Bird & Bird LLP is adept at overseeing clients’ blockchain-related projects, alongside its work in the cryptocurrency sphere, where it handles the launch of new products and assists custodians and exchanges with licensing and ongoing regulatory challenges. Heading the team is Michael Jünemann who, alongside his financing and restructuring work, specialises in blockchain, including DLT implementation, and digitalisation projects more broadly. Johannes Wirtz is a key contact for questions concerning payment services and crypto regulation in Germany and the EU.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Bird & Bird’s fintech team in Germany consistently delivers razor-sharp legal insight paired with an in-depth grasp of emerging tech-business models. Their strength lies in translating complex regulatory frameworks into practical solutions—particularly in matters crossing EU borders and involving crypto, blockchain, or platform regulation.’
- ‘We work closely with Johannes Wirtz, who stands out not only for his legal expertise in fintech and digital assets, but also for his pragmatic thinking, commercial sensibility, and rare ability to “get it right” quickly. Johannes is a true partner in the strategic sense—our go-to for anything involving financial innovation or regulatory nuance in Germany.’
- ‘As a client of Bird & Bird, what truly sets their legal team apart for us is their profound specialization in technology, intellectual property, and regulated sectors; they understand our industry and offer integrated, forward-thinking solutions globally. We rely on their deep expertise and their regulatory practices. Compared to other firms we have worked with, their focused depth and international collaboration are clear advantages.’
- ‘As for individuals, partners and associates at Bird & Bird are accessible and genuinely seem to care about client needs. They’re known for being pragmatic, thoughtful, and always ready to offer practical solutions. One stand-out lawyer: Dr. Michael Jünemann brings unique insight and always goes the extra mile.’
- ‘We have worked with Michael Jünemann and Johannes Wirtz. They both stand out for deep-diving into new financial services and technologies as soon as these emerge. ’
- ‘Johannes Wirtz and his team in Frankfurt are very knowledgeable on all financial matters, and in particular FinTech area. The team provides superb service and are highly responsive. They are especially adept at providing cross-border legal support through the network of Bird & Bird firms and large correspondent network. We have cooperated with them on a number of such cross-border projects, and Bird & Bird have shown not only in-depth knowledge of FinTech regulations and practice, but also superb coordination skills. This is extremely important for financial institutions and FinTech companies operating in more than one jurisdiction. ’
Key clients
- EU Blockchain Sandbox
- CRG AB
- WiWin
- Concedus GmbH
- 21 shares AG
- Amun Limited
- Catena Investment B.V
- Ecoligo
- bunq
- Bitcoin Suisse (Europe) AG
Work highlights
Acting as lead contractor for the pan-European Blockchain Sandbox.
Provided advice to WIWIN on its application to BaFin for authorisation as a crowdfunding service provider under the European Crowdfunding Service Provider Regulation.
Advised 21Shares AG on various aspects of crypto-asset and financial regulations.
Practice head
Michael Jünemann
Other key lawyers
Johannes Wirtz; Timo Förster