The ‘expert advice’ provided at Clifford Chance (Gaikokuho Kyodo Jigyo) encompasses handling M&A, financial regulation issues and financings. The team is well versed in the technological aspect of fintech and frequently advises on issues such as blockchain, smart contracts and artificial intelligence work. Clients range from international and Japanese financial institutions to hi-growth fintech start-ups. Yusuke Abe steers the practice and is a key contact for matters involving derivatives transactions. Reiko Sakimura has longstanding experience in advising on international debt and equity capital market mandates. Michihiro Nishi is a key driver behind the transactional fintech expertise at the firm, while Eiichi Kanda is well placed to advise on the newly established ICO regulations in Japan. Capital markets expert Chihiro Ashizawa is another name to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘CC is always prompt and clear with its advice. They are pragmatic and good to work with.’

Key clients

  • Partior
  • Zodia Custody Limited
  • Mizuho Securities Asia Limited
  • Sekisui House, Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised blockchain-based payment network Partior on its Series A financing and fundraising round.
  • Advising Mizuho Securities Asia Limited on the MTN Programme update in 2022 of SBI Holdings, Inc.
  • Advised on Zodia Custody Limited's investment in a Japanese joint venture company that will operate a crypto custody business in Japan.

Lawyers

Leading associates: Bengoshi
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners: Bengoshi
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Yusuke Abe

Other key lawyers

Reiko Sakimura, Leng-Long Lai, Natsuko Sugihara, Eiichi Kanda, Chihiro Ashizawa, Hajime Saito, Michihiro Nishi