Arthur Cox’s comprehensive fintech offering covers a wide breadth of matters, from enforcement investigations by the Central Bank of Ireland to crypto securities. Financial regulatory work is also among its many strengths, with the team boasting extensive experience advising top financial institutions and fintech companies on rules related to payments, operational resilience, and outsourcing. At the helm of the financial regulation team is Robert Cain  and Sarah Thompson, who are experts in the regulatory aspects of financial services M&A. Assisting them is the 'invaluable' technology lawyer Ian Duffy, who is well versed in digital transformation and specialises in the interface between technology, outsourcing, and financial regulation.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP houses a diverse fintech practice, covering the full spectrum of mandates, including e-wallet operations, financial regulation, data protection, and DORA implementation plans. Major technology companies rely on the firm for its expertise in payments, insurtech, outsourcing, and privacy, and leading fintechs also benefit from the firm’s strength in AI. Equally, the firm stands out for assisting clients with market entrance into Ireland and Europe, as well as more recently assisting with fintech enforcement actions by the Central Bank. Insurtech matters fall within the purview of co-head Liam Flynn, while co-head Rowena Fitzgerald is ‘consistently excellent’ with fintech regulatory issues. Sarah Cloonan also comes highly recommended.

Matheson LLP has carved out a niche in virtual assets, offering its diverse roster of clients, including major international fintechs, strong capabilities in complex regulatory work. The firm also regularly advises on the authorisation of e-money institutions and is experienced in handling outsourcing projects for its clientele of leading financial service institutions. Heading up the ‘market leading payments practice’ is technology and innovation group lead Anne-Marie Bohan in Dublin, who assists clients with global and European technology and outsourcing projects. Leading alongside her is Joe Beashel in London, a recognised expert in Irish payments law with an excellent pulse on licensing advice relating to the Central Bank of Ireland.

McCann FitzGerald LLP's fintech practice stands out for its breadth of expertise, including the implementation of projects, regulatory work, mergers, liquidation, fundraising, contactless payments, the regulation of crypto assets and the structuring of businesses. The team is particularly reputed for advising financial services clients on compliance with licensing requirements and Ireland’s regulation of digital assets, with practice head Josh Hogan excelling in this area. Hogan is noted for assisting clients with expansions into Ireland and is supported by Doug McMahon, known for his data protection expertise, and Adam Finlay who is recognised for drafting and negotiating key software and outsourcing agreements.

 

William Fry LLP's robust multidisciplinary practice spans the full gamut of sophisticated financial regulatory, contractual, and data privacy mandates. Its diverse clientele stretches from global fintechs and technology multinationals to leading start-ups, and the team regularly advises e-money institutions and virtual asset and crowdfunding service providers on the procurement of new technology and the launch of new products. Jointly heading up the team is Shane Kelleher, an expert in financial regulation, and John O’Connor, a ‘standout’ in technology projects relating to AI, machine learning, and blockchain. Other highlighted members are Louise McNabola for her regulatory authorisation work and Máire O’Neill for fintech M&A transactions.

A key area of strength for A&L Goodbody LLP is advising start-ups and major fintech companies on payments and e-money matters. Fintech clients also benefit from the team’s expertise in regulatory issues related to registering a company, restructuring, data processing, and DORA. Leading the team is Patrick Brandt in Dublin, who has expertise in both non-contentious and contentious regulatory issues, and Belfast-based Christopher Jessup, who focuses on the corporate, securities, and financing needs of fintech firms and investors. Kevin Allen retired as a partner in April 2024 and Aideen Burke joined the firm in November 2023.

LK Shields Solicitors LLP and Byrne Wallace LLP merged at the beginning of 2025 to form Byrne Wallace Shields, which is adept with both regulatory and transactional matters, frequently advising on a broad range of matters, including blockchain, acquisitions of fintech targets, and authorisations. The team lead is David Naughton, who is experienced at structuring funds and negotiating seed investments for fund clients in the fintech space. Narita Woods and Mina Dawood are also stand out members, focusing on regulatory work.

Core to Dillon Eustace's fintech practice is advising on the regulatory authorisation of clients in the payments, e-money, crypto-assets, and insurtech sectors. The team is well-regarded for its capabilities in assisting international clients with the relocation and establishment of entities, as well as the registration of companies. Collaboration with banking, payments, insurance, and investment fund lawyers in the wider firm bolsters the practice, which is led by Keith Waine.

Maples Group's fintech practice combines the firm’s capabilities in corporate, private equity, and venture capital to advise emerging companies and e-money and payment institutions on matters spanning authorisations, equity structuring, and data protection. The firm is best known for handling funding rounds, which practice head Colm Rafferty specialises in; he is ably supported by Jordan O’Brien. Other integral members of the team are regulatory specialists Stephen Carty and Lorna Smith, and Claire Morrissey, who assists with sourcing projects and data protection compliance.

Walkers offers its clientele expertise in business structuring, crypto investment and transfer, AML and outsourcing. The firm regularly advises payments and crypto-asset service providers, handling a wide breadth of regulatory matters. Overseeing the team is the ‘superb’ Niall Esler, who specialises in both Irish and EU financial services regulation and is supported by key practitioner Shane Martin.