Corrs Chambers Westgarth is known for its expertise in financial services and fintech regulation. The team advises on licensing, structuring, compliance, investigations and remediation, with particular focus on the Financial Accountability Regime, AML/CTF, breach reporting and DDO issues. It also works extensively in payments regulation, digital assets, blockchain, embedded finance and ESG in financial services. Fadi Khoury, head of the funds, financial services and financial sponsors groups, is recognised for his extensive financial services regulatory expertise. James North, a leading TMT lawyer, also plays a key role in advising major domestic banks, technology companies with financial products and a wide range of fintech players. Michael Chaaya advises commercial banks, fintech companies, superannuation funds and investment managers on navigating complex regulatory landscapes, while Steven Rice handles complex regulatory matters involving AUSTRAC, ATO, APRA and ASIC. Caroline Marshall, who joined the investigations and inquiries team as a partner from Allens in September 2024, and Lucinda Hill, who arrived from Ashurst in August 2024 with a strong focus on regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, are other key team members.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Corrs has a top-class financial services regulatory practice.’
‘I find our legal partners at Corrs to be among the most level-headed, commercially astute, and personable teams in the market. They are not only excellent practitioners, but they consistently distinguish themselves from their peers by taking the time to genuinely engage with our team, understand our business, and anticipate challenges before they arise.'
- 'What stands out most is their client-first mindset. There is a genuine sense that they prioritise building long-term relationships and delivering value over short-term revenue. That level of integrity and commitment fosters trust and makes them true partners in every sense.’
- 'Steven Rice has been our lead partner on a number of matters of key organisational importance. His intellect, strategic insight, and deep understanding of the challenges we face are unmatched. Steven consistently delivers commercial and customer-focused solutions that reflect both legal excellence and business pragmatism.'
- 'Michael Chaaya is a preeminent practitioner in the area of financial services regulation, and is our go-to for any difficult legal or commercial issue.'
- 'Steven Rice is an excellent lawyer with deep contacts at the regulator, which he mixes with an encyclopaedic understanding of financial regulation.'
Key clients
- Bank of New York Mellon
- Federation Asset Management
- Qube Research & Technologies
- The Blackstone Group
- WorldPay
- AZ Next Generation Advisory Limited and Entireti
- Commonwealth Bank Of Australia
- Golden Gate Capital
- Paypal
- National Australia Bank
- Square (now Block)
Work highlights
Advised Bank of New York Mellon (Australian branch) on a significant compliance project relating to APRA’s new prudential standard CPS 230.
Acting as Australian house counsel for Blackstone in financial services regulatory matters, including ASIC licence applications for The Blackstone Group Australia Pty Limited and Blackstone Real Estate Australia Pty Limited.
Acting for National Australia Bank (NAB) in multiple projects forming part of its Core Banking transformation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Fadi Khoury; James North
Other key lawyers
Michael Chaaya; Steven Rice; Caroline Marshall; Lucinda Hill; Arvind Dixit