Mr Etienne Dessy > Linklaters > Brussels, Belgium > Lawyer Profile

The ‘client-driven and pragmatic‘ fintech team at Linklaters is noted for its regulatory understanding of the sector, which enables it to advise banks, financial institutions and IT startups on a wide range of issues. In addition to advising on the regulatory and negotiation aspects of blockchain and cloud development projects, the team handles a large volume of investments and transactions in the fintech space as well as assisting with outsourcing and acting in contentious matters. The practice’s leadership encompasses data protection and IT specialist Guillaume Couneson, financial regulation expert Etienne Dessy, and Andreas Van Impe, who is a key contact for advising on the development of digital services, including blockchain technology.

At Linklaters, Etienne Dessy ‘combines great legal and commercial skills’ to lead the ‘brilliant’ financial regulation sub-group, which operates within the firm’s broader corporate and finance department. The regular workload includes assisting with capital requirements, clearing and settlement, payment services, derivatives, and MiFID. The practice also advises on complex governance-related matters and is regularly involved with the relevant aspects of cross-border M&A transactions and reorganisations in the banking sector. Investigations are another core area of strength. Counsel Andreas Van Impe and managing associate Pauline Kustermans were both promoted to their respective positions in 2022.