Fintech

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP's robust multidisciplinary practice spans the full gamut of sophisticated financial regulatory, contractual, and data privacy mandates. Its diverse clientele stretches from global fintechs and technology multinationals to leading start-ups, and the team regularly advises e-money institutions and virtual asset and crowdfunding service providers on the procurement of new technology and the launch of new products. Jointly heading up the team is Shane Kelleher, an expert in financial regulation, and John O’Connor, a ‘standout’ in technology projects relating to AI, machine learning, and blockchain. Other highlighted members are Louise McNabola for her regulatory authorisation work and Máire O’Neill for fintech M&A transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘John O'Connor is a standout individual on blockchain issues.’
‘Máire O'Neill goes above and beyond to provide an exceptional service to clients. I have found that Máire has an ability to break down issues and provide succinct advice which you are comfortable relying on.’
‘What sets this team apart is their ability to provide detailed, sound advice that is specifically tailored to the nuances of the Fintech sector. Their comprehensive knowledge of the intricate regulatory landscape allows them to offer valuable insights that are both strategic and compliant.’
‘Shane Kelleher, John O'Connor, and Louise McNabola are exceptional lawyers who truly stand out in the Fintech industry. Their deep wells of knowledge in both legal and regulatory matters within the Fintech space make them invaluable to their clients. What sets them apart is their ability to not only understand the complexities of the industry but to provide sound, practical, and detailed advice that is both pragmatic and actionable.’
‘William Fry have a depth experience and breadth of expertise that is unrivalled in the Irish market and provide a full end-to-end regulatory advisory service. Specifically in relation to regulatory authorizations and licences the firm helps client firms to understand the complexity of regulatory and legal requirements as well as regulators expectations. This helps their firms achieve trust with the regulator, speed to market and long term value.’
‘Louise McNabola (Partner) - Louise recently provided end-to-end support on a VASP submission for my firm to the Central Bank of Ireland and is now assisting in the MiCA application. Louise understands the regulatory burden on clients and helps firms to understand their compliance obligations and how rules should be applied. Shane provides a first-class client focused service; addressing our specific needs rather than applying “one size fits all” solutions.’
‘William Fry's team is fantastic. We have relatively recently become a client of theirs and in short - they deliver. They understand not just the relevant law but have really 'got a grip' of our business, its key drivers and very able to convert all of that into deliverable commercial outcomes.’
‘Shane Kelleher, Louise McNabola and Máire O'Neill are a team that go the extra mile to achieve deadlines, ensure that we understand their advice and worked with us to achieve a welcomed outcome despite other external factors hindering pace.’

Key clients

Experian Ltd
European Commission
ConsenSys
Corasdot.io
Saol Assurance
Elavon
Digital Capital Management
Moneycorp
Momentive Europe Unlimited
Middlegame Ventures
Supply Finance Limited
Fidelity Investment Managers (Ireland) Limited
Surestone Insurance
Payoneer Europe Limited
Associated Foreign Exchange Ireland Limited
Loylap
FINEOS Corporation Holdings PLC
Tines Security Services Limited
Paygate
CR2
Accel
EagleAlpha Limited
OFX Payments Limited
Soldo
Apata Limited
August Equity LLP
AQ Metrics Limited
Fenergo Group
Freedom Topco Limited
Wefunder EU BV
Numerix LLC
CBPE Capital LLP
UKG Inc.
Flipdish
Melior Equity Partners
Earlybird Ventures

Work highlights

Acted as Irish counsel for ConsenSys, a U.S. head quartered blockchain technology innovator and global leader in blockchain technology.
Advised Experian, a global consumer open banking and credit reporting group, on its successful application to the Central Bank of Ireland for registration as Account Information Service Provider.
Advised a client on multiple successful applications to the Central Bank of Ireland, seeking authorisation to act as an electronic money institution in Ireland.