Simmons & Simmons’ fintech offering operates through its build, buy, invest (BBI) group, established in 2023 for clients developing, acquiring, or investing in emerging technologies. The group is part of the firm's emerging technology practice covering AI, tokenisation, digital assets, payments, and consumer finance. The team works with global financial institutions, tech developers, and investors on cross-border transactions, including a Tier 1 bank's investment in the £1bn UK FinTech Growth Fund. As head of the practice, Angus McLean brings decades of experience advising on IP-heavy transactions such as commercialisation and restructurings, and emerging technology disputes. Frances Doherty, co-lead of the BBI Group, focuses on M&A and private equity deals involving growth-stage and emerging tech companies. Sophie Sheldon, also co-lead of BBI, specialises in commercial, regulatory, and contractual issues in fintech, including outsourcing, operational resilience, and AI.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Simmons & Simmons are strong across the board on fintech work, helped by TMT being one of their core sector focuses. The combination of tech-focussed corporate partners such as Frances Doherty and their broader Digital Business team means they have a compelling offering on multiple fronts.'
- 'Frances Doherty is highly responsive, commercially minded, and easy to work with. She really understands what is important to a high-growth fintech.'
Key clients
- London Bullion Market Association
- Santander
- SEI Investments
- British Business Bank
- London Bullion Market Association
- Santander
- SEI Investments
- British Business Bank
Work highlights
Advised the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) on its joint venture with Swiss blockchain company aXedras to develop the LBMA new blockchain Gold Bar Integrity (GBI) Database.
Acting for SEI Investments on the negotiation of a platform agreement with Close Brothers Asset Management (CBAM) for the adoption of the SEI Wealth Platform and SEI Data Cloud.
Advised British Patient Capital on its investment in Wagestream, a financial wellbeing app, as part of a £17.5m funding round.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Angus McLean; Frances Doherty; Sophie Sheldon