With a strong reputation in fintech and financial services regulation, Allens advises on digital banking, cryptocurrency regulation, digital assets and large-scale compliance projects. The team also supports clients with AML/CTF obligations, licensing and digital transformation matters. Co-head Dominic Anderson has a focus on fintech transactions, including M&A, capital raisings and strategic partnerships. Simun Soljo works with banks, insurers, trustees and wealth managers on regulatory matters, while Kerensa Sneyd specialises in retail banking, advising on licensing, product distribution and compliance. Michelle Levy acts for banks, life insurers and superannuation funds on regulatory and prudential issues. David Rountree is known for his expertise in digital and crypto assets, with Valeska Bloch enhancing the firm’s broader regulatory practice.

Fintech, payments and digital assets are a central focus for Gilbert + Tobin’s financial services regulation team. The practice spans banking, credit, licensing, AML/CTF compliance, and product structuring across areas such as digital wallets, stored value facilities and embedded finance models. Richard Harris leads the disputes and investigations group, representing corporates and boards in regulatory investigations, enforcement proceedings and complex litigation. Peter Reeves advises on digital platforms, decentralised finance, DAOs and custody arrangements for digital assets. Silvana Wood brings expertise in APRA and ASIC regulation, including product design, distribution and compliance. Other noteworthy individuals include Elizabeth Avery, who handles merger clearances, competition litigation and investigations; Simon Burns, a name to note for fintech work; Rachel Walker, who joined from Dentons in January 2025; and Georgina Willcock, who advises on fintech offerings, credit regulation and AML/CTF obligations.

Regulatory and compliance issues in the financial services sector form a core part of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP’s practice, which also advises on issues involving anti-money laundering, digital assets, and financial crime. The group is under the joint leadership of Matthew Fitzgerald and Ante Golem. Contentious regulatory specialist Luke Hastings regularly advises global investment banks and domestic financial institutions on regulatory investigations and enforcement actions. Michael Vrisakis is noted for his deep expertise in financial services regulation, while Charlotte Henry and Andrew Eastwood also play key roles in this area. Kate Cahill is particularly recognised for her contentious regulatory work, with notable experience in AML/CTF issues, insurance pricing, and ESG matters. Alice Molan assists with the implementation of regulatory compliance frameworks. The practice also benefits from Maged Girgis’ experience with superannuation funds and life insurance clients, and Andrew Bradley’s focus on life insurance and wrap platforms.

Fintechs, banks, non-bank lenders, superannuation insurance funds and other financial institutions regularly turn to King & Wood Mallesons for its expertise in financial services regulation and digital assets. Mark McFarlane and Alexander Morris jointly lead the financial services regulation arm of the practice, with McFarlane advising on licensing and securities law, financial markets and exchange regulation, and the establishment of private equity funds, and Morris assisting with class actions and regulatory inquiries. Urszula McCormack is well-regarded for her work on blockchain and digital innovation matters, while Anthony Boogert focuses on M&A in the fintech sector, and Kate Jackson-Maynes takes the lead on digital payments matters. Dale Rayner brings expertise in cryptocurrency regulation and open banking reforms, while Max Allan specialises in financial market transactions, including structured products and derivatives. Also noted is Nathan Hodge, a key contact for superannuation, financial advice and funds management matters.

A&O Shearman advises on compliance with Australian regulators, including ASIC, APRA and the ACCC, often assisting major investment banks, financial services institutions, fintechs, insurance providers and superannuation funds with licensing, complex investigations and enforcement matters. The team also covers derivatives, payments regulation, as well as AML and KYC compliance. Practice head Jason Denisenko specialises in financial services licensing, as well as the marketing and distribution of financial products. Amy Middlebrook, who joined from Baker McKenzie in February 2025, is recognised for her work on financial services disputes, including class actions, and her experience engaging with key regulators. Maria Collett-Bevan focuses on managed funds, financial markets conduct and insurance law.

Spearheaded by Jonathan Gordon, the financial services regulation team at Ashurst advises global financial institutions and foreign providers on regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, financial sector M&A, and remediation programmes. The team also has deep expertise in the digital assets and fintech sectors, combining strong knowledge in regulatory, corporate, and digital economy matters. Gordon focuses on financial services and markets regulation, structured products, and transactional work. Corey McHattan stands out for his expertise in regulatory issues, investigations and enforcement control transactions in the financial sector, and Narelle Smythe is widely recognised for advising on compliance, investigations, enforcement, and M&A, including issues involving AML, fraud, bribery, and privacy. Hong-Viet Nguyen specialises in consumer credit and financial crime, while Hannah Glass advises on fintech, payments, blockchain, and regtech.

Baker McKenzie is known for its cross-border capability and expertise in financial services regulation, advising technology companies, financial institutions and emerging disruptors on complex, innovation-driven matters. The team regularly supports clients on digital finance, data protection, cybersecurity, blockchain and cryptocurrency mandates. Noted for his expertise in the fintech space, co-head Adrian Lawrence is regularly turned to by technology companies, financial institutions and early-stage disruptors. Fellow co-head Bill Fuggle is recognised for expertise in financial product structuring and regulatory law, with a special focus on fintech and blockchain. Trudi Procter focuses on regulatory compliance with an emphasis on payment systems and digital assets, while Shemira Jeevaratnam advises on fintech, corporate crime and financial services matters.

Clayton Utz is known for its expertise in financial services regulation and fintech matters, with recognised strength in regulatory compliance, investigations, enforcement and dispute resolution. Matthew Daley is regarded as an authority in financial services regulation, advising on licensing, governance, disclosure and compliance, while helping clients respond to digital disruption in the sector. Ross McInnes is experienced in regulatory investigations and financial services litigation, while David Gerber stands out for his specialist knowledge of the insurance industry. Steven Klimt is another name to note for financial services regulatory matters. Vanessa Pallone works with banks, superannuation funds and fund managers on governance, fiduciary duties, outsourcing, risk management and compliance.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth is known for its expertise in financial services and fintech regulation. The team advises on licensing, structuring, compliance, investigations and remediation, with particular focus on the Financial Accountability Regime, AML/CTF, breach reporting and DDO issues. It also works extensively in payments regulation, digital assets, blockchain, embedded finance and ESG in financial services. Fadi Khoury, head of the funds, financial services and financial sponsors groups, is recognised for his extensive financial services regulatory expertise. James North, a leading TMT lawyer, also plays a key role in advising major domestic banks, technology companies with financial products and a wide range of fintech players. Michael Chaaya advises commercial banks, fintech companies, superannuation funds and investment managers on navigating complex regulatory landscapes, while Steven Rice handles complex regulatory matters involving AUSTRAC, ATO, APRA and ASIC. Caroline Marshall, who joined the investigations and inquiries team as a partner from Allens in September 2024, and Lucinda Hill, who arrived from Ashurst in August 2024 with a strong focus on regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, are other key team members.

Norton Rose Fulbright is a go-to firm for regulatory and compliance matters in the fintech sector, including advice on cryptocurrency, payment systems and smart contracts. Co-head of the financial services practice in Australia, James Morris has significant experience in debt capital markets, structured finance and receivables financing, and provides regulatory and licensing advice to financial services clients. Ray Giblett, fellow co-head of the financial services group, jointly oversees the fintech practice with Peter Mulligan, who is particularly active in fintech transactions. Vittorio Casamento stands out for his expertise in the regulation of OTC derivatives, while Rajaee Rouhan focuses on regulatory inquiries, investigations and compliance. Helen Taylor is noted for her work on regulatory inquiries, remediation programmes and transformation projects in financial services. Shen Low assists commercial and investment banks on structuring and regulatory requirements, including licensing, consumer credit law and payment systems regulation.

Dentons stands out for its expertise in financial services regulation and fintech, advising established institutions and emerging providers on compliance, licensing and product governance matters. Co-head Elise Ivory advises major banks, private lenders and mortgage brokers on consumer and commercial credit regulation, compliance, distribution and licensing. Fellow co-Michelle Segaert supports financial services players on regulatory requirements, product compliance, reform and remediation programmes and AML/CTF and ESG issues. Yechiel Belfer is another key member of the team who advises domestic and international financial institutions and fintechs on a wide range of regulatory mandates, including licensing, compliance, AML, privacy and distribution arrangements for financial products and consumer credit. Rachel Walker departed in January 2025.

DLA Piper advises on transactional and regulatory matters across the financial services, payments fintech sectors. Samantha O’Brien, a name to note for major financial institutions and innovative fintech players, has extensive expertise in product regulation, design and distribution, as well as the sale and transfer of insurance and financial services businesses. She oversees the practice with Dylan Burke, who advises clients at all stages of the corporate life cycle, from early-stage start-ups to public companies. Jon Ireland heads the funds team, while Ann-Marie Coleman advises on regulatory reforms, licensing, product development and distribution models, as well as breach response and remediation programmes.

Hall & Wilcox is recognised for its financial services regulatory expertise, advising on both contentious and non-contentious matters under key regimes and before major regulators. The team is adept at representing clients in high-profile regulatory investigations and civil penalty proceedings, and is also well-versed in assisting clients applying for Australian financial services licences (AFSLs) and Australian credit licences. Harry New, who leads the financial services arm of the practice, is a recognised authority on financial services regulation, while John Bassilios takes the lead on fintech and blockchain work. Philip Hopley is noted for his expertise in providing financial services regulatory advice to the insurance sector, and Elliott Stumm specialises in fund management regulation.

Hamilton Locke’s funds and financial services team advises a diverse client base comprised of fintech, insurtech and blockchain businesses, as well as insurers, wealth managers, funds and credit providers. The team is led by Charmain Holmes, who works with brokers, insurers and insurtechs on the design and delivery of compliant insurance products. Jaime Lumsden is recognised for her expertise in financial services and consumer credit regulation, particularly in BNPL and digital asset products. Simon Carrodus advises wealth advisory businesses on all regulatory disputes, ASIC enforcement and cybersecurity matters. Erik Setio, head of the investment funds practice, is another name to note.

Johnson Winter Slattery is well placed to advise on a wide range of financial services regulatory mandates, assisting clients with both compliance and contentious issues. The team is highly experienced in AFSL applications, design and distribution obligations, licensing matters, derivative transaction reporting requirements, regulatory enforcement, and AML/CTF compliance issues. Leading the practice is Austin Bell, who has a strong track record in dealing with financial services regulators. Commercial litigation specialist Tom Jarvis complements the team with expertise in regulation, governance, risk and compliance.

Minter Ellison is adept at advising financial services institutions and an expanding client base of fintech companies in the payments and cryptocurrency segments on significant reforms and regulatory developments. It is also a trusted adviser on all aspects of internal governance and organisation, transactional matters, and contentious issues, including enforcement actions. Michael Lawson leads the financial services and funds business unit, advising fund managers, alternative investment managers, and financial institutions on fund formation and management, M&A, and financial services regulatory matters. Martin Wright is recognised for his expertise in the regulation and distribution of insurance, wealth management and financial planning services and products, while James Beaton focuses on commercial disputes and contentious compliance and regulatory issues.

Piper Alderman is recognised for its expertise in the fintech and financial services regulatory space, advising across payments, digital assets, lending, and wealthtech. The team provides advice on financial services regulation and compliance, commercial arrangements, securities enforcement, investigations and disputes. Shannon Adams leads the practice, where Andrea Beatty is a key name to note for advice on financial products, including fintech solutions, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding, payment systems, cryptocurrency and reward programmes. Steven Pettigrove focuses on financial services, fintech and digital assets, with experience in disputes, investigations, AML/CTF issues and sanctions.

Gadens Lawyers' fintech and financial services regulatory team advises financial institutions, financial service licensees, activist shareholders and corporate officers on complex commercial, compliance and regulatory matters. Its service offering also extends to payments, digital assets, emerging technologies and data privacy. The group is led by three practitioners: Kate Mills, who specialises in compliance and regulation of financial and debt markets, financial products and services; Caroline Ord, who focuses on funds management matters; and Sinead Lynch, who advises on technology and data regulation and digital assets. Daniel Maroske handles contentious regulatory disputes and investigations.

With a particular focus on the asset management and investment funds space, the practice at K&L Gates advises on the full spectrum of fund management matters, financial services regulation and fintech issues, covering payments, open banking, crypto and blockchain. The fintech arm of the group is under the leadership of Daniel Knight, who regularly advises fund managers, financial advisers, fintechs, superannuation trustees and regulated lenders on a broad range of regulatory and compliance matters. Jim Bulling has a particular focus on financial product disclosure issues, financial services compliance, fintech, payment systems, financial product distribution and superannuation and funds management matters. Matthew Watts advises global and domestic fund managers on investment management and financial services regulations, which are also areas of expertise for Lisa Lautier. Ravi Jayemanne focuses his practice on fund management, commercial matters and superannuation.

In addition to advising corporates on business establishment and regulation, compliance, M&A, restructuring and insolvency matters for financial services enterprises, the team at Maddocks also acts for superannuation funds, private clients and accounting firms in the management of compliance processes and investigations. The firm also has a strong practice assisting government departments, regulators and agencies on financial services matters. Gina Wilson, who heads up the dispute resolution team in Melbourne, is recognised for her capabilities in litigation, while Julian Smith, who takes the lead on corporate and commercial financial services work, assists clients with fund establishment and structuring matters. Mick Garner focuses on superannuation and funds management matters, and Greg Palumbo is highlighted for his expertise in blockchain and emerging financial technologies.