Stuart Davis > Latham & Watkins > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Venture capital funding, strategic joint ventures and partnerships, outsourcing agreements and M&A are among the cornerstones of Latham & Watkins practice. Praised for its ‘unwavering commitment to excellence’, the team is sought out by various market participants, ranging from traditional financial institutions to emerging fintechs and Big Tech companies. Team lead Stuart Davis, hailed for his ‘understanding of the corporate and regulatory framework in the UK’, frequently assists with strategic M&A deals and IPOs in the fintech space. Andrew Moyle is well placed to assist fintechs with strategic alliances and new product initiatives. Large-scale technology contracts and complex commercial collaboration mandates fall firmly within the ambit of Christian McDermott‘s expertise. Fiona Maclean is versed in the intricacies of operational resilience risks associated with technology outsourcing in the financial services sector. Alain Traill frequently negotiates complex commercial contracts and advises on outsourcing projects.

Praised for its ‘extensive knowledge of the UK and EU regulatory markets’, Latham & Watkins is active across the fintech ecosystem, encompassing expertise in digital assets, digital platforms, digital payments, and Web3. Stuart Davis heads up the team and is lauded for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of the payments space and inner workings of the regulators’. He excels in guiding fintechs through the UK and global regulatory environment. Gabriel Lakeman, who became a partner in January 2024, is highlighted for his knowledge of super-apps and innovative securities platforms, including MiFID II and AIFMD. Sam Maxson has a notable focus on digital assets and frequently assists disruptive startups and established entities looking to expand their offerings with compliance and market positioning. Brett Carr is regularly mandated to assist fintechs with domestic and cross-border expansion.