Akshata Namjoshi, Equity Partner
Akshata Namjoshi, Equity Partner explains how KARM is evolving its practice to meet the demands of rapidly changing industries, delivering specialized expertise, practical guidance, and technology-driven solutions across fintech, virtual assets, payments, and emerging sectors.
What do you see as the main points that differentiate KARM from your competitors?
One of the key factors that differentiates KARM from many traditional law firms is our deep focus on technology-driven sectors. Our practice is intentionally built around areas such as fintech, virtual assets, payments, artificial intelligence, gaming, and data protection, industries that are shaping the future of the global economy.
Rather than approaching these sectors from a purely legal perspective, we operate at the intersection of technology, regulation, and financial services. This allows us to support clients not only on legal matters but also on the regulatory and operational complexities that arise within rapidly evolving technology ecosystems.
Our team is therefore heavily engaged in the financial services and regulatory frameworks that underpin these sectors, enabling us to provide commercially focused and forward-looking advice to companies operating at the forefront of innovation.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
We anticipate rapid growth in our AI practice over the next 12 months, particularly in its application within financial services and payments. This growth is being driven by increased investment in AI technologies and a digitally native population that is accelerating the adoption of AI-driven solutions. As businesses seek to integrate AI responsibly and compliantly, demand for specialized legal and regulatory guidance in this space is expected to surge.
What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?
The main change we’ve made at KARM is expanding our team of specialized partners and creating distinct verticals for payments, lending, virtual assets, corporate, and financial services. Each vertical has a dedicated team focused solely on that area, ensuring deeper expertise and tailored solutions for clients. Unlike many firms that combine these sectors under a single TMT or generalist team, we wanted to give each vertical the specific attention and focus it deserves, delivering more precise, commercially relevant advice.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Absolutely. Technology has transformed the way we work and the services we provide. With a predominantly remote working model, we leverage AI to enhance our efficiency and insights. Our clients often walk us through their beta models, and our team has developed the technical expertise to understand these systems at their core. For example, we routinely review live transactions and simulations to ensure our advice is practical, informed, and closely aligned with the technology driving their business.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
For several of our fintech clients, we have provided a comprehensive suite of services that help them operate effectively across the GCC. This includes advising on interoperability between their various entities, structuring cross-border payment flows, and clarifying the fiduciary and legal responsibilities of each company involved. Beyond structuring, we also provide detailed market and regulatory insights, enabling our clients to make informed decisions and scale their business confidently within complex, multi-jurisdictional environments.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Clients today are seeking dependability and law firms that understand their business objectives, providing clear, actionable guidance rather than heavily caveated legal opinions. Over the next three years, we see KARM expanding across the GCC, delivering consistent, strategic support to clients while deepening our expertise in technology-driven sectors and financial services.