‘Consistently ahead of the curve in interpreting and applying complex regulatory developments,’ Latham & Watkins offers multidisciplinary legal support across the fintech ecosystem, spanning digital payments, cryptoassets, digital platforms, superapps, lending, Web3, and AI. The practice combines regulatory, commercial, and technology law expertise, advising clients at all stages of their lifecycle, from early-stage fintech startups to major tech firms and institutional investors. The group also plays a prominent role in regulatory policy discussions, engaging directly with UK regulators and contributing to industry consultations, including on the UK Crypto Roadmap and the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The team’s most significant recent matters include advising leading global cryptocurrency exchange on obtaining the FCA-issued virtual asset service provider registration. Described as possessing a ’deep understanding of the UK’s financial regulatory environment as it applies to blockchain, trading platforms, and broader crypto activity,‘ practice head Stuart Davis leads regulatory mandates across the sector, including platform structuring, market infrastructure, and digital asset compliance. As co-chair of the digital assets task force, Gabriel Lakeman advises C-suite executives and senior fintech business leaders on crypto regulation such as MiFID II and AIFMD, alongside payment systems rules including PSD2 and 3. Praised by clients as ’technically superb and always composed‘, Brett Carr advises central banks and investors on payments issues and e-money regulation. Emma Trankeenan supports digital investment platforms with regulatory engagement across cryptocurrency and open banking.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Latham & Watkins has advised to us on UK regulatory issues related to blockchain and digital assets. Their team offers exceptional insight into the evolving crypto exchange landscape, and they’re consistently ahead of the curve in interpreting and applying complex regulatory developments. What makes the team stand out is not just the technical expertise, and that knowledge proactively—whether through briefings, industry roundtables, or client events. This adds real value and helps us stay informed on fast-moving issues. We appreciate their generosity to share contacts with the wider Latham blockchain experts. While they are at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, the quality of insight and service we receive generally justifies the cost—especially in such a complex and evolving regulatory environment.’
‘Stuart Davis is our main contact and a standout advisor. He has a deep understanding of the UK’s financial regulatory environment as it applies to blockchain, trading platforms, and broader crypto activity. His advice is clear, commercially focused, and grounded in both legal precision and sector understanding. Stuart also brings strong leadership to industry conversations, and we benefit significantly from Latham’s broader thought leadership efforts under his guidance. ’
‘Latham’s Fintech regulatory team is best-in-class for complex, cross-border matters and high-stakes advisory work. What distinguishes them is their ability to seamlessly translate deep legal knowledge into commercially actionable advice, particularly in areas like payments regulation, licensing, novel product structuring, and regulatory perimeter analysis. They are extremely well-coordinated, with a bench that operates more like a single brain across jurisdictions than a loose network of offices.
- The team is highly responsive and scalable—whether the matter is strategic or operational, they resource appropriately without over-lawyering. Their collaboration with internal stakeholders (legal, risk, and product teams alike) is excellent, and they stand out in their willingness to adapt processes and billing models to suit evolving in-house needs. The practice is also strong on diversity and inclusion, with visible leadership from across backgrounds and career stages.’
‘Stuart Davis is a standout partner—trusted, pragmatic, and incredibly sharp on the regulatory side. He brings a strategic lens to every conversation and consistently delivers clear, risk-aware guidance that’s easy to use with business stakeholders. He’s thoughtful, calm under pressure, and shows real leadership on fast-moving, high-profile workstreams.
- Brett Carr is another key figure on the team—technically superb and always composed, even when the issues are highly complex or time-sensitive. Brett brings a great mix of clarity, legal depth, and commercial acumen. He has a strong handle on both the UK and broader EU regulatory landscape, and is particularly valuable when navigating uncertainty or grey areas.
Key clients
- Blockdaemon
- Coinbase
- Etsy
- Ether.fi
- Hidden Road
- Revolut
- Tangem
- Transcard
- Worldpay
- Zilch
Work highlights
Advised Coinbase on obtaining its Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) registration in the United Kingdom.
Advising Floww on its platform structuring for private company funding rounds.
Advising Transcard on securing their Payment Institution authorisation application with the FCA.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Brett Carr
Emma Trankeenan
Practice head
Stuart Davis, Gabriel Lakeman
Other key lawyers
Emma Trankeenan, Brett Carr