Clifford Chance

As part of our recent International Festival of Fintech Jake Bishop (Vanguard) and Raffi Teperdjian (Protocol Labs) joined global Clifford Chance experts to share insights on trends in fintech M&A and partnerships. The panellists also discussed some essential tech and intellectual property (IP) considerations for fintech deal-making, including evaluating critical tech and IP assets (with a specific focus on software), and related legal risks.

The session kicked off with an overview of fintech M&A trends, including insight into which areas we might be seeing some green shoots in and thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto-related M&A activity. The panellists also shared insights on the importance of IP due diligence in fintech transactions, as well as tips for fintechs on the proper management of software ownership, trademarks and patents. The speakers emphasised that IP does not just mean patents and unregistered trademarks and that it is very common for fintechs not to recognise that their software is by far their most valuable IP. The discussion underscored the legal complexities surrounding IP in fintech M&A transactions and collaborations.

Moving onto broader technology considerations, the panel also discussed the rise of open-source software and licencing in the blockchain ecosystem and the evolving landscape of AI and its implications on M&A activities within the fintech sector.

Speakers:

• Jake Bishop, Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property, Marketing and Communications Legal, Vanguard
• Raffi Teperdjian, Corporate Counsel, Protocol Labs
• Brian Harley, Counsel, Tech M&A Leader (APAC), Clifford Chance
• Violetta Kokolus, Partner, Clifford Chance
• Don McCombie, Partner, Clifford Chance