Matthew Shanahan spearheads the financial services and regulation practice group at Norton Rose Fulbright which is particularly well known for its cryptocurrency and fintech expertise. The practice is adept at handling licensing requests, tokenisation mandates and regulatory compliance matters. Shanahan is well versed liaising with VARA and is adept at handling the full range of regulatory matters. He is supported by Hasanali Pirbhai, who is noted for his capabilities in cross-border commodity exchanges. Karl Masi is a name to note for his experience dealing with a variety of regulatory regimes across multiple jurisdictions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm demonstrates an impressive combination of deep market knowledge, product expertise, and practical execution. They clearly understand the dynamics of the market and how they shape client needs, allowing them to anticipate issues and provide proactive advice. Their strong grasp of the products ensures that their guidance is not only legally sound but also commercially relevant.'
- 'Most importantly, their ability to deliver efficiently and in a pragmatic manner sets them apart. Clients can rely on the team for clear, actionable solutions that balance risk with business objectives. This combination makes them a highly trusted and effective firm to work with.'
- ‘Matthew Shanahan has a strong grasp of the rules vs the product. This deep knowledge allows us to work efficiently and quickly in an industry and changes by the minute.'
Key clients
- Bybit
- OKX
- Ripple
- Bybit
- OKX
- Ripple
Work highlights
Assisting Bybit with setting up a cryptocurrency exchange in Dubai under the VARA regime.
Advised OKX on obtaining a Conditional Full Market Product (FMP) license from the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate a virtual asset exchange in Dubai.
Advised Ripple on obtaining a license from the DFSA for Providing Money services. This will allow them to offer their Ripple Payments Direct payment services system in and from the DIFC.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hasanali Pirbhai
Practice head
Matthew Shanahan
Other key lawyers
Karl Masi; Hasanali Pirbhai