Karl is a highly experienced lawyer with expertise across fintech, financial services, technology, media, telecoms (TMT), crypto, and digital assets, and regulatory compliance. A former General Counsel and management team member with a strong commercial outlook, Karl leverages extensive in-house experience to deliver tailored, business-focused legal solutions.
With substantial advisory experience in financial services and fintech, Karl specialises in international product development and distribution, advising on FCA Handbook and perimeter issues for clients in banking, insurance, fintech, and digital assets. He has deep expertise in e-money, blockchain, app and platform development, market data, and privacy matters.
Karl also has significant experience in the insurance sector, particularly within an international context. His work spans product development, coverage and claims, and negotiating agreements such as TOBAs and appointed representative arrangements. As a former head of legal for a broker and regional legal manager for a carrier, Karl offers unparalleled insights into the industry.
In the TMT sphere, Karl specialises in IT/IP licensing, digital rights, and e-commerce, with expertise in negotiating global outsourcing and re-sourcing agreements (PAAS, IAAS, SAAS) from both vendor and purchaser perspectives. He has represented numerous SAAS and MSP players and advised on digital content distribution across film, TV, music, and games.
His regulatory and compliance work includes devising and implementing compliance programs for anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and global privacy initiatives. Karl is also experienced in telecoms, financial services, and advertising regulations, including FCA Rulebook compliance.
Karl’s expertise extends to corporate matters, including leading funding rounds, mergers, acquisitions, and divestments. He advises start-ups and scale-ups on corporate issues, shareholder value, and commercial strategy. His commercial contract work spans heavyweight agreements such as joint ventures, outsourcing, and distribution contracts.
With substantial cross-border experience, Karl has negotiated deals across Asia, Africa, the US, and Europe. He also has a niche in media, sponsorship, and advertising, having represented the Mobile Marketing Association and advised on sponsorships for major events and organizations, including the Rugby World Cup, Glastonbury, BAFTAs, and Premiership Rugby.
Karl’s strategic focus on the disruptive power of technology, combined with his transactional expertise and international reach, ensures practical, innovative solutions for his clients.
Relevant experience:
- Series A fundraising preparation
- Providing regulatory advice to a crowdfunding platform
- E-money registration
- Revamping contracts for an MSP
- Devising and implementing a compliance programme
- Drafting and negotiating Authorised Representative regime
- International distribution agreement
- Negotiating a large IT outsourcing agreement for a national retailer
- Devising a commercial and contractual model for SAAS provider
- Advising on data privacy issues for an investment bank
