate Charlotte Rowlandson has a strong track record advising fintech clients on M&A and other corporate transactions. In a recent highlight, the firm advised longstanding client Starling Bank on its £75m fundraising round and a follow-on £30m fundraising.

Ashurst's 'proactive and pragmatic' team focuses on advising large financial institutions and start-ups across the entire fintech ecosystem, spanning blockchain technology, open banking, P2P lending platforms, payments and regtech. The firm's commitment to supporting start-ups is demonstrated by its FinTech Legal Labs, an accelerator programme that provides new entrants with access to the firm's legal expertise and a roster of financial institutions and investor clients. Abradat Kamalpour, who leads FinTech Legal Labs, stands out for advising clients on the regulatory aspects of DLT and cryptoassets, among other new forms of technology. David Futter specialises in complex procurement arrangements and collaborative partnerships, particularly in relation to digital payments and trading platforms. 'Practical and well-reasoned' partner Tara Waters specialises in advising fintech clients on corporate transactions, including M&A and joint ventures. Among recent highlights, the firm is advising Monument Corporation on the development, procurement and launch of its digital bank.

Bird & Bird LLP is particularly well-versed in payments, open banking, blockchain and crowdfunding work, covering a range of corporate, commercial and regulatory matters. The firm's expertise in payments is very strong and includes advising companies on PSD2, the EU Interchange Fee Regulation, the EU Cross-Border Regulation and other critical pieces of regulation. Christian Bartsch has a strong track record of advising clients on strategic alliances and technology outsourcing arrangements. Trystan Tether often advises clients on projects involving mobile payments, remote banking, electronic cash and payment card schemes. Jonathan Emmanuel specialises in assisting clients with the development of disruptive technology, such as blockchain and cloud computing. Of note, the firm is currently retained to advise Revolut on EU and UK payments regulation.

'Practical and knowledgeable', the team at DLA Piper acts for investment and challenger banks, investors, asset managers and broker-dealers in a variety of fintech matters. The firm's range of work is broad, however the group has particularly strong expertise advising clients on blockchain projects, assisting companies with expansion into new territories and handling corporate transactions, such as funding rounds. Martin Bartlam specialises in advising clients on technology solutions for emerging and traditional funding structures, and assisting clients with the development of new digital platforms, such as digital exchanges. Anthony Day is advising fintech clients on the development of tech projects, including blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI projects. David Cook joined the firm's Manchester office in early 2020 and advises on contentious cyber security and data protection matters.

Fieldfisher advises major technology companies acquiring or investing in fintechs, financial firms adopting fintech solutions, and start-ups seeking broad regulatory and commercial support. Particular areas of expertise include regulatory matters, corporate fundraising, open banking and cloud outsourcing. Simon Briskman has a wealth of experience in complex outsourcing projects, the adoption of AI, mobile apps and commercial arrangements underpinning fintech projects. James Walsh specialises in telecoms, technology, e-commerce and outsourcing projects. Stephen Moller stands out for his knowledge of fintech funding platforms. Marsili Hale is a go-to partner for companies in the alternative finance and P2P markets seeking advice on issues including finance structures and service agreements.

Mayer Brown International LLP's 'practical and knowledgeable' team advises banks, asset managers, start-ups and other clients in the fintech sector on product launch issues, corporate and commercial arrangements, cloud outsourcing, financial services regulation and various other aspects of their business operations. Mark Prinsley has expertise in IT law, IP, data privacy and outsourcing, among other areas. Oliver Yaros predominantly advises clients on technology and outsourcing transactions, including digital transformation projects. Chris Chapman, who joined the firm in 2019 from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, specialises in financial services regulation, litigation and enforcement matters.

Osborne Clarke LLP's fintech group advises financial institutions, growth companies and start-ups, bringing particular expertise in IT outsourcing projects, payments law, open banking and cryptocurrency matters. The firm also has strength in assisting fintech clients with corporate transactions and VC investments. Kate Johnson has experience working with clients across the payments industry in relation to regulatory compliance and the structuring of documents facilitating payments projects. Paul Anning assists clients in the payments sector with product development, regulatory changes and other aspects of their operations in the UK and overseas. Mark Taylor is well-versed in commercial outsourcing and IT projects.

Addleshaw Goddard's fintech practice is particularly strong in the areas of payments and open banking, in which the team acts for incumbents, growth stage companies and start-ups. Fiona Ghosh has notable expertise in procurement, outsourcing, strategic alliances, joint ventures and other commercial arrangements underpinning fintech projects. William James is often retained to advise clients on commercial deals in the payments arena, which includes assisting banks and major technology companies with the set up of new payment systems and payment processing. Amanda Hulme specialises in advising banks, industry bodies and payment companies on regulatory compliance with important directives such as PSD2.

Bristows LLP advises challenger banks, investors, SMEs, large financial institutions and various other clients on corporate transactions and the regulatory aspects of developing and using new technology, including blockchain, AI and payment services. Louise Eldridge specialises in assisting fintechs with M&A, venture capital transactions, joint venture projects and other corporate and commercial deals, often in relation to DLT, regtech and insurtech. Toby Crick is a go-to partner for fintech clients involved in large-scale IT and outsourcing projects. Marc Dautlich is an expert in financial services regulation, including PSD2 and the FCA Handbook. Senior associate Vikram Khurana advises clients on technology deals and outsourcing arrangements.

Burges Salmon LLP acts for fintech clients in corporate transactions, AI and blockchain projects, mobile payments, and more. Beyond representing private clients, the team occupies the unique position in the market of advising public sector and pseudo-governmental bodies on key payments infrastructure matters. Sarah Kenshall has a wealth of experience advising clients on software builds, procurement, and structuring new business models in order to make new forms of technology commercially viable. Mark Shepherd specialises in corporate transactions, including private equity and venture capital investments.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well-known for supporting start-ups and more established fintechs with all of the corporate, regulatory and technology aspects of their operations, with proven expertise in areas such as blockchain, payments, open banking and regtech. Mark Bailey specialises in IT contracting, cloud computing, data protection and outsourcing. William Garner advises a diverse range of clients engaged in the fintech sector on myriad financial services regulations. Kate Troup, who specialises in investment management and banking regulation, is currently advising several clients on PSD2 and its impact on their operations.

Dentons advises clients in the financial services sector, including retail banks, payment platforms and start-ups, on corporate transactions, commercial agreements, technology development and regulatory compliance. Technology lawyer Martin Fanning has experience acting for fintechs in relation to procurement, outsourcing and partnership arrangements. Financial services specialist Jonathan Garforth has notable expertise advising banks, disrupters and investors on open banking, payments, electronic money and P2P lending. Tristan Jonckheer specialises in advising fintech clients on agreements underpinning new technology platforms. Antonis Patrikios joined the firm from Fieldfisher in 2019.

Fox Williams LLP's 'very practical and responsive' team advises young start-ups, growth companies and fintech investors on corporate transactions, product development, IP, financial services regulation and various contentious matters brought by bodies such as the FCA. Jonathan Segal's expertise in the sector is broad, however he is particularly strong in the field of P2P lending, where he currently advises over 18 platforms on the FCA application process. Chris Finney frequently advises fintech clients on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters. Andrew Woolf is the firm's go-to partner for clients involved in M&A and fundraising rounds.

Travers Smith LLP's fintech team has particular strengths in technology product development and payments systems infrastructure projects, utilizing the firm's broader expertise in financial services, technology and corporate transactions. Dan Reavill is known for advising clients on the technology aspects and regulatory challenges of developing and setting up new payment services, trading platforms and other fintech products in the UK market. Louisa Chambers specialises in technology, IP and data protection law, however her experience also includes advising clients on PSD2 requirements and payments infrastructure. Also recommended are James Longster and senior consultant Mark Evans, who specialises in payments law.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Europe) LLP's 'incredibly knowledgeable and experienced team' excels in corporate transactions involving unicorns and major fintech clients, such as Revolut. In support of its busy transactional work, the team has additional expertise in financial services regulation, cyber security, data privacy and blockchain projects. Jacqui Hatfield specialises in advising fintech companies on regulatory issues, particularly in the areas of blockchain and crypto-assets. Shawn Atkinson focuses on M&A and corporate finance, including PE and VC investments into fintech companies. Chris Grew advises technology companies on the commercial and regulatory sides of their operations.

Taylor Wessing LLP has particular strength in advising fintech companies on corporate transactions, including fundraising rounds. Charlotte Hill focuses on advising clients on the EU directives and regulations affecting their operations, including the PSD2, e-money legislation and the FCA Handbook. Angus Miln specialises in corporate transactions in the technology sector, and Graham Hann is known for advising clients on the drafting and negotiation of contracts facilitating blockchain projects and outsourcing arrangements, leveraging his expertise in technology law. Jonathan Rogers and Adrian Rainey left the firm in 2019 to join Jones Day and Goodwin, respectively.

Wiggin LLP advises a wide variety of clients on corporate transactions, commercial arrangements and the regulatory aspects of product development, showing particular expertise in data protection and cyber-security matters. In particular, the firm often assists clients with the development of new products and the expansion into new territories. Alan Owens specialises in litigation and preemptive measures in the technology sector. Associate Christina Henry has a wealth of experience in data protection matters.

The fintech team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP specialises in projects involving payments, DLT, data exploitation, market infrastructure and more. The firm supports start-ups through its WBD Accelerate programme, which provides legal support on the regulatory, corporate and commercial aspects of setting up new business ventures and developing new fintech products. Alastair Mitton focuses on large-scale technology procurement, outsourcing and licensing agreements in the financial services and insurance industries. Ben Butler is the name to note for corporate transactions in this space.

Browne Jacobson LLP fields a 'proactive and flexible' fintech team that focuses on advising fintech clients and investors on commercial agreements and corporate transactions. Jon Snade is well versed in advising fintech clients on all forms of corporate transactions, including M&A, private fund investments, management buyouts and joint ventures. Declan Cushley specialises in commercial and IP arrangements in the field. Murdoch Currie joined the team in 2019 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP handles commercial and regulatory matters for fintech clients, focusing predominantly on payment companies using cryptocurrencies. James Campbell advises start-ups and financial institutions on the regulation and licensing of digital trading platforms and the structuring of ICOs. Deborah Thoren-Peden specialises in payments and DLT.

Squire Patton Boggs primarily advises clients on corporate transactions, including investments and funding rounds in the fintech space. The team shows additional expertise in tax, IP, competition and employment law. Robert Bray is the firm's go-to corporate partner for fintechs involved in M&A, joint ventures and various other deals. Miriam Lampert specialises in employment law.