Praised for its ‘exceptional knowledge of the regulators’ agenda’, Ashurst is sought out by a range of major financial institutions and tech companies for advice that runs the regulatory gamut, assisting banks with regulatory change projects, the implementation of regulation such as MiCA, and the establishment of innovative investment funds platform, among other matters. Team leadership is split between five partners: Etay Katz’s regulatory prowess is reflected in his position as the private practice legal practitioner on the FCA’s Innovation Advisory Board. David Futter is singled out for his knowledge of data protection and privacy regulation. Bradley Rice enjoys a strong market reputation for his adroit handling of innovative payment infrastructure projects. Tara Waters is an expert in digital strategy. Corporate partner Jonathan Cohen completes the leadership team. Other key figures include Sidika Ulker, who is well versed in the application of payment services and e-money regulation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Ashurst has a distinct practical style which is a stand out among other firms – they care hugely about us. In addition, the team is aligned with us as client and it feels like a true partnership. Finally, they are very savvy and with exceptional knowledge of the regulators' agenda – known and trusted by the regulators.'
  • 'Etay has a rare cross-sectorial understanding of financial services business – he is a statesman in the regulatory space. He is a master of digital assets and has rare ability to fill regulatory void in a thoughtful and constructive way. Etay does far more than tell us what the law is; he tells us where it is likely to go and gives an actionable path forward to achieve our commercial goals. '
  • Honest about capability and deliver on time.’

Key clients

  • Banking Circle
  • Goldman Sachs
  • eToro Group
  • Nomura
  • Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)
  • Laser Digital
  • Ramp Swaps
  • Zenus Bank International Inc
  • British Business Bank plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Goldman Sachs on the development and launch of its proprietary, multi-asset class digital platform, GS DAP™, and the first transaction on the platform involving digital bonds issued by the European Investment Bank, where the primary cash settlement was effected via central bank digital cash tokens.
  • Assisted Fintech trading platform, eToro, with its multi-billion dollar floatation on the US stock market alongside external US counsel.
  • Advising the digital assets arm of Nomura, Laser Digital, on the establishment of its digital assets and cryptoasset investment funds platform.

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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Etay Katz, David Futter, Bradley Rice, Tara Waters, Jonathan Cohen

Other key lawyers

Daniel Franks, Jacob Gold, Chris Grey, Gavin Weir, Sidika Ulker