The ‘knowledgeable team‘ at Baker McKenzie FenXun is praised for its ‘sophisticated understanding of the blockchain industry’. Keeping pace with the ever-changing regulatory landscape in fintech allows the cohort to assist clients with major projects such as the launch of new products or digital transformations, alongside work such as regulatory compliance, tax and employment matters. Karen Man steers the firm’s fintech offering and frequently leverages her regulatory experience to advise banks, fund managers and fintechs on a wide array of compliance and regulatory matters. Joy Lam frequently advises on the establishment of funds connected to the emerging virtual assets ecosystem. Kevin Yuan is a key contact for arbitrations and litigations that arise under financial laws and regulations, while Dominic Edmondson is equipped to advise on the implications of AI, big data and distributed ledger technology for business in the Greater China region.

Winning plaudits for its work on transformational work across key areas including blockchain, smart contracts, tokenisation, stablecoins and insurtech, Clifford Chance LLP is a popular choice for major tech companies, financial institutions, and fintechs ranging exchange platforms to e-wallet service providers. Kelly Gregory and Rocky Mui share leadership duties, with the latter well versed in mandates involving emerging asset classes such as tokenisation, stablecoins and digital infrastructure. Ling Ho is at the forefront of technology-related IP matters, while Brian Harley is a trusted counsel for technology-driven transactional work.

Notably active in the payments and digital assets space, Eversheds Sutherland‘s Hong Kong-based team is equipped to guide clients through the regulatory labyrinth connected to the use of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, big data and CBDCs. Practice co-chair Rhys McWhirter advises on a broad range of strategic collaborations designed to help clients distribute financial products across key jurisdictions.  Fellow co-chair Michael Yau is also head of the firm’s banking and finance Asia group. The ‘knowledgeable and responsive’ Frankie Tam, who was promoted to the partnership in May 2023, is a key contact for mandates relating to cross-border payments. Senior associate Philip Chow focuses on strategic technology arrangements in the financial services and aviation sectors.

‘A true standout in the industry’, the Linklaters team possesses the bandwidth and expertise to realise cutting-edge projects, such as the firm's recent handling of a data transfer agreement with China Foreign Exchange Trade System, which is the first interoperable PCP link for clearing OTC swaps globally. The practice is also geared to advise on virtual assets, AML, strategic investments, and electronic trading solutions. The firm's cross-practice approach to fintech is exemplified by the division of leadership between the joint heads of the firm’s financial regulation group, Carl Fernandes and Kishore Bhindi; the head of TMT Hong Kong, Albert Yuen; and the head of TMT China, Alex Roberts. Clients include established financial services players, major corporates seeking to implement fintech-driven solutions and tech companies.

An in-depth understanding of digital platforms at Ashurst has allowed the firm to assist on a variety of high-profile projects, with the team winning plaudits for its advice to Goldman Sachs on the use of its platform for the issuance of a first-of-its-kind tokenised government bond. The team is led by three Hong Kong-based partners: Joshua Cole, whose varied caseload extends to advising on the establishment of digital banks across the Asia-Pacific region; Patrick Phua, who has a strong track record in the PRC derivatives and regulatory market; and Ben Hammond, a leading figure in the payments space. Also in Hong Kong is Hoi Tak Leung, who has established experience in mandates concerning NFTs.

Praised for its ‘expertise in virtual assets and cryptocurrencies’, DLA Piper is geared to assist in the launching of new fintech platforms and virtual asset exchanges. Tokenisation matters, strategic partnerships and SFC licensing work are additional areas of activity. In Hong Kong, Kristi Swartz‘s varied portfolio of work extends to advice on digital assets, stablecoins, and payments. Swartz’s Hong Kong colleague, associate Winson Lau, is equipped to advise centralized and decentralized participants in the Web3 ecosystem on token issuance structures and distribution mechanisms, as well as the establishment of legal wrappers for DAOs.

Emerging fintech companies, traditional financial institutions, venture capitalists and web3 ecosystem participants trust Latham & Watkins LLP to handle mandates ranging from NFT platform launches, to payments service agreements, to global cybersecurity compliance programmes. Simon Hawkins, who leads both the firm’s Asia and global fintech industry groups, frequently advises on regulatory implications of blockchain and distributed ledger technology. Farhana Sharmeen, who operates from the firm’s Singapore office, is another key contact. Kieran Donovan has since left the practice.

Morrison Foerster pulls together a strong offering in strategic corporate-commercial and technology transactions in the fintech and e-commerce sector. IPOs, acquisitions, and advice on the expansion of blockchain and crypto-driven financial products into multiple jurisdictions are additional sweet spots for the firm’s fintech group. The Hong Kong-based Thomas Chou co-chairs the practice and is a key contact for fundraisings. In Shanghai, fellow practice co-chairs Paul McKenzie and Chuan Sun add to the transactional expertise at the firm, with the latter a key contact for Chinese companies conducting outbound transactions. Gordon Milner, who divides his time between Hong Kong and Singapore, completes the leadership team. Milner leverages his longstanding experience in the space to advise on matters ranging from digital currencies to technology transactions.

Praised for its ‘strong knowledge in regulatory compliance and fintech mandates’, Stephenson Harwood‘s Hong Kong-based team is a popular destination for banks, virtual banks, money services operators, and other players connected to the fintech space. Practice head Katherine Liu has broad experience extending to crowdfunding, regulatory compliance and employment issues in the fintech sector. Anna Kwong brings her knowledge of international trade finance and commercial banking to bear on a wide range of fintech mandates. Teresa Tsoi is another name to note.