Praised for ‘incorporating novel technology and software tools‘, the corporate & commercial fintech practice at A&O Shearman provides legal support across the full business process, from early-stage fundraising to complex cross-border M&A. The team advises on blockchain, cryptoassets, digital banking, stablecoin, payments, and regulatory compliance, working closely with global institutions and scale-ups alike. As the team’s technology sector lead, ‘creative problem solver‘ William Samengo-Turner — based between London and Silicon Valley — is considered a ‘go-to lawyer‘ on M&A, joint ventures, and capital raises for various high-profile fintechs. Eimear Coady focuses on fintech and venture capital, with experience advising leading UK fintechs on their funding rounds and challenger banks on strategic commercial matters. She also brings expertise advising on strategic acquisitions for various household names, including well-known retailers and food delivery companies. Nikki Johnstone, a fintech and payments specialist, advises clients on licensing, compliance, product structuring, and regulatory engagement across the UK and EU. Rory Copeland advises on payments, crypto regulation, CBDCs, and tokenisation, working with central banks and major financial institutions on legislative frameworks and product design.

Clifford Chance LLP supports a host of clients across financial services and emerging technology sectors. Handling matters spanning M&A, outsourcing, data, regulatory, and technology transactions, the practice operates within a global tech group, able to advise across blockchain, digital assets, AI, payments, and platform transformation projects. Co-head of the international fintech group Simon Crown advises payment institutions and financial market participants on UK and EU regulatory frameworks, with extensive experience in post-Brexit licensing and safeguarding compliance. Paul Landless, also co-head of fintech, focuses on financial markets technology, digital assets, and DLT in trading and risk management. He draws on his background in derivatives and structured finance, with international experience in Asia. Midori Takenaka and Jamie Andrew support clients on complex commercial contracting, AI agreements, data privacy, and cyber-readiness.

‘A rare blend of top-tier legal expertise and deep commercial understanding of the fintech space,’ CMS' London fintech practice works with global technology providers, high-growth startups, VCs, and major cloud services providers across the full fintech spectrum — covering payments, digital assets, embedded finance, regtech, insurtech, platform-based lending, cloud outsourcing, AI deployment, and digital identity. Housing a number of venture capital specialists, the team regularly acts for high-profile VC funds and corporate VC divisions across funding rounds. In the growth finance and venture debt sector, the team has advised on over £1bn in debt funding for fintech platforms and supported the launch of 15 products across embedded lending, buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), and insurance. Anthony Waller co-leads the fintech and venture capital groups, advising investors and high-growth companies across all funding rounds from early stage to exit. A specialist in emerging tech, Charles Kerrigan has ‘a first-rate handle of Web3 and digital innovation‘, with a strong focus on crypto, DeFi, NFTs, and tokenisation, having advised over 150 cryptoasset clients to date. Co-head of the fintech practice, Ian Stevens advises on cloud re-platforming, open banking, and commercialisation for scale-ups. Louis Glass, head of tech-sector M&A, supports payments and crypto clients, with a specialism in e-commerce transactions, while Tom Jameson advises wealth asset management platforms and acts for leading scale-ups.

‘Allying a broad set of capabilities with deep expertise in each area and a hyper-pragmatic, seasoned approach’, Latham & Watkins advises a diverse array of clients, from start-ups, global financial institutions, and investors, to big tech companies developing cutting-edge financial products. The multidisciplinary team combines regulatory, corporate, and technology expertise, supporting clients from inception to exit. The group handles major M&A, unicorn IPOs, and VC financings, as well as joint ventures, tech partnerships, and outsourcing agreements. As global co-chair of the fintech industry group, Stuart Davis leads regulatory strategy across digital assets, payment services, market infrastructure, and Web3. Described by clients as an ‘exceptional lawyer who understands market dynamics‘, he is also co-chair of Global Digital Finance’s UK policy & regulatory working group, and works closely with the Payments Association and UK Finance. Christian McDermott advises on complex technology contracts and collaborations, particularly across the payments and platform space. Gabriel Lakeman, co-chair of the firm’s digital assets task force, advises on regulatory frameworks for cryptoassets, payments, and fintech platforms. Fiona Maclean brings in-depth expertise in cloud computing, AI, and data protection, with a focus on operational resilience in financial services outsourcing. Shing Lo — 'everything you would want in a bet-the-farm adviser' — also comes recommended.

Linklaters LLP’s fintech practice regularly acts for global financial institutions, challenger banks, payment service providers, e-money issuers, and technology companies. The practice advises fintech clients on investment, M&A, joint ventures and technology contracts. The team handles funding matters from seed rounds through IPOs and SPACs, and provides counsel on payments infrastructure, outsourcing and emerging payment technologies.  Julian Cunningham-Day, co-head of the global fintech team, has over 25 years’ experience advising on technology projects in regulated industries, covering blockchain, cloud, AI, and digital transformation initiatives for major banks and technology clients. Fionnghuala Griggs specialises in cross-border public and private M&A, governance and fintech joint ventures, with recent mandates across payments, DLT platforms and banking consolidation. Lisa Chang, UK head of the technology sector group, advises on M&A, fundraising, and strategic investments.

Norton Rose Fulbright advises clients across the fintech ecosystem on transactions, investments, joint ventures, and regulatory matters. The group operates within a 300-strong global fintech group, supporting clients in areas including payments, blockchain, AI, regtech, cryptoassets, digital finance, and embedded finance. Recent matters include advising a major bank on launching a joint venture with a B2B unicorn for embedded finance solutions, a consortium of investment firms on an offer for a scalable payments platform developer, and an investment bank on its role in a multi-billion-pound acquisition of a tech-enabled payments solutions provider. As global head of the fintech practice, Sean Murphy advises cutting-edge clients across the entire fintech spectrum, from payments and blockchain to regtech and cryptocurrencies. Often advising start-ups and scale-ups alongside banks and asset managers, his recent work includes advising a leading regtech firm on the completion of a multi-million pound investment from a leading growth equity firm. Victoria Birch, co-head of the global payments practice, advises governments and leading global financial institutions alike. Nicholas Berry leads the firm’s insurtech practice, advising on transactions in digital assets and regtech innovation. Bayo Odubeko focuses his expertise on emerging markets, frequently advising clients on some of the largest venture capital deals in Africa.

Addleshaw Goddard fields one of the largest dedicated fintech teams in the City, advising clients across the full fintech ecosystem, including e-money and payment service providers, challenger and clearing banks, account information service providers, and alternative payment platforms. Key workstreams include matters related to banking-as-a-service platforms, payment-as-a-service solutions, and M&A and partnership arrangements. Practice head Elvan Hussein acts for banks, fintechs and institutional investors, regularly advising on funding rounds through to exit. She also co-leads AG Elevate, the firm’s fintech startup accelerator programme. William James brings two decades of experience advising on strategic payments mandates, including major disposals and commercial partnerships. David Anderson focuses on fintech investments and complex technology transactions, while Rebecca Hickman advises on payments innovation, open banking, and UK regulatory matters.

Ashurst’s global fintech practice supports both major financial institutions and emerging fintech disruptors, advising clients across the digital payments, embedded finance, blockchain, and AI sectors. The practice integrates regulatory, commercial, and tech expertise, advising clients on digital transformation initiatives and implementing novel technologies. Recent notable matters include advising a market-leading wealth management platform on a cornerstone contract and an international money transfer business on its multi-million dollar equity fundraising. With over two decades of sector experience, David Futter specialises in digital payments, advising clients from governments and financial institutions to tech companies and major banks on digital platform-based payment products. As chair of the global tech industry group, Bradley Rice advises on digital finance, regulatory change, and asset management, with a focus on the digitalisation of capital markets, payment infrastructure, and wealth management platforms. Fiona Ghosh joined the firm in 2024, bringing over 25 years’ experience advising on complex transactions involving payments, AI, and strategic collaborations. She also has considerable expertise advising foreign government bodies on fintech adoption. Etay Katz leads the firm’s digital assets practice. He advises on large-scale digital transformation and regulatory change projects, particularly those involving prudential regulation and blockchain-based innovation, while also serving on the FCA’s Innovation Advisory Board.

Dentons’ fintech group works across a diverse array of sectors, including payments, e-money, crypto, digital banking, and IT outsourcing, frequently supporting leading venture capital funds on their investments into fintech companies. As head of the UK practice and co-chair of the firm’s global fintech group, industry veteran Tristan Jonckheer brings in-depth expertise on payments and banking technology, assisting the firm’s major clients with the development of their tech platforms and payments services. Commercial divisional leader Martin Fanning brings 20 years advising on large-scale IT procurements, complex e-payment systems, and procurement for financial services clients. Co-head of retail Scott Singer focuses on digital banking and outsourcing arrangements, while Matthew Gilhooly is an outsourcing, AI, and digital resilience specialist.

‘Highly knowledgeable about all things fintech‘, Goodwin advises clients across the financial services and technology spectrum, including startups, scale-ups, investors, and growth companies through every stage of the corporate life cycle. The practice’s expertise spans venture capital, private equity, financial regulation, commercial contracting, and data protection, with a particular focus on VC financings and M&A transactions. Notable recent matters include advising a financial software company on its sale to a major AI compliance and security firm, and the sale of a cutting-edge identity verification tech firm to a leading global payments and data security company. Arvin Abraham co-leads the firm’s fintech and digital currency & blockchain practices, and is noted for his focus on transactions involving cryptoassets and payments. As co-chair of the global tech M&A group, Andrew Davis advises on growth capital, cross-border acquisitions, and governance for technology-driven companies. Gretchen Scott advises across fintech, AI, and SaaS on commercialisation, IP, regulatory compliance, and data protection.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP handles venture capital and M&A transactions for over 700 fintech start-ups, scale-ups, founders, and investors worldwide, including several fintech unicorns. Clients include VC firms, payments software developers, cloud-based banking platforms, and B2C and B2B financial products groups, completing more than 135 UK-based VC transactions in the past year. Shawn Atkinson leads the firm’s London corporate team and the firm’s global technology companies group, bringing over 20 years of experience in venture and growth capital transactions. Chris Grew heads the London VC team and advises both fintech companies and investors, including software firms and tech investment banks, on landmark fundraisings. Jamie Moore specialises in advising startups through to unicorns, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s fintech practice covers payment services, crypto, consumer lending, wealth management, automotive tech, and banking. With clients across North America, China, Dubai, mainland Europe, and Australia, the firm works with major financial brands and emerging disruptors, advising e-commerce and platform businesses on payments regulation and commercial agreements. Recent matters include representing a consumer credit and payments company on the sale of a credit platform, and advising a data and analytics provider on a $2m investment deal. Sian Skelton specialises in commercial technology law, advising startups and global tech brands on contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, governance, and cross-border legal matters. Graham Hann, head of the UK technology, media, and data team, is a key adviser to various digital businesses, including payments, e-commerce, healthtech, and media companies. Howard Palmer, head of the firm’s venture capital team, is recognised as a leading UK adviser on venture capital investments, advising both investors and companies through all growth stages from early funding to M&A.

Bristows LLP fintech practice advises a wide range of clients — from startups to multinationals — across areas including payments, regtech, insurtech, and digital transformation. The team’s expertise in technology and data protection underpins its work, particularly in emerging areas such as AI, blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies. The practice is co-led by Vik Khurana, who advises on fintech, healthtech, and AI deals, often leading the practice’s pitches for multi-year digital currency infrastructure projects, and Toby Crick, who specialises in ‘cutting edge‘ advice and IT outsourcing for financial services clients. Marc Dautlich advises on data protection and regulatory issues for fintech and financial services clients.

gunnercooke LLP‘s fintech practice advises clients in the crypto and Web3 space, combining deep sector expertise with deal structuring and regulatory insight across M&A transactions, investment documentation, and legal frameworks for DAOs and decentralised projects. The team’s expertise also extends to crypto-native services like payments in BTC, ETH, or USDC. Key figures include partner Kathryn Dodds, who has a specific focus on the crypto and Web3 sectors, frequently advising major decentralised platforms and blockchain-native businesses, and James Burnie, a leading regulatory advisor to firms across the blockchain and fintech sectors, who supports clients navigating legal frameworks for cryptoassets.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP's emerging technology and digital group advises a broad spectrum of fintech clients, including startups, crypto-exchanges, global banks, and digital infrastructure providers. The firm’s practice integrates financial regulation, technology, and emerging digital business models, supporting clients on transactional and regulatory matters including fundraising, investments, and exits. Recent notable matters include advising leading UK insurance companies on technology partnership agreements and IT outsourcing projects, a major UK investment fund on its proposed exit from a specialty payments platform, and advising a major international banking group on multiple multi-million-dollar fintech investments. Nick Pantlin, co-head of technology, digital & sourcing, advises on digital infrastructure, software, and data matters. Alexander Amato-Cravero leads the emerging technology group across the UK, US, and EMEA, advising on AI, blockchain, and digital assets. Terence Lau works in the TMT, data & sourcing practice, specialising in advising on software development, large-scale outsourcing, and tech procurement.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP advises clients across the fintech sector, drawing on experience in banking, finance, and emerging technologies to support tech developers, financial institutions, insurance companies, and private equity firms on transactions, regulation, and commercial matters. Typical mandates for the group include fintech M&A, financing, outsourcing, IP, data privacy, and cybersecurity, with particular expertise supporting structured transactions involving marketplace loans and consumer credit. Steven Lightstone co-leads the firm’s global fintech group, advising a mix of asset managers, payment firms, and investment banks on regulation, blockchain, capital requirements, and securitisation. Mike Pierides, global deputy leader of the technology transactions practice, advises on technology outsourcing, SaaS, AI, and digital payments. Robert Mailer focuses on private fund formation and fundraising for technology-focused investors, including those active in fintech and AI. He also advises on manager spinouts and fund governance matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s fintech corporate and commercial team advises a broad spectrum of clients, including financial institutions, technology providers, and disruptor businesses. The practice is particularly active in areas including open banking, AI, digital identity, and financial services technology, advising on collaborations, strategic outsourcing, and regulatory frameworks. The team has led legal work on AI deployment and the EU AI Act, open banking infrastructure projects, and digital identity frameworks in collaboration with organisations such as the Open Identity Exchange and OpenID Foundation. Yvonne Dunn leads the firm’s TMT financial services and fintech practice, advising clients on outsourcing, technology transformation, and operational resilience. Angus McFadyen specialises in financial services, regulatory and technology matters; he has led major international fintech sourcing and fraud-prevention initiatives, and contributes to industry working groups on digital identity and blockchain. Luke Scanlon, who heads the fintech propositions team, advises on open banking, regtech, and AI-related legal and regulatory developments.

Shoosmiths LLP‘s fintech practice handles complex tech and financial services matters, supporting clients from start-up to exit. Typical work matters include advising technology and venture capital firms on outsourcing, data, and regulatory work, while the corporate team maintains a highly active M&A and VC focus. Luke Stubbs advises on digital assets, payments, and strategic tech projects, working with a number of household names. Steve Barnett leads the firm’s VC work and tech-enabled innovation, while new lateral hire Kate Brimsted brings expertise to the team’s privacy and data work.

The fintech practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP works with global financial institutions, major investors, start-ups, scale-ups, and industry bodies such as regulators and non-profit organisations across the fintech industry. Frequently coordinating global matters from the London office, the team is skilled at advising on high-profile transactions including IPOs, financings, acquisitions, and high-value investments into cutting-edge fintech companies, particularly in the payments, open banking, insurtech, wealthtech, and cryptoasset sectors. The team is led by co-head of the firm’s global fintech practice Simon Toms, a veteran of global fintech transactions with clients spanning across private capital investors and leading payments businesses, alongside crypto and digital assets regulatory expertise. Sebastian Barling joined the firm from Linklaters LLP in 2024, bringing financial services regulatory experience in the payments and crypto-asset sectors. Deborah Kirk  — who joined the firm from Latham & Watkins in 2024 — brings in-depth knowledge of IP, data, and tech issues.

Squire Patton Boggs’ fintech practice advises a diverse client base on regulatory, corporate, and commercial issues across key global markets. The team is especially experienced in M&A, venture capital, and regulatory advice, with an increasing focus on AI and blockchain. Recent significant matters include advising a leading digital asset trading firm on its minority investment into a multi-asset broker, and advising a global credit reporting company on the regulatory aspect of a majority acquisition. Rob Bray leads the practice from London, advising clients on private equity, joint ventures, and cross-border transactions. Ben Johnson, a financial services specialist with over 25 years’ experience, regularly advises on regulatory issues, financial crime, card scheme rules, and disputes, especially in payment processing. Miriam Lampert advises tech clients on employment law aspects.

Burges Salmon LLP’s fintech practice advises a broad client base including major banks, fintech start-ups, payment providers, and wealth platforms on M&A, early-stage investments, commercial contracts, and international projects. The group also supports clients on data, employment, brand, and payments matters. The practice is led by Martin Cook, a former general counsel at a leading digital international payments business, who brings expertise in product development, regulatory strategy and risk management. Recently joining the firm from Deloitte Legal, Charles Claisse is a seasoned M&A lawyer with a focus on supporting global tech and digital businesses on their transactional activities. Other key figures include James Barrett, who brings experience advising banks, payment services, and startups on corporate financings and product launches.

The fintech department at Fox Williams LLP advises e-commerce and challenger banking clients across the sector, acting for fintechs at every growth stage, particularly start-ups and scale-ups, on lending, payments, crypto, fundraising, and regulatory matters. The practice is recognised for its depth of regulatory expertise, supporting companies across commercial, corporate, and compliance issues. Recent work includes advising major fintechs on commercial and regulatory structures for new product launches, strategic partnerships, and platform expansion. Jonathan Segal is a market leader in lending platforms, acting for over 60 providers. Chris Hill advises on technology, payments, and open banking. Tech and data expert Kolvin Stone supports fintech clients on blockchain, crypto, AI, SaaS, and compliance-related deals.

Turned to by high-profile fintech unicorns, buy now, pay later companies, and NFT platforms, Gowling WLG is particularly noted for its strength in regulatory and venture-backed matters, advising on equity and debt investments, smart contracts, platform structuring, and intellectual property. The team regularly supports clients launching cryptoassets, blockchain, and AI-driven financial services, providing FCA perimeter advice and ongoing compliance support. A standout feature is its financial services regulatory team, led by ex-FCA lawyer Sushil Kuner, who also heads the firm’s fintech accelerator group.  Corporate partner David Brennan leads on complex cross-border M&A and financings, while partner Rebecca Burford advises on early-stage and VC investment rounds.

Keystone Law‘s fintech practice supports clients navigating disruptive technologies, IP, data, and commercial contracts, often acting in a general counsel capacity. The practice often counsels clients on NFT, SaaS, and blockchain-related legal issues, offering expertise across advisory, litigation, and regulatory compliance. Vanessa Barnett leads advisory work for VC-backed scale-ups, and has deep experience with internet-enabled business models, machine learning, and the gig economy. Louise Abbott is a disputes expert with a specialism in crypto fraud and digital asset recovery, advising clients, including FTX investors, on tracing and recovering cryptocurrency proceeds.

Particularly focused on advising emerging technology companies and fintech startups, Wiggin LLP advises on a range of regulatory, corporate, and commercial matters, spanning M&A, joint ventures, market entry, and AI-driven innovation, with cross-border capabilities supporting product launches and token offerings globally. Practice co-head Marcus Bagnall is a leading fintech and technology specialist advising on blockchain, tokenisation, and AI, who works closely with web3 incubators and accelerators. Fellow co-head Jason Fisher brings expertise on cross-border regulatory work, advising global PSPs and payments companies.

Alston & Bird LLP’s London fintech practice advises on complex cross-border M&A, commercial alliances, and regulatory matters across the payments ecosystem, often working in collaboration with the firm's US offices. The team advises on merchant agreements, ISO agreements, bank processing deals, insolvency issues, and data privacy matters, with support from Brussels-based EU experts and competition specialists. Clients include leading U.S. banks and major global payments companies, with recent work involving major joint ventures and strategic alliances, often with a transatlantic element. Practice co-head Richard Willis leads the international payments practice, bringing over 20 years of experience advising on new market entries and the regulatory aspects of global payments transactions, having led matters across six continents. Jonathan Garforth, a seasoned regulatory expert, supports clients across the credit, payments, and digital asset spaces. Gupinder Assi leverages in-house and international experience to advise on complex payment contracts and regulations, including crypto and card scheme rules.

Baker McKenzie‘s fintech practice advises on regulatory, transactional, and strategic technology matters, working with a mix of major banks, crypto firms, financial institutions, technology companies, and startups. The team handles market entries, expansions, and product development, advising on blockchain, tokenisation, crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and decentralised platforms. Recent work includes blockchain deployments, international fintech expansions, and tax structuring for digital payments providers. The group is co-led by partners Sue McLean, who advises on digital transformation, blockchain, and AI projects, and FSR partner Mark Simpson, who frequently advises crypto firms, payment providers, and public bodies on authorisation, expansion, innovation, and regulatory strategy.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s fintech group advises high-growth start-ups, scale-ups, investors, and traditional institutions across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, often working on deals in venture capital, M&A, and venture debt. The practice is especially focused on insurtech and is increasingly active in regulatory advisory and digital transformation work for insurance disruptors. Head of fintech and insurtech at the firm, the team is led by Jon Snade, a corporate tech partner who frequently acts for investors and high-growth fintech and insurtech companies. With over 25 years’ experience in the practice area, Anthony Nagle leads the firm’s digital, technology & sourcing team, advising on high-value tech transactions, outsourcing, and digital transformation concerns.

Collyer Bristow LLP’s fintech practice covers regulatory, commercial, and digital asset matters, acting for a broad range of fintech clients from fund managers, payments providers, and crypto exchanges to FX platforms and blockchain ventures, as well as institutional investors and family offices. The team is also active in shaping crypto policy, advising on the UK’s financial promotions regime, stablecoin regulation, and anti-money laundering compliance. Head of financial services, Nigel Brahams, brings deep sector expertise, with experience advising on a number of crypto and blockchain projects. Recently joining the team as a partner in January 2025, transactional IP lawyer Sarah Coe brings further in-house experience, bolstering the team’s derivatives, commercial IP, and SaaS credentials.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises across the full fintech lifecycle, covering AI, M&A, blockchain and crypto-assets, cloud transformation, tax, and regulation. Clients include global financial institutions, digital banks, and major payment providers, with recent mandates covering cross-border AI, biometrics, and data privacy projects, acting for the non-US customers of FTX throughout its bankruptcy proceedings. Craig Rogers, co-chair of the global fintech practice, regularly advises financial institutions on fintech partnerships and technology compliance. Simon Gamlin leads the global commercial team and has deep experience in cloud, outsourcing, and regulatory compliance. Simon Lightman advises on tech procurement, AI systems, and business process outsourcing.

Fieldfisher‘s fintech practice is a cross-disciplinary team advising on regulatory, transactional, technology, and privacy matters. The group supports clients across the fintech lifecycle, from early-stage funding to complex M&A. The team works with start-ups, growth companies, established fintechs, and financial institutions across Europe. Thomas Colmer focuses on fintech M&A, growth equity, and institutional funding rounds. He regularly advises on capital markets, open banking, and payments-related deals, including mandates involving Tier 1 banks. Simon Briskman has over 30 years of experience advising on technology transactions. Tom Ward co-heads the emerging companies and venture capital team. John Brunning advises on complex technology transactions, with a focus on regulatory frameworks including DORA, the EU Data Act, and AI governance.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP advises a wide range of fintech clients on corporate and commercial matters, including early-stage financing, venture capital investments, strategic commercial arrangements, and emerging technology disputes. The firm supports clients across the investment lifecycle, from startup structuring and SEIS/EIS fundraising to late-stage funding rounds, exits, and IPOs. Tony Littner, the firm’s co-managing partner, focuses on venture capital and corporate transactions, advising both high-growth tech companies and investors throughout the lifecycle of a business. Charles Leveque, also co-managing partner and head of the corporate group, handles private and public M&A, fundraisings, and shareholder arrangements, with a focus on the technology, media, and retail sectors. Tom Macleod, co-head of the venture capital and emerging companies practice, advises on financing rounds, restructurings, exits, and share schemes, with a specific focus on high-growth tech businesses and cross-border mandates, particularly involving the US.