MBM Commercial boosts leadership team with hire of specialist fintech partner
MBM Commercial (“MBM”), an award-winning law firm with offices in London and Edinburgh, has boosted its partner numbers with the appointment of Stephen Hart in a new role – head of fintech and financial services. Stephen will provide specialist advice to fintechs, funds and investors.
“Fintech is attracting record levels of investment, up over 200% in 2021”, noted senior partner, Stuart Hendry. “Stephen is natural fit and a great addition to the leadership team to help support this growth.”
In 2021, the UK was second to only the US in terms of fintech investment, attracting over US$ 11bn. Scotland has become a hub for innovative fintech businesses to start and scale up their business – with a vibrant tech scene, strong financial services skills, and a supportive ecosystem. However, there is increasing pressure on the government to act swiftly to implement changes to the regulatory framework to ensure that the UK remains attractive to fintech businesses.
“MBM Commercial has a broad roster of fintech clients and investors who are constantly innovating and helping to drive the regulatory agenda going forward,” said Stephen. “The Kalifa Review made many recommendations in terms of changes to the regulatory framework, and as the government moves to implement policies that impact the sector it is vital that businesses can navigate complex regulation successfully. We’ve got imminent requirements for operational resilience due at the end of March 2022, so I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.”
Stephen joins MBM after six years with Medici Legal, a specialist fintech practice he founded. He has experience in authorisations, appointed representatives, change of control, crowdfunding, P2P, payment services, e-money, insurance distribution, operational resilience, and wind down planning.