A&O Shearman’s fintech regulatory practice advises early-stage fintechs to international financial institutions on payments, digital assets, open finance, and platform-based financial services. Clients include regulators, banks, e-commerce firms, digital wealth platforms, and BNPL companies. The team works with global regulators on frameworks including MiCA and stablecoins, and with central banks and trade bodies on digital assets, CBDCs, and fintech infrastructure. Praised by clients for his ‘unparalleled legal acumen‘, Ben Regnard-Weinrabe co-leads the global fintech practice, advising on UK and EU payments and crypto regulation, including licensing, product development, and commercial partnerships. William Samengo-Turner co-heads the EMEA tech practice, advising fintech clients and investors on M&A and fundraising across all financing stages. Nikki Johnstone leads the payments practice, advising banks and crypto-asset firms on sectoral regulation, including AML and consumer protection. She has also supported UK Finance’s Stablecoin Working Group and CFIT’s Open Finance project. Jamie Greenwood and Elias Allahyari provide ongoing support on regulatory perimeter questions, licensing, incident response, and cross-border compliance.
Fintech: regulatory in London
A&O Shearman
Responsables de la pratique:
Ben Regnard-Weinrabe; Will Samengo-Turner
Autres avocats clés:
Jamie Greenwood, Elias Allahyari, Rhiannon Jones
Les références
‘I’ve had the privilege of working extensively with A&O Shearman’s UK office, and I can unequivocally say that they are an unparalleled legal partner. Their commitment to client satisfaction, combined with their profound expertise and forward-thinking approach, truly sets them apart in the legal landscape.’
‘What makes A&O Shearman’s UK practice truly unique is their deeply ingrained client-oriented approach and their unwavering commitment to professionalism. In a field where legal advice is paramount, they stand out as the most reliable and insightful advisors. I’ve never encountered a case, regardless of its complexity, where their team couldn’t provide us with comprehensive and actionable solutions. The certainty I feel about their advice is invaluable.’
‘Potential clients should know that A&O Shearman’s strength lies not just in their ability to resolve complex legal issues, but also in their proactive support and genuine partnership. They go above and beyond traditional legal services, offering a wealth of value-added, complementary resources.’
Principaux clients
eBay Inc.
Juni
Uber
Edenred/PrePay Solutions
Mangopay
Revolut
Remitly
Principaux dossiers
Ashurst
Bringing a ‘passion for assisting early-stage fintech businesses‘, Ashurst‘s fintech regulatory practice advises global banks, financial institutions, technology companies, and high-growth fintech start-ups on digitalisation, regulatory change, and innovation across the financial ecosystem. The team supports clients with the regulatory aspects of matters involving digital assets, digital money, embedded finance, AI, and the evolution from open banking to open finance. As head of digital assets and innovation, Etay Katz leads the practice’s regulatory strategy and engagement with the FCA and HM Treasury, bringing in-depth expertise advising global financial institutions on prudential regulation. David Futter brings over 20 years of fintech experience, advising national governments and leading financial services firms on digital transactions, payments, and platform-based solutions. Bradley Rice co-heads the digital finance group, focusing on crypto, DLT, digital money, and operational resilience projects such as EU DORA and UK regulatory implementation. Fiona Ghosh joined the firm in 2024, enhancing the team’s capabilities in payments, deep tech, and fintech adoption.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bradley Rice, Etay Katz, David Futter, Fiona Ghosh
Autres avocats clés:
Sidika Ulker; Max Savoie
Les références
‘Passion for assisting early-stage fintech businesses and bringing together key players in the industry to build the fintech ecosphere.’
‘Brad Rice is very knowledgeable, engaging and approachable. However, he is incredibly busy so can be hard to reach.’
‘Competitive pricing, responsive, and innovative, particularly when it comes to handling nascent topics of DLT/blockchain and financial services law.’
Principaux clients
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)
Banking Circle
Goldman Sachs
eToro Group
Nomura
Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)
Laser Digital
Ramp Swaps
Zenus Bank International Inc
British Business Bank plc
Nymlab
Lendable Limited
Principaux dossiers
- HSBC Orion – Digitally Native Notes on the provision of its digital assets platform to the Central Moneymarkets Unit of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in connection with the issuance of HK$1bn digitally native notes by HSBC as issuer.
- Advising Nymlab on the structuring and creation of their digital securities and to assist in their application to the FCA’s Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS).
- Continuing to advise crypto derivatives exchange Deribit with strategic advice on its global business model and international regulatory obligations as it continues to expand its international footprint.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP’s fintech regulatory practice operates as part of the firm’s global tech group, advising clients from across industry sectors, including global financial institutions, cryptoasset service providers, and technology platforms. The group’s work spans regulatory strategy, licensing, product and software development, market infrastructure, M&A, litigation, and digital transformation initiatives. The team has established close working relationships with regulators, central banks, and industry bodies worldwide, contributing to the development of fintech regulatory frameworks and standards. Recent significant matters include reviewing AWS’s financial services terms for alignment with the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), and guiding a crypto exchange on client asset and money rules impacting spot crypto settlements in the UK and Europe. The fintech team is co-led by Simon Crown, Paul Landless, and Diego Ballon Ossio. Crown also leads the global payments practice and serves on the City of London Law Society’s Regulatory Committee. Landless advises on technology and innovation in financial markets, including DLT, tokenisation, custody, and market infrastructure. Ballon Ossio was recently promoted to co-head of the fintech group, advising on high-profile regulatory and policy matters and contributing to public commentary on digital asset developments. Kate Scott specialises in financial services and technology litigation, advising fintech clients on complex disputes and regulatory follow-on matters. She focuses on managing contentious portfolios, defending collective data actions, and advising on civil risks linked to AI, crypto, data use, and cyber. Caroline Meinertz leads the London financial regulatory group, advising on the full range of financial regulation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Diego Ballon Ossio, Simon Crown, Kate Scott, Paul Landless
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Meinertz; Kikun Alo
Principaux clients
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Bitstamp
Binance
Citi
Coinbase Global Inc.
Digital Asset (US) Corp.
International Capital Market Association (ICMA)
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA)
HQLAx S.à r.l.
New Wave Capital Limited (Capital on Tap)
Nubank
OKX
Oracle
UBS
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted a cryptocurrency exchange entity in Europe and the UK in respect of the application of regulatory requirements under various client asset and client money frameworks on the spot crypto settlement process.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Coordinated globally through the fintech steering group, Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s multidisciplinary practice spans financial services regulation, technology, corporate, and digital assets. ‘Consistently responsive and practical’, the group advises on blockchain, crypto, payments, AI, operational resilience, and open finance, as well as regulatory reform and infrastructure transformation. Regularly working with industry bodies such as Innovate Finance and Global Digital Finance, the team frequently contributes to government consultations. The firm’s digital assets and blockchain (DAB) practice has advised on high-profile matters, including the tokenisation of real estate and the development of interbank blockchain-based payment systems. John Salmon, co-head of the global fintech practice and head of the DAB practice, focuses on blockchain and crypto matters and advises on embedded finance and digital infrastructure projects. As head of UK financial services and co-head of the fintech practice, Michael Thomas acts for major financial market infrastructure entities. Jonathan Chertkow leads the firm’s global financial services team, advising fintechs, banks, and PSPs on compliance, strategic transactions, and product innovation. Roger Tym heads the payments practice and advises on regulation, licensing, and market entry, particularly within the evolving payments and credit sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Salmon; Jonathan Chertkow; Michael Thomas
Autres avocats clés:
Roger Tym
Les références
‘James Black – very clear analysis of circumstances and problems. Very to the point solution-focused advice. Very responsive.’
‘Extremely helfpul and knowledgeable. Takes a real interest in the project and outcomes needed. Clear and user-friendly drafting.’
‘The team is consistently responsive and practical, showing an ability to understand our complex business model and issues which are relevant to us on a day-to-day basis, which allows for nuanced and practical advice.’
‘Jon Chertkow is always responsive, practical and easy to talk to, able to discuss topics in detail. Diana Suciu is a helpful sounding board for various regulatory issues, and is also responsive and able to understand the key topics which impact our business.’
Principaux clients
AXA PPP Healthcare Group Limited
Bloom
Banked
Bitpanda
Covertech
Clearpay
Credit Karma
Credit Kudos
Curve UK Limited
Communion
Cordoba Capital Markets
Euroclear
Fairscore / Updraft
Floww
Fygo
Fluro Platform Limited
Global Digital Finance
Gaia Family
Habito
London Metal Exchange
Moneyfold
Monzo Bank
Open Banking Limited
Offgrid Finance
PayPal
Pitchedit
PropElle
Paysafe
Pivotal Group
Santander Innoventures
Stripe
WeCovr
Updraft
Zopa
AXA PPP Healthcare Group Limited
Bloom
Banked
Bitpanda
Covertech
Clearpay
Credit Karma
Credit Kudos
Curve UK Limited
Communion
Cordoba Capital Markets
Euroclear
Fairscore / Updraft
Floww
Fygo
Fluro Platform Limited
Global Digital Finance
Gaia Family
Habito
London Metal Exchange
Moneyfold
Monzo Bank
Open Banking Limited
Offgrid Finance
PayPal
Pitchedit
PropElle
Paysafe
Pivotal Group
Santander Innoventures
Stripe
WeCovr
Updraft
Zopa
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Zopa on participation in the Bank of England term funding scheme.
- Advising Monzo on the Mastercard rule mapping exercise.
- Advise Airtm on Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR) impact and UK proposals on stablecoins.
Latham & Watkins
‘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.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stuart Davis, Gabriel Lakeman
Autres avocats clés:
Emma Trankeenan, Brett Carr
Les références
‘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.
Principaux clients
Blockdaemon
Coinbase
Etsy
Ether.fi
Hidden Road
Revolut
Tangem
Transcard
Worldpay
Zilch
Principaux dossiers
- 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.
Linklaters LLP
Linklaters LLP’s fintech regulatory practice advises a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions, digital challengers, crypto-asset firms, payments providers, and cutting-edge tech companies. The group has developed a multidisciplinary, cross-border team that covers the full fintech spectrum, with broad expertise encompassing cybersecurity, operational resilience, data protection, AI regulation, and litigation risks. The team also maintains close engagement with regulators such as the FCA, HMT, and PRA, and actively supports regulatory consultations and policy development, contributing to initiatives such as the UK Jurisdiction Taskforce’s statements on cryptoassets and digital securities. Global co-heads of fintech, Harry Eddis brings deep experience in financial regulation and platform authorisation, while Julian Cunningham-Day advises on complex technology arrangements and digital transformation strategies. Head of UK fintech Richard Hay is heavily involved in FMI and tokenisation projects, including digital bond issuances and cross-border payment systems. Michael Voisin contributes to thought leadership in clearing, settlement, and DeFi and serves on ICMA’s fintech advisory committee. Sam Quicke is also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Julian Cunningham-Day, Harry Eddis, Fionnghuala Griggs, Richard Hay
Autres avocats clés:
Michael Voisin; Sam Quicke
Principaux clients
UK Finance Limited
Fnality International Ltd, Fnality UK Ltd
Galaxy Digital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised UK Finance in providing legal support in relation to the experimentation phase of the regulated liability network (RLN) project.
- Continuing to advise Fnality on its project to develop a new global, wholesale payment system based on blockchain technology.
- Advised Galaxy Digital on its successful application to the FCA for authorisation of its UK firm, Galaxy Digital UK Limited (GDUK), primarily to conduct cryptoasset derivative trading activities, alongside M&A advisory services and fund distribution services.
Norton Rose Fulbright
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.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hannah Meakin, Jonathan Herbst
Autres avocats clés:
Katie Stephen, Matthew Gregory
Les références
‘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.’
Principaux 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
Revenio Capital
Revolut
SmartCo
Standard Chartered Bank
Starling Bank
Superfluid
TPAY
Zego
Zurich
Principaux dossiers
- 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.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard‘s regulatory practice advises a broad spectrum of fintech clients, from banks and e-money institutions to crypto platforms and payment firms. The group advises on matters such as licensing, product development, cross-border structuring, regulatory engagement, and digital asset frameworks. The team also works closely with fintech startups through a dedicated accelerator programme and is active in shaping payments law and regulation in the UK. Bringing a ‘rare combination of deep technical expertise and commercial awareness,‘ Rebecca Hickman leads the firm’s payments work, advising leading technology companies and major banks on regulatory innovation and open banking. Grace Wyatt advises on stablecoins, tokenised deposits, and CBDCs, and works closely with the FCA and PSR. She frequently contributes to regulatory consultations and policy development. With an ‘ability to quickly grasp the nuances of complex legal and regulatory issues,‘ Lisa Lee Lewis specialises in financial crime, compliance frameworks, and governance, with a focus on cryptoasset businesses. She advises on MLR registration and authorisation, supporting clients with regulatory strategy, SMCR, and operational resilience.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rebecca Hickman; Grace Wyatt; Lisa Lee Lewis
Les références
‘Addleshaw Goddard provides technically rigorous advice that is strengthened by the practical perspectives of seasoned compliance professionals. This combination ensures that their guidance is not only legally sound but also operationally workable and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. The team’s deep familiarity with the regulator’s supervisory approach enables them to anticipate the level of scrutiny applied in practice and tailor their advice accordingly. This makes their support particularly valuable in high-stakes or time-sensitive regulatory matters, where both accuracy and regulatory credibility are critical. Their ability to translate complex requirements into clear, actionable steps adds further confidence for in-house teams navigating an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.’
‘Rebecca Hickman is widely recognised as a leading financial regulatory specialist, with an impressive track record of supporting innovation in the payments and open banking sectors. She brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and commercial awareness, allowing her to provide clear, actionable legal advice that is closely aligned with clients’ strategic goals. Her knowledge of the regulatory landscape is complemented by a strong understanding of market dynamics, making her a trusted adviser to both established institutions and fintech disruptors. Rebecca is also known for her proactive approach, often anticipating challenges before they arise and helping clients navigate regulatory complexity with confidence and clarity.’
‘As a client in the financial services sector, I’ve particularly valued the team’s ability to quickly understand complex business models and provide advice that is not only technically sound but also practical and actionable. Their responsiveness, clarity of communication, and ability to navigate both regulatory and transactional complexities set them apart.’
Principaux clients
Open Banking Limited
UK Finance
Klarna
GoCardless
IWOCA
EcommPay
Tremendous
Atom Bank
Starling Bank
PayPal
B2C2
Skipton Building Society
ClearBank
Principaux dossiers
- Appointed by UK Finance to support it with its work on the development and drafting of a statutory instrument which was to implement Government and HMTs policy objectives relating to account exits.
- Appointed by OBL and Pay.UK to support their work on the development and drafting of a multilateral agreement (MLA) and ‘scheme rulebook’ to be used for « commercial variable recurring payments » (cVRP) in the UK. Drafting a scheme rulebook to launch a new payment type using open banking methodology and advising on the application of the existing regulatory regime to this new payments solution that will rival direct debits and continuous payment authorities on cards. Also advising on the application of the money laundering regulations to cVRPs.
Bird & Bird LLP
Boasting a ‘personable and professional team‘, Bird & Bird LLP’s fintech regulatory practice is ‘quick to grasp legal issues relating to emerging technologies‘, advising across the fintech ecosystem, including payments, open banking, crypto, and AI. Clients come from a broad spectrum, with the group supporting global institutions, scale-ups, and start-ups on both UK and EU regulatory matters. The team regularly handles complex, cross-border mandates in collaboration with the firm’s fintech commercial and corporate practice, with recent significant matters including the establishment of a stablecoin-based payment and investment platform, the launch of a major crypto-asset exchange in the UK, and the rollout of an international card programme. The practice also acts for NOAH, a crypto on/off-ramp provider, delivering regulatory advice across multiple jurisdictions. Trystan Tether leads on electronic banking and financial services, bringing in-depth experience advising clients on mobile payments, remote banking, e-money, and payment schemes. His work includes regulatory authorisations, consumer documentation, and commercial negotiations. A financial services regulatory specialist, Gavin Punia advises across payments, e-money, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. He has particular expertise in the regulation of digital payment services, advising providers, operators, issuers, and e-commerce platforms. Senior associate Thomas Hepplewhite advises on authorisations, scope of regulation, conduct rules, and commercial agreements, bringing a strong focus on the regulatory impact of open banking, crypto, and AI.
Responsables de la pratique:
Trystan Tether, Gavin Punia
Autres avocats clés:
Thomas Hepplewhite
Les références
‘Deep industry knowledge, personable and professional team, quick to grasp legal issues relating to emerging technologies.’
‘The team provides very clear and practical advice. They have an in-depth knowledge of payments regulation and the payments market.’
‘Quick turnaround of requests. Quality work. Briefs are always well understood, and tailored input is provided. ’
Principaux clients
Mapfre
Noah
IFX
Principaux dossiers
CMS
Praised for its ‘unrivalled knowledge and experience of the complexities of regulation for innovative finance companies‘, CMS advises across licensing, perimeter analysis, financial promotions, payments, consumer finance, and digital assets regulation. The team supports clients ranging from start-ups to central banks and financial institutions, advising on digital assets, decentralised finance, AI, tokenisation, and embedded finance. Sam Robinson, formerly at the FSA, advises across the financial services spectrum, with recent work covering the establishment of investment platforms, crypto trading exchanges, and advising on security token offerings and acquisitions of FCA-authorised firms. Charles Kerrigan advises on crypto, AI, and digital assets. His experience includes advising over 150 crypto clients and supporting DeFi, tokenisation, and NFT projects, as well as corporate finance transactions exceeding $5bn. Chris Glennie, previously lead payments lawyer at the Bank of England, advises on payment systems, stablecoins, and digital currency frameworks, and has advised on the renewal of the UK’s RTGS system.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sam Robinson, Chris Glennie
Autres avocats clés:
Charles Kerrigan
Les références
‘Efficient problem solvers, always found them reliable.’
‘Generally excellent team. ’
‘Quick to hit the ground running and always at the end of the phone.’
Principaux clients
Coinbase
CoinCover
Eunice
Moonpay
Payward
Blockchain.com
Orbs Ltd
Copper
Archax
EDX Markets
LMAX Exchange Group Limited
Zero Fintech
Chip Financial
Contis Group Limited
Fidelity
Finitor Wealth
Flagstone
Lumin Wealth
Tap Global
Wagestream
Modulr
Marygold
Ripple
AltPay
BVNK
CarbonPay
Clear Junction
Riva Money
DLocal
Modulr
MoneyGram
Paybis
HelloCash
Yapily
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Archax on cutting-edge products including tokenised securities trading and custody arrangements and the creation of a tokenised representation of uranium using the Tezos blockchain.
- Advising BPX Markets Ltd on its authorisation application to the Financial Conduct Authority to become a digital securities exchange platform, and to the Bank of England to be admitted to the Digital Securities Sandbox.
- Advising Marygold & Co (a US based fintech payments firm) on launching its business in the UK.
DLA Piper
Praised for being ‘at the forefront of legal expertise for evolving regulation for new technologies‘, DLA Piper works with a mix of challenger and traditional banks, trading platforms, payment providers, insurtech operators, and private equity investors. The team handles mandates involving new platforms, regulatory compliance, emerging technologies, and strategic transformation projects. Anthony Day, chair of the firm’s fintech sub-sector group, advises banks, insurers, and capital markets firms on projects that involve both regulatory and technology components. Sophie Lessar focuses on financial services regulation, notably advising Abu Dhabi’s global market, and supporting clients on product development and compliance in areas such as payments, lending, and virtual assets. As global co-chair of financial services, Tony Katz advises leading institutions on regulatory matters, acts as a Skilled Person under FCA appointments, and is a former FSA enforcement manager.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anthony Day
Autres avocats clés:
Sophie Lessar, Tony Katz; Katie O’Hara
Les références
‘Great client service with innovative solution-oriented approaches. My top firm to use for all things regulatory.’
‘Tony Katz and Katie O’Hara are fantastic solicitors – client and personal service. They want our business to succeed, and it is genuine!’
‘The team is very experienced and stays at the forefront of legal expertise for evolving regulation for new technologies. We have worked with them and seen their expertise as it applies to a broad range of fintech companies as well as different types of technologies. They are extremely collaborative and the work they produce is always high quality. They have a diverse team as well. ’
‘We work closely with Anthony Day, Sophie Lessar, Vincent Keaveny, and Adrianus Schoorl. I have always been extremely impressed with each of them and value their contributions to tech and regulation around the world.’
Principaux dossiers
Fox Williams LLP
Fox Williams LLP‘s fintech practice advises a wide spectrum of companies from early-stage start-ups to established market players. The practice sits across two of the firm’s core sectors, financial services and technology, and regularly supports cutting-edge tech fintech clients on product development, fundraising, regulatory compliance, investigations, and corporate growth. Leading the practice is Jonathan Segal, bringing rich expertise advising start-ups and disruptors, and a particular focus on growth-stage lending platforms. Chris Hill co-leads the disruptive technology group and brings deep experience in payments, e-money, and open banking. On the contentious side, Sona Ganatra co-heads the financial services department and leads the investigations practice, advising fintech clients facing FCA, SFO, and cross-border regulatory investigations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Segal, Chris Hill
Autres avocats clés:
Sona Ganatra
Les références
‘We are another service provider with a specialism in Fintech. We refer our clients to Fox Williams who need legal support. Fox Williams have the same values as us and deliver a high-touch, partner-led working relationship. What our clients value the most is pragmatic advice that makes sense for where they are in the business cycle and with the appropriate amount of risk. What is most valuable is that we have a legal partner who we know will always deliver a top-class level of service and advice to our clients. They are expanding their sub-sector specialisms by recruiting partners with experience in these areas e.g. Chris Hill in payments.’
‘Chirs Hill, Andrew Woolf and Jon Segal. They are the heart of fintech at Fox Williams. They are all committed to the sector with all the right contacts and in-depth sector knowledge. They will invest time to build relationships with clients and most importantly give pragmatic advice!’
‘Partner-led work, always responsive. I feel like they really care about the work. Fair on fees.’
Principaux clients
LHV Bank
Yonder
Contis
Pago Nxt
Zilch
Curve
Wagestream
Ecommpay
Credit Karma
GoHenry
LendInvest
Capital on Tap
Hnry
Principaux dossiers
- Advised LHV Bank on the implementation of APP fraud rules and updates to its customer documentation.
- Advised BNPL provider Zilch on new product launches and regulatory governance.
- Advised Yonder on the regulatory aspects of new product launches, including its novel partnership with Griffin Bank to allow Yonder customers to open Griffin bank accounts linked to their credit card.
gunnercooke LLP
The practice at gunnercooke LLP boasts a number of cryptoasset specialists, supporting a significant portion of successful UK FCA crypto registrations and providing a mix of regulatory, legal, and operational guidance. The team represents a diverse array of clients across payments, crypto exchanges and platforms, DeFi and DAO innovators, lenders, and fund managers, and has notably assisted in drafting the cryptoasset regulatory frameworks for several developing countries. Valued by clients for his ‘guidance and sage counsel‘, practice head James Burnie advises across financial services and contributes to key regulatory developments across the UK, EU, Africa, and Asia, including UK frameworks for DAOs. Kathryn Dodds focuses on DAOs, fundraising, and Web3 disputes, while Olga Antonova brings strong technical depth in blockchain corporate governance, licensing, and security token frameworks.
Autres avocats clés:
James Burnie, Kathryn Dodds, Olga Antonova
Les références
‘We are in the digital asset space, which is a rapidly evolving area, especially when it comes to regulations. gunnercooke are able to supply lawyers with the required knowledge and expertise of our industry, combined with the expertise in regulatory law. ’
‘James Burnie has been invaluable to us in our journey from small start-up to fully-fledged mature business, and has been with us every step of the way. His guidance and sage counsel have allowed us to grow and flourish in our industry sector.’
‘Very deep knowledge and practical experience about fintech business and regulatory framework.’
Principaux clients
Astana Financial Services Authority of Khazakstan
Financial Services Commission of the Government of Mauritius
Copper
Bitwise Asset Management /Attestant Limited
Ziglu Limited
Zero Citizen (accepted to FCA sandbox)
Helford Capital
Fiat Republic
ONE Group
Wonde Limited
Business Data Group
Native
Yellow Card Financial Inc
Xapo Bank
Avantgarde
Nexus Mutual
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting the Astana Financial Services Authority in drafting its legal and regulatory framework for digital assets for Kazakhstan.
- Assisting Native with setting up a new specialist Web3 insurance and shadow insurance proposition.
- Assisting Xapo Bank with its entry into the UK market, including selling a crypto hedge fund into the UK, the provision of deposit taking services to UK persons and giving the ability to sell cryptoassets into the UK.|
Osborne Clarke LLP
Praised by clients for providing ‘expert commercial and pragmatic regulatory advice‘, Osborne Clarke LLP‘s fintech practice brings together expertise across financial services, technology, and regulation. The group advises clients ranging from multinational institutions to fast-growth fintechs, advising on payments, open banking, consumer lending, crypto, embedded finance, investment platforms, and digital banking. As head of the international payments practice, Paul Anning has recently taken the lead on the team’s support of UK Finance in response to the FCA’s safeguarding consultation, and continued to provide day-to-day advisory counsel to global tech company and financial services provider Block. Nikki Worden leads the consumer finance group, acting for clients across the lending and credit spectrum, including consumer lending and embedded finance platforms. The firm’s regulatory disputes team, led by investigations expert Rachel Couter, handles investigations by the FCA and the Financial Reporting Review Panel. The ‘extremely responsive and knowledgeable’ Ben Player is also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Anning, Nikki Worden
Autres avocats clés:
Rachel Couter; Ben Player
Les références
‘Their expert regulatory advice is commercial and pragmatic and takes into consideration the current views of regulators.’
‘Paul Anning in particular is extremely knowledgeable. He is well known in the industry and referred to positively on a frequent basis. His ability to understand complex structures and matters quickly and advise at different levels of our organisation makes a huge difference. He doesn’t feel like an external adviser but part business trying to solve the problem.’
‘The team has depth and strength across all levels of lawyers. Their advice is always on point, tailored to a business dependent on its risk appetite and size. Various lawyers are made available when required at the appropriate level. ’
‘Nikki Worden and Ben Player are both extremely responsive and knowledgeable. They both respond quickly to market changes.’
‘Practical experience of acting for challenger and start-up financial services firms.’
‘Engaged, creative, knowledgeable, and always flexible. They approach every problem like a entrepreneurial business partner. I couldn’t think of higher praise to give a service provider than that.’
‘In my view, Nikki is at the top of her game and knows the consumer credit legal landscape and market backwards. She has worked both in practice and in-house and this gives her the unique ability to understand the needs of her clients to deliver practical, to the point, and actionable advice, contracts and terms and conditions.’
‘The team is well staffed with knowledgeable and experienced solicitors and other professional with combined deep knowledge of consumer credit. All advice given is practical, with the risks clearly highlighted.’
Principaux clients
UK Finance
Revolut
Block
Clearbank
JP Morgan
AirBnB
Bunch Capital
GoHenry
Clearpay
Fintern
Principaux dossiers
- Appointed to support UK Finance in responding to the FCA’s safeguarding consultation (CP24/20).
- Advising regulatory matters to JPMorgan’s Payments Legal team for over 13 years, expanding its work in 2024 to new areas and teams, particularly the Chase business line: advising on the pan-European roll-out of Open Banking products, safeguarding arrangements for WePay, regulatory changes, direct debit disputes, and providing training to JPMorgan’s Regulatory Reform Oversight Committee.
- Assisted Clearpay with strategic regulatory, contentious, and consumer credit matters, including preparing for FCA regulation, successfully representing them in a £1.21m wrongful termination claim, and advising on various consumer credit and payment services issues.
Paul Hastings LLP
Able to ‘distil highly technical concepts into understandable advice and find a way forward,’ Paul Hastings LLP‘s London-based fintech regulatory practice advises on a broad spectrum of matters, including payments, cryptoassets, distributed ledger technology, and financial services compliance. The group counsels clients on the entire product lifecycle, ranging from product development and licensing to international expansion and acquisition strategy. The team works closely with the firm’s US and Asia offices, frequently assisting international clients with regulatory expansion, and matters concerning PSD2 compliance, AML, and digital market infrastructure developments. Practice leader Arun Srivastava focuses on crypto and digital assets work. Nina Moffatt co-leads the group and advises on UK and EU regulatory compliance. Bhavesh Panchal focuses on crypto regulation and innovative payment platforms.
Responsables de la pratique:
Arun Srivastava, Nina Moffatt
Autres avocats clés:
Bhavesh Panchal
Les références
‘One of the strongest firms in this area, dealing with non-contentious advice for fintechs on regulatory, money laundering and sanctions issues, and guiding firms through the FCA authorisation process.’
‘The team truly understands our business model and the direction of the firm, so they are able to provide innovative solutions and turn around projects on short notice. They are always available when we need them.’
‘Arun, Bhavesh and Nina proactively review changing regulations and industry trends to help us stay in line with industry best practices and regulator expectations. Our business can focus on growth and feel confident that we’ll never miss a statutory amendment that could be either detrimental or beneficial to us. I would trust this team with any sensitive or high-priority matter on everything from preparation to delivery. ’
Principaux clients
FTX – unsecured creditors’ committee
Uphold
OKX
Ripple
Asset Reality
Securitize
Worldpay & GTCR
Principaux dossiers
- Advised GTCR as regulatory counsel in its acquisition of a majority stake in WorldPay from FIS. GTCR will acquire 55% of Worldpay, and FIS will retain the remaining 45%, in a transaction that values the business at $18.5 billion.
Simmons & Simmons
Praised for its ‘deep industry knowledge and expertise,’ Simmons & Simmons fields a dedicated non-contentious regulatory team, whose capabilities span payments, consumer finance, and digital assets. The group advises major banks, payment service providers, and fintechs across the UK, EU, Asia, and the Middle East on regulatory compliance, authorisations, and product launches, with special expertise advising on cryptocurrency and stablecoin services. The digital assets team is led by George Morris, who brings ‘a real depth of knowledge on crypto‘. He advises on blockchain, crypto regulation, and IT contracts. Oliver Irons heads up the payments team, advising on regulatory perimeter issues and digital banking product development, bringing first-hand regulatory experience from secondments to the FCA and major financial institutions. Douglas Robinson specialises in fintech-related disputes and regulatory enforcement, while Elizabeth Blair focuses on UK regulatory perimeter issues and digital assets, leading the firm’s payments view updates.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Irons, George Morris
Autres avocats clés:
Douglas Morrison, Elizabeth Blair
Les références
‘Good depth of crypto experience, interdisciplinary understanding of payments services, stablecoin services and crypto asset services. ’
‘I work mostly with George Morris who demonstrates a real depth of knowledge on crypto and gives robust commercial advice in a digestible non-legalistic style.’
‘Strength and depth in the crypto space. Friendly and responsive. ’
Principaux clients
RobinHood
OpenPayd
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Robinhood on the European regulatory aspects of its acquisition of Bitstamp, the Luxembourg-based cryptoasset exchange.
- Advised OpenPayd with detailed regulatory analysis of its business, including a number of innovative e-money products and the use of virtual IBANs.
Travers Smith LLP
Travers Smith LLP’s fintech, market infrastructure, and payments group advises on transformative projects across payments, digital assets, and financial market infrastructure. The group’s work includes supporting start-ups and disruptors in developing cross-border payment technologies, advising not-for-profits involved with the UK’s interbank payment systems on payments architecture and regulatory reform, and advising leading digital asset players as well as custodians, exchanges, and incumbent financial institutions. The team also recently represented a leading international and cross-border money transfer and payment services firm in an FCA competition investigation into the money transfer sector. Mark Evans has advised on payments and FX innovation for nearly 30 years. He works closely with regulators and policymakers, contributing to Law Commission and Financial Markets Law Committee consultations on digital assets. Natalie Lewis leads the FMIP Group and is the principal adviser on major projects for domestic and cross-border payment and settlement systems. Matthew Humphreys advises on product launches and regulatory matters for fintechs and infrastructure clients, with experience in securities settlement, payments, and post-trade services.
Responsables de la pratique:
Natalie Lewis
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Evans; Matthew Humphreys; Harry Millerchip
Les références
‘The team looking at digital assets and crypto are exceptional. They have a well-qualified and experienced team working together to support our work in the regulatory space and are always on hand for support and engagement with our other members.’
‘Natalie Lewis, John Lee and James Turner are all exceptional in their field – they have a wonderful grasp of the nuances of the industry and offer unbiased and well informed opinions and support to our work with regulators and the government.’
‘What makes this practice unique is its combination of deep regulatory expertise, commercial pragmatism, and genuine collaboration. The team consistently provides clear, actionable advice that reflects not just the legal position, but also the operational and strategic realities of our business. They take the time to understand our goals and risk appetite, which results in tailored, business-friendly guidance.
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Pay.UK on the design and implementation of the New Payments Architecture and complex, related matters.
- Advising RTGS.global on the design of a wholly new and innovative cross-border payment system.
- Advising Copper, the award-winning digital assets custodian and infrastructure provider, on various innovative mandates.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP’s fintech and payments regulatory practice advises global technology platforms, digital banks, and financial institutions on their most complex and high-priority regulatory issues. The team regularly engages with the FCA and PRA on supervisory matters, including operational resilience, licensing, and compliance with UK and EU regulatory frameworks. Recent mandates include supporting a global payments platform with ITC compliance, advising on payment services directive 3 (PSD3) engagement for a major tech client, and contributing to an international payments infrastructure initiative. The firm provides cross-border counsel on laws including AML, GDPR, and licensing regimes, and regularly negotiates commercial payments agreements and advises on digital infrastructure projects. Jonathan Rogers leads the financial services regulatory practice and advises on licensing, governance, and regulatory strategy across bank and payments projects. Kristen DiLemmo counsels clients on UK and EU regulations, advising on market transparency and regulatory infrastructure. Mark Smith advises on regulatory perimeter issues, payments innovation, and compliance frameworks, and frequently acts for clients on high-impact payments initiatives.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Rogers
Autres avocats clés:
Kristen DiLemmo, Mark Smith
Principaux clients
Meta – PSD3
Global Payments
Monese
Kroo Bank
Motive Partners and With Intelligence
Mercedes Pay GmbH
NuBank
UK Finance
Prepaid Financial Services Limited
EML Payments
Deliveroo
Octopus Money
The Institute of International Finance
Meta – platform content
Banco de Credito del Peru
Index Ventures
BPCE
4finance
Telegram
Global Payments
Principaux dossiers
- Retained the London fintech and payments team to advise on navigating the proposed Payment Services Directive 3 (PSD3) regulations.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie LLP advises a wide range of fintech clients across the financial and technology sectors, with particular strength in financial services regulation and emerging technologies. The team supports a diverse client base, including financial institutions and global tech companies, throughout the business lifecycle, from market entry and authorisations to regulatory risk and cross-border expansion. The group often handles major cross-border fintech initiatives and is particularly active in blockchain and DLT projects, supporting structures that replace traditional financial methods with distributed models across banking, insurance, and wealth management. Mark Simpson advises leading fintech and financial institutions on UK and global regulatory issues, including business launches, compliance, and investigations. Sue McLean leads on blockchain and emerging tech matters, with experience in strategic tech transactions and regulatory compliance around AI, cloud, and digital assets.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sue McLean; Mark Simpson
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Silver Lake on the international aspects of its proposed acquisition of Zuora Inc. alongside GIC for USD 1.7 billion.
Burges Salmon LLP
With clients ranging from leading financial institutions to high-growth start-ups and tech-driven disruptors, Burges Salmon LLP’s fintech regulatory practice advises across financial services regulation, data protection, blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, employment, and payments. The team is particularly active in wealthtech, advising both established fund managers and emerging platforms on the development and operation of consumer-facing investment and wealth management propositions. Head of fintech and financial services, Martin Cook, leads the practice, with previous C-suite industry experience advising leading players across cryptoassets, payments, and AI regulation. Other key lawyers include fintech corporate specialist Charles Claisse, who joined the firm in early 2025, and Matt Jones, a director with deep regulatory and in-house compliance experience, equally comfortable advising on complex regulatory change and representing clients in contentious investigations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Cook
Autres avocats clés:
Charles Claisse, Matt Jones
Principaux dossiers
Cooley (UK) LLP
Cooley (UK) LLP’s fintech regulatory practice frequently advises digital platforms and financial institutions on complex regulatory and compliance matters, supporting clients across areas including digital assets, blockchain, payments, tokenisation, and market infrastructure. Their regulatory services span authorisations and variations of permission, compliance with UK and EU regimes, and approvals for VC, M&A, and capital markets deals. Guadalupe Sampedro, a partner and former director of privacy at PayPal, leads on regulatory and data privacy issues in fintech and payments. Other key lawyers include technology transactions partner Chris Coulter , who brings over 20 years of experience advising fintechs on commercial and financial regulatory matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Guadalupe Sampedro
Autres avocats clés:
Chris Coulter
Principaux dossiers
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
The fintech regulatory group at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises a broad range of clients, including leading fintechs, digital banks, major payment providers, financial institutions, and leading global banks. Key areas of expertise for the group include AI and GenAI deployment, blockchain and crypto-assets, operational resilience such as DORA implementation, cloud transformation, data protection, and payments regulation, including PSD2 and Open Banking. The team’s lawyers routinely guide fintechs through IPOs and market listings, and also work on the contentious side, advising on disputes arising from cyber breaches and fintech product failures. Key figures include practice head Craig Rogers, recently named co-chair of the firm’s global technology in financial services & fintech initiative in May 2025, and known for advising financial institutions on tech strategy and collaborations with fintechs. Simon Gamlin leads the global commercial team and brings deep experience in tech outsourcing and compliance with UK/EU outsourcing regimes, while Simon Lightman focuses on the transformation of financial services through AI and disruptive tech. Richard Jones leads the European Payment Services Group and is a leading expert on PSD2, currently advising on major payments initiatives.
Responsables de la pratique:
Craig Rogers
Autres avocats clés:
Simon Gamlin; Simon Lightman
Principaux clients
IQ-EQ
Everest Global
Broadridge
Chubb European Group SE
Zopa Bank and Zopa Group
American Express
Metro Bank PLC
Monzo Bank
Principaux dossiers
- Advising IQ-EQ in relation to its project to prepare for, and implement, the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (“DORA”), both as a financial entity which is subject to the requirements of DORA and an IT third-party service provider to its financial services clients with European reach.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher handles regulatory matters for a diverse client roster that ranges from cryptocurrency platforms to global corporations, covering international regulatory probes, licensing requirements, and business operations, both within and beyond regulatory frameworks. The practice is led by Michelle Kirschner, Alison Beal, and Joel Harrison. Kirschner, who co-chairs the firm's worldwide financial regulatory practice, works with a range of financial institutions and businesses in fintech. Beal is particularly noted for her track record in cross-border transactions, while Harrison's experience includes data protection and cybersecurity-related matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michelle Kirschner; Allison Beal; Joel Harrison
Principaux dossiers
Goodwin
A key contact for a number of companies, institutional investors, fintech disruptors, and venture capital firms, Goodwin‘s London fintech team provides regulatory, transactional, and commercial advice to clients across the financial services and technology sectors. The practice regularly advises on cross-border VC financings, private equity investments, fintech M&A, commercial contracts, outsourcing, and regulatory compliance, particularly in payments, cryptoassets, and digital financial services. Andrew Henderson, co-head of the fintech and digital currency & blockchain practices, advises fintech companies, fund managers, and institutional investors on regulatory duties and interactions with UK and international regulators. Arvin Abraham, also practice co-head, focuses on advising venture and private equity funds, drawing on prior experience in banking as a member of the Bank of England’s Central Bank Digital Currency Engagement Forum. Gretchen Scott advises on technology transactions and UK/EU regulation, including AI, GDPR, and cybersecurity, supporting fintechs on data and IP matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andrew Henderson; Gretchen Scott; Arvin Abraham
Principaux clients
Hivemind Capital
MoneyFarm
Freetrade
Hg Capital
Capitolis
Fundment
LLR Partners backed ParkHub Inc.
Balderton
Transmit Security
Cytora
Chainlink Labs
Blackdot
Engine AI
Hilco IP Services LLC
Matter Labs
Imagine Mortgages Limited (“Gen H”)
Animoca Brands
Intermediate Capital Group (LON: ICG)
Passthrough
ComAve
Savea Merchants
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Freetrade on its acquisition by IG Group for £160 million. The transaction included managing a Freetrade shareholder base of approximately 22,000 direct shareholders as well as regulatory aspects relating to Freetrade being an FCA regulated entity.
- Advised Capitolis on its acquisition of Capitalab from BGC Group for $46 million, and on its strategic investment from Citi, Morgan Stanley, State Street and UBS.
- Advising Balderton on the regulatory aspects of their business, including AML and KYC requirements, and the regulatory aspects of their investments, including investment in crypto businesses, and advice on the impact of the APP Fraud rules on the venture capital industry.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG’s fintech practice advises clients from early-stage startups to listed funds on venture capital, debt and equity investments, intellectual property, platform structuring, smart contracts, and financial services regulation. The firm’s blockchain group advises on token offerings, digital wallets, and distributed ledger applications. The team handles IPOs, M&A, and restructurings for clients including VC firms, BNPL companies, e-commerce and payments firms, and financial institutions. Sushil Kuner, head of UK fintech, leads the firm’s fintech accelerator and advises on regulatory issues including payments, cryptoassets, AI in financial services, and perimeter guidance, ‘backed up by extensive experience working at the enforcement division of the FCA‘. David Brennan, co-chair of the global tech group, focuses on M&A, IPOs, and fundraising, and coordinates cross-border advice for global fintechs. Rebecca Burford, head of UK tech venture capital, advises fintech clients on early and growth-stage funding rounds.
Responsables de la pratique:
Davey Brennan, Sushil Kuner, Rebecca Burford
Les références
‘Gowling provides the benefit of extensive experience in financial regulation, without charging Magic Circle rates. They are well-positioned to assist firms at the cutting edge of fintech.’
‘Sushil Kuner is an impressive individual. She is naturally intelligent and has commercial acumen, backed up by extensive experience working at the enforcement division of the FCA.’
Principaux clients
Molten Ventures plc
Tide
Outward Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Molten Ventures plc on the all-share acquisition of Forward Partners, which successfully completed in March 2024.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP's fintech regulatory practice handles compliance, transactional, and commercial matters in financial services and tech. The team covers M&A, debt and equity financings, structured transactions, regulatory compliance, data privacy, and technology outsourcing. Clients include fintech developers, insurtech companies, private equity firms, and financial institutions on digital transformation and cross-border transactions. Recent work focuses on EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) compliance, supporting financial institutions and ICT service providers with implementation and contract design. Steven Lightstone, co-leader of the global fintech industry team, advises on UK and EU financial regulation, with a focus on fintech, blockchain, and payment services, working with a mix of investment banks, asset managers, fintech platforms, and institutional investors. Robert Mailer works with venture capital firms and fund managers investing in fintech and emerging technologies. Mike Pierides, global deputy leader of the technology transactions practice, leads on high-profile outsourcing and digital infrastructure deals.
Responsables de la pratique:
Steven Lightstone
Autres avocats clés:
Robert Mailer, Mike Pierides
Les références
‘This Morgan Lewis team is not only incredibly intelligent and responsive, but most importantly, this team is the most commercially minded outside counsel I have worked with. They also have a cohesion and continuity that translates to knowing my company (our risk preference and operations) at a level that is exceedingly difficult for outside counsel to attain.’
‘Each of the attorneys on this team is intelligent, collaborative, and dedicated. They are also extremely hardworking. Very affable and friendly.’
Principaux clients
1991 Ventures
Allvue Systems LLC
Arkham Intelligence
Bullish
Enfusion Ltd. LLC
ExtraHop Networks Inc.
Insurtech Gateway
Integration Appliance, Inc.
Kingsbridge Risk Solutions Limited
NATO Innovation Fund
NTT Global Networks Incorporated
OneSpan Inc.
SEI Investments Company
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Principaux dossiers
- Advised multiple clients on implementation of the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), including strategic advice on compliance implementation, preparation of standard form contractual documentation and negotiation of terms with counterparties.
- Advised 1991 Ventures LLP on the formation, launch and first closing of its debut private fund, a sector-agnostic seed venture fund to invest in Ukraine and the broader CEE region with a focus on data, deeptech, govtech, civic tech, cybersecurity, fintech, mobility, and smart city.
- Advised Kingsbridge with respect to their IR35 compliance solution, and on the negotiation of software-as-a-service agreements, influencer agreements, introducer agreements, template terms and conditions, and data privacy advice and documentation.
Shoosmiths LLP
Shoosmiths LLP‘s fintech regulatory practice combines financial services, data privacy, disputes, and emerging technology expertise. The team advises on payments, e-money, crypto, consumer finance, AI, and data protection for clients from start-ups to global enterprises. The regulatory team handles product structuring, FCA authorisations, and customer journey reviews in payments and consumer credit. Suzanne Taylor leads the regulatory team, advising on FCA compliance, product launches, and consumer law, working with consumer finance providers and telecoms platforms. Luke Stubbs co-heads the fintech service team and advises on commercial and strategic technology matters across financial services and payments. Daren Allen leads the practice’s contentious work, handling investigations, litigation, and enforcement actions, with recent mandates involving corporate governance, cyber breaches, and consumer duty compliance.
Responsables de la pratique:
Suzanne Taylor; Luke Stubbs
Les références
‘Suzanne Taylor – commercial, pragmatic, really personable and delivers an all-round great service.’
‘The team has a strong, efficient structure, and communication is responded to quickly and clearly.’
Principaux clients
ABN Amro
Terra Payments Services (TerraPay)
Virgin Media O2
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for TerraPay, a global fintech provider, on strategic advice on contract terms and associated business structures (including navigating regulatory requirements).
- Advising NewCo on the legal and regulatory requirements around cryptoasset exchange services, including management of cash, electronic and crypto payments.
Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP’s fintech regulatory practice advises a broad client base, including established financial institutions, global payment providers, crypto platforms, and high-growth fintechs, working on the full range of legal and regulatory challenges affecting the fintech ecosystem. The practice is led in the UK by Max Savoie, a leading authority on payments law and fintech regulation. With over a decade of specialised experience, Savoie advises on everything from regulatory authorisations and e-money structuring to open banking, outsourcing, operational resilience, and cryptoasset frameworks. Other key lawyers include Leonard Ng, a leading partner on regulatory matters in areas between payments and regulated investment activities, including FX derivatives and tokenised financial instruments, and partner Rachpal K. Thind, who brings specialist knowledge in anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance. Tanaan Quek assists clients on operational structuring, conduct rules, FCA authorisations, and cross-border payments regulation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leonard Ng; Max Savoie
Autres avocats clés:
Rachpal K. Thind, Tanaan Quek
Principaux dossiers
- N/A – all confidential
Taylor Wessing LLP
The fintech regulatory practice at Taylor Wessing LLP advises a mix of major payment firms, banks, and platforms on payments transactions, cryptocurrency, consumer credit, and financial infrastructure regulation. The team frequently handles novel, cross-border fintech issues, counselling firms and financial institutions, such as buy-now-pay-later providers, on consumer credit issues and UK/EU regulatory compliance. The team is led by partner Charlotte Witherington, who joined the firm in early 2024, and frequently acts for global investment banks, payment firms, and emerging tech companies. FSR partner Martin Dowdall brings deep expertise advising UK and EU clients on payment services and systems, cryptoasset regulation, and AML legislation, while Clare Reynolds leads on ecommerce and technology outsourcing and cloud regulation.
Responsables de la pratique:
Charlotte Witherington
Autres avocats clés:
Martin Dowdall, Clare Reynolds; Mila Pencheva
Les références
‘The practice stands out for its ability to combine deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of clients’ commercial and regulatory environments. What makes the team unique is its consistently pragmatic approach — advice is not only legally robust, but also tailored to the realities of fast-moving businesses, particularly in the payments and consumer credit sectors.’
‘Compared to other firms, the practice is notably agile and solutions-oriented. Advice is delivered clearly and efficiently, often under tight timeframes, without compromising on quality or regulatory rigour.’
‘A high-performing, commercially minded team that consistently delivers value beyond technical legal advice.’
Principaux clients
Vinted Limited
Farfetch
HiBob
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Vinted Limited on the regulatory aspect of its €340 million secondary share sale.
Alston & Bird LLP
Alston & Bird LLP is active in blockchain regulatory work, including prediction markets, and regularly advises clients on emerging payment models, data privacy, and consumer protection across the UK, EU, and US. Clients include crypto-asset service providers, cloud-based web developers, payments and e-commerce start-ups, and banking disruptor firms. The team is co-led by the ‘client-focused and proactive‘ Jonathan Garforth, who advises on the full spectrum of fintech regulation, and Richard Willis, who brings over two decades of experience advising payments clients across global markets. Garforth continues to advise on credit, payments, and digital assets, including regulatory structuring for high-profile fintech-bank partnerships. Counsel Gupinder Assi advises on payments and crypto regulation, drawing on prior in-house experience at First Data.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Willis; Jonathan Garforth; Gupinder Assi
Les références
‘The firm is extremely strong in payments regulatory advice and M&A. With its strong presence in the US market, the London firm acts as a stepping stone for clients that want to enter the UK and EU markets.’
‘Jonathan Garforth is extremely knowledgeable on payments, regulatory, and hands-on. When he was at Dentons, I had the pleasure of working with Jonathan, and will keep doing so.’
‘They really know their stuff in this rapidly emerging and high-risk sector, and provide good client service and value for money. We have found them a pleasure to deal with. ’
Principaux clients
TreviPay
PayPal
Capital One
Euronet/ epay
Astra Asset Management (Nestfuel group company)
Pauzible
ProjectPay
Truth Network Foundation
Galactic Media Management
Aventus Network Services Limited
Crucible Networks Limited
Enigmatic Smile/ Fidel
US Bank/ Elavon
Principaux dossiers
- Advised TreviPay on its strategic B2B e-commerce partnership with HSBC., following similar work for TreviPay re Universal Air Travel Plan (UATP).
- Launching fintech start-up Pauzible to the UK market in late Summer 2024, demonstrating the early-stage side of our fintech regulatory practice.
- Advised Galactic Media on its prediction market collaboration with Sports Illustrated.
Dentons
Dentons‘ fintech practice combines financial regulatory and technology expertise to advise banks, non-traditional lenders, and fintech firms on payments, e-money, crypto, digital banking, and outsourcing. The practice draws on disputes, TMT, and commercial law capabilities, and has advised on open banking transitions with relationships across regulators, including the PSR and FCA. Recent matters include advising a payments firm on multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance across 20+ countries, including FCA safeguarding, EMIR, and MiFID obligations, and supporting a fintech with regulatory structuring for international expansion across more than a dozen jurisdictions. Payments regulatory lead Greg McEneny leads the non-contentious financial regulatory team, advising on payments, crypto, and financial markets reform. As head of regulatory and investigations, Katharine Harle works closely with the FCA and major financial institutions. Recent additions Andrew Barber and Venetia Jackson bring deep regulatory experience, including prior roles at competitor firms and the FCA.
Responsables de la pratique:
Katharine Harle, Greg McEneny
Autres avocats clés:
Venetia Jackson, Andrew Barber
Principaux clients
Navro (formerly) Paytrix
TTT Moneycorp
Moneycorp Bank
Blackthorn Finance
Marks & Spencer
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Moneycorp on a multi-jurisdictional regulatory review covering 18+ countries, clarifying compliance requirements for client onboarding and service marketing. This work supported Moneycorp’s global expansion strategy while mitigating regulatory risks.
- Conducted a detailed permissions review of TTT Moneycorp’s intragroup arrangements, covering MiFID, payments regulation, FCA safeguarding rules, and EMIR obligations. Our advice helped the client respond to the FCA’s supervisory team and ensure compliance.
- Provided UK advice and coordinated a regulatory analysis project with local counsel in the jurisdictions that Navro is looking to establish a (non-physical) business presence from the UK. The focus of the project was to determine whether Navro could open and operate a bank account in certain countries to fulfil UK and Ireland-based payment transactions. Including the UK, we have successfully coordinated advice in 23 jurisdictions to date.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
The fintech regulatory practice at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a wide range of fintech clients, including banks, financial institutions, payment service providers, and technology companies. The group supports clients through investment rounds, product launches, cross-border regulatory compliance, and disputes, including regulatory investigations and enforcement by the FCA. The team is active in digital asset litigation, advising on disputes involving crypto assets and NFTs, and frequently acts for both individual and corporate clients. Teja Picton-Howell leads the financial services regulatory practice and has over 35 years’ experience advising on UK, EU, and global financial regulation. Charlotte Hill, head of the digital assets team, specialises in crypto-asset disputes and regularly advises on high-value cross-border litigation in financial services and civil fraud. Joanne Vengadesan specialises in data protection and digital business, regularly advising on blockchain platforms and cybersecurity.
Responsables de la pratique:
Teja Picton-Howell, Charlotte Hill, Joanne Vengadesan
Les références
‘Understanding of developments in the crypto assets space.’
‘Charlotte Hill is a force of nature. She is a determined litigator.’
‘The Penningtons team were early leaders in the emerging digital fintech sector and have maintained that lead.’
Principaux dossiers
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP advises UK and international fintechs, financial institutions, and technology companies on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters relating to financial services technology. The group is active in areas such as open banking, digital identity, AI, and strategic collaboration between banks and fintechs, often contributing to industry policy through involvement with groups such as UK Finance, and the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT). Yvonne Dunn leads the fintech and financial services TMT practice, working on strategic outsourcing and IT transformation projects for clients including major UK banks. Angus McFadyen focuses on financial services regulation and technology, advising on complex global fintech transactions, AI in fraud prevention, and digital identity initiatives. Luke Scanlon, head of fintech propositions, advises on open banking, data sharing, and AI regulation, and has played a role in FCA-backed regtech pilot projects.
Responsables de la pratique:
Yvonne Dunn, Luke Scanlon
Autres avocats clés:
Angus McFadyen
Les références
‘Excellent experience, knowledge, and up-to-date market understanding. Practical in the approach and always focused on achieving good business outcomes.’
‘The individuals have an excellent market awareness, know the right experts to bring into the room, provide great advice, and listen well to needs.’
Principaux clients
Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT)
Natwest
Aviva
University of Edinburgh
Zilo Technology
Principaux dossiers
- Advised CFIT, the Fintech Kalifa Review established body, on its cohort set up which will have significant impact across the sector.
- Advised key financial market infrastructure providers on key matters that enable fintech and financial services across the UK
- Advised a UK bank on EU AI Act implementation.
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP‘s fintech regulatory practice advises clients across the full spectrum of transactional and regulatory matters in the space, including blockchain, digital assets, payments, lending, cybersecurity, venture capital, and data protection. Clients include major financial institutions and early-stage companies, from asset managers and fintech investors to analytics and AI companies. The group’s work includes handling operational resilience and third-party risk matters, advising on regulatory perimeter issues, product launches, and multi-jurisdictional compliance. Claude Brown brings experience in derivatives, fintech regulation, and ESG financial risk. Brett Hillis advises on complex regulatory issues, including market abuse, sanctions, and fintech-related compliance. Romin Dabir has a particular focus on advising alternative fund managers, with a specialism in the formation, structuring, and marketing of funds.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claude Brown; Brett Hillis
Autres avocats clés:
Romin Dabir
Les références
‘The team is extremely responsive to the point of being brilliant beyond measure.’
‘Reed Smith’s fintech regulatory team has demonstrable experience advising on UK regulatory matters relevant to fintech platforms, particularly where authorisation, governance, and transactional regulatory issues are concerned. The team is prompt in responding to queries and capable of distilling legal frameworks into structured advice. The overall approach tends to err on the side of caution, which may suit clients operating in heavily scrutinised segments of the market. However, we found that more innovative or fast-moving fintech models may benefit from advisory teams that engage more deeply with evolving commercial nuances. Compared to others in the market, the team meets expectations, though we have not observed standout differentiation in areas such as billing flexibility, tech enablement, or client engagement.’
‘We worked with Romin Dabir in the context of fintech regulatory advice. Romin is responsive and brings a solid technical understanding of the FCA’s regulatory perimeter and related procedures. His strengths lie in clearly articulating regulatory pathways, especially for businesses entering or restructuring within the UK financial services landscape.’
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Fasanara Capital Ltd an institutional asset manager active in the digital asset space, and Untangled Finance, a real-world asset decentralised finance protocol in respect of the establishment of a structure which enabled the financing of real world assets through a note issuance by a Fasanara securitisation SPV and the use of the real world assets as collateral for a token issuance to accredited investors in the UK and the U.S.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP handles international regulatory issues and demonstrates particular strength in guiding blockchain and digital asset clients through UK and global regulatory and securities frameworks. The team is led by Simon Toms, who has deep expertise in cryptoasset regulation. Joseph Kamyar's capabilities span both transactions and corporate governance matters related to fintechs. Sebastian Barling joined the team from Linklaters in May 2024 to lead the firm's UK and EU financial institutions regulatory practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Toms
Autres avocats clés:
Sebastian Barling; Joseph Kamyar
Principaux clients
eToro
Visa
Tether
Yonder
Convera
Goldfinch Partners
Hg
dYdX Trading Inc
CFIT
CME Group
Telegram
PayPal
Nasdaq
Blackrock
Zeller
Goldman Sachs
Citi
JP Morgan
BNY
BNP Paribas
Deutsche Boerse
Copper
Principaux dossiers
- Represented eToro on its $620 million IPO and with a market cap on IPO of $5.6 billion.
- Advising the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) in connection with its collation on fighting economic crime through the introduction of a Digital Company ID.
- Advising dYdX Trading Inc on its product offerings in multiple jurisdictions around the world, covering product offerings, licencing regimes and compliance requirements.
Wiggin LLP
The fintech regulatory practice at Wiggin LLP advises a range of fintech clients across payments, AI, blockchain, and Web3, combining regulatory, commercial, and technology expertise. The practice advises clients such as global business management solutions, Web3 accelerators, payments software firms, and AI risk platforms. The firm provides support across corporate transactions, technology, and data commercialisation, advising on compliance with UK, EU and international financial regulations and smart contract advisory. Typical work includes advising on structuring investment, licensing, and distribution agreements for fintech and digital platforms, often operating across multiple jurisdictions. Jason Fisher leads the team’s international regulatory and transactional work, with expertise in payments and gambling. Marcus Bagnall is praised for his ‘practical, no-hype advice on NFTs, tokenisation, and DeFi risks‘, advising software and tech clients on the regulatory and commercial aspects of blockchain, AI, token offerings, and digital payments.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jason Fisher; Marcus Bagnall
Les références
‘We trust Marcus’ TMT team because they get our industry. They are responsive, cut through complexity with practical advice, and fight for our commercial goals. Whether in tech deals, content/IP, or gaming. They are true partners, not just lawyers who overuse legalese.’
‘Marcus’ deep blockchain/crypto knowledge stands out. He offers practical, no-hype advice on NFTs, tokenization, and DeFi risks — cutting through noise his counterparts usually miss, offering clarity on regulatory gray areas and smart contracts, helping clients avoid pitfalls in Web3 projects.’
Principaux clients
Allez Labs
Aten7
CASHét
CCP Games
DFINITY Foundation (Internet Computer)
Greenfield Yield
Lissen
myPOS
Outlier Ventures
SAGE Global Services
Sardine AI
Smarter Contracts
Solana Superteam UK
TON Society
Xplor Technologies
Allez Labs
Aten7
CASHét
CCP Games
DFINITY Foundation (Internet Computer)
Greenfield Yield
Lissen
myPOS
Outlier Ventures
SAGE Global Services
Sardine AI
Smarter Contracts
Solana Superteam UK
TON Society
Xplor Technologies
Principaux dossiers
- Advising London-based Outlier Ventures, the world’s leading Web3 accelerator, which invests in AI, DeFi, gaming, NFT, and crypto ventures, providing legal guidance, mentoring, and direct support to its legal team.