gunnercooke

The gunnercooke FinTech practice is a unique combination of legal, compliance and GTM expertise. The focus of the practice is on crypto, transactions, funds, securities and payment services. Recent work has also focussed on AI, the team frequently advises on the licensing in and out of AI tools and associated compliance issues, including data protection/privacy and security requirements, for both customer and suppliers.

The legal team is particularly renowned for its work connected to Web3 and blockchain, being the first major UK law firm to officially accept payment in crypto. The team are internationally recognised, having been involved in assisting regulators draft around 3% of global crypto regulation. Last year, the team was involved in advising (i) Bitwise Asset Management on BSOL, the number 1 ETF launch of 2025 by volume; (ii) peaq (the global Machine Economy computer, alayer-1 blockchain) on the world's first tokenized robo-farm on the peaq network; and (iii) Zodia on the set-up of Interchange Connect. The team has also been involved in various high-value corporate and M&A transactions within the crypto and digital assets sector, including leading two of the most significant private M&A deals completed in the industry in the past year.

Whilst able to assist with compliance generally, the compliance team is particularly noted for its expertise in financial crime work. The team is also able to provide factional compliance support for firms to assist with resourcing needs and has acted for around 15% of all FCA registered crypto firms in the United Kingdom. We have also provided regulatory expert support and testifying support to some of the largest disputes globally.

GTM expertise includes business strategy, fractional CMO, build (including technical build)and lobbying / policy support. The team includes leading industry players, including the digital assets lead at the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the fintech lead at the New Zealand Financial Market Authority. This has allowed gunnercooke to develop a comprehensive approach to helping clients structure of innovative products, working alongside legal to ensure compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements.

The firm is notable also a growing funds CCO and support practice, focussed primarily on fund set-up as well as depositary work. This is increasingly obtaining market attention, as it is a unique proposition designed to help managers with fund set-up and day-to-day operations.