Technology is evolving the financial services industry. From fintech disruptors developing new platforms, products and services, to established domestic and multinational companies using technologies to change how they consume and deliver services to their customers.
We help our clients navigate the evolving digital economy and regulatory landscape and seize strategic opportunities in fintech. Clients rely on us for our creative problem-solving and for our practical, business-first approach. We have extensive experience advising on domestic and cross-border fintech deals, scaling fintechs, regulatory issues and other related matters.
A Team With Deep Bench Strength
With strong, multi-disciplinary expertise, our team advises fintech companies on financial regulation, securities, commercialization of IT (platforms, cloud, data management and AI), digital currencies (crypto and bitcoin—mining, staking and exchanges), intellectual property, data governance and privacy, tax, corporate commercial, corporate finance, private equity, M&A and asset tracing.
Our fintech group is backed by nearly 500 Bennett Jones lawyers and advisors across Canada, including those in private equity and capital markets, employment, corporate governance, litigation and dispute resolution.
Strategic Legal Guidance at All Stages
- Business first: Fintech can be complicated, with novel and evolving technology, changing business models, emerging regulatory landscapes and competitive threats. Clients cannot afford risk-averse or inexperienced counsel detached from business realities. We understand our clients' value proposition, business objectives and technical solutions—and we partner with our clients as an integrated, trusted advisor to get the deal done.
- Seeing opportunities from all angles: We work regularly with established and emerging fintechs, investors, financial institutions, government agencies, regulatory authorities and ancillary service providers. This breadth gives us a 360-degree perspective on the commercial and technical realities, risks and opportunities across fintech sectors and allows us to proactively advise our clients on what may lie ahead.
- Expertise for the entire life cycle: Our team assists at every stage of the business lifecycle—including innovating and developing business models, commercializing and scaling solutions, complying with (and anticipating) regulations, protecting intellectual property, attracting investment and raising capital, making acquisitions (and divestitures) and executing on exit strategies.
- Relationships with regulators and policy-makers: Bennett Jones has strong relationships with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), the Canadian Securities Administrators and other securities and financial institution regulatory authorities, broker/dealer authorities, stock exchanges and policy influencers such as the Department of Finance, Bank of Canada and industry groups. These relationships give us a broad understanding of the changing regulatory landscape, now and in the future, regionally, provincially, federally and internationally, to help attain compliance and mitigate regulatory risk.
Chambers Fintech Guide
"They move fast and understand the needs of tech companies. Great value for advice and very strong in advising on a new business set-up or novel legal frameworks that are evolving."
Our Clients
Bennett Jones' fintech client base is diverse. We give sound legal guidance to clients of all types, including, domestic and international fintech companies, digital asset and cryptocurrency startups, investment banks, private equity firms, fintech funds and financial institutions. We also advise law firms outside Canada when their clients need expertise on Canada's laws and regulations.
Fintech Companies
Whether you are an emerging or established fintech in Canada, a fintech that is looking to enter the Canadian market organically or by acquisition, a global technology company or a consumer of fintech products and services, our multi-disciplinary team can give you strategic legal guidance that helps you achieve your business objectives.
Law Firms Outside Canada
If you are a law firm with a client considering investing in, or buying or selling a Canadian fintech company, or setting up and scaling operations in Canada, Bennett Jones is your trusted advisor who can guide you through the legal landscape in Canada. Bennett Jones works with international law firms to advise their clients in the fintech industry on all aspects of establishing and commercializing their Canadian business operations.
Cryptocurrency Organizations
Our fintech team advises crypto and blockchain clients on legal matters of all types, including compliance and regulatory issues, raising finance, tax, setting up new digital currencies, tax matters and protecting intellectual property.
Investment Banks, Funds and Private Equity Firms
Our leading finance, funds and private equity practices, with broad experience and particular depth on the buy-side on behalf of U.S. and international sponsors, are key players in our fintech group. From fund formation, private equity financing and private credit, through to comprehensive transactional experience, we are equipped to represent all sides in fintech deals.
Financial Institutions
We advise domestic and foreign banks and lending institutions on a broad spectrum of legal and advisory services geared towards the changing needs and demands of the financial services industry—including the multitude of regulation that is relevant to them. In addition, we have close relationships with senior regulators, including the Department of Finance, OSFI, FINTRAC and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
Parties in Disputes
We offer extensive expertise in handling high-stakes Fintech disputes, including securities, class actions, intellectual property and fraud. We have successfully defended a leading cryptocurrency exchange in a novel class action and prosecuted one of the first crypto-asset recovery cases to go to trial. Our ongoing commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and policy changes ensures we effectively guide our clients through evolving challenges.
Our team provides strategic, results-oriented advice on a wide range of economic crimes. We investigate and stop asset misappropriation, trace and freeze assets, and pursue comprehensive recovery to achieve our clients’ goals. Our expertise includes defending class actions, litigating crypto-asset recovery cases, handling regulatory compliance, data breaches, smart contract disputes and protecting intellectual property rights. As co-founders of CFAAR and members of the International Fraud Group, we are deeply engaged in the global network of asset recovery professionals, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional client service.
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