DLA Piper expands Asia Fintech offering with new partner hire in Hong Kong

DLA Piper announces the appointment of Kristi Swartz as a partner in its Intellectual Property and Technology (IPT) practice, based in Hong Kong.

Kristi joins DLA Piper from Swartz, Binnersley & Associates, a boutique firm she established in 2018 to reach a niche market serving innovative fintech clients. Prior to this she was the Hong Kong Managing Partner of Bryan Cave for five years.

Originally a corporate finance lawyer, Kristi has focused on the fintech sector since 2010 and is now a regulatory and licensing expert for fintech businesses. She advises on a broad range of matters for technology and fintech clients, including structuring, licensing and corporate governance, as well as regulation and licensing requirements for digital assets, security and asset backed digital tokens, stablecoins, payments, developing equity crowdfunding platforms, robo advisory apps and the structuring, set-up and running of compliant crypto exchanges.

Commenting on the hire, Edward Chatterton, Co-Head of DLA Piper’s IPT practice in Asia, said: “We are excited to welcome Kristi to our IPT practice in Hong Kong, which has experienced rapid growth in the past few years. Kristi’s appointment expands our capabilities in Asia and will help us to continue driving growth in the practice, particularly in the fintech and TMT space.”

Global Co-Chair of DLA Piper's IPT group, Paul Allen, added: “Building on our existing fintech capabilities in Asia is a priority for us. This is a fast moving and specialised area, and I am confident in Kristi’s ability to help drive our strategy in this area. Her unique blend of experience enables us to enhance our client offering and meet the growing demands of our fintech and traditional financial services clients.”

Kristi is joined by her team of experienced fintech lawyers including Alan Lee and Winson Lau, and trainee Audrey Lo.