FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies | FinTech

Davis Polk & Wardwell has a broad FinTech practice and acts for financial institutions, cryptocurrency businesses and tech companies. It has particular expertise in blockchain, capital markets transactions and FinTech litigation matters.

Goodwin is a notable market presence in digital assets law, and advises large investment funds, digital payments clients and crypto exchanges. Its lawyers handle transactional matters and capital markets matters, including fundraising rounds and IPOs. The team also assists with product structuring and regulatory compliance advice.

Perkins Coie is pre-eminent in blockchain and cryptocurrency. The firm advises clients on product structuring, licensing, acquisitions and crypto litigation. Perkins Coie's client base includes payments platforms, innovative blockchain companies, challenger banks and crypto exchanges. Its lawyers also advise on data privacy, securities and money transmission laws.

"I have found the attorneys in Sidley's blockchain and cryptocurrency practice to be very sophisticated and very well versed in the space. I was very impressed at how well the lawyers knew both the digital asset space as well as the traditional securities space and the ease with which they were able to translate securities industry concepts to the digital asset world."

"DLx has a wealth of knowledge and diversity of experience not found in the other FinTech boutique firms focused on the digital asset space. They cover a variety of areas and have a deep bench with experience breaking ground in prior financial services-related areas."

Morrison Foerster handles blockchain, payments, corporate and data security FinTech matters. Its lawyers have expertise in regulatory investigations and securities class action responses and advise on bank partnerships and compliance with state money transmission laws. The team has additional capabilities in financing and capital markets, as well as data security and cyber security.

"The Paul Hastings team is industry leading in terms of service levels and responsiveness. The team are also very commercial. They tie their work into the broader transaction and seek to provide value for us. They are also very plugged into the market and bring real-time, real-world perspectives."

Skadden has a pre-eminent M&A practice and impressive capabilities in digital assets regulatory matters. The firm also advises on financial regulation, litigation and intellectual property matters, including innovative cryptocurrency projects.

White & Case has a very strong reputation for capital markets work and oversees acquisitions and partnerships in the digital assets industry. It also handles regulatory matters concerning cryptocurrency and other digital assets, including NFT platform launches. Its clients include financial institutions, technology companies and payments processors.

"It is a leading law firm, with a deep understanding of the regulatory, commercial and technological challenges and opportunities facing innovative tech and FinTech service providers. They have always been proactive, accessible and flexible, delivering high-quality and practical advice within tight deadlines. They are not only excellent lawyers, but also trusted advisers and strategic thinkers, who add value and insight to every aspect of our journey."

"Cleary is uniquely able to handle complex and sophisticated matters. Their lawyers have a depth of expertise on a wide range of regulatory and legal issues and are able to apply that knowledge to product design and business implementation to help navigate complex issues."

Debevoise & Plimpton has a respected practice that acts for established names in FinTech on mandates ranging from strategic transactions and cryptocurrency regulation, to the formation and structuring of blockchain platforms. The Debevoise team is particularly well regarded for handling high-profile crypto asset disputes and SEC investigations, and has additional capabilities in data protection and cybersecurity.

Hogan Lovells advises both domestic and international clients on FinTech and blockchain matters. The firm is particularly adept at handling regulatory compliance and money transmitter issues for significant market players.

"For a large firm, they are extremely easy to get a hold of. They respond immediately and the service level is akin to what you'd find at a smaller shop. Katten provide very personalised, efficient, practical and commercial advice."

"Orrick is very strong. Their team is able to partner knowledgeably and thoughtfully to apply the law to the facts, and work together to achieve the goals of the business in an effective and compliant manner. Orrick has demonstrated expertise in not only knowing the law, but also how to apply the law to new and innovative products and business needs."

"I've been impressed with everyone that I've worked with there. I think that the bench there is probably fairly deep. One of the most impressive aspect of the practice is that they're equally if not more capable in advising on traditional financial institutions issues."

Waymaker's FinTech practice specialises in responding to blockchain and cryptocurrency regulatory investigations and class action defence. Its clients include prominent crypto companies.

Cooley has an excellent practice in digital payments and lending, especially in matters involving money transmission regulatory issues. The firm has expertise in technology and securities law, as well as blockchain and cryptocurrency regulation.