Cobalt counts a range of financial institutions and companies among its clients, ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Venture capital and financial regulation expert Kristel Raidla-Talur leads the team alongside Monika Koolmeister, who is ‘exemplary in her work, thorough and delivers output in a swift manner’. The group is well placed to handle financial regulatory matters because it has a great deal of experience in the sector and ‘advises on the regulator’s expectations and the standards the regulated entities in Estonia and the EU are to be abide by’.

Timo Kullerkupp and Karl Erik Esko lead the fintech team at RASK Attorneys-at-Law, which demonstrates a deep understanding of the technology sector in relation to both start-ups and financial institutions. Esko ‘has an excellent understanding of client requirements and how to formulate them into a contract‘ and is instrumental in the team’s work in blockchain technologies, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, a strength of the wider group. Kullerkupp is key in the group’s work on international tech-related transactions and is able to assist a range of clients in the financial services industry, from banks to cryptocurrency companies.

Sorainen is praised for its flexibility, operating as ‘an extension of an in-house team’. Kätlin Krisak is an experienced practitioner who assists clients with a variety of fintech and cryptocurrency-related mandates, running the team together with Jane Esepõld, who has extensive experience working with regulated industries and the financial services regulator. The group is popular among clients both in Estonia and overseas for blockchain and cryptocurrency matters, often working on large fintech projects involving the Estonian financial regulators. It is described as a ‘strong team with deep theoretical and practical knowledge'.

TGS Baltic is active in financial regulatory matters, especially innovative and new financial service-related matters, and counts crowdfunding platforms among its key clients. Practice head Kirsti Pent is highlighted for her strength in new technologies. Elina Varendi and Olger Kaelep are also key team members, and are regularly engaged in regulatory work, a strength of the broader group. The team adopts a multidisciplinary approach and is therefore able to advise on areas of law which are often connected to fintech matters such as IP and data protection.

Ellex‘s specialist fintech team supports venture capital funds, banks and financial institutions and those looking to invest in these areas. Practice group head Marko Kairjak is a go-to practitioner for financing transactions and regulatory matters. Senior associate Anneli Krunks is heavily involved in the team’s work and is especially proficient in digital assets and AML matters. Areas of interest for the group span from banking and crowdfunding to investment services.

Magnusson‘s growing fintech practice focuses in particular on regulatory and compliance work. In terms of sectors, the firm can often be found assisting clients in the fintech, healthtech, sustainability and climate, and online gambling industries. Leading the practice is Elvira Tulvik, who is involved in most of the group’s mandates, which include NFTs and blockchain-related matters. Senior associate Sille Eerik focuses her practice on data privacy and fintech.

At WIDEN, ‘the team of individuals stands out due to the exceptional expertise, dedication and client-centric approach’. These individuals include practice head Rauno Kinkar, who is proficient in the field of data protection and GDPR, copyright and fintech. The group is heavily involved in mandates relating to crypto, crowdfunding and NFT projects. At the associate level, Henri Ratnik has strong knowledge of developments in the fintech sector and often works on high-profile fintech projects.

Clients instructing Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co range from start-ups to major fintech companies and international financial institutions. Dmitri Zdobnõh, who often works on complex AML issues, oversees the group and is supported by senior associate Artjom Luik, an experienced fintech lawyer. Although the group offers clients a full service, areas of particular focus include blockchain and virtual currency issues, and matters related to competition law and financial services.