FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies - UK-wide
What the Team is Known For
Herbert Smith Freehills offers its FinTech clients the full range of legal services, including corporate and regulatory advice. Its clients include early-stage businesses and challengers, as well as established banking and payments institutions. The firm also has a strong practice in cryptocurrency, acting for crypto-native companies and traditional financial services clients looking to integrate blockchain technology.
Strengths
"HSF has strong substantive expertise in core areas critical to our business. The firm provides prompt, strong written work product that provides actionable advice for our company."
"HSF have an excellent understanding of the cryptocurrency industry and the legal challenges faced by it. They obviously have the technical expertise, but they also have excellent commercial acumen."
"HSF has the ability to draw seamlessly on expertise from different areas of the firm and present a unified piece of advice. They have a good, practical understanding of the potential issues involved."
Work Highlights
Amazon advised Tandem Bank, a challenger bank, on a GBP20 million tier 2 capital loan from Quilam Capital.
Notable Practitioners
Alexander Amato-Cravero is regional head of HSF's emerging technology group for the UK, US and EMEA regions. He has particular expertise in cryptocurrency and other digital assets, regularly advising on decentralised finance, DAOs, smart contracts and cross-chain bridges. "I have been consistently impressed by Alex's enthusiasm and deep interest in the rapidly evolving FinTech sector, evident in his proactive approach to staying updated with the latest trends." "Alex is excellent: incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and user-friendly. He clearly has a deep passion for the work he does, and this shows in his delivery and responsiveness."
Nick Pantlin co-heads the firm's global technology sector group and its UK FinTech group. He advises clients on the use of blockchain and DLT.Pantlin's clients include crypto companies and traditional financial institutions looking to make use of blockchain technology. "Nick is a great lawyer. He has a strong commercial and practical appreciation for what it takes to deliver in the FinTech industry. He can deliver and relate to the struggles across the spectrum." "His attention to detail, time management and depth of analysis and advice were very good."
