Norton Rose Fulbright supports a range of clients — including exchanges, insurers, and international banks — with a uniquely blended legal, regulatory, and policy capability, advising clients across the fintech ecosystem, from established financial institutions to emerging start-ups, on matters including payments, cryptoassets, blockchain, central bank digital currencies, insurtech, regtech, AI, and DAOs. The team draws on industry and regulatory experience, including former roles at the FCA, PRA, and HM Treasury, and maintains close links with regulatory bodies and working groups. An expert at ‘translat[ing] complex regulatory frameworks into actionable strategies’, Hannah Meakin leads the firm’s fintech regulatory practice. Chair of the City of London Law Society Regulatory Committee, her skillset includes advising on the regulatory issues raised by the use of blockchain and distributed ledger tech in relation to market infrastructure. Jonathan Herbst, global head of financial services regulation, advises both challenger and major international banks on critical regulatory, business, and criminal investigations. Katie Stephen brings significant expertise advising banks, financial institutions, and payments providers on money laundering concerns, investigations, and whistleblowing matters. Matthew Gregory advises banks and fintechs on regulatory change and innovation, including on PSD2, sandboxes, and ESG-related e-money platforms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Regulatory expertise across the digital economy. Strategic engagement with regulators and policymakers. Global reach with local insight.'
- 'The firm's strength is in its legal acumen and knowledge. They have a very deep understanding of the market.'
‘Hannah Meakin – a consistent presence across NRF’s global fintech and crypto regulatory initiatives. Hannah Meakin is a standout figure in the London office. She regularly features in the firm’s global webinar series on digital assets, stablecoins, and CBDCs. Her expertise spans market infrastructure, crypto regulation, and financial services compliance. Hannah helps us translate complex regulatory frameworks into actionable strategies for our firm.’
Key clients
- Aquiline Capital Partners
- Arch
- Bybit
- HSBC Investment Bank
- HSBC Innovation Bank
- Global Blockchain Business Council
- IG Markets
- Nexus Mutual
- Northern Trust
- Paypal
- Paxos (formerly itBit)
- Riskbook
Work highlights
Advising the special administrators of a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-regulated discretionary wealth management firm, on the Investment Bank Special Administration. Matters include: interactions with the Creditors’ Committee, FCA, HMRC and Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS); the court application for approval of a client assets distribution plan; and the parallel distribution of client money.
Practice head
Hannah Meakin, Jonathan Herbst
Other key lawyers
Katie Stephen, Matthew Gregory