FinTech
Our FinTech practice is ranked Band 1 in Chambers FinTech 2021
Kennedy Van der Laan's FinTech practice is widely considered as a legal pioneer: we were FinTech lawyers before the term existed. This comes naturally as technology and innovation is in our firm's DNA.
Our mandates are sophisticated and diverse and often comprise payment services, data protection, (cloud)sourcing, blockchain, cyber security, open banking, AI and cryptocurrencies. Promising start-ups, thriving scale-ups, online platforms and established financial institutions all appear on our client list.
Several areas of expertise have joined forces in our FinTech team, including Regulatory, IT, Corporate, Data Protection and Competition specialists. This combination of experts makes us a fully-fledged sparring partner in the field of FinTech related issues.
We also have an international network of outstanding independent law firms which enables us to operate globally from our offices in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.
Market recognition
Chambers Fintech 2021 - Fintech Legal - Band 1
What the team is known for
Kennedy Van der Laan is an independent Dutch law firm with offices in Amsterdam and Eindhoven. It has market-leading practices in the areas of technology contracting, data protection and financial services regulation. With one of the largest dedicated FinTech teams in the Netherlands, the firm is able to assist large financial institutions alongside a suite of scale-up FinTechs. In addition, Kennedy Van der Laan has a portfolio of LegalTech solutions available to clients.
Strengths
"The firm has a good mix of financial regulatory strength and an outstanding technology practice."
"Kennedy Van der Laan has specialists for several legal fields - it's a one-stop shop for our legal challenges in complex situations. It's also an approachable and down-to-earth law firm. There's a core team there that's been at the firm for a long time."
Work highlights
Assisted a bank in a range of matters, including in relation to licence applications, wallets and payments-based lending products.
Notable practitioners
Joris van Horzen heads the FinTech team and specialises in payments, alternative lending and the regulatory elements relevant to IT contracting in the FinTech space. An interviewee describes him as "one of the few guys in the Netherlands who really does financial regulatory work in this space." A market insider says: "Joris has a very straightforward style of communication, is an expert in his field and is a pleasure to work with." "He's got great payments expertise," highlights one peer.
Chambers Fintech 2020 - Fintech Legal - Band 1
What the team is known for
With one of the largest dedicated FinTech teams in the Netherlands, the firm is able to assist large financial institutions alongside a suite of scaleup FinTechs. In addition, Kennedy Van der Laan has a portfolio of LegalTech solutions it can offer to clients.
Strengths
"We operate in a highly delicate regulatory environment due to issues from banks and our competitors. Kennedy Van der Laan is able to help us with the most difficult matters in this regard."
"It's a full-service firm. They have spent a lot of effort in understanding blockchain, especially regarding new issues coming up. They're really well known for blockchain solutions, for robo-advising and for AI matters."
Work highlights
Advised several large online booking agents, on the implications of PSD2 and the scope of the Interchange Fee Regulation.
Notable practitioners
Joris van Horzen heads the FinTech team and specialises in payments, alternative lending and the regulatory elements relevant to IT contracting in the FinTech space. An interviewee describes him as "one of the pioneers in this context, I think. A real FinTech lawyer." Another market insider says: "Joris is really a good guy with a great sense of humour. I love the laid-back approach."
