Simont Braun
FinTech Guide 2024
About
Number of Employees: 60+
Languages: English, French, Dutch, German
Firm Overview: Simont Braun is a Belgian leading independent law firm, offering high-end expertise to national and international clients in all areas of business law: corporate M&A, banking and (digital) finance, intellectual property, IT, data protection, commercial and contract law, real estate and construction law, public and administrative law and tax law. Simont Braun also has in-depth experience in dispute resolution (including arbitration, mediation and Supreme Court litigation).
Simont Braun has a dedicated digital finance team that has become the reference in Belgium.
SECTORS
Financial Services
Payment Services
E-Money
Crypto Assets Service Providers
Digital/Challenger Banks
Mobile Banking
Crowdfunding/P2P Lending
Regulated Credits
Investment Services/Robo-Advisory
Technical Service Providers
FinTech Practice: Simont Braun’s digital finance team is a multidisciplinary team gathering renowned tech and financial law experts handling FinTech, InsurTech and RegTech-related projects such as crowdfunding, alternative consumer-lending and innovative payments.
The team is integrated into the Belgian Financial Services and FinTech ecosystems and well-connected with regulators, the academic world and service providers on the ground both in Belgium and abroad, resulting in significant expertise in the field.
Most projects require a cross-practice legal analysis — financial regulation, IT contracting and licensing, client contractual relationships, outsourcing, data privacy and security, etc. The digital finance team has in-depth knowledge of these matters and works in an integrated manner with the firm’s other departments to provide comprehensive, streamlined and tailored legal solutions to clients, be they seasoned experts or innovative start-ups.
The team’s practical expertise is constantly adapting to the ever-changing FinTech market and includes impact analysis of regulations, licence acquiring, drafting and negotiating agreements, as well as dispute resolution.
Simont Braun is a founding member and partner of FinTech Belgium, a non-profit organisation representing the Belgian FinTech industry. The firm’s digital finance lawyers are regularly booked for speaking engagements on FinTech issues, additionally working together with universities and business schools on their dedicated FinTech/ financial services programmes and conventions. The two key partners of Simont Braun’s digital finance team are Joan Carette and Philippe De Prez.
Recent Achievements of the Digital Finance Team:
■ Assisting a credit institution in building an entirely new offer of digital banking and financial products and services, making it the first of its kind next generation challenger bank in Belgium
■ Assisting a large number of Belgian and foreign credit institutions, payment services institutions and e-money institutions with (i) licence applications, (ii) contract drafting, (iii) launching new products and (iv)various financial regulatory queries
■ In the Brexit context, advising several FinTech and other financial companies on their (intention to) move to Belgium. Among others, assistance of a world-leading UK FX payment FinTech moving to Belgium and advising a major international crowdfunding platform exploring the possibility to establish itself in Belgium
■ Securing a licence as a credit institution for an entity with an innovative sustainable and ethical model, and the first new bank in Belgium in more than 60 years
■ Assisting Greece’s biggest Fintech player (payments and e-money) setting up a branch and its business in Belgium
■ Advising a major French FX payments provider on regulatory matters
■ Successfully setting up and structuring the very first and only peer-to-peer consumer lending platform in Belgium
■ Assisting a French digital bank in launching new credit and payment products in Belgium.
■ Assisting several clients in the creation of crowdfunding initiatives
■ Assisting many clients in data protection matters, such as drafting privacy and cookies policies, marketing issues, IT matters (including reverse engineering, APIs, etc.) and questions on the use of sensitive data, etc.
■ Handling the setup and implementation of the first digital ID product in Belgium (itsme) used as a KYC & authentication solution in the public and financial sector
Ranked Offices
Provided by Simont Braun
- BrusselsAvenue Louise 250/10, Brussels, Brussels Capital Region, Belgium, 1050
- Web: www.simontbraun.eu
- Tel: +32 (0)2 543 70 80
- Fax: +32 2 543 70 90
- View ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Simont Braun
Simont Braun rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
18 items provided by Simont Braun
Simont Braun Welcomes Maïka Bernaerts as counsel, Enhancing Corporate M&A Expertise
BRUSSELS, September 5th, 2024 – Simont Braun, a leading Belgian independent law firm based in Brussels, is pleased to announce the arrival of Maïka Bernaerts as counsel in the Corporate M&A department. With her experience in corporate M&A, in addition to in-depth expertise in contract law and commer
Paul Alain Foriers, New Dean of the Supreme Court Bar!
As of September 1, 2024, Paul Alain Foriers, one of our founding partners, began his tenure as Dean of the Supreme Court Bar. This new role marks another milestone in his exceptional career.
Simont Braun Welcomes Maïka Bernaerts as counsel, Enhancing Corporate M&A Expertise
Simont Braun is pleased to announce the arrival of Maïka Bernaerts as counsel in the Corporate M&A department. With her experience in corporate M&A, in addition to in-depth expertise in contract law and commercial law, Maïka will further strengthen Simont Braun's capabilities in these key areas.
Simont Braun welcomes Tom Swinnen as partner in Corporate M&A
Simont Braun is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Swinnen as partner in the Corporate M&A department, effective 1 December 2021. Tom Swinnen brings more than 15 years of experience acquired in leading law firms in Brussels.
Buy Now Pay Later solutions - State of play in Belgium
This online deferred payment method has really boomed since the pandemic. Our Digital Finance Team explains the state of play in Belgium and looks into the potential regulatory repercussions for both BNPL providers and merchants.
Simont Braun strengthens Financial Services and FinTech capabilities with top hires
Simont Braun boosts the capabilities of its Fintech and Financial Services practices by welcoming Partner Joan Carette and Senior Associate Jean-Christophe Vercauteren. These strong additions to the firm enhance our Digital Finance Team’s position on top of the Belgian market.
Simont Braun unveils new logo and visual identity
As we are now (more or less) allowed to go out again… Simont Braun is happy to also release its new logo!
Simont Braun assists AION in building the next generation Challenger Bank
Simont Braun successfully assisted AION in building an entirely digital and mobile bank, making it the first of its kind next generation Challenger Bank in Belgium. AION has officially launched its services on 3 March 2020.
Simont Braun ranked Band 1 in FinTech by Chambers
Simont Braun’s Digital Finance Team is extremely proud to be the only law firm ranked in Band 1, and recognised as a leading law firm amongst its peers by this guide of reference on the global legal market.
Simont Braun promotes Fanny Laune and Thomas Derval to Counsel
Belgian independent law firm Simont Braun boosts its capabilities with two new counsels.
Simont Braun launches its new website
Simont Braun is delighted to announce that its brand new website is officially live!
Is Brexit a regulatory opportunity for Belgian insurtechs and the insurance market as a whole?
With the upcoming Brexit, Belgium innovates its insurance regulatory framework to become an attractive Brexit destination. Belgium has recently created a new insurance intermediation licence, mirroring the UK Managing General Agent (MGA) model. An opportunity for both Brexiteers and insurtechs
2019, The Year of Truth for Open Banking (RTS - SCA)
2019: the year of truth for open banking, the most important promise of PSD2. How and when to prepare? Learn more about this highly topical issue that all institutions will have to tackle sooner than later.
A step towards a harmonised EU insolvency framework
On 19 December 2018, the Council of the EU and the Parliament reached an agreement on the proposal for a directive on insolvency. Its main objective is to enhance the rescue culture across EU.
Simont Braun promotes Philippe De Prez to Partner in Banking & Digital Finance
Simont Braun is delighted to announce that Philippe De Prez was promoted to Partner, effective as from 1 January 2019.
Durable Medium: Conceptual / Legal Harmonisation - Simont Braun News
Both the concept of ‘durable medium’ and its coexistence with paper have finally been harmonised throughout Belgian laws by the Law of 20 September 2018. For a sharp and short insight, read our Digital Finance Team’s news.
IDD IN BELGIUM – OF GOLD-PLATING AND LOBBYING
On 14 November, the Parliament adopted the long-awaited law implementing the Insurance Distribution Directive (“IDD”) in Belgium. This transposition law is characterised by an expected dose of gold-plating together with a few surprising good news for the industry.
GEO-BLOCKING REGULATION - APPLICABLE AS FROM 3 DECEMBER 2018
Since 3 December, blocking or limiting access to websites for customers located in other EU Member States is forbidden, with some exceptions such as audiovisual services. Read all you need to know about the practical impact of the EU Regulation on Geo-Blocking.
Simont Braun Welcomes Maïka Bernaerts as counsel, Enhancing Corporate M&A Expertise
BRUSSELS, September 5th, 2024 – Simont Braun, a leading Belgian independent law firm based in Brussels, is pleased to announce the arrival of Maïka Bernaerts as counsel in the Corporate M&A department. With her experience in corporate M&A, in addition to in-depth expertise in contract law and commer
Paul Alain Foriers, New Dean of the Supreme Court Bar!
As of September 1, 2024, Paul Alain Foriers, one of our founding partners, began his tenure as Dean of the Supreme Court Bar. This new role marks another milestone in his exceptional career.
Simont Braun Welcomes Maïka Bernaerts as counsel, Enhancing Corporate M&A Expertise
Simont Braun is pleased to announce the arrival of Maïka Bernaerts as counsel in the Corporate M&A department. With her experience in corporate M&A, in addition to in-depth expertise in contract law and commercial law, Maïka will further strengthen Simont Braun's capabilities in these key areas.
Simont Braun welcomes Tom Swinnen as partner in Corporate M&A
Simont Braun is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Swinnen as partner in the Corporate M&A department, effective 1 December 2021. Tom Swinnen brings more than 15 years of experience acquired in leading law firms in Brussels.
Buy Now Pay Later solutions - State of play in Belgium
This online deferred payment method has really boomed since the pandemic. Our Digital Finance Team explains the state of play in Belgium and looks into the potential regulatory repercussions for both BNPL providers and merchants.
Simont Braun strengthens Financial Services and FinTech capabilities with top hires
Simont Braun boosts the capabilities of its Fintech and Financial Services practices by welcoming Partner Joan Carette and Senior Associate Jean-Christophe Vercauteren. These strong additions to the firm enhance our Digital Finance Team’s position on top of the Belgian market.
Simont Braun unveils new logo and visual identity
As we are now (more or less) allowed to go out again… Simont Braun is happy to also release its new logo!
Simont Braun assists AION in building the next generation Challenger Bank
Simont Braun successfully assisted AION in building an entirely digital and mobile bank, making it the first of its kind next generation Challenger Bank in Belgium. AION has officially launched its services on 3 March 2020.
Simont Braun ranked Band 1 in FinTech by Chambers
Simont Braun’s Digital Finance Team is extremely proud to be the only law firm ranked in Band 1, and recognised as a leading law firm amongst its peers by this guide of reference on the global legal market.
Simont Braun promotes Fanny Laune and Thomas Derval to Counsel
Belgian independent law firm Simont Braun boosts its capabilities with two new counsels.
Simont Braun launches its new website
Simont Braun is delighted to announce that its brand new website is officially live!
Is Brexit a regulatory opportunity for Belgian insurtechs and the insurance market as a whole?
With the upcoming Brexit, Belgium innovates its insurance regulatory framework to become an attractive Brexit destination. Belgium has recently created a new insurance intermediation licence, mirroring the UK Managing General Agent (MGA) model. An opportunity for both Brexiteers and insurtechs
2019, The Year of Truth for Open Banking (RTS - SCA)
2019: the year of truth for open banking, the most important promise of PSD2. How and when to prepare? Learn more about this highly topical issue that all institutions will have to tackle sooner than later.
A step towards a harmonised EU insolvency framework
On 19 December 2018, the Council of the EU and the Parliament reached an agreement on the proposal for a directive on insolvency. Its main objective is to enhance the rescue culture across EU.
Simont Braun promotes Philippe De Prez to Partner in Banking & Digital Finance
Simont Braun is delighted to announce that Philippe De Prez was promoted to Partner, effective as from 1 January 2019.
Durable Medium: Conceptual / Legal Harmonisation - Simont Braun News
Both the concept of ‘durable medium’ and its coexistence with paper have finally been harmonised throughout Belgian laws by the Law of 20 September 2018. For a sharp and short insight, read our Digital Finance Team’s news.
IDD IN BELGIUM – OF GOLD-PLATING AND LOBBYING
On 14 November, the Parliament adopted the long-awaited law implementing the Insurance Distribution Directive (“IDD”) in Belgium. This transposition law is characterised by an expected dose of gold-plating together with a few surprising good news for the industry.
GEO-BLOCKING REGULATION - APPLICABLE AS FROM 3 DECEMBER 2018
Since 3 December, blocking or limiting access to websites for customers located in other EU Member States is forbidden, with some exceptions such as audiovisual services. Read all you need to know about the practical impact of the EU Regulation on Geo-Blocking.