Fintech lawyers | Penningtons Manches Cooper

During the last decade, fintech has evolved into a thriving sector. Its growth is driven both by the emergence of pioneering technology and entrepreneurs’ commitment to solving tomorrow’s challenges. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, our fintech lawyers offer advice on all elements of establishing and managing a fintech business as well as the assessment, implementation and launch of a wide range of fintech solutions.

The financial services industry continues to deliver new digital products, services and solutions across the globe. Fintech businesses and their products are increasing the efficiencies of established practices and institutions, strengthening connections between financial centres across the world and forging new ways to engage with consumers.

Today, organisations and executives from many fields and disciplines are involved in fintech. Our clients in the sector include banks, financial services institutions, technology service providers and investors. In a successful fintech organisation, these disciplines come together to innovate, plan the financial journey of a concept and bring it to fruition.

Penningtons Manches Cooper has the capability to provide expert assistance across all stages of creating and managing a fintech business and implementing a fintech solution, acting either for the financial institution or the fintech provider. The work of our team of fintech lawyers includes supporting clients with funding and investment rounds, acquisitions and listings, financial services and other relevant regulation such as data privacy and consumer laws. We advise clients on technology contracting, cybersecurity, tax and the full range of employment and immigration issues.

We are experienced at understanding technology needs and assisting our clients to navigate regulatory issues. We have a track record and increasing profile in providing legal support to a wide range of innovative fintech solutions, including mobile banking apps, RegTech, cybersecurity, AI and data insight products, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, blockchain and NFTs. We have a particular strength in advising on data analytics and insights.

At the heart of all our fintech projects lies our leading expertise in both tier 1 technology and financial services regulation. However, the composition of our fintech team spans our firm, reflecting the diverse nature of requirements within the sector. Our global connections and networks of trusted experts enables us to provide a truly international, seamless service to clients.

We offer expert advice on:

seed, VC and subsequent corporate funding and acquisitions
equity capital markets
software/app/content developer and other technology agreements
financial services regulation and assisting with FCA enquiries and investigations
data analytics, insights and regulation
cybersecurity and data breach support
data protection and information security
intellectual property protection, licensing and enforcement
consumer law and other regulatory matters
employment, including employee share schemes and immigration
tax

Recent work highlights

Banking-as-a-Service

Advising a German-based full-service bank operating in 25 EU countries on the integration of its outsourced AML screening and monitoring services with its new core banking system. Work included reviewing, amending and negotiating the outsourcing agreement with its service provider and ensuring tool compatibility.

Cryptocurrency trading platform

Providing regulatory advice to one of the first UK-based cryptocurrency trading exchanges to be fully registered with the FCA as a crypto-asset firm, including in its dealings with the FCA. Also drafting platform T&Cs, consultancy agreements and acting on corporate and fundraising matters.

NFT marketplace platform

Advising a German-based publishing company in relation to its NFT platform which makes it possible to publish, buy, trade and collect NFT books, audio books and other literary works as digital originals. Work included providing regulatory advice and reviewing and advising on the platform terms of use.