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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Financial Services Regulation

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Financial Services Regulation - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is broadly acknowledged as Australia's leading advisor for the handling of regulatory investigations and disputes, and remains highly regarded for the strength of its advice on all facets of financial services regulation law. It offers excellent cross-border capabilities through its global network of offices, with the team particularly suited to handling matters involving the UK and Hong Kong and is recognised as a leader in the growing fintech space.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HSFK acted for Taptap Send on its expansion into the Australian market, including advising on the regulatory perimeter affecting the provision of online remittance services in Australia, adapting international AML/CTF controls for the Australian market and registering the business with AUSTRAC as a remittance provider.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HSFK stands out for its knowledge of the industry and regulators, its client-centric culture, responsiveness and the team’s speed and clarity.

    Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific

  • HSFK has an unwavering commitment to client service. The team excelled at translating complex legal advice into practical recommendations, empowering us to make confident, well-informed decisions.

    Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Luke Hastings
    Luke Hastings

    Luke Hastings

    Luke Hastings is widely regarded as a leading litigator in the financial services regulation space. He frequently advises international banks, among other major financial services clients, in relation to a variety of contentions matters, including ASIC investigations.

    • Luke's considered approach and his deep knowledge of legal and regulatory matters have made him a trusted advisor that we value.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Luke's mastery of his brief, his strategic acumen and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible results make him the preferred choice for clients facing complex regulatory investigations.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Michael Vrisakis
    Michael Vrisakis

    Michael Vrisakis

    Michael Vrisakis frequently assists clients in the superannuation sector with regulatory issues from his base in Sydney.

    • Michael is an industry legend and fantastic dealing with clients. We feel very comfortable going to him with lots of questions.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Michael is the go-to person for any difficult regulatory situation. His knowledge of the industry and ability to strategically deliver great results for clients is impressive.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Andrew Eastwood
    Andrew Eastwood

    Andrew Eastwood

    Andrew Eastwood often acts on contentious matters for major clients in the financial services sector.

    • Andrew has strong technical expertise coupled with commercial acumen.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Fiona Smedley
    Fiona Smedley

    Fiona Smedley

    Fiona Smedley is an established practitioner who is recognised for her expertise in relation to investment funds and Corporations Act matters.

    • Fiona performs to a very high standard. She is very clear and client-focused in her communication. She identified and met our needs.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Charlotte Henry
    Charlotte Henry

    Charlotte Henry

    Charlotte Henry is recognised for advising a diverse range of clients in the financial services sector on compliance matters, including those related to M&A, financial products such as digital assets, and new regulatory regimes and governance.

    • The quality of advice we receive is precise and clear. It's also highly pragmatic and immediately actionable. That practicality really sets her apart.

      Financial Services Regulation respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (5)

Australia

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