Ms. Tuna Çakırca of Ege Çakırca Attorneys at Law explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing needs, particularly amid evolving M&A trends in Turkey and the increasing importance of AI, IT law, and payment systems regulation in day-to-day commercial practice.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Ege Çakırca Attorneys at Law from your competitors?

What differentiates us is our ability to combine strong transactional expertise in Turkey with a forward-looking advisory approach, particularly in areas such as IT law, AI adoption, and payment systems regulation.

In M&A, clients increasingly require guidance that goes beyond the transaction itself—especially where technology, digital assets, or regulated payment activities are involved. We support clients not only in executing deals but also in assessing how technology integration, data governance, and compliance with payment systems legislation will impact the value and sustainability of their investments.

We also distinguish ourselves by working closely with clients on the legal aspects of adopting new technologies. This includes structuring AI governance frameworks, reviewing technology contracts, and ensuring compliance with evolving IT and financial regulations. Clients value this practical, implementation-focused approach.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We expect M&A activity to remain strong, particularly in sectors such as fintech, energy, infrastructure, and technology. Transactions involving companies operating under payment systems legislation or with significant digital platforms are becoming increasingly common in Turkey.

At the same time, IT law and regulatory advisory work are growing rapidly. As businesses adopt AI tools and digital solutions, they face more complex legal requirements around data protection, cybersecurity, and technology governance. Payment services and electronic money regulations are also a major driver, particularly with the expansion of fintech and digital payment ecosystems.

The key drivers behind this growth are increased foreign investment, digital transformation across industries, and a more active regulatory environment that requires businesses to be proactive in compliance.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

A key development for us has been the strengthening of our integrated advisory model, bringing together M&A, IT law, and regulatory expertise—particularly in areas such as payment systems and financial technologies.

We have also invested in building dedicated capabilities to support clients in adopting AI and other digital tools from a legal and compliance perspective. This includes advising on internal policies, risk management frameworks, and contractual structures with technology providers.

By aligning our teams around sectors and regulatory themes, we are able to provide more practical, business-oriented advice that reflects the realities clients face when implementing new technologies or entering regulated markets.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Yes, significantly—but primarily in terms of how we support our clients’ use of technology rather than changing the nature of legal advice itself.

We are increasingly advising clients on the legal implications of deploying AI tools in their operations. This includes helping them establish governance frameworks, train their teams on compliant use, and ensure that their systems align with data protection, IT law, and sector-specific regulations such as payment systems legislation.

In our day-to-day commercial work, this means we are often involved in structuring technology arrangements, reviewing software and platform agreements, and advising on regulatory approvals where required. Technology has therefore expanded the scope of our advisory role, particularly at the intersection of law, business, and digital transformation.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

In a recent transaction involving a fintech company in Turkey, we advised an investor not only on the acquisition itself but also on the regulatory and operational framework of the target.

Our work included assessing compliance with payment systems legislation, reviewing licensing requirements, and advising on how the client could integrate AI-driven tools into the business in a compliant manner. We also supported the client in establishing internal policies for the use of these technologies post-acquisition.

This approach allowed the client to better understand regulatory risks, structure the transaction more effectively, and unlock additional value through a compliant and scalable technology strategy.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Absolutely. Clients are looking for advisors who can provide clarity and direction in an increasingly complex environment shaped by regulation, digital transformation, and market volatility.

Over the next three years, we see our firm further strengthening its position at the intersection of M&A, IT law, and financial regulation, particularly in areas such as payment systems and emerging technologies like AI.

We aim to continue developing our role as a trusted partner to clients—not only in executing transactions, but also in helping them navigate regulatory frameworks, implement new technologies responsibly, and build sustainable, compliant business models for the future.