FinTech Legal | FinTech

Davis Polk & Wardwell has a broad FinTech practice and acts for financial institutions, cryptocurrency businesses and tech companies. It has particular expertise in blockchain, capital markets transactions and FinTech litigation matters.

"The Paul Hastings team is industry leading in terms of service levels and responsiveness. The team are also very commercial. They tie their work into the broader transaction and seek to provide value for us. They are also very plugged into the market and bring real-time, real-world perspectives."

"I have found the attorneys in Sidley's blockchain and cryptocurrency practice to be very sophisticated and very well versed in the space. I was very impressed at how well the lawyers knew both the digital asset space as well as the traditional securities space and the ease with which they were able to translate securities industry concepts to the digital asset world."

"It is a leading law firm, with a deep understanding of the regulatory, commercial and technological challenges and opportunities facing innovative tech and FinTech service providers. They have always been proactive, accessible and flexible, delivering high-quality and practical advice within tight deadlines. They are not only excellent lawyers, but also trusted advisers and strategic thinkers, who add value and insight to every aspect of our journey."

Goodwin is a notable market presence in digital assets law, and advises large investment funds, digital payments clients and crypto exchanges. Its lawyers handle transactional matters and capital markets matters, including fundraising rounds and IPOs. The team also assists with product structuring and regulatory compliance advice.

Mayer Brown is prominent in all FinTech verticals. The firm is a go-to for financial institutions on FinTech M&A and investment deals. It also has a highly regarded financial services regulatory practice and regularly advises on market-first payments law matters.

"Orrick is very strong. Their team is able to partner knowledgeably and thoughtfully to apply the law to the facts, and work together to achieve the goals of the business in an effective and compliant manner. Orrick has demonstrated expertise in not only knowing the law, but also how to apply the law to new and innovative products and business needs."

Perkins Coie is pre-eminent in blockchain and cryptocurrency. The firm advises clients on product structuring, licensing, acquisitions and crypto litigation. Perkins Coie's client base includes payments platforms, innovative blockchain companies, challenger banks and crypto exchanges. Its lawyers also advise on data privacy, securities and money transmission laws.

Skadden has a pre-eminent M&A practice and impressive capabilities in digital assets regulatory matters. The firm also advises on financial regulation, litigation and intellectual property matters, including innovative cryptocurrency projects.

"Cleary is uniquely able to handle complex and sophisticated matters. Their lawyers have a depth of expertise on a wide range of regulatory and legal issues and are able to apply that knowledge to product design and business implementation to help navigate complex issues."

Cooley has an excellent practice in digital payments and lending, especially in matters involving money transmission regulatory issues. The firm has expertise in technology and securities law, as well as blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation.

Debevoise & Plimpton has a respected practice that acts for established names in FinTech on mandates ranging from strategic transactions and cryptocurrency regulation, to the formation and structuring of blockchain platforms. The Debevoise team is particularly well regarded for handling high-profile crypto asset disputes and SEC investigations, and has additional capabilities in data protection and cybersecurity.

Morrison Foerster handles blockchain, payments, corporate and data security FinTech matters. Its lawyers have expertise in regulatory investigations and securities class action responses and advise on bank partnerships and compliance with state money transmission laws. The team has additional capabilities in financing and capital markets, as well as data security and cyber security.

"I've been impressed with everyone that I've worked with there. I think that the bench there is probably fairly deep. One of the most impressive aspect of the practice is that they're equally if not more capable in advising on traditional financial institutions issues."

White & Case has a very strong reputation for capital markets work and oversees acquisitions and partnerships in the digital assets industry. It also handles regulatory matters concerning cryptocurrency and other digital assets, including NFT platform launches. Its clients include financial institutions, technology companies and payments processors.

Hogan Lovells advises both domestic and international clients on FinTech and blockchain matters. The firm is particularly adept at handling regulatory compliance and money transmitter issues for significant market players.

McGlinchey Stafford's regulatory compliance specialist group is held in high regard for its expertise in lending and money transmitter licensing work. Its clients consist of startups, leading FinTech players and global financial institutions.

"McGuireWoods continues to be a top financial services firm that has broad expertise across the sector. They have a number of true experts in their field, and we rely on them for a variety of product-related advice."

Dechert advises investment platform providers, asset managers, crypto businesses and traditional financial institutions on M&A deals, capital markets work and regulatory compliance.

"DLx has a wealth of knowledge and diversity of experience not found in the other FinTech boutique firms focused on the digital asset space. They cover a variety of areas and have a deep bench with experience breaking ground in prior financial services-related areas."

Greenberg Traurig has a well-respected FinTech practice. The firm provides expert advice on issues related to SEC and OFAC compliance, NFT platform launches and blockchain-based SPAC work. It also has expertise in intellectual property matters and lending agreements.

"The whole team consists of individuals that have very complementary skill sets and excellent depth. At no point were we missing anything, thanks to the guidance of the McDermott team."

Troutman Pepper has a strong FinTech practice in payments, data protection and corporate securities. Its lawyers advise and represent key trade associations, traditional financial institutions, payment providers and major tech firms on privacy and data regulatory compliance, security incidents, M&A, enforcement actions, as well as licensing and commercial matters. The team is also able to act on blockchain and crypto-related matters.