Fintech Focus

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

From Skadden, Fintech Focus is a podcast exploring the latest global legal and regulatory issues in the fintech space, from dealmaking and finance trends, to advancements in AI and digital currencies, to the implications of regulatory and enforcement priorities. Whether you’re an investor, CEO or in-house counsel, we’ll help you get up to speed quickly on developments impacting the fintech industry. If you’re enjoying Fintech Focus, be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss any future episodes. Additional information about Skadden can be found at Skadden.com. Disclaimer Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.

  1. 2월 12일

    Stablecoins Regulatory Developments and Industry Perspectives

    The U.K. has been “slow to the races” on stablecoins, “but that has its advantages,” observes Perry Scott, senior policy and government affairs manager at digital asset platform Kraken and chair of the UK Cryptoasset Business Council. “It's allowed us to take a look at the market as it's evolved.” Perry joins “Fintech Focus” host Joe Kamyar to explore the evolving stablecoins market, including the transition from FCA regulation to the Bank of England. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joe Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joe Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Perry Scott What he does: Perry Scott is senior policy and government affairs manager at Kraken and chair of the UK Cryptoasset Business Council (UKCBC). Organization: Kraken Words of wisdom: “I think the U.K. does have a recognition we need to be at the table with the stablecoins, and we need to have a regime that's competitive, that ensures the continued prominence of GBP on the world stage. And it's just about getting those details right now.” Connect: LinkedIn Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.

    16분
  2. 2025. 12. 16.

    Navigating Growth and Regulation: Lessons From Fintech Leadership

    “Cash, compliance and customers.” Welcome to the three risks that keep Pippa Hammond up at night. Pippa, general counsel and COO of a U.K. fintech unicorn, explains how this “powerful trio” is often connected and “so hard to win and so easy to lose.” Tune in to this conversation with host Joseph Kamyar for insights into high-growth fintechs, examining how to balance compliance with innovation and why the "move fast and break things" mentality needs refinement in regulated sectors. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Pippa Hammond What she does: Pippa started her career as an incentives lawyer and has since worked at a series of fintechs, both as general counsel and COO. Organization: Paddle Words of wisdom: "The most successful teams I've worked with are the ones where people trust each other, they're comfortable to question, they bring different perspectives, different expertise. It's a huge opportunity to collaborate. And I personally believe I've got to where I am today by being happy to say, 'I don't know. Tell me.'" Connect: LinkedIn Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.

    18분
  3. 2025. 04. 03.

    Responding to a Cyber Attack – Key Considerations for GCs and CISOs

    With many fintechs taking the approach that it’s not if they will suffer a cyber attack but when, Skadden counsel Nicola Kerr-Shaw joins the latest “Fintech Focus episode to discuss how proper preparation can help significantly reduce regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, reputational impact and risk of resultant litigation. A member of the firm’s global Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Practice, Nicola covers notification messaging, regulatory expectations and ransom payment considerations in this discussion with host Joseph Kamyar. “Preparation is key, and even more so for fintechs, given the regulatory environment and personal liability under the SMCR,” she observes. 🗝️ Key Points 🗝️ Top takeaways from this episode  “Big Bang Effect”: Sometimes, a cyber attack is announced in a dramatic “big bang” – screens going dark, an image alerting you to the attack. Other times, it can be subtle, with certain systems suddenly unavailable for no apparent reason.Notifying Stakeholders: Nicola encourages fintechs to have a well-coordinated and well-considered communication strategy that guides response and addresses regulatory requirements.Communicating With Staff: Leaders should be prepared to give staff messaging that includes the basics of the event and reminds them not to post to social media. Do You Pay? Different laws apply to different jurisdictions, so a company that finds itself a victim of a ransom attack needs to carefully navigate the legal landscape. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Nicola Kerr-Shaw What she does: Counsel Nicola Kerr-Shaw, a key member of Skadden’s global Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Practice and an authority on AI-related issues, represents financial institutions, technology companies and other businesses in matters pertaining to AI, cybersecurity, data and privacy, and emerging technologies. She works with companies to creatively and effectively help them achieve their commercial goals. Organization: Skadden Words of wisdom: “A point to remember for the fintech world is that notification is around enabling individuals to protect themselves. So, [when] things like identity documents, payment mechanisms have been impacted, swift notifications might be key. That being said, though, there is

    17분
  4. 2025. 03. 04.

    Crypto 2.0: What’s Next in the US?

    Alex Drylewski, co-head of Skadden's Web3 and Digital Assets Group, discusses the significant shift in U.S. crypto policy under the Trump administration with host Joseph Kamyar. Alex highlights recent regulatory developments, including the executive order on "Strengthening American Leadership and Digital Financial Technology" and the SEC's formation of a new crypto task force. He shares insight into how these changes signal a pro-innovation environment for crypto builders while still emphasizing fraud prevention. Alex predicts that 2025 will bring increased institutional engagement by non-crypto native players, comprehensive legislation and continued private litigation as the industry seeks the regulatory clarity it has long desired. 🗝️ Key Points 🗝️ Top takeaways from this episode  Policy Shift: The Trump administration's executive order marks a philosophical change from the previous executive order and emphasizes protection and promotion of innovation, regulatory clarity and technology access rather than focusing on perceived risks.SEC Reforms: The SEC has established a crypto task force dedicated to developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, with a focus on drawing clear regulatory lines and Institutional Momentum: Traditional financial institutions are expected to increase engagement with crypto assets following the rescinding of SAB 121, which will allow financial institutions to now hold crypto assets on behalf of their customers without incurring the balance sheet and capital impacts. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Alex Drylewski What he does: Alex Drylewski focuses on high-stakes complex commercial litigation around the world. He has represented companies and individuals across a wide range of industries and disputes, including high-profile litigation involving emerging technologies, government investigations, securities class actions, trials and appeals.  Organization: Skadden Words of wisdom: “While this order leaves a lot of questions and details unanswered at the moment, it's generally been viewed as a very positive first step in fostering a more innovative pro-crypto environment for digital asset and blockchain-related builders in the...

    17분
  5. 2024. 12. 11.

    Navigating IT and Security Risks in Fintechs in Light of Impending DORA Deadline

    With regulators increasingly scrutinizing IT and security risks for fintechs, host Joseph Kamyar invites Skadden colleague Susanne Werry for a discussion about the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which becomes effective next month.  The act is expected to compel financial entities and relevant technology providers to reexamine  existing contracts, policies, procedures and governance arrangements. Susanne, Frankfurt-based counsel in the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy and Artificial Intelligence Groups, offers important takeaways as 2025 draws near. While some companies are well on the way to DORA compliance, she notes, others are in the early stages. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Susanne Werry What she does: Susanne Werry has extensive experience advising international and domestic clients on issues relating to cybersecurity, data privacy and artificial intelligence. Her work includes counseling multinational clients on strategic projects, crisis management, regulatory compliance and M&A transactions. Organization: Skadden Words of wisdom: “Some clients and lots of third-party providers in the markets are drawing up their DORA supplements to their contracts to address the stringent requirements and also to provide their customers with DORA packages, including information that the financial entities will request as part of their own extensive due diligence applications.” Connect: LinkedIn | Email Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps,...

    18분
  6. 2024. 11. 21.

    Reconciling AI With Fair Lending and Consumer Protection

    When it comes to AI in the consumer financial services context, U.S. laws lag somewhat behind the technology. But as Darren Welch explains in this edition of “Fintech Focus,” regulators are indeed targeting AI.  Skadden consumer financial services partner, Darren Welch joins host Joseph Kamyar in this episode of “Fintech Focus” for a discussion on AI in the fintech sector, specifically fair lending and consumer protection. Darren breaks down how regulators enforce transparency in lending decisions and how lenders can mitigate risk. He notes: “We’ve worked with a lot of clients on helping them set up their fair lending testing protocols and responding to regulatory inquiries about fair lending testing.” 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Darren Welch What he does: A consumer financial services partner in Washington, D.C., Darren Welch advises a broad range of companies and individuals in regulatory investigations, enforcement proceedings and examinations, as well as in civil litigation on all types of consumer financial services issues. Organization: Skadden Words of wisdom: “In September of 2023, the bureau issued a circular focused specifically on credit denials by lenders using AI. And that circular reminds creditors that they must provide accurate and specific reasons to consumers indicating why their loan applications were denied, including in circumstances where the creditor uses one of these AI models.” Connect: LinkedIn Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Fintech Focus is a podcast by a href="https://www.skadden.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    14분
  7. 2024. 10. 22.

    Sanctions Compliance: Regulators Set Their Sights on Fintechs

    U.K. regulators, as well as regulators worldwide,  are taking a tough line on corporate crime.To guide fintechs on the current landscape, Jonathan Benson joins the latest episode of “Fintech Focus” to discuss trends and developments that we’re seeing for fintechs regarding sanctions compliance.  Tune in to this conversation led by host Joseph Kamyar as they discuss recent cases and offer takeaways for fintechs that find themselves navigating several regulatory bodies, multiple jurisdictions and evolving regulatory priorities. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate, Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Jonathan Benson    What he does: Based in London, Jonathan Benson is a counsel in Skadden’s White Collar Defense and Investigations Group. He has extensive experience advising on complex sanctions, national security, business compliance and trade-related matters. Organization: Skadden Words of wisdom: “Fintechs should also be alive to the new U.K. failure to prevent fraud defense, which we’re expecting to come into force early next year.” Connect: LinkedIn | Email Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.

    15분
  8. 2024. 10. 01.

    The UK Fintech Investment Landscape

    Host Joseph Kamyar is joined for this episode of “Fintech Focus” by Susanne Chishti, founder of FINTECH Circle, for a look at the U.K. fintech investment landscape, in particular investment levels and trends and how they’re shaping deal terms in the U.K. They also look at the various fintech verticals and their increased use of AI, among other industry topics. 💡 Meet Your Host 💡Name: Joseph Kamyar Title: European Counsel, Corporate at Skadden Specialty: “Fintech Focus” host and European counsel Joseph Kamyar advises on a wide variety of corporate transactions, including cross-border private mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings, joint ventures, corporate reorganizations and general corporate matters, with a particular focus on the financial services, technology and media sectors. Connect: LinkedIn | Email 💡 Featured Guest 💡Name: Susanne Chishti What she does: Susanne Chishti is the founder and chair of FINTECH Circle and a FTSE board member. As investor and editor of The FINTECH book series, she is a non-executive director of CMC Markets PLC and Crown Agents Bank. Organization: FINTECH Circle Words of wisdom: “I say, if you’re an entrepreneur and you want to maximize the capital and the valuation for your fintech company, it is important to have multiple fintech investors aiming to get in, because then you can ensure that you’ve got strong competition, which drives up the valuation, gives you better terms, and also allows you to not be being caught in a late-stage due diligence.” Connect: LinkedIn  Connect with Skadden☑️ Follow us on X and LinkedIn. ☑️ Subscribe to Fintech Focus on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.

    18분

소개

From Skadden, Fintech Focus is a podcast exploring the latest global legal and regulatory issues in the fintech space, from dealmaking and finance trends, to advancements in AI and digital currencies, to the implications of regulatory and enforcement priorities. Whether you’re an investor, CEO or in-house counsel, we’ll help you get up to speed quickly on developments impacting the fintech industry. If you’re enjoying Fintech Focus, be sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss any future episodes. Additional information about Skadden can be found at Skadden.com. Disclaimer Fintech Focus is a podcast by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Affiliates. This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed as legal advice. This podcast is considered advertising under applicable state laws.