Financial Institutions

The financial sector has shown great resilience coming through the Covid-19 pandemic in good state, but financial markets now face increased volatility and uncertainty in light of rising inflation, interest rates and geopolitical risk. Moreover, more lightly regulated non-bank financial intermediaries continue to increase their share of credit markets and equity investments. The pandemic boosted the adoption of new technologies and the move to a carbon neutral economy. Against this backdrop, successful market participants are embracing new technologies that bring novel business models, products and services to the market, as well as responding to the challenges and risks they pose, such as over consumer protection and cybersecurity. Similarly, the sector has a key role in addressing environmental, social and governmental concerns, where there is the potential to benefit from the opportunities sustainable finance brings, while minimizing risks, such as greenwashing.

We provide financial institutions with sector-specific, pragmatic advice on licensing and supervisory regulation, fintech including cryptoassets, tax structuring, M&A and joint ventures, intellectual property protection, technology, outsourcing, real estate portfolio management, global and local employment, pensions, compliance and investigations, financial crime and dispute resolution. Our deep roots in all major financial centers and extensive coverage of other markets in Asia, EMEA and the Americas enable us to provide a global, integrated and cost-effective service.

For more episodes, please visit FInsight: Global Financial Institutions Industry Podcast

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Episode 27: Fintech in South Africa and the Sub-Saharan African Region

The growth of the African fintech ecosystem is driven by the creation of value through solving real problems within large user markets, not just the availability of capital. In this episode of FInsight, Ashlin Perumall, a partner from our Corporate and M&A practice in Johannesburg, and Sarah Williams, an associate from our financial services practice in London, discuss the fintech landscape in South Africa and other key markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. They take a closer look at investment drivers and opportunities, current and emerging market segments, and key commercial and regulatory developments affecting the fintech ecosystem in the region.

Episode 26: UK Fintech Week 2022: State of the Fintech Nation

In this episode of FInsight, London partners Sue McLean, Mark Simpson, and David Hart talk about UK Fintech Week 2022. They cover the biggest trends and developments around Fintech in the UK, with special focus on the expected topics throughout the event. The episode takes a closer look at the investment landscape (including the UK's position as a fintech hub, active investors and top sub-sectors) and the current and expected regulatory developments that fintech players need to watch out for.

Episode 25: Sovereigns Series - Compliance in a Changing Landscape

In this episode of FInsight and part of the on-going Sovereigns Series: Worlds in Motion, Pete Chapman and Lucy Shawdon from our Compliance and Investigations team in London take a look at compliance in a changing landscape, specifically in the context of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). The episode goes through current developments, emerging trends, risks, and other important items that sovereign wealth funds need to consider, as we move to the post-pandemic economy. It also covers topics around due diligence and risk management, focusing on geographic, sectoral, litigation, reputational and regulatory risks.

Episode 24: The Year Ahead: Financial Institutions Trends in the Global Disputes Landscape

Baker McKenzie's fifth annual report, The Year Ahead: Global Disputes Forecast 2022, addresses key trends in the evolving disputes landscape. The report includes a new survey of 600 senior legal and risk leaders from large companies across the world.

Amy Greer, a partner from our New York office and co-chair of our North America Financial Regulation and Enforcement practice, and Marc Thorley, a partner from our Dispute Resolution practice in London, talk about the key findings relevant for financial institutions. The episode examines the factors driving the increase in disputes and emerging concerns related to liabilities. It also covers litigation around digital transformation, tax, 'business-as-usual' conduct, and new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.