Etelka Bogardi > Norton Rose Fulbright > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

Drawing upon traditional financial services regulatory compliance/advisory expertise (as well as in the context of transactions handled by the firm) and also highly attuned to the rapidly evolving landscape for fintech matters, Norton Rose Fulbright is a popular choice for a myriad banks, funds, insurers, as well as fintech innovators. Splitting her time between Singapore and Hong Kong, the ‘excellent and very approachable’ Etelka Bogardi heads the team and offers unique insight into the regulator’s mindset (having herself formerly served as senior counsel at the HKMA). Her involvement on the fintech front is extensive and from her advice over a decade ago for the first cryptocurrency exchange established in Hong Kong, she has continued to sit very much at the vanguard of the digital assets space, including work for a cryptocurrency exchange on its global expansion and establishment in other jurisdictions. Harold Tin also handles fintech mandates as part of his overarching corporate practice, including crypto exchange compliance advice as well as M&A and capital markets work involving fintech entities.

Highlighted for its ‘exceptional responsiveness, reliability, and comprehensive approach’, Norton Rose Fulbright’s fintech practice stands out with its regulatory expertise in P2P platforms, blockchain, data privacy, and technology disputes. The team adeptly supports major clients with fintech expansions and has experienced a notable increase in demand for guidance on emerging platforms and disruptive technologies, particularly for those introducing new products in Singapore prior to a global launch. At the helm sits Etelka Bogardi, who divides her time between Singapore and Hong Kong and is recognised for her expertise in the regulation of digital assets and innovative payment solutions. Anna Tipping is noted for her extensive experience in the insurance sector, while Wilson Ang stands out for his work on crypto matters. Nina Stammbach is also recommended and has been lauded as an ‘exceptional professional’.

Norton Rose Fulbright maintains a major focus on TMT with its expertise centring on transactions and commercial matters, fintech regulatory engagements and digital transformation projects for banks and financial institutions, along with crisis management and incident response. It remains actively engaged in digital transformation projects and large tech outsourcing engagements, while seeing further growth in addressing cyber threats and ransomware attacks. It is also noted for its work in payment services, including helping businesses to establish Asia hubs in Singapore. Etelka Bogardi is Asia head of the fintech and financial services regulatory practice, splitting her time between Singapore and Hong Kong. Wilson Ang is a senior dispute resolution lawyer with a background in cybersecurity and data breaches. The team is supported by commercial and transactions specialist Jeremiah Chew, a director at Formal Law Alliance partner firm Ascendant Legal LLC.