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Fintech - Independent local firms

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Anderson Mori & Tomotsune

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Anderson Mori & Tomotsune’s group provides comprehensive advisory services across financial regulation, IT, IP, information security, capital markets and venture capital. The practice is led by Ken Kawai who brings deep expertise in advising both global and domestic financial institutions, fintech companies, self-regulatory bodies, investors, and corporates on complex regulatory issues. Takeshi Nagase counsels a wide range of clients, including crypto start-ups, fintech-focused investment funds, gaming companies, and general trading houses, particularly on matters related to Web 3.0 businesses such as NFTs. Shunsuke Aoki is also a key figure, frequently advising domestic financial institutions on structuring innovative financial instruments incorporating emerging tech like blockchain.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘As a legal firm specialising in digital securities in Japan, it has an outstanding track record. In addition to its expertise in capital markets, it leads the field in areas requiring technological understanding, such as blockchain, and legal advisory work for major Japanese projects is concentrated in AMT.’

  • ‘Shunsuke Aoki leads the team and handles matters for Japan’s major financial institutions. He excels not only in risk management but also in flexibility, and actively supports Japan’s new initiatives.’

  • ‘The team possesses deep expertise in the practical application of security tokens in the real estate investment sector. As this is a relatively new area under Japan’s securities regulations, each Security Token Offering presents novel challenges. The team consistently demonstrates the ability to propose creative legal solutions as an advisor, navigating these complexities with innovation and strategic insight.’

  • ‘Shunsuke Aoki demonstrates a deep understanding of the regulatory stance of Japan’s financial authorities in the fintech sector. His legal interpretations are both precise and persuasive. He also has a strong grasp of the business needs of asset management firms seeking to leverage fintech, and is highly regarded for his ability to understand and address client challenges.'

  • 'Motoya Ishibashi has significantly more experience than competitors in disclosure and structuring related to real estate security token offerings. He is able to provide practical legal advice on new products, making him a valuable resource in this rapidly evolving area.’

  • ‘Structuring legal and contractual scheme dedicated for our brand-new cross-border web3 financial business fully understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks vis-a-vis banking, securitization, and payments as well as crypto and other digital assets in the US and Japan.’

  • ‘In particular, Ken Kawai, Hatano Keisuke and Takato Fukui are good team up with their associates, sharing knowledge and empirical insights addressing the challenges to overcome.’

  • ‘They possess strong expertise and rich experience in the fintech area, particularly in blockchain technology. Their teamwork is very good.’

Key clients

  • Circle Internet Group, Inc.
  • Coincheck, Inc.
  • Custodiem, Inc. (formerly FTX Japan K.K.)
  • Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation
  • Aptos Labs
  • Japan Cryptocurrency Business Association
  • Nomura Securities Co., Ltd.
  • Toyota Financial Services Corporation
  • SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
  • SBI Holdings, Inc.

Work highlights

Advised Circle Internet Group, Inc. on its stablecoin project in Japan.
Advised Coincheck, Inc. on Ltd. on its group company’s listing on the Nasdaq in the U.S.
Advised Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, Progmat, Inc and Datachain, Inc. on their stablecoin project in Japan

Lawyers

Leading partners: Bengoshi

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners: Bengoshi

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Ken Kawai

Other key lawyers

Shunsuke Aoki; Takeshi Nagase; Motoya Ishibashi; Keisuke Hatano; Takato Fukui

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