Department profile
Walkers

FinTech Legal

FinTech Guide 2026 : Ireland

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Walkers

Rankings

About

Provided by Walkers

The Team advises a broad range of financial institutions including investment firms, funds, payment and e-money providers, crowdfunding platforms and crypto-asset exchanges and issuers. We regularly advise innovative FinTech firms on the legal and regulatory considerations arising from offering their products to the Irish and European market, often for the first time and in novel areas (e.g. payments with crypto functionality, crowdfunding, metaverse payments, stablecoins). We also advise firms in relation to the CBI's Individual Accountability Framework ("IAF") and its impact on persons performing certain roles within our clients' business. The introduction of the IAF has been a key recent development for Irish regulated financial service providers, including FinTech firms, and the individuals working within those firms. The introduction reflects the CBI's focus on conduct and culture.

We have extensive experience and a market leading reputation advising FinTech clients in the areas of:

  • Payment services/e-money;
  • Investment services, including crowdfunding;
  • AML (including VASP registration);
  • Crypto regulation (including MiCA);
  • Individual Accountability regimes;
  • Outsourcing and resilience (including DORA); and
  • Data protection.

Industries (6)

  • Investment firms
  • Funds
  • Payment and e-money providers
  • Crowdfunding platforms
  • Crypto-asset exchanges and issuers
  • FinTech firms

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

FinTech Legal - Ireland

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Walkers regularly handles tax and financial services regulatory matters around the world. In Ireland, the team has expertise in payment services, AML, outsourcing and data protection. It has further expertise in cryptocurrency and tokenisation.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I love Walkers - they're responsive and commercial.

    FinTech Legal respondentFinTech

  • The Walkers team are very good - they are really clued in on the offshore jurisdiction market which is very helpful for cross-border mandates. They are very collaborative and pragmatic.

    FinTech Legal respondentFinTech

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Niall Esler
    Niall Esler

    Niall Esler

    Niall Esler is head of Walkers' regulatory group in Ireland. He focuses on Irish and EU financial services regulation. Esler is also a member of the firm's FinTech group.

    • Niall Esler is very laid back in a warm and engaging sense. He's a super-encouraging and engaging personality, and very insightful.

      FinTech Legal respondentFinTech

    • Niall Esler has a very good understanding of the business. He's proactive and asks the right questions, gets in contact with you and is always available to support you.

      FinTech Legal respondentFinTech
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  • Shane Martin
    Shane Martin

    Shane Martin

    Shane Martin is a partner in the Dublin office of Walkers, specialising in financial services regulation. He advises incumbents and FinTechs, including digital assets businesses, on regulatory compliance.

    • Shane Martin has worked for the central bank. He brings that mix of industry knowledge and regulatory experience - it is a huge benefit.

      FinTech Legal respondentFinTech

    • Shane Martin is very responsive and knowledgeable.

      FinTech Legal respondentFinTech
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Ranked Individuals at Walkers (2)

Ireland

Members

Provided by Walkers

Walkers has rankings in the following guides

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