William Fry LLP provides end-to-end legal support across financial regulations and emerging technologies, with particular expertise in areas such as AI, crypto and digital assets, and cybersecurity. The team is co-led by Shane Kelleher, who advises clients on securing regulatory authorisation as electronic money institutions, payment institutions, and crypto-asset service providers; and John O’Connor, who focuses on complex and large-scale technology and outsourcing transactions within the financial services sector. Louise McNabola is also a key contact, regularly advising fintech clients on licensing as EMIs, PIs, and other regulated entities in Ireland. Máire O’Neill complements the team with her expertise in corporate matters, particularly M&A, venture capital, and private equity transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘William Fry is extremely knowledgeable in the regulation area. They are aware of the next steps and are very proactive.’
- ‘William Fry is very engaged, efficient and knowledgeable in this area.’
- ‘John O'Connor is extremely knowledgeable, strategic and pragmatic.’
- ‘The team is extremely user-friendly and collaborative. They have an excellent "get the deal done" attitude and are practical and commercial in ensuring that the deal completes.’
- ‘Thorough and extensive specialist knowledge in respect of financial services regulations and other practice areas relevant to fintech.’
- ‘William Fry’s team combines deep sector knowledge with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.'
Key clients
- Experian
- European Commission
- ConsenSys
- Saol Assurance (joint venture of AIB and Irish Life)
- Elavon (t/a Opayo)
- Digital Capital Management
- Moneycorp
- Momentive Europe Unlimited (t/a SurveyMonkey)
- Middlegame Ventures
- Payoneer Europe Limited
- Associated Foreign Exchange Ireland Limited
- Tines Security Services Limited
Work highlights
Acted as Irish counsel for ConsenSys - a US head quartered blockchain technology innovator and vendor.
Advised Experian on its successful application to the Central Bank of Ireland to become registered as an Account Information Service Provider under the Second Payment Services Directive as part of its Open Banking Strategy with the Irish regulated entity becoming the EU customer-facing hub for the Experian group.
Advising on all legal matters regarding the set-up of a new life insurer, jointly owned by Ireland's largest bank and Ireland's largest life insurer.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
Shane Kelleher; John O'Connor
Other key lawyers
Máire O’Neill; Louise McNabola