Allen & Overy LLP's strong connections with financial services authorities see it remain at the forefront of regulatory issues shaping the fintech arena. In addition, its regular involvement in major fintech projects ensures that the firm maintains a strong profile among traditional and emerging technology platforms. Ben Regnard-Weinrabe, who heads up the practice, focuses on payments, retail banking and consumer finance matters. Etay Katz left for Ashurst in May 2021.
Fintech in London
Allen & Overy LLP
Practice head(s):
Ben Regnard-Weinrabe
Other key lawyers:
Jane Finlayson-Brown; Nikki Johnstone; William Samengo-Turner; Daniel Fletcher
Testimonials
‘Will Samengo-Turner has been a staunch supporter for us during a frantically busy year.’
‘Will Samengo-Turner remains extremely calm under pressure and has often made himself available on short notice where required.’
‘Working with Will Samengo-Turner feels like working with a colleague rather than an external adviser; he is very much an extension of the in-house team and is as aligned with our goals as we are.’
‘Will Samengo-Turner resources work very effectively, ensuring that the associates that work with us are well briefed and not stretched too thin across other client work.’
Key clients
Nomura
Four Seasons Hotels
Axis Bank
Mubadala
The Co-operative Group
Nokia
Sage
Nikon
News UK
HP
Photobox / Moonpig
Rimini Street
Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Mail
IMI Precision Engineering
Ness
Incomm Payments
Columbia Threadneedle
Work highlights
- Advising a multinational technology company on the data protection aspects of the rollout of a pioneering Covid-19 testing programme in the UK and EU.
- Advising a global financial services provider on a range of digital/data initiatives, including its use of cookies across Europe and its online behavioural advertising activities via real-time bidding (RTB).
- Advising Four Seasons Hotels on a range of data privacy matters globally.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP's presence in the fintech space sees it advise clients such as start-ups, large corporates and institutional banking clients. The fintech offering covers advice on a myriad of transactional, regulatory and contentious issues, with the firm drawing on strengths from a broad cross-section of departments. Clients count on the expertise of practitioners active in areas such as M&A, capital markets, dispute resolution, technology, data privacy, antitrust and cybersecurity, among others. The team has expert knowledge of developing technologies, such as blockchain, smart contracts and artificial intelligence (AI), making it well- placed to handle high-profile fintech mandates. Simon Crown, Jonathan Kewley and Kate Scott now jointly lead the group, following Peter Chapman's retirement. Monica Sah is knowledgeable about a wide ambit of legal and regulatory issues shaping the fintech arena, particularly those concerning global financial institutions and disruptor blockchain providers; her expertise includes financial and crypto asset product structuring, as well as the regulation of crypto exchanges and custody under AMLD5. In 2020, Oliver Pegden made partner, while Simon Persoff joined from DLA Piper. In May 2021, Paul Ellison joined from Macfarlanes LLP.
Practice head(s):
Simon Crown; Jonathan Kewley; Kate Scott
Other key lawyers:
Samantha Ward; Monica Sah; Simon Persoff; Paul Ellison; Oliver Pegden
Testimonials
‘I have found them consistent and reliable, especially when it comes to urgent matters.’
‘Clifford Chance has a a strong team in Europe and benefits from regional offices that are extremely knowledgeable about the local laws and regulations. The team is able to collaborate across different countries in Europe while still leveraging local expertise effectively.‘
‘They are extremely knowledgeable about the cryptocurrency industry and the other players in this space, which means that they provide insightful and relevant advice rather than just repeating the legislation.’
Key clients
OKCoin
Bayes Fintech
Hi 55 Ventures Limited
Worldpay
HQLAx
MarketAxess
Citi
MasterCard
Corda Network Foundation Stichting
WEX Inc
Work highlights
- Advising HQLAx and Deutsche Börse on their jointly developed distributed ledger technology (DLT) solution for frictionless collateral swaps in the securities lending market, enabling market participants to transfer ownership of securities seamlessly across disparate collateral pools at precise moments in time.
- Advising on a high-profile tech payments dispute between a fintech start up and a multinational credit card issuer.
- Advising a global bank on ethical issues regarding the use of data and artificial intelligence, including public policy, financial regulatory, data protection, data privacy and antitrust enforcement and civil litigation risks.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP's fintech offering is drawn from the firm's strengths in financial services regulation, IP, technology, corporate transactions and data protection. Emily Reid (who is a co-head of the global fintech practice) has over 30 years of experience in the fast-moving payments, consumer finance, merchant acquiring and banking industries. John Salmon is knowledgeable about the legal and regulatory issues related to blockchain technology. The practice counts start-ups, alternative lending companies, global banks and other financial institutions among its clientele. James Black made partner in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Emily Reid; John Salmon
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Kent; Anthony Doolittle; James Black
Key clients
AXA PPP Healthcare Group Limited
Bloom
Banked
Covertech
Curve 1 Limited
Fairscore / Updraft
Floww
Fygo
General Internet
Global Digital Finance
Habito
Moneyfold
Monzo Bank
Open Banking Limited
PayPal
Paysafe
Pivotal Group
Santander Innoventures
WeCovr
Zopa
Work highlights
- Advising Fronted on regulatory matters.
- Continuing to be retained by Open Banking as their exclusive legal adviser in relation to all regulatory matters.
- Providing ongoing advice on regulatory and competition law matters to Curve.
Latham & Watkins
As ‘the crème de la crème of the fintech market’, Latham & Watkins leans on its international network and strong US presence to provide wide-ranging advice to financial institutions, fintech companies and internet companies developing financial offerings. The firm acts for clients on projects involving areas such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, payments and electronic trading. It is able to advise businesses on their full lifecycle, from embryonic ideas to initial public offerings (IPOs) and beyond. The multidisciplinary team offers expertise in financial products and market infrastructure knowledge, technology and commercial matters, and regulatory issues. Team head Andrew Moyle has notable experience of payments and transfers, insurtech and virtual currencies. Stuart Davis is recommended for market infrastructure, blockchain, cryptocurrency and non-fungible token (NFT) matters. In 2020, Shing Lo joined from Bird & Bird LLP, while Mike Turner was hired from Taylor Wessing LLP.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Moyle
Other key lawyers:
Christian McDermott; Fiona Maclean; Stuart Davis; Shing Lo; Mike Turner
Testimonials
‘Immense international capabilities.’
‘Unsurpassable knowledge.’
‘A reliable set of hands for the most difficult problems.’
‘I wouldn’t trust anyone else with serious questions.’
‘Advice and work is provided with certainty and confidence.’
‘Christian McDermott and Stuart Davis in the UK have been of an immense help to our business.’
‘Super-professional, out-of-the-box and business-oriented team.’
‘Extensive regulatory and legal knowledge.’
Key clients
Airbnb
Bitfury
BlackRock
Celsius Networks
Circle UK Trading Limited
ConsenSys
eToro
Farfetch
Nivaura
Payoneer
PayU
Refinitiv
Shift4 Payments
Silver Lake Partners
Square
StepEx
Symphony
Tokenise
TPG
Work highlights
- Advised Silver Lake Partners on their $650m minority investment into Klarna Holdings AB, the holdco of Klarna Bank.
- Advising Paysafe, CVC and Blackstone on EU regulatory matters in connection with Paysafe’s $9bn SPAC merger with Foley Trasimene Acquisition Corp. II
- Advising PayU on all aspects of its involvement in Diem (formerly known as Libra), Facebook’s flagship digital currency initiative.
Linklaters LLP
Linklaters LLP has a multidisciplinary approach to fintech matters and the team in London is able to draw on the resources of the wider global network for additional expertise. With the firm having strong relationships with regulators, it is at the forefront of regulatory issues impacting emerging fintech companies and larger established entities. It also assists with risk management, as well as investigations and enforcement actions. Particular areas of focus include payment systems and digital payments, digital assets, digitisation of financial markets, investment and corporate work, as well as data, cyber and tech disputes. Julian Cunningham-Day advises large financial services institutions and clients in other highly regulated industries, with a focus on data management, outsourcing, M&A and compliance. Harry Eddis is a go-to for advice on financial markets regulation, while Fionnghuala Griggs undertakes corporate work. Managing associate Richard Hay is experienced in new product development in the market infrastructures sphere.
Practice head(s):
Julian Cunningham-Day; Harry Eddis; Fionnghuala Griggs ; Richard Hay
Other key lawyers:
Lisa Chang; Michael Voisin
Testimonials
‘Brings to the table a pre-eminent understanding of markets businesses.’
‘They have an increasingly comprehensive list of experience in the payments and e-money infrastructure and practice space.’
‘What I value is their ability to very easily apply their (vast) experience in FS reg historically to new applications of that law.’
‘Depth of knowledge and industry experience.’
‘Richard Hay is unrivalled in his knowledge of the sector, the contacts he has, and the legal issues underpinning it.’
‘Always able to draw on analogous projects and problems they have solved in the past.’
‘Creative thinking to solve problems.’
‘Michael Voisin leads from the front and is not just a senior figurehead but a key practitioner on the frontline leading the innovation.’
Key clients
Fnality
SC Ventures
Standard Chartered Bank
Xero UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Fnality International Ltd on the establishment of its blockchain-based global payment system.
- Advised SC Ventures and Standard Chartered Bank on the establishment of Zodia Custody, an institutional custody service for certain widely traded cryptoassets.
- Advising Xero on the regulatory (financial regulation, GDPR, data, etc) design of new add-ons for a cloud-based accounting platform.
Norton Rose Fulbright
With Norton Rose Fulbright having historical strengths in both the financial services and technology sectors, it is able to leverage its capabilities across a number of key disciplines to provide a full service to clients. It houses practitioners whose expertise spans areas such as banking, financial services regulatory, IP/IT, data privacy, payments and tax. The firm has recently been acting on a number of funding matters for fintech businesses, and it also advises on P2P platforms, payment systems, insurtech, regtech and cryptocurrencies. Sean Murphy counts start-ups, investors, banks and asset managers among his clientele. Nicholas Berry handles M&A, regulatory and transactional work. Victoria Birch and Imogen Garner are recommended for blockchain matters, while Hannah Meakin is recommended for advice on regulatory matters and cryptocurrency issues. Senior associate Charlotte Rowlandson has notable experience of corporate work, including venture capital and growth equity investments. Madeline Bailey joined as a consultant from an in-house role at MS Amlin.
Practice head(s):
Sean Murphy; Victoria Birch; Imogen Garner; Hannah Meakin; Nicholas Berry
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Rowlandson; Madeline Bailey
Testimonials
‘Good depth of expertise and global coverage.’
‘Very responsive and able to make time for calls even with mis-matched time zones involved.’
‘Quick turn around on several drafting requests.’
Key clients
AIG
Anansi
Arch
FMO
HSBC Investment Bank
Global Parametrics
Global Blockchain Business Council
IG Markets
InsurWave
Nexus Mutual
Northern Trust
Pay.UK – the UK’s New Payment System Operator
Paxos (formerly itBit)
Paypal
Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group
Riskbook
Revenio Capital
SmartCo
Stable Group
Standard Chartered Bank
Starling Bank
Superfluid
TPAY
Zego
Zurich
Work highlights
- Advising Northern Trust on its investment in Zodia Custody – a start-up providing institutional-grade custody for cryptocurrencies – with joint venture partner SC Ventures the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered.
- Advised longstanding client Starling Bank on its latest £272m Series D funding round (its largest ever), valuing the company at £1.1bn pre-money.
- Advising Zego on its $150m Series C round of funding, valuing the business at $1.1bn and making Zego the UK’s first privately held InsurTech “unicorn.”
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May advises financial services and technology clients on their most complex and strategically significant projects in the fintech arena. The firm's workload spans areas such as blockchain/distributed ledgers, payments and insurtech, among various others. Its practice includes individuals whose knowledge covers regulatory, technology, IP and data issues, among other areas. Also notable is that the firm continues to run an incubator programme known as Fast Forward, which supports technology entrepreneurs and innovators in growth-stage companies. Ben Kingsley is recommended for governance, emerging markets and AI issues. He co-heads the practice with Rob Sumroy. Another key individual is Duncan Blaikie, who leads the firm's blockchain working group. Laura Houston made partner in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
Ben Kingsley; Rob Sumroy
Other key lawyers:
Duncan Blaikie; Laura Houston
Testimonials
‘They’re extremely competent, timely, pragmatic and commercial. Very knowledgeable and on the ball with legal work for regulated firms.’
‘It goes without saying that Slaughter and May have a stand-out reputation across their firm, the really bring the same degree of excellence to all their practice areas and this is no exception. They are very knowledgeable, professional and I have every trust in their advice.’
‘The team is led by Rob Sumroy, who is a consummate professional, provides first-rate client service, is generous with his time, and engenders complete trust in his abilities and those of his team.’
Key clients
Standard Chartered Ventures
Stripe
Uncapped
Novus
PrimaryBid
Y Tree
Xero
TreasurySpring
Paymentsense
Checkout.com
Aztec
Transferwise
Plaid
OakNorth
Currencies Direct
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Chartered Ventures, the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, on the negotiation and formation of its joint venture partnership with Northern Trust to launch Zodia Custody, an institutional-grade custody solution for cryptocurrencies.
- Advised TransferWise (now Wise) on a range of governance and regulatory capital topics as well as its recent $319m investment round valuing the group at $5bn.
- Advised PrimaryBid, an FCA-regulated platform that connects retail investors with listed companies on equity offerings, on its Series B fundraising round to raise approximately $50m.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is well-placed to provide a full service to clients in the fintech arena, with it fielding first-rate financial regulatory, private equity, commercial contracts, payments and technology practices. It also handles litigation for financial firms and has recently seen an uptick in fintech instructions from its Asia offices. Fiona Ghosh, who leads the fintech practice, focuses on payment solutions and specialises in the intersection of technology and regulated markets. William James is recommended for paytech, outsourcing and technology platforms.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Ghosh
Other key lawyers:
William James; Amanda Hulme
Testimonials
‘Excellent service, asked all the right questions and produced a top-quality commercially sound product.’
‘Superb and trusted advice.’
‘Will be calling on their services again soon.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable and always available to help provide advice.’
‘They went over and above to ensure the deal was appropriately structured and my business was suitably protected.’
‘Would definitely work with them again and have already recommended their services to several other businesses.’
Key clients
HSBC UK Bank plc
The British Land Company PLC
Tumelo Limited
Fairscore Ltd (trading as Updraft)
Metro Bank plc
Knoma Ltd
Microsoft
Experian
Free2
Flywire
Bink (Loyalty Angels)
Card Processing Advisory Service Limited (CPRAS)
Work highlights
- Advising HSBC Commercial Banking on the development and launch of HSBC Kinetic.
- Advising FinTech Fairscore Ltd (operating as Updraft) with its debt and equity funding provided by Quilam Capital.
- Assisting Flywire with a number of regulatory compliance and implementation requirements and continue to support them on regulatory matters.
Ashurst
Ashurst is seen as a first port of call by fintech innovators and financial institutions, with it having an excellent reputation in cutting-edge and transformational fintech projects. It offers a fintech legal labs programme, which is highlighted for ‘bringing some outstanding companies together from around the world, and also refreshing views of businesses that are not seen elsewhere’. The team draws on strengths from a number of practice areas, including finance, competition, corporate, disputes, employment and tax. David Futter co-heads the fintech practice with Tara Waters, who has notable expertise in new technologies. In 2020, Jonathan Cohen joined from Clyde & Co LLP, and in another development, Bradley Rice was promoted to partner. Etay Katz joined from Allen & Overy LLP in May 2021.
Practice head(s):
David Futter; Tara Waters
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Cohen; Bradley Rice; Etay Katz
Testimonials
‘Bradley Rice is very responsive and provides pragmatic advice around cryptocurrencies.’
‘I was astonished how deeply the whole team engaged with our project and understood such an innovative space like digital assets and cryptocurrencies.’
‘Tara Waters is like no other partner in law firm I have come across; she is so well tuned to the needs and resources of a start-up in the fintech space.’
‘The team is well-organised, precise and tech/business-savvy.’
‘Besides their profound knowledge, they also have great connections in Europe and the United States.’
‘Comprehensive legal knowledge paired with business and market insights make this team unique and highly efficient.’
‘The team comprises well-experienced and knowledgeable experts who complement each other.’
‘They are up-to-date and seem to take on head-first any task, regardless of its size and complexity, and produce a terrific product.’
Key clients
British Business Bank
FundRE
Islamic Finance Guru
Hamilton Capital Holdings
VBI Capital
Diginex
Touco
Neverstone
Ramp Swaps
Asto Digital (powered by Santander)
Crypton Digital Assets
eToro Money
Goldman Sachs Marcus
Heyman AI
Monument Bank
Nomisma Exchange
Nomura
District34
Online Giving (dba Enthuse)
Step Ladder
Spark Change
Work highlights
- Advised British Business Bank on its procurements for the establishment and administration of the UK Government’s COVID-19 Emergency Loan Schemes (CBILS, CLBILs and BBLs) and its Future Fund Scheme.
- Acting for Crypton Digital Assets on its litigation funded and ground breaking litigation against Blockchain.com. (one of the most significant blockchain related cases in the City of London)
- Acted for Nomisma on its MTF authorisation based on the new blockchain laws in Liechtenstein.
Baker McKenzie
‘Exceptional firm’ Baker McKenzie is ‘extremely professional and client focussed’. It handles strategic transactions and projects for clients across the fintech spectrum, including banks and financial services companies, fintechs and tech companies. Multiple departments in the London office are active in the fintech arena, including tax, corporate, employment, competition, IP, financial services regulatory and technology. With particular expertise in blockchain, the practice handles a number of crypto-assets and tokenisation projects. Sue McLean often handles international work in the corporate and commercial spheres. She co-heads the practice with Mark Simpson, who is ‘very approachable and affable’, and is recommended for UK and EU regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Sue McLean; Mark Simpson
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Williams
Testimonials
‘Their team is excellent.’
‘I have been impressed with the depth of knowledge, from partners down to trainees.’
‘They are all approachable and affable.’
‘Their advice is consistently commercial and of a high standard.’
‘Mark Simpson has a wonderful range of fintech experience, and you can tell he loves working in this space.’
‘Mark Simpson is an outstanding practitioner, who is highly committed to his clients.’
‘Mark Simpson is very knowledgeable and has a strong and efficient team in the financial services regulatory area.’
‘Mark Simpson is always aiming to provide the best and the most accurate advice.’
Key clients
Deposit Solutions
Ebury
HSBC
Veridium
Finbourne
Mollie
De Giro
Tik Tok
R3
Paypal
Revolut
Checkout Limited
Railsbank
JCB
Afterpay
Work highlights
- Advising Mollie on a number of aspects of its expansion into the UK, including advising on passporting arrangements under European directives and advising on post-Brexit transitional arrangements and beyond.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP has notable expertise in payments, crowdfunding, open banking and blockchain. The practice is often seen in international mandates and it is noted for its strengths in handling corporate, commercial and regulatory matters for fintech clients. Other areas of focus include advice on Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) and Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) matters. Christian Bartsch is recommended for his expertise in emerging and disruptive technologies. He co-heads the practice with Trystan Tether, who is particularly active in the electronic banking and financial services, electronic cash, cryptocurrency and payment mechanisms sectors.
Practice head(s):
Trystan Tether; Christian Bartsch
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Emmanuel
Testimonials
‘Very attentive team that has a good understanding of issues facing fintech firms.’
Key clients
Stripe
Booking.com
Various Mastercard group entities
easyJet
Western Union
EMPCorp
Moneynet
bunq
VOLT Technologies Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Stripe on launching card present services in multiple countries.
- Advising the Moneynet group on its intercompany agreement between a new electronic money institution in Belgium and its group company in the UK.
- Acting for Luxemburg-incorporated EMPCorp , an online wallet system provider in its claim against TechToPay (TTP) arising out of TTP’s breach of the terms of a Merchant Agreement.
CMS
CMS’ broad fintech offering includes expertise in payment solutions, electronic money, cryptocurrencies, anti-money laundering, investment and online investment platforms. Ian Stevens heads up the team, which acts for start-ups, investors, large financial institutions and corporates. Charles Kerrigan handles strategic and transactional matters, while senior associate Daniel Gallagher is recommended for IP transactions. Vanessa Whitman and Kushal Gandhi were promoted to the partnership in 2020, while Rizwan Rahman made partner in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Ian Stevens
Other key lawyers:
Charles Kerrigan; Daniel Gallagher; Vanessa Whitman; Kushal Gandhi; Rizwan Rahman
Key clients
Lemonade
Klarna
ClearScore
Salary Finance
Monese
Liberis
Property Partner
BrickVest
Torca
Anacap
Blenheim Chalcot
Global Growth Capital
Parmenion Capital Partners
Virgin Money/Clydesdale Bank
Santander
AIB
Silicon Valley Bank
HSBC
Metro Bank
NatWest
Lloyds Banking Group
Sainsbury’s Bank
Charles Taylor InsureTech
Pension Insurance Corporation
Hastings
Elfin
Crypto Facilities
B2C2
Unmortgage
Goji
Rate Setter
Envestors
Alaco Analytics
ApprovalMax
ApTap
Archax
ARM
Atom Invest
BABB
Buildacy
Capital Pilot
Cerebreon
Cygnetise
Diaspora
Dozens
Ducit.ai
Flow
FST Network
FundAdminChain
Globacap
Greengage
Issufy
Kestrl
Leaseum Services
MAX Group
MoneeMint
MultiPass
Penfold
Qredo
Sprive
Straits
StudentFinance
Supermoney
SupraFin
Switchd
Truealpha
Uncapped
VALK
Vyne
Youtility
AkinovA
Hokodo
Humn.AI
So-sure
Waggel
Modulr
AlbaCo
Nude
invstr
Nuvei
Elevator Ventures (Raffeisen Bank’s corporate venture capital arm)
Koodoo Mortgages
Modulr
Tillit
Osu
Work highlights
- Advising Uncapped, Student Finance, Hokodo, Lenkie on embedded finance and banking as a service ecosystem.
- Advised ClearScore from the outset and throughout its growth, supporting its various fundraisings, product and services design and launches and compliance requirements, including its recent open banking and cyber protect products.
- Advised Behavox on a $100m investment from Softbank.
Deloitte Legal
Deloitte Legal acquired Kemp Little LLP in February 2021, which saw it take on the latter firm's fintech practice. The amalgamated entity also benefits from ancillary support from Deloitte’s non-legal disciplines, including consulting, software development, risk advisory and tax. It acts for start-ups and established fintech companies on open banking, cryptocurrencies and blockchain, electronic payments, AI and regulatory matters, among others. ‘Formidable advocate’ Chris Hill is ‘the go-to Gandalf in the intricate world of technology legal advice’. Hill is a thought leader on mobile payments and is well-supported by Jacob Ghanty, who focuses on financial services regulation. Rich Folsom made partner in April 2020.
Practice head(s):
Chris Hill
Other key lawyers:
Jacob Ghanty; Rich Folsom
Testimonials
‘Each person is exceptional in their job – they are each very diligent and efficient.’
‘The practice thoroughly engages, not only with the legal issues, but also on the commercial implications for the business more broadly.’
‘The team are always available and go above and beyond in terms of service levels.’
‘Chris Hill’s knowledge of fintech is extremely impressive and valuable.’
‘Compared to other firms they were able to suggest pragmatic tactics to complete deals which meant we moved at pace.’
‘This is a very plugged in practice, led by the deeply knowledgeable Chris Hill.’
‘Chris Hill has given us technical knowledge and insight when tackling different issues.’
‘Chris Hill has been approachable, understood our business and our challenges immediately and was able to highlight to us quickly areas to watch out for – but also super importantly areas that we do not need to worry about.’
Key clients
Flux
Monese
Marqeta
Lykke
Fluidly
Lufthansa
NALA Payments
Quantexa
Credit Kudos
Fractal Labs
Assure Hedge
Work highlights
- Advised Flux on its deal with Barclays to put Flux’s automated digital receipts product into the Barclays mobile app.
- Advising neobank Monese on its core terms and conditions and ongoing product developments.
- Advised Quantexa, the contextual decision intelligence software company, on its $64.7m Series C funding round.
DLA Piper
The fintech team at DLA Piper handles a broad range of mandates for its clients, such as assistance with strategic projects, regulatory advice, financing and seed investments. Its cross-practice approach sees the firm act for banks and challenger banks, private equity and venture capital investors, asset managers, and trading platforms and exchanges. Martin Bartlam has expertise in technology solutions for new and traditional funding structures, while Anthony Day handles outsourcing and transformation projects. Bartlam and Day jointly lead the practice with Bryony Widdup, who is recommended for funding work. In 2020, Sophie Lessar joined from Simmons & Simmons, and in another key development, legal director David Cook was hired from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.
Practice head(s):
Martin Bartlam; Anthony Day; Bryony Widdup
Other key lawyers:
David Cook; Sophie Lessar
Testimonials
‘The DLA team are incredibly knowledgeable in this fast moving area, especially around regulation which is constantly evolving.’
‘I work with both Bryony Widdup and Martin Bartlam, both are excellent advocates for sensible regulation in fintech and digital Assets and their intelligence, knowledge and commitment helps bring clarity to an often misunderstood area.’
Key clients
ING Bank N.V.
Archax Limited
EQT Ventures
Eldridge
Athora
Willis Towers Watson
Work highlights
- Advising ING Bank on the regulatory implications of Project Pyctor.
- Advised EQT Ventures in respect of a seed investment in Treecard Ltd, the payment card provider partnered with Ecosia to facilitate reforestation activities.
- Provided critical regulatory advice throughout Archax’ authorisation process, including on complex issues arising from the application of MiFID II (second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) and the CSDR (Central Securities Depositories Regulation) in the context of digital securities and distributed ledger technology.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP's practice has built up a sizeable client base since its inception in 2015, with it acting for fintech companies, financial institutions (including challenger banks) and investors. It advises clients on a wide range of matters, such as M&A and investment transactions, IPOs, private fundraises, product-specific regulations and data protection. Matthew Gough focuses on commercial arrangements, IT and outsourcing agreements and software licensing. Simon Gamlin and Craig Rogers are also key individuals in the group. James Burnie left for gunnercooke LLP in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Gough
Other key lawyers:
Simon Gamlin; Craig Rogers
Testimonials
‘Matthew Gough is brilliant, easy going, professional, fun, dedicated and passionate about this sector.’
‘We would not use anyone else for this sort of work.’
‘I have been constantly impressed with the quality of their service and commercial approach to finding solutions to legal matters.’
‘The team are very much in tune with current developments and are all over legal tech.’
‘They host an annual technology conference, which is both informative and inspiring.’
‘I enjoy meeting with the team, as they are down to earth and able to connect with you on a human level.’
Key clients
Aon group
Broadridge Financial Solutions
Kubrick Group
Maia Technology
Admiral Group Plc
ZOPA
Monzo Bank
Nexo Capital Inc
FLEETCOR Technologies Inc
Noel Moran and others (Prepaid Financial Services)
TAAL Distributed Information Technologies Inc
Aryza Holdings Limited
Foreign Currency Direct PLC
Specialist Risk Group PlC
Work highlights
- Advising Aon on a strategic collaboration with Goldman Sachs for the development of a novel investment management platform for Aon’s captive insurance clients globally.
- Advising the sellers of Prepaid Financial Services (PFS) on the sale of PFS, a multi-award winning European provider of white label payments and banking-as-a-service technology, to Australian listed EML Payments Limited (EML).
- Advising FLEETCOR Technologies Inc, a global business payments company, on its acquisition of Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX), a non-bank cross-border payment solutions provider.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher’s cross-practice team comprises of lawyers with expertise in areas such as finance, regulatory, IT and corporate. It advises large tech companies who wish to acquire or invest in fintechs, and financial firms who are investing in fintech solutions. The practice has particular expertise in platform regulation and risk management, receivables finance, corporate fundraising, payment services and open banking. Simon Briskman, who leads the practice, is experienced in advising banks and other financial institutions on technology and outsourcing. James Walsh is recommended for commercial work and digital regulation. Stephen Moller is experienced in fintech-enabled funding platforms.
Practice head(s):
Simon Briskman
Other key lawyers:
James Walsh; Stephen Moller; Marsili Hale; John Worthy; John Brunning
Testimonials
‘John Worthy has a grasp of the subject matter which is second-to-none.’
‘John Worthy’s experience means that he is quick to get to the heart of the issue.’
‘John Worthy is diligent and provides good client service.’
‘The firm provides leading legal and regulatory expertise on all matters of commercial technology business.’
‘Solid and tested understanding of client/supplier technology-based relationships, whether on the commercial side or purely technical.’
‘Flexibility to adjust the advising contribution to the issue at stake rather than a blanket approach.’
‘John Brunning is not only an expert asset to have to advise our firm but is also a very effective manager.’
‘John Brunning’s insights into multifaceted technology provision contracts is second-to-none and gives a strong sense of all risks being covered.’
Key clients
Verifone
World-pay
Glory Global Solutions (International) Limited (GGS)
Shopify
Currencies Direct
Codat Limited
Ask Finance
Clearglass Limited
Hammock Financial Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Verifone on a range of payments regulation and operational issues across its European footprint.
- Advising Glory Global on the €200m acquisition of a global touch-screen payment kiosks manufacturer.
- Advised Worldpay on the drafting of a BIN/ICA Sponsorship Agreement under which Worldpay would act as MVB’s agent to solicit and acquire Merchants on behalf of MVB in the United States.
Osborne Clarke LLP
The ‘very approachable and commercially-minded’ team at Osborne Clarke LLP is active in the consumer finance, technology, AI, data protection, corporate and commercial spheres of fintech. Regulatory and dispute resolution work is another mainstay of the work undertaken by the firm, which acts for clients such as start-ups and growth businesses, challenger banks and large mainstream financial institutions. It has particular experience of structural, strategic and commercial transformations, and digitisation. With former practice head Kate Johnson leaving the practice in April 2020, the team is now jointly led by Nikki Worden and Mark Wesker. Worden is ‘effective, pragmatic and highly experienced’ and often acts for digital banks, lenders, innovators and platforms. Wesker is recommended for M&A, takeovers and IPOs.
Practice head(s):
Nikki Worden; Mark Wesker
Other key lawyers:
Paul Anning
Testimonials
‘The team is Innovative and able to manage matters and work effectively across the board.’
‘They have a deep understanding of the sector and have worked with many fintechs – particularly on payments and new products.’
‘They can leverage a large amount of knowledge when advising you.’
‘Nikki Worden is exceptional; she has a good reputation among fintech GCs in the consumer credit and payments space.’
‘With Nikki Worden, it is clear in every facet of her advice that she has exceptional in-house experience.’
‘Very broad practice in this area with wide knowledge of the industry from the perspective of bigger players and new comers.’
‘Nikki Worden’s industry knowledge and no nonsense approach suits me very well and she is mindful of fees and resources.’
‘Nikki really is like an in-house expert who just happens to have landed in private practice – as in, her depth of knowledge about our specific area of business is incredible – as though she is working here’.
Key clients
Advanced Payment Solutions Limited (Cashplus)
Wirecard Card Solutions
gohenry
ClearBank
SalaryFinance
Totally Money
Liberis
Hargreaves Lansdown
Radiant Financial
LOQBOX Savings Limited
Monzo Bank limited
Microsoft
Simply Asset Finance
Airbnb Payments
UK Finance
Work highlights
- Provided multidisciplinary support to Wirecard and helped it achieve a solvent wind down in the UK.
- Provided multidisciplinary support to APS/Cashplus on its journey to fully authorised bank status.
- Provided key support in helping Liberis grow both domestically and internationally.
Paul Hastings LLP
Working closely with its colleagues in the US, Paul Hastings LLP provides a cohesive transatlantic service to international corporates and smaller domestic companies in the fintech space. Its team is well-versed in financial services regulatory, transactional, data protection, IP and technology-related issues. The practice continues to act on a number of high-profile cryptocurrency projects, including assisting various bitcoin exchanges with expansion, new product development and anti-money laundering matters. Other areas of focus include payments, distributed ledger technology (DLT) and compliance, including PSD2 and GDPR issues. Arun Srivastava, who heads up the practice, is recommended for advice on cross-border regulatory issues and contentious financial services matters. Sarah Pearce leads the EMEA privacy and cyber security practice.
Practice head(s):
Arun Srivastava
Other key lawyers:
Nina Moffatt; Sarah Pearce ; Konstantin Burkov
Testimonials
‘I worked with Nina Moffatt and she was always helpful and professional and went above and beyond in her duties.’
‘Nina Moffatt is a strong payments and regulatory specialist within the fintech team at Paul Hastings, with good knowledge of UK and European requirements.’
‘The billing was always clear and consistent and we appreciated their collaborative approach to working with the company on obtaining change of control approvals for an acquisition.’
‘Nina Moffatt has fantastic sector knowledge in payments, as well as practical advice on how best to deal with each of the regulators.’
Bristows LLP
The Bristows LLP team is ’approachable, highly experienced and commercial in its advice’. With a reputation for technology and IP, the firm is well-placed to handle fintech matters, and often does so internationally, dealing with both contentious and non-contentious work. Specific areas of focus include AI, robotics, DLT and blockchain, for which it provides advice to challenger banks, investors, academic institutions, banks and large corporates. The practice is led by Louise Eldridge, who advises fintech clients on M&A, venture capital investments and joint ventures. She is also knowledgeable about financial services regulatory issues. Vikram Khurana made partner in May 2020.
Practice head(s):
Louise Eldridge
Other key lawyers:
Toby Crick; Marc Dautlich; Vikram Khurana
Testimonials
‘Others have claimed to have deep understanding in tech, but Bristows seem to walk the walk where others have not.’
‘Toby Crick is a true technology specialist with a real understanding of the drivers of our business and what really matters to us.’
‘Toby Crick has led some of our cutting-edge projects and is now our go to external lawyer on all things technology sourcing (both customer and supplier side).’
‘Knowledgeable, pragmatic, provides sensible advice, and consequently value for money.’
‘Louise Eldridge is attentive, available and provides sound advice.’
‘They took the time to understand our business and risk appetite and this was factored in to the advice throughout.’
‘Toby Crick obviously has a deep understanding of software, but combines this with commerciality and pragmatism.’
‘Toby Crick combines deep tech knowledge with being able to convey and distil complex issues to non-techies.’
Key clients
DNB Bank AsA
Optal Financial ltd
Quant Network
Eigen technologies
Latent Logic
Generation Investment Management
Core Logic
Aspen
Adthena
Munich Re Digital Services
The Guardian
Isle of Man Enterprises Plc
Work highlights
- Advised blockchain technology provider Quant Networks on various corporate and legal matters, including the standard terms and conditions for its novel application of blockchain.
- Advising Aspen on a wide range of IT procurement needs, including multimillion IT procurement and seven figure savings in software licence matters.
- Advised DNB Bank on the platform developed by their joint venture with 11:FS.
Dentons
Dentons combines the strengths of its TMT and financial regulation practices to advise on high-value payments, electronic money, crypto, digital banking and IT outsourcing transactions. It acts for innovative banks, non-traditional lenders and fintech firms. ‘Outstanding partner’ Jonathan Garforth co-heads the team with Martin Fanning (who is recommended for IT matters in the financial services industry) and Alison Bryce.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Garforth; Alison Bryce; Martin Fanning
Other key lawyers:
Tristan Jonckheer; Antonis Patrikios
Testimonials
‘They know their stuff inside out and work collaboratively.’
‘They are always keen to push the boundaries of what is possible for their clients.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is incredibly bright; he is always coming up with innovative solutions for his clients and finally is absolutely on top of his game.’
‘They are truly global in a work area that is without borders. It is important that law firms that serve this area reflect that.’
‘The Dentons team is able to connect with colleagues around the globe for country-specific regulatory advice.’
‘The team sets itself apart in its human and personable approach.’
‘They explain and navigate a complicated topic like regulations in a clear and understandable manner.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is widely respected and a team player who sees the bigger picture.’
Key clients
Ant Group (World First, Ant Financial and Alipay UK)
Paypal Inc
TreviPay (Multi-Service Technology Solutions, Inc)
John Lewis Partnership
ING Bank N.V., London Branch
FCMB Bank (UK) Limited
Karma Technologies International Limited
Cheddar Payments Limited
Aventus Network Services Limited
cashbackApp (Enigmatic Smile Limited)
Work highlights
- Advised Paypal Inc on its signing to acquire Curv, a provider of cloud-based infrastructure for digital asset security based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Advising Karma Technologies International Limited, on its UK launch and its rebranded product “Borofree” that included advice in respect of the Financial Conduct Authority’s recent review into the buy-now-pay-later industry.
- Advising Multi Service Technology Solutions, Inc (MSTS) doing business as TreviPay (and its former parent, World Fuel Services Corporation) as lead global regulatory counsel on the payments regulatory aspects of a deal which saw MSTS sold to private equity firm, Corsair Capital.
Fox Williams LLP
Fox Williams LLP's team acts for a large number of disruptors in the fintech space and has particular experience of advising on investments into start-ups and growth companies. Leveraging expertise in financial services regulation, data privacy, IP, corporate and tax law, the team is well-placed to handle both contentious and non-contentious matters. Practice head Jonathan Segal has noted expertise in P2P lending, while Chris Finney is recommended for commercial and regulatory matters. Kolvin Stone joined from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP in June 2020.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Segal
Other key lawyers:
Chris Finney; Andrew Woolf; Kolvin Stone
Key clients
yabeo Ventures
Revolut
Yapily
StudentFinance
Wagestream
ThinCats
Koyo Loans
Tabeo
Balderton Capital
Lending Works
BillFront
Deep Grey Research
ArchOver
Relendex
Fundsquire
Fronted
Outfund
Go Car Credit
Solidatus
Work highlights
- Advised international venture capital firm yabeo on its investment in digital mortgage lender Molo as part of a £266m debt and equity funding.
- Advised Tabeo on the structured debt facilities provided to lenders lending via the Tabeo platform to fund dental healthcare.
- Advised Solidatus on its £14m growth investment from Albion Ventures, HSBC and Citi Bank.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises high-profile and fast-growing businesses on the gamut of issues arising at every stage of their lifecycle, as well as undertaking a significant amount of work for major banks. The practice advises on M&A and fundraising, financial services regulation, insurance, technology and commercial contracts, among other matters. Caroline Rae co-heads the team with Nick Pantlin. Rae is recommended for corporate transactions, while Pantlin handles blockchain, procurement and systems implementation matters.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Rae; Nick Pantlin
Other key lawyers:
Barnaby Hinnigan; David Coulling
Testimonials
‘Very good at distilling difficult concepts into easy to understand summaries.’
‘The team always seem to be at the forefront of innovation in this area, working in collaboration with the company as opposed to just being its advisers.’
‘Wonderful team that is very easy to work with and very well rounded in terms of skills that matches our business needs.’
‘Level of detail and subject matter knowledge is excellent.’
‘The strength of the team lies in their leader Nick Pantlin, who is exceptional, not just as an overseeing partner, but also for his own expertise and experience at ground level.’
‘Always contactable and responsive, no matter what the request is.’
‘A strong team with expertise across the market.’
‘They have been exceptional during the pandemic at maintaining our good relationship and level of service.’
Key clients
ClearBank
Tandem Money
FourAid Limited
LendInvest
11:FS
Reefknot Investments
Huozhi
Invesco
The Big Exchange
EML Payments
Optal Limited
AxiCorp
FNZ Group
Comcast Corporation
Block.One
Moneysupermarket
TSB
BNPP
Credit Agricole
UBS
Santander
KodyPay
Work highlights
- Advised EML Payments on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Sentenial Limited, a European Open Banking and Account-to-Account payments provider
- Advised Tandem Money, a UK challenger bank, on a combined equity fundraising of c.£60m from both new and existing investors, its strategic acquisition of Allium Lending Group Limited, and the strategic disposal of Tandem’s Hong Kong subsidiary to one of its major shareholders.
- Advised Huozhi, a fintech social enterprise start-up, in relation to its secure aid funding solution, which enables the secure tracking of aid from NGOs and government donors (in the form of goods or donations) to beneficiaries in conflict zones in a way that minimises or eliminates risk of interference.
Mayer Brown International LLP
Mayer Brown International LLP advises a range of clients, including start-ups, global financial institutions and tech companies. Its broad expertise includes fintech-related IP matters, cloud-related outsourcing agreements, cryptocurrency and blockchain projects. On the emerging technology side, the practice handles transactional work, disputes and regulatory matters. Mark Prinsley leads the IP and IT group and also the outsourcing practice; he has considerable experience of conducting outsourcing projects for large financial institutions. Oliver Yaros is recommended for digital transformation projects and IP transactions.
Practice head(s):
Mark Prinsley
Other key lawyers:
Chris Chapman; Oliver Yaros; Charles Thain
Key clients
Previse
Work highlights
- Advising award-winning fintech Previse on the innovative legal framework that supports its business model and on IP and data privacy rights .
- Advising a leading provider of online consumer personal loans on a blockchain solution.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP is particularly strong in payments and digital identification matters. It also advises fintech businesses and financial institutions on AI and machine learning, and collaborations between banks and fintechs, such as the development of both core banking technology and innovative new solutions. Team head Yvonne Dunn acts for fintech start-ups and established financial services companies. Angus McFadyen handles technology transactions.
Practice head(s):
Yvonne Dunn
Other key lawyers:
Angus McFadyen; Luke Scanlon; Andrew Barber; Andrew McMillan; Jonathan Kirsop; Thilo Schneider
Testimonials
‘Agile in moving with their clients and know how to support us most optimally.’
‘Angus McFadyen is really a business partner that helps us to smooth out difficult topics and resolve problems.’
‘Andrew Barber is our bible on regulatory matters and our knowledgeable counsel that guides us through the FCA landscape.’
‘We deal frequently with Angus McFadyen, who continues to impress with his technical knowledge, market knowledge and intellect.’
‘They have in-depth knowledge of the sector, excellent regulatory expertise and are very responsive and personable.’
‘Angus McFadyen is able to use these skills in delivering advice quickly, but in a thorough and commercial manner.’
‘Angus McFadyen understand the language and working of large financial organisations, which means he is easily understood by all he deals with, not just the legal team.’
Key clients
ING Bank NV/Yolt Group
Account Technologies/Indigo Michael Limited
Caple International
Open Identity Exchange (OIX)
The Post Office (Identity business)
Digital Identity Net (OneID)
Aviva
AXA
Aegon
Legal & General
National Westminster Bank plc
Work highlights
- Advising ING Bank NV/Yolt Group on many aspects of its growth and development from a legal perspective.
- Advised a large UK financial institution on a major collaboration between it and a fintech provider, which will result in the financial institution relying on the fintech to provide core banking solutions.
- Advising a number of clients on digital identity technology.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons has noted expertise in payments, blockchain and digital banking. It advises start-ups on regulatory issues, as well as tax, employment, IP, investment and corporate matters. Angus McLean heads up the team.
Practice head(s):
Angus McLean
Other key lawyers:
Penny Miller; David Parkes
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP's cross-departmental team draws on strengths in technology, corporate, financial services and dispute resolution to advise a range of clients, such as start-ups, fintech giants and large financial institutions. Dan Reavill is recommended for IT matters, such as those concerning software, data and AI. He co-heads the practice with Tim Lewis, who is active in the financial market infrastructure and payments spaces. Senior consultant Mark Evans is also recommended for payments work.
Practice head(s):
Tim Lewis; Dan Reavill
Other key lawyers:
Louisa Chambers; Mark Evans; James Longster; Natalie Lewis
Testimonials
‘A potent force for fintech clients navigating the opportunities of technologically-enabled innovation in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.’
‘Dan Reavill is very perceptive to client needs and offers pragmatic solutions to complex problems.’
‘Natalie Lewis is able to get to the point on knotty legal issues and provides clear legal advice.’
‘Fintech sits at the intersection between different specialisms and the team at Travers Smith is able to draw on considerable expertise in all of these specialisms and pull the different strands together effectively, to give sensible, practicable, commercial advice.’
‘This is the only firm I have used so far where I have experienced the same the high standard of service and quality of advice from all practitioners, at every level, in every area of specialism.’
‘Dan Reavill is extremely easy to work with, very down to earth, highly responsive, and always happy to chat through potential issues and propose sensible, workable solutions.’
Key clients
Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited
Pay.UK Limited
Request to Pay (managed by Pay.UK Limited)
WorldRemit
Mobile Payments Services Company Limited
Paymentsense
Small World FS
Paym (operated by Mobile Payments Services Company Limited)
CLS Bank International
ICS, FPS and Bacs payments systems (operated by Pay.UK Limited)
Access UK Limited
Inflexion
Work highlights
- Advised Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited on the implementation of a bespoke payments mechanism to support CREST settlement in euros following the termination of access to TARGET2 via the European Central Bank in March 2021.
- Acted for Pay.UK as project counsel on the launch of a new overlay service called Request to Pay, part of the next generation of the UK’s electronic payments infrastructure providing a new, flexible way to manage and settle bills between businesses, organisations and friends.
Burges Salmon LLP
At Burges Salmon LLP, Martin Cook (who joined from WorldRemit in December 2020) leads the fintech practice. The team's work covers blockchain and cryptocurrency projects, payments and lending, data protection and cyber security, among various other areas. Also notable is that it handles a significant amount of government policy-related work and is at the forefront of legislative developments in the fintech arena. Sarah Kenshall moved to BPE Solicitors LLP in October 2020.
Practice head(s):
Martin Cook
Other key lawyers:
Mark Shepherd; Tom Dunn
Testimonials
‘Martin Cook is very amenable and easy to work with.’
‘They are always quick to respond and have a very commercial mindset, which we really like.’
‘The team is great and has relevant experience in all key areas related to our business.’
‘Burges Salmon were very quick to support us and assist with finding the best outcome.’
‘Martin Cook is extremely commercial – he quickly identifies and works towards solutions for the business but, equally, he knows the law and regulatory landscape extremely well so is comfortable setting boundaries and working within them.’
‘Strong sector knowledge within fintech and payments more generally.’
‘City quality work from a Bristol base makes this a go-to practice for great quality work at great value.’
‘They understand the pace and dynamic environment of a fintech and have proved to be extremely responsive and accommodating with last minute requests and tight turnaround times.’
Key clients
Ascentric (Investment Funds Direct Limited)
Villa Plus Limited
World First (UK) Limited
Think Money Limited
Honda Finance
Currency Global
Embark Group
Phillips 66
Faster Payments
Recognise Financial Services
Kreos Capital Partners
Bolt Bikes London Limited
Marlborough Group
Praemium
Parmenion
St James’s Place Wealth Management
Work highlights
- Assisted Recognise Bank with its entry into the lending market.
- Advised Nucleus Financial Group PLC, an AIM-quoted fintech provider of platform services to IFAs on a £145m bid for the company.
- Assisted Kreos Capital Partners with several matters, including fintech financing and equity subscription.
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
With a strong technology infrastructure and IP practice, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is well placed to handle fintech matters and is particularly active in the commercial and regulatory aspects of the sector. The practice has particular expertise in cryptocurrency, blockchain, regtech and payments technology. Co-head of team Mark Bailey specialises in regulated IT sector contracting, with a focus on the financial services sector. William Garner, who jointly heads the team, handles regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Mark Bailey; William Garner
Other key lawyers:
Kate Troup; Christina Fleming
Testimonials
‘Very professional and competent.’
Key clients
Coinbase
OneRagtime Platform Ltd
Duco Technology
Conferma
Kuende
Nxtera Ltd
Cheshire Datasystems Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Lanistar Limited, which has recently pre-launched the world’s first polymorphic payment card, on the financial services implications of its card product.
- Drafted and agreed market-wide customer terms on behalf of Whitespace, which provides an end-to-end digital (re)insurance trading platform.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG assists clients with debt and equity investments in the fintech sector, and it also handles IP, commercial contracts, regulatory issues and platform structuring matters. Clients of the firm include start-ups and other fast-growth companies, listed funds, crypto asset firms, banks and other financial institutions. David Brennan and Ian Mason co-head the multidisciplinary team, which has notable blockchain and distributed ledger technology expertise. The group in London is part of a larger international practice that acts for clients globally.
Practice head(s):
David Brennan; Ian Mason
Other key lawyers:
Jocelyn Paulley; Shushil Kuner
Testimonials
‘Gowling WLG shows the type of commitment and engagement that we want from our external counsels.’
‘They are highly responsive, provide high-quality pragmatic advice, and are our “go-to advisers” for UK financial services and advertising issues.’
‘They really understand our business and commercial objectives on the detailed level that we need and actively try to find solutions rather than just identify problems.’
‘Sushil Kuner is incredibly responsive and her deep-seated regulatory knowledge and first-hand FCA experience really shines through.’
‘Ian Mason is a former senior ex-regulator and is astute and pragmatic.’
‘Sushil Kuner is an expert on the UK’s consumer credit regime.’
‘We have great confidence in Sushil Kuner’s technical and legal nous, as a result of which she is currently working on some of our highest profile work streams.’
Key clients
Draper Esprit plc
Peel Hunt LLP & NPlus1 Singer Capital Markets Limited
Reorg Research, Inc.
Klarna Bank AB
Expertus Technologies, Inc.
InfraCo Africa
Work highlights
- Advised Draper Esprit plc on its fundraise conducted by way of placing for a target issue of £100m.
- Advised Klarna Bank in relation to regular regulatory advice on the UK Consumer credit regime, the FCA’s financial promotion rules, product governance issues and payment services.
- Advised Expertus Technologies Inc., a leading fintech company based in Montréal providing cloud-based solutions designed for the financial services and payments industries, on its acquisition by IBM.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP advises a range of investor clients on investments into fintech businesses, and it also acts for fintech companies on regulatory and transactional matters. Working closely with its colleagues in the US, the team is well-placed to handle transatlantic matters, including those concerning payments, ICOs, blockchain and crypto. Jacqui Hatfield, Chris Grew and Shawn Atkinson co-head the team. Marco Boldini, who joined from PwC LLP in 2020, splits his time between London and Milan.
Practice head(s):
Jacqui Hatfield; Chris Grew; Shawn Atkinson
Other key lawyers:
Marco Boldini
Testimonials
‘The team is very specialised, extremely responsive and well prepared.’
‘I strongly appreciate the knowledge of regulatory topics within different jurisdictions.’
‘Marco Boldini, despite his seniority, is always available and committed to ensure the highest quality of services.’
‘Exceptional support and advice received from Chris Grew.’
Key clients
OakNorth Bank Limited
Azimo
Baleen Capital
Bought By Many
Microsoft Corporation
Currency Cloud Group Limited
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Fidel Limited
Finverity Ltd
Oval Money Ltd
Vostok Emerging Finance Ltd.
Revolut
Kinnevik
MoneyFarm
Griffin Financial Technology Limited
Global Processing Services (UK) Limited
Imagine Mortgages
PayPal Holdings, Inc
Scalapay Limited
Shopify
Wirex
Railsbank
TransferGo
Thanks Ben Ltd.
Nerdwallet, Inc.
Ziglu
Work highlights
- Advised Vostok Emerging Financing on its investment into the $255m Series E financing of digital secured lending platform Creditas and $21.6m Series B financing of Juspay, an India-based company that developed an online platform designed to be used for mobile-based payments.
- Advised Sprints Capital International LP on its investment into the $50m and $180m financings of PPRO, a London-based company that provides electronic payment services intended to meet the needs of both payment service providers and payment industry leaders.
- Providing regulatory advice in relation to Microsoft’s Worldwide Payment Systems group.
Taylor Wessing LLP
Taylor Wessing LLP, which has a well-established reputation in the technology industry, excels in handling corporate and investment matters for fintech companies and investors. It advises on a range of issues associated with new and emerging technologies, such as mobile payments, cloud computing, AI blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Graham Hann assists clients with commercial, IT and data-related issues. He co-heads the team with Angus Miln, who is recommended for venture capital and private equity transactions, and Charlotte Hill, who has expertise in financial services regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Graham Hann; Charlotte Hill; Angus Miln
Key clients
Laybuy
Interactive investor (ii)
OMERS Ventures
Curve
Monzo
Digital Moneybox
Kuda
Dawn Capital
Tide
Digicert
MarketFinance
Work highlights
- Advised digital bank Monzo Bank on its £60m Series G and sub Series G+ £75m fundraising round.
- Advised UK fintech Curve on its $95m Series C fundraising round in anticipation of its US launch and further European growth.
- Advised Laybuy on the UK aspects of its IPO on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP is able to cover all the legal, regulatory and commercial issues facing its clients, which is underpinned by its strengths across a multitude of disciplines, as well as its international reach. The team's work spans areas such as payment services and e-money, crypto assets and data usage. Fintech-related corporate and finance transactions are among the drivers of activity, as are regulatory matters, IP, cybersecurity and dispute resolution. The practice is jointly led by Jonathan Rogers and Guy Potel.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Rogers; Guy Potel
Testimonials
‘They are remarkably personable for a massive firm.’
‘To have a global leader both in size and expertise, whilst knowing you’re speaking to people with empathy and understanding of a business’ needs is very impressive.’
‘Knowing that we are getting truly the best legal advice but also in a time-efficient manner allows us to continue focusing on running our business at pace.’
‘Guy Potel has been invaluable in helping to take us from a small 9-person start up to a 150-person company on two continents with a number of strategic investors on our cap table.’
‘Guy Potel can be thrown into any situation and be incredibly tactical.’
‘Guy Potel manages to become the linchpin bringing everything together in multi-party negotiations.’
‘Guy Potel has built a stellar team, as people obviously want to work with him.’
‘Guy Potel seems like he can turn his hand to anything, he is able to marshal specialist resources from around the firm at a drop of a hat.’
Key clients
Tink
Stripe
PingPong
Klarna Bank Ab
TPay Mobile
Nets
Pollinate
DB/Google Cloud
Work highlights
- Advised Deutsche Bank AG on a strategic, multi-year partnership with Google Cloud aimed at accelerating the bank’s transition to cloud services and the co-innovation of new products and services.
- Advised fast-growing fintech company Pollinate on its series C round and global expansion.
- Continuing to advise Klarna throughout 2020 on a range of matters, most recently on a UK/EU wide compliance review of regulations impacting its business.
Wiggin LLP
Wiggin LLP provides international regulatory advice and support on corporate transactions, investments, IP issues and commercial matters. Its team's experience spans cryptocurrencies, ICOs, mobile and online payment services, as well as e-money services. David Naylor counts digital media, internet and mobile technology businesses among his clientele. He co-heads the practice with Jason Fisher, who is recommended for advice on regulatory issues. Calum Smyth joined from an in-house role at Barclays in July 2020.
Practice head(s):
David Naylor; Jason Fisher
Key clients
Worldpay
Western Union
GEO BD Blockchain
Rakuten
Thomsons Online Benefits
Tessian
Duedil
Beauhurst
Vizolution
RightIndem
Eligible.ai
MyO Receipts
iPipeline
Work highlights
- Advising Worldpay on regulatory matter.
- Acted for Hiscox on its investment alongside Development Bank of Wales into Bikmo.
- Advising Tessian on IP matters and on all aspects of its data protection compliance.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Browne Jacobson LLP fields a team that ‘understands fintech and start-ups’. It focuses on investments into fintech companies, and also handles corporate and regulatory matters, as well as dispute resolution. Clients include insurers, SMEs and AIM-listed fintechs. Declan Cushley jointly leads the practice with Jon Snade, who is recommended for insurtech matters.
Practice head(s):
Jon Snade; Declan Cushley
Testimonials
‘Good people who do what they say and don’t hide behind complex explanations.’
‘Strong team from partner to associate level.’
‘Accommodative, great expertise and open to supporting us, however we need.’
‘Partners have consistently offered excellent advice and show great knowledge of industry.’
‘Associates are hardworking, affable and the quality of work has been consistently strong.’
‘Intelligent, articulate, affable, proactive and hardworking.’
‘Jon Snade is highly experienced in start-up transactions at all stages.’
‘Jon Snade is friendly and professional.’
Key clients
Eos Venture Partners
Thingco Limited
Laka LTD
Shareholders of Brokerbility
Equals Group plc
Hastee Limited
Enro Holdings Limited (T/A Superscript (formerly Digital Risks)
Coconut Platform Limited
Work highlights
- Advised global, independent, InsurTech-focused venture capital fund Eos Venture Partners on its investment in InsurTech company Concirrus as part of a $26m extended Series B round, led by Albion VC and CommerzVentures.
- Advised AIM-listed Equals Group plc on the acquisition of the business and assets of Effective FX Limited, an international payments specialist.
- Advised ThingCo (a telematics company) on a £3m investment from BHL Holdings (the majority owner of comparethemarket).
Mills & Reeve LLP
In May 2020, Mills & Reeve LLP’s fintech offering was bolstered by the arrival of Jagvinder Singh Kang from Codified Legal. He now jointly leads the team with Kevin Calder. The practice has considerable experience in corporate and financial deals in the fintech sector, and it also handles IT and data protection matters.
Practice head(s):
Jagvinder Singh Kang; Kevin Calder
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Hamilton; Peter Wainman
Key clients
Paypoint plc
Premia Solutions Limited
Brady plc
Receipt Bank
Financial Conduct Authority
Bluestone
Validus IVC
Eckoh plc
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings
Work highlights
- Provided fintech advice to PayPoint, which is a leading fintech business specialising in payment transfers to enable bill payments through a network of local stores.
- Provided fintech advice relating to European Banking Authority Guidelines, Financial Conduct Authority FG16/5 requirements, and Financial Conduct Authority SYSC 8 requirements to a multi-billion pound insurance organisation, on procurement of its multi-million pound mission critical cloud computing arrangements with a NASDAQ listed company.
- Provided fintech advice to a US private equity-backed financial account aggregation technology platform service provider, on its European arrangements to allow financial transaction account aggregation with global financial institutions.
Reed Smith LLP
Under the joint leadership of Claude Brown, Brett Hillis and Howard Womersley-Smith, Reed Smith LLP‘s practice is active in a range of compliance and financial regulatory matters for its clients.
Practice head(s):
Claude Brown; Brett Hillis; Howard Womersley-Smith
Testimonials
‘Multijurisdictional and coordinated advice.’
‘Fast delivery.’
‘Good memorandum format, to the point and easy to read.’
‘Well priced.’
‘Claude Brown is and has always been easy to reach and has provided advice in an accurate and useful manner.’
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs' work for clients in the fintech sector covers corporate and finance transactions, as well as a wide ambit of regulatory issues. Robert Bray, who heads up the team, is experienced in including private equity and venture capital work. It acts for start-ups and banks, both in the UK, and globally. In a recent development, Julian Thatcher joined from an in-house role at MHMK Capital.
Practice head(s):
Robert Bray
Other key lawyers:
Miriam Lampert; Julian Thatcher
Testimonials
‘Great fintech knowledge and how to navigate cryptoasset regulation from a UK and EU perspective.’
Key clients
Broadridge Financial Solutions
Currency Cloud
TP ICAP Plc
Contis Group
Neptune Networks
Euronet Worldwide, INC
Monex Group
TransUnion
Trussle
Tide
Work highlights
- Advised Broadridge on its acquisition of Itiviti Holding AB, in an all-cash transaction valued at €2.14bn from Nordic Capital.
- Advised Neptune Networks on its fundraise of up to £14.95m of new equity in Neptune Networks Limited offered to existing bank shareholders of Neptune via a two tranche investment.
- Advising Trussle on several mandates over the last 12 months, including (i) commercial and regulatory advice and (ii) employee incentive/growth share structuring and associated tax advice.
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP acts for financial institutions, tech companies and regulators, and utilises its transatlantic presence to handle fintech matters with an international dimension. It draws on the expertise of practitioners in areas such as IP, technology, corporate and litigation to advise on the development of new businesses and fintech products. Alastair Mitton heads up the team.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Mitton
Other key lawyers:
Ben Butler