In this year’s research into the fintech market, we recognise 83 standout practitioners for their impressive experience and expertise in advising financial institutions, start-ups, investors and regulatory bodies on a spectrum of issues including payment systems, blockchain and e-money matters.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Leading Firms
Jonathan Chertkow is held in high esteem by sources who note he “is well regarded and works hard to get the deal done to get the right solution for clients”.
Emily Reid has a stellar reputation in the market having worked on a range of innovative transactions involving consumer finance and merchant acquiring.
John Salmon is a leading lawyer with a wealth of knowledge of the fintech space. He is known for the first-rate advice he provides to clients on digital and technology solutions.
Rachel Kent is a prominent figure who is “technically strong” and focuses on advising on complex regulatory financial issues.
Catherine Houssa “knows the regulations and regulator very well” and “always delivers excellent work” according to impressed sources.
Philippe De Prez is distinguished by sources who note he “strikes the right balance between detailed analysis and practical suggestions and has a strong understanding of the fintech sector”.
Joan Carette is a “highly talented practitioner fully focused on fintech and does that very well”, with peers adding that “she really deserves to be mentioned.”
Other Leading Individuals
Austria
Gerhard Dilger of Bernsteyn Legal is held in high regard in the market thanks to his significant experience handling a range of fintech-related matters.
At Wolf Theiss, Andrea Gritsch “is highly professional, very sensitive to the delicate details of the case” and “has a wide range of connections”, applaud sources.
Belgium
Scott McInnes of Bird & Bird is a seasoned expert in payments regulation and is a highly sought-after adviser to various stakeholders in the payments value chain.
Pierre Berger at DLA Piper is a pre-eminent name in the market with a wealth of banking experience and focus on the fintech area.
Etienne Dessy of Linklaters has a stellar reputation for his top-notch regulatory knowhow which he applies when advising financial corporations on fintech issues.
Willem Van de Wiele at White & Case receives glowing praise for possessing “the broadest legal knowledge about blockchain in Belgium”.
Denmark
Jacob Høeg Madsen at Kromann Reumert is a notable name in the financial sector having advised on a range of payment services assignments.
Martin von Haller Grønbæk of Bird & Bird is commended by sources as a “dedicated lawyer with strong tech capabilities”.
England
Ben Regnard-Weinrabe at Allen & Overy is a well-established name in the fintech arena, singled out for his profound expertise in retail banking and payments projects.
Ben Kingsley of Slaughter and May is a leading figure in fintech and is a key adviser to financial institutions, tech and telco companies.
Chris Hill at Kemp Little is “well regarded and active” in the fintech space and draws praise for his focus on start-up work.
Fiona Ghosh of Addleshaw Goddard “understands the focus on effective legal risk management and brings innovative solutions to issues” praise sources, who add she is “a highly effective and impressive negotiator”.
William James draws high praise for being “great on the payments side” and is “well regarded in the fintech industry”.
Osborne Clarke’s Nikki Worden is hailed as a “brilliant regulatory lawyer” with an impressed peer adding that “clients really appreciate her clear guidance, no-nonsense approach while taking a strong position”.
Mark Taylor is recognised for his first-class financial services practice and has assisted on digital payments, cybersecurity and encryption matters.
Angus McLean at Simmons & Simmons receives glowing praise for his superb client care with one impressed client adding, “He is very generous with his time and I deeply appreciate his advice.”
France
Benjamin May at Aramis Société d’Avocats is a long-standing fixture in the French fintech market with an impressive practice representing key financial institutions.
Switzerland
Martin Hess at Künzi Hess MacNab, attorneys-at-law is lauded by market commentators as "a standout fintech practitioner who has been leading the market for quite some time now".
Daniel Flühmann of Bär & Karrer receives accolades for his deep-seated knowledge of regulations. Sources note he always “seeks to understand the client’s business objectives”.
Caroline Clemetson of Schellenberg Wittmer is a well-respected figure in the market, highly regarded for her sweeping knowledge of banking and financial regulations.
Turkey
Muhsin Keskin at Esin Attorney Partnership is hailed for his “clear communication and deep understanding of payments and complex businesses”.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Leading Individuals
Canada
Jacqueline Shinfield at Blake, Cassels & Graydon is “pre-eminent in payment and anti-money laundering” according to sources, who add she is well versed in handling matters at federal and provincial levels.
Wendy Gross of Osler Hoskin & Harcourt is a leading light in fintech, who earns recognition for her specialist practice focusing on regulatory issues and blockchain matters.
Ana Badour at McCarthy Tétrault is singled out by sources as a “leader in financial services regulatory work, particularly as it relates to new technologies such as blockchain”.
Matthew Flynn of Bennett Jones has a wealth of experience in technology transactions with invaluable insights on payments services.
USA
Rebecca Simmons at Sullivan & Cromwell is a highly respected lawyer in the fintech space with strong experience assisting clients on the development of financial products and payments matters.
Andrew Gerlach comes highly recommended for his finance and fintech expertise, offering clients the full suite of advice on complex regulatory issues.
Scott Joachim of Goodwin is a sterling technology specialist, having advised on a range of complex and high-value transactions relating to financial services.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Leading Individuals
Argentina
Juan Diehl Moreno at Marval O’Farrell Mairal is a respected fintech practitioner in Argentina with over 20 years’ experience in electronic payments and blockchain matters.
Brazil
Bruno Balduccini of Pinheiro Neto Advogados is a top-drawer banking specialist in the Brazilian market, with extensive regulatory experience.
João Fernando Araújo Nascimento at CSMV Advogados is revered for his “strong banking background” and commended as an “excellent all-around name”.
Giancarllo Melito of Barcellos Tucunduva Advogados is looked upon with enormous favour by sources who consider him a “good reference in payments work”.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Leading Individuals
Hong Kong
Gordon Milner at Morrison & Foerster impresses market sources with his adept handling of technology matters across the financial services industry.
Singapore
Adrian Ang of Allen & Gledhill is “truly world class and is the best financial regulatory lawyer in town with a razor-sharp legal mind which is complemented with very practical commercial sensibilities”.