- Global lawyer to a global B2B payments fintech company on matters including its sale from public to private ownership, the launch of new payments and credit offerings, and the sale of its European tolls business.
- Advised an American multinational fintech company operating an online payments system on its acquisition of a crypto asset business.
- Advised multiple clients, including fintech businesses, on regulatory permission applications with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in respect to crypto assets and “buy now, pay later” permissions.
- Advised an international financial center on its establishment of a payments regulatory framework.
- Advised on the £14 billion sale of a British bank’s “bad bank” assets to a U.S.-based private equity house.
- Advised on a British multinational universal bank and financial services holding company’s recovery, resolution planning, and ring-fencing projects.
- Advised on IPOs in the online payments, online banking, and small business loans sectors.
Partner,
- Phone: +44 20 8161 4381
- Email: jonathan.garforth@alston.com
Fintech and banking clients rely on Jonathan to be their quarterback attorney. From fintech startups looking for that first down to mature institutions finding themselves third and long on a highly strategic matter, Jonathan draws on his unique experience in consumer finance, payments, and digital assets to get his clients over the line.
Jonathan Garforth established his career working with some of the world’s leading financial regulatory practitioners, initially at a top Australian firm before joining the Magic Circle in 2010.
Before fintech was coined as a buzzword term, Jonathan was following his passion for financial innovation, pivoting away from traditional high street bank regulatory work to focus on fintech clients and their disruptive business models.
His fintech clients include digital payments and credit providers, P2P platforms, digital assets businesses, and others whose products harness blockchain technology and AI. He continues to advise banks and investors like private equity and venture capital firms on fintech and consumer finance deals.
His clients are international, with clients – particularly those from North America and Australia – turning to Jonathan for strategic advice on new product launches, regulatory change projects, M&A, and corporate finance transactions in the UK and Europe. Jonathan works closely with his market-leading fintech team colleagues to serve his clients’ needs more broadly throughout the U.S.
Beyond financial regulation, Jonathan’s become a trusted advisor to his clients who rely on him to navigate broader matters such as employment, IP, data protection, and tax, as well as regulatory breaches. He is recognized by Chambers UK for Financial Services: Payments Law and by Who’s Who Legal in the Fintech & Blockchain category.
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Webinar April 8, 2025Alston & Bird CLE Training Program: Voice of the ClientAlston & Bird will host a panel, moderated by Jonathan Garforth, exploring different perspectives on client needs, expectations, and industry trends to improve relationships and services.Webinar April 8, 2025Alston & Bird CLE Training Program: Voice of the ClientAlston & Bird will host a panel, moderated by Jonathan Garforth, exploring different perspectives on client needs, expectations, and industry trends to improve relationships and services.
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Press Release October 17, 2024Alston & Bird Expands Rankings in Chambers UK 2025Alston & Bird has significantly increased its rankings in the 2025 edition of Chambers UK, with two practices and six lawyers recognized for their excellence.Press Release October 17, 2024Alston & Bird Expands Rankings in Chambers UK 2025Alston & Bird has significantly increased its rankings in the 2025 edition of Chambers UK, with two practices and six lawyers recognized for their excellence.
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Advisories October 2, 2024Financial Services Advisory: The UK Introduces a New Reimbursement and Compliance Monitoring Regime for Authorised Push Payment ScamsOur UK Financial Services Group examine the UK’s new mandatory reimbursement rules that will require payment service providers (PSPs) to reimburse victims of scam transactions.Advisories October 2, 2024Financial Services Advisory: The UK Introduces a New Reimbursement and Compliance Monitoring Regime for Authorised Push Payment ScamsOur UK Financial Services Group examine the UK’s new mandatory reimbursement rules that will require payment service providers (PSPs) to reimburse victims of scam transactions.
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Press Release May 17, 2023Alston & Bird Adds Payments & Fintech Partner in LondonAlston & Bird has grown its Payments & Fintech Group and Financial Services & Products Group with the addition of Jonathan Garforth in the firm’s London office.Press Release May 17, 2023Alston & Bird Adds Payments & Fintech Partner in LondonAlston & Bird has grown its Payments & Fintech Group and Financial Services & Products Group with the addition of Jonathan Garforth in the firm’s London office.
Bar Admissions
- UK SRA Registered Foreign Lawyer in England and Wales
- High Court of Australia
- Supreme Court of Queensland
Education
- The University of Queensland (BCom. & LL.B. Hons, 2005)
Memberships
- UK Finance
- Queensland Law Society
- UK Solicitors Regulatory Authority