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.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

FinTech Legal - Ireland

3
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.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

3
Niall Esler
Head of FinTech Legal
3
Band 3

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.

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.

3
Shane Martin
3
Band 3

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.

Shane Martin is very responsive and knowledgeable.

Ranked Individuals at
Walkers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Ireland

FinTech Legal

3
Niall Esler
Head of FinTech Legal
3
Band 3
3
Shane Martin
3
Band 3

Members

Provided by Walkers

Coleen Wegmann

Laura Whitson

Niall Esler

Head of Department

Industries

Provided by Walkers

Crowdfunding platforms

Crypto-asset exchanges and issuers

FinTech firms

Funds

Investment firms

Payment and e-money providers