Latham & Watkins

Client Satisfaction

Praised for its ‘extensive knowledge of the UK and EU regulatory markets’, Latham & Watkins is active across the fintech ecosystem, encompassing expertise in digital assets, digital platforms, digital payments, and Web3. Stuart Davis heads up the team and is lauded for his ’unparalleled knowledge of the payments space and inner workings of the regulators’. He excels in guiding fintechs through the UK and global regulatory environment. Gabriel Lakeman, who became a partner in January 2024, is highlighted for his knowledge of super-apps and innovative securities platforms, including MiFID II and AIFMD. Sam Maxson has a notable focus on digital assets and frequently assists disruptive startups and established entities looking to expand their offerings with compliance and market positioning. Brett Carr is regularly mandated to assist fintechs with domestic and cross-border expansion.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Excellent knowledge of the law and the technology.’
‘We have utilised the services of many firms in the fintech space and we keep coming back because of their extensive knowledge of the UK & EU regulatory markets and their ability to understand our business needs and underlying technology.’
‘Brett Carr and Stuart Davis are outstanding individuals, always approachable, and they act with full professionalism and dedication. Their knowledge of the payments space and inner workings of the regulators is unparalleled. They are truly the gold standard.’
‘The UK team has been an incredibly valuable partner to us as we navigate the next era of European fintech regulations for virtual/digital assets. They make themselves available when needed and nearly always deliver very strong, robust guidance on various highly challenging and complex issues fraught with potential risk and complicated trad-eoffs.’
‘Stuart Davis, Sam Maxson and Gabriel Lakeman have been standouts in terms of consistently delivering trustworthy, thoughtful advice on especially difficult legal questions at the intersection of law and finance’.
‘Simply the best team around. Fantastically collaborative, responsive, pragmatic and client-friendly. Provide a uniquely high-quality service across the UK/EU and US on the fintech side.’
‘Stuart Davis is quite simply the best in the business. Combines technical excellence with excellent industry knowledge and commercial awareness. The epitome of a trusted adviser.'
'Sam Maxson is great to work with. Quick, responsive, accurate advice. Very client-friendly.’

Work highlights

Advising FIS and Worldpay on the regulatory aspects of GTCR’s acquisition of a majority stake in Worldpay, a leading global provider of payment processing solutions, from FIS.
Advising Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre, on crafting regulations for Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Foundations.
Advising Portofino Technologies UK Limited on its successful application to the FCA for registration as a cryptoasset exchange provider under the UK Money Laundering Regulations.