Matthew Rodwell advises in relation to a broad range of regional payments, fintech, virtual asset and financial regulatory matters.

Matthew focuses his practice on:

  • Virtual Assets
  • Fintech
  • Financial services regulatory
  • Payments

Matthew’s experience** includes advising:

  • Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM), an Abu Dhabi-based regulator, on a new Foundations Regulatory Regime to facilitate the issuance of blockchain tokens
  • One of the World’s largest virtual asset exchanges in relation to its licensing by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
  • An S&P 100 online marketplace operator on an ongoing basis in relation to various Saudi Arabian and UAE law matters, including compliance with SAMA and the UAE Central Bank’s financial regulatory regimes
  • A well-known technology company in relation to launch of its payments business in Saudi Arabia and partnering with licensed financial institution
  • A top-four international virtual asset exchange in relation to its licensing in ADGM by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority
  • One the UAE’s largest banks in relation to various matters, including the carve-out of its payments business into a standalone wholly owned subsidiary, the establishment of a first of its kind payment card incentive scheme and, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Finance, development of a next generation government fees card scheme*
  • A Singapore-headquartered global investment firm in relation to the UAE’s cryptocurrency regulatory regime
  • Various global payment companies and card-schemes on the application of payment regulations to their business in the UAE and providing support and guidance on the process for obtaining a payments license
  • One of the region’s largest Buy No Pay Later (BNPL) providers in relation to its operation, expansion and licensing in the Middle East Region
  • A Chinese-headquartered e-wallet provider in relation to its operations in the UAE
  • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in relation to its licensing by the Central Bank of Kuwait and launch of operations in the State
  • A Central Bank in relation to implementation of the Basel III Accord*
  • A Chinese-headquartered payment services provider in relation to launch of operations in the GCC*
  • Link Marketing on regulatory matters in relation to the US$1.5 billion million acquisition of Capita Asset Services from Capita plc*
  • Kuwait Finance House on the reorganization of its investment banking and asset management divisions and related corporate and financial regulatory matters*
  • One of the largest banks in the UAE on development of a first-of-its kind payment card incentive scheme
  • A payment services provider subsidiary of a major international bank in relation to launch of operations in the GCC*

*Matter handled prior to joining the firm the firm 

Bar Qualification

  • England and Wales (Solicitor)

Education

  • LL.M., University College London
  • LL.B, University of Essex
Badges and Logos_Law360_Fintech Group of the Year_2024
February 20, 2025 Recognition

Fintech Group of the Year: Latham

Firm honored by Law360 for advising startups, financial institutions, VCs, digital asset and Web3 participants, and corporations on their most innovative and complex transactions, investigations, litigation, and regulatory matters.