Blockchain and crypto expert to head up Hamilton Locke NZ's financial services practice

Fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency expert Bryan Ventura has been tapped to head up Hamilton Locke New Zealand’s financial services practice.

The new partner has spent years handling matters involving financial services and investment funds, particularly wallets, broking, platforms, payments, Web3 technologies, NFTs, decentralised finance (DeFi), tokens, stablecoins and VASP regulation. Ventura is also an expert in capital raising, M&A, investment products, venture capital, property, retail MIS and corporate structuring.

He is knowledgeable in financial markets regulation, such as Financial Markets Conduct Act licencing, Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism regulations and Financial Service Providers Register. He has also provided expert guidance in relation to the launch of different types of investment products and services, Hamilton Locke New Zealand said.

According to Hamilton Locke New Zealand country head Jeffrey Lai, Ventura’s specialist experience strengthens the firm’s offering to the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.

“With our colleagues in Hamilton Locke Australia, we are now able to provide financial services clients with a seamless trans-Tasman service”, Lai said.

Ventura will operate from Hamilton Locke New Zealand’s Auckland office. His appointment to the partnership is subject to the fulfilment of Law Society requirements.