Deploying a multi-disciplinary approach which draws from the firm’s highly regarded finance, tech and data, and regulatory teams, A&O Shearman is well-positioned to provide ‘constructive and commercial’ to banks and fintech companies across a wide range of issues arising at the intersection of technology and finance. Here the firm is able to leverage excellent relationships with the relevant regulatory bodies, and is also at the cutting-edge of changes in the sector through its partnership with Luxembourg’s fintech innovation hub (LHoFT). Key areas of focus include work in relation to the use of blockchain technology on the capital markets, particularly in the context of the use of distributed ledge technology (DLT) for the issuance, trade and settlement of tokenised financial instruments. In his role as head of the overarching financial services regulatory group, Baptiste Aubry has significant exposure to work in the space, as has senior associate Philippe Noeltner, who provides ‘confident and assured support’ to clients developing innovative solutions. Catherine Di Lorenzo adds value to clients in the space by virtue of her IP and data expertise, and alongside finance expert Frank Mausen and Aubry, is one of the co-heads of the multidisciplinary practice.

Arendt & Medernach is well-versed across the plethora of cutting-edge technology impacting the financial services sector and provides ‘very skilled and responsive’ advice to traditional funds and banking clients on the adoption of fintech products, as well as for start-ups and entrepreneurs delivering the technology. Team head Marc Mouton is the ‘go-to person for fintech advice,’ including in the context of blockchain technology and payment services. As part of his broad investment management expertise, Francis Kass has recently been involved in the establishment of funds investing in crypto assets.

Leaning into deep industry knowledge both locally and internationally, as well as benefiting from strong relationships with regulators, Clifford Chance is able to provide ‘high-quality advice and tailor made solutions’ to traditional financial services clients and fintech providers across a range of major transformational projects across key areas including digital assets, blockchain, payments, AI, data, fund tech, cyber and insurtech. Banking and finance co-head Steve Jacoby is central to much of the key work in the space, including his recent landmark advice to European Investment Bank (EIB) on the issuance of its first euro-denominated digital bond on a private blockchain. The firm’s multi-disciplinary approach also leads to a significant amount of funds and corporate-related fintech work, including in the context of M&A in the space.

At Elvinger Hoss Prussen, IP/IT expert Gary Cywie is pivotal to much of the fintech-related work handled by the firm, often teaming up with banking, capital markets and funds practitioners to provide a seamless offering to fintech providers and established financial services institutions. Cywie has been particularly active of late advising on blockchain-related matters and recently formed part of a cross-disciplinary team alongside regulatory and investment fund practitioners advising Azimut Investment and BNP Paribas’ Securities Services on the first phase of a joined blockchain initiative consisting of the tokenisation of units in a Luxembourg reserved alternative investment funds. Karl Pardaens is also a key member of the team and has a particular focus on advising on tokenised securities.

Noted for its ‘incredible ability to combine expertise from different areas,’ including corporate, regulatory, finance and litigation, Loyens & Loeff's multi-disciplinary offering provides ‘thorough advice’ to start-ups, financial institutions and investors across a myriad advisory, transactional, litigation and risk management mandates. ‘Pragmatic’ team head Anne-Marie Nicolas is appreciated for her ability to analyse both business and legal considerations, particularly on crypto and tokenisation-related projects. Other key contacts include Sabrina Martin, who has a focus on start-ups and new technology legal issues, and Adrien Pierre, who deploys expansive regulatory expertise to good effect for fintech entities seeking licensing approvals and in the context of AML advice to clients in the cryptoasset space.

Noted for its ‘mix of technical knowledge and client care’, CMS is a popular choice among fintech start-ups and more established entities throughout the lifecycle of their needs, from obtaining authorisation from the CSSF through to ongoing operational matters and ad-hoc matters. ‘Committed’ team head Aurélia Viémont has broad expertise, including advice on crowdfunding platforms, initial coin offerings (ICOs), security token offerings (STOs), and innovative payment solutions.

Drawing upon the firm’s strong banking, IP and TMT offerings, NautaDutilh is well-placed to advise large financial institutions, challengers and service providers across a range of fintech projects, compliance and advisory work. IP practitioner Vincent Wellens is ‘business-oriented, passionate and smart’ and co-heads the de facto fintech team alongside banking head Josée Weydert.