Clients ranging from fintech start-ups to multinational technology providers turn to the ‘strong team’ at CMS for assistance with outsourcing, commercial contracts, growth finance and embedded finance. The unit is also well regarded for its extensive venture capital expertise, with the group equipped to act for investors and targets companies in rounds spanning friends and family to late-stage series fundings. The team is jointly chaired by Anthony Waller, a VC expert, and Ian Stevens, whose broad practice extends to assisting clearing banks with replatforming critical systems to the cloud. Charles Kerrigan is a key contact for projects in blockchain, digital assets, AI and automation. Complex private equity investments and growth capital mandates are part of Tom Jameson’s corporate focus. Louis Glass is noted for his work with Israeli-based VC clients. Daniel Gallagher is adept at advising on the technology and commercial aspects of fintech transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Fantastic support and responsiveness that belies its size.'

  • ‘I have worked with Tom Jameson for a number of years and he has maintained the same high standards throughout. He always makes himself available whenever needed and has been a huge support to my business.’

  • 'Strong team, quick responses, pointed feedback.'
  • 'Anthony Waller is exceptional.'
  • ‘Charles Kerrigan - genius, highly engaging, encyclopedic knowledge and boundless enthusiasm.’
  • ‘Charles Kerrigan is a real standout. He has a way of dealing with clients which is exceptionally professional yet approachable. It feels as if he understands the business better than some financial practitioners. Matt Nyman is also very strong.’

Key clients

  • Allica Bank
  • Zopa
  • Enviroconomy Limited
  • Fiinu
  • Fidel API
  • Sabre Payments
  • Payhawk
  • Wagestream
  • CapitalRise
  • Carmoola
  • Gaia Fertility
  • Clay Technologies
  • Playter
  • Outward VC
  • Timeline Holdings Ltd
  • Perenna
  • Keep Me Posted Ltd t/a Yurtle
  • Finverity Ltd
  • Vestra Ventures
  • Kennek Solutions Ltd
  • Global Currency Exchange Network Ltd
  • Pontoro
  • StumpUP
  • Stenn
  • Xvoucher
  • Yonder
  • GB Bank
  • Copper
  • Philip Goffin/Zilo
  • SweatCoin
  • Oaknorth
  • InvestEngine
  • Pokt Network
  • PayRic
  • Flagstone
  • Car credible
  • Penfold
  • FNZ
  • Apron
  • Barclays
  • NatWest
  • HSBC
  • RBS
  • Metro Bank
  • Clydesdale Bank
  • TSB
  • Santander
  • AIB
  • HSBC Innovation Bank (previously Silicon Valley Bank UK)
  • Uncapped
  • Moneyhub
  • FNZ
  • Legal & General
  • Coinbase
  • Klarna
  • ClearScore
  • Blenheim Chalcot
  • Anacap
  • Global Growth Capital
  • JP Morgan
  • Parmenion Capital Partners
  • Charles Taylor InsureTech
  • Pension Insurance Corporation
  • Hastings
  • Property Partner
  • Elfin
  • Wayhome
  • Goji
  • Envestors
  • Hazy
  • Arivu
  • ApprovalMax
  • Archax
  • ARM
  • Baselime
  • BitQuest
  • Buildacy
  • Cent Finance
  • Cerebreon
  • Circularr
  • Dashly
  • Deontic Data
  • Distributed Finance
  • Ethin
  • FundAdminChain
  • Globacap

Work highlights

  • Advised fintech company Flagstone on a £108m investment from US private equity firm Estancia Capital Partners.
  • Advised NatWest Group on its acquisition of a majority shareholding in Cushon, a workplace savings and pensions fintech. Cushon currently serves 500,000 members and has £1.7bn of assets under management.
  • Acted as Nuvei counsel outside of the United States. Our work included corporate, M&A, VC investment, commercial agreements, financial services regulating, employment, litigation, tax and other matters.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
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.

Ian Stevens, Anthony Waller

Other key lawyers

Charles Kerrigan, Tom Jameson, Louis Glass, John Finnemore, Emma Clark, Ruth Marken, Fiona Henderson, Matt Nyman, Daniel Gallagher