Known for his unwavering dedication, personable nature and comprehensive understanding of the financial services and venture capital landscape, Bryan provides invaluable counsel to his clients, driving their success in the evolving world of FinTech, virtual assets and venture capital. He effortlessly combines his deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape with an acute understanding of technology relevant to FinTech and blockchain. Bryan’s commitment to client success is evidenced by his ability to comprehend their drivers and objectives, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
Bryan is an experienced funds and financial services lawyer with in-depth expertise in the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. He has several years of in-depth expertise specialising in financial services and investment funds, focusing on FinTech, blockchain and cryptocurrency, including wallets, broking, investment or digital platforms, payments, Web3 technologies, NFTs, decentralized finance (DeFi), tokens, stablecoins and VASP regulation. Bryan has advised on the launch of a metaverse.
His comprehensive knowledge spans financial markets regulation, including licensing under the FMCA (Financial Markets Conduct Act), Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations and Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). Bryan also has expertise in establishing various types of investment products and services.
Bryan expertise encompasses a wide scope of corporate and commercial law including startups, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, investment products, property, retail MIS, investment funds and corporate structuring.
He acts for a diverse range of clients in New Zealand and internationally including, Web3 companies, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), start-ups, medium and large corporations and financial institutions.
Bryan has held various leadership roles that have helped to support the growth and institutionalisation of NZ’s blockchain industry including the ex-Chair of BlockchainNZ, a Council Member of the International Digital Asset Exchange Association (IDAXA) and an active member of the Payments NZ Forum. Bryan is currently on the BlockchainNZ Council.
Prior to joining Hamilton Locke New Zealand, Bryan worked for MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Lowndes Jordan, Anderson Creagh Lai and DLA Piper. Bryan was previously an in-house lawyer at NZX and was company secretary of the NZX Clearing House. He has an excellent understanding of NZX Listing Rules and the capital markets.
