FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies
FinTech Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 1
About
Provided by MLL Legal
MLL Legal offers clients the benefit of an extensive global tech experience, combined with outstanding regulatory and financial services knowledge. MLL Legal's team of experts has access to leading subject matter knowledge, most notably in the fields of finance and regulatory law. The firm is very well positioned to implement commercial and tailored solutions for both FinTech start-ups as well as established FinTech players.
Chambers Review
Driven by a market-leading IP practice and a highly sophisticated TMT team, MLL is able to serve longstanding banking clients and FinTech start-ups in a variety of FinTech legal matters. The firm is based in both the German and French-speaking parts of Switzerland, with offices in Zürich and Zug, as well as Geneva and Lausanne. MLL is noted for handling cross-border mandates from a range of innovative payments systems, as well as advising on cryptocurrency and blockchain-related matters.
Work Highlights
- MLL Legal advised Kraken, one of the leading crypto exchanges worldwide, on AML issues and all financial market regulation matters related to Kraken offering its products from the EU into Switzerland.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"MLL Legal was very knowledgeable of both local laws and global commercial issues. The lawyers were able to handle any question that arose, were ready and able to turn documents quickly, and always ready to move according to business needs."
"I saved a lot of money working with MLL, as opposed to firms which are less crypto-savvy, because they already knew all the basics and could get up to speed on our project very quickly. The team definitely understood how to take our goals and create a bespoke path to get there."
"MLL Legal was very knowledgeable of both local laws and global commercial issues. The lawyers were able to handle any question that arose, were ready and able to turn documents quickly, and always ready to move according to business needs."
"I saved a lot of money working with MLL, as opposed to firms which are less crypto-savvy, because they already knew all the basics and could get up to speed on our project very quickly. The team definitely understood how to take our goals and create a bespoke path to get there."
Notable Practitioners
Kilian Schärli is a partner in the firm's FinTech and IP team. He acts as co-head of the DLT, blockchain and cryptocurrencies industry group and regularly advises on matters at the intersection of technology, IP, data protection and financial regulation.
"Kilian Schärli is very accommodating and knowledgeable."
"He is always accessible, provides great advice, and is an effective lawyer."
"Kilian is a wonderful lawyer, with great judgement and knowledge of the law. He is a pleasure to work with."
Alexander Vogel is recognised in the Swiss market for his expertise in financial regulatory and capital markets work. With his vast banking and finance experience, he regularly advises on matters concerning digital assets.
Catrina Luchsinger Ghwiler is a partner in the firm's FinTech practice. She advises on regulatory issues with particular expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology matters.
"Catrina produces detailed work very fast and to an extraordinary quality. She's very reliable. Her work is like a final version even if it's just a draft. She's a very efficient and effective lawyer."
Reto Luthiger is a member of the firm's banking and finance team and a co-head of the blockchain and cryptocurrencies industry group. He advises clients on regulatory and legal compliance matters as well as due diligence and AML issues.
Ranked Individuals at
MLL Legal
Switzerland
Members
Provided by MLL Legal
Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler
Eric Haymann
Karin Oberlin
Head of Department
Lukas Bühlmann
Mark Montanari
Michael Reinle
Oliver Arter
Head of Department
Ülkü Cibik