Full‑cycle legal compliance for fintech companies, platform solutions, payment services, marketplaces, operators of digital financial assets (DFA), investment platforms, and mining infrastructure.

In the context of active digital regulation by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and stricter AML/CFT (anti‑money laundering and counter‑financing of terrorism) requirements, the sustainability of a fintech business depends not only on technology but also on the legal soundness of all processes – from registration in the Bank of Russia’s registers to cross‑border settlements and interaction with government authorities.

Our teams support fintech startups, payment system operators, digital currency exchange operators, marketplaces, and credit institutions at every stage of their lifecycle. We help build secure business models, minimise regulatory risks, obtain licences, and ensure continuity of operations amid constantly changing legislation.

Clients turn to us when standard legal solutions are insufficient, and errors in client onboarding, regulatory reporting, or compliance with Federal Law No. 115‑FZ lead to account freezes, claims from Rosfinmonitoring, revocation of a Central Bank licence, or criminal liability for illegal banking activities.

When our assistance is needed

• Legal uncertainty of status – lack of a clear understanding whether the business falls under the regulation of the Bank of Russia or Rosfinmonitoring.
• Risks of account and transaction blocking – unjustified refusals by banks to process operations under 115‑
• Difficulties with registration in Central Bank registers – refusal to be included in the register of payment system operators, DFA operators, or investment platforms (crowdfunding).
• Non‑compliance with AML/CFT requirements – failure to meet the standards of 115‑FZ for identifying suspicious transactions.
• Risks when working with digital financial assets (DFA) – violations of investor access rules for DFA and foreign digital rights.
• Incorrect structure for marketplace operations – not leveraging “service neutrality” opportunities or connecting non‑bank payment providers.
• Ban on mining in several Russian regions – risk of starting operations in prohibited territories.
• Sanctions vulnerability – dependence on foreign payment gateways and processing systems.

 Our clients

Fintech companies, payment services, marketplaces, operators of DFA and digital currency exchange, investment and crowdfunding platforms, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) services, non‑bank payment service providers, mining companies, crypto‑exchangers.

• Payment services and aggregators – full cycle from creating a legal model to obtaining operator status.
• Operators of digital financial assets (DFA) – registration in the Bank of Russia register (under 259‑FZ).
• Operators of digital currency exchange (crypto‑exchange services) – legalisation and interaction with banks.
• Investment platforms (crowdlending, P2P lending) – compliance with 259‑FZ requirements, investor limits, and disclosure rules.
• Marketplaces – integration of banking and non‑bank payment services, “service neutrality” standards, information security.
• Non‑bank payment service providers – preparation for regulatory changes, obtaining status.
• Mining infrastructure – compliance with mining bans in certain Russian regions, registration with the Federal Tax Service, launch and construction of mining facilities, and their legalisation.
• Hybrid projects: DeFi (decentralised finance), GameFi (gaming projects with DeFi elements) – development of legal structures in regulatory “grey areas.”

Stages of support (full cycle)

1. Structuring and registration

• Selection of the optimal legal entity form, taking into account 115‑FZ requirements and regulatory burden.
• Registration in the register of payment system operators (if applicable).
• Registration in the register of DFA operators (259‑FZ).
• Inclusion in the Federal Tax Service register for mining activities (from 2026).

2. Compliance and AML/CFT

• Development and implementation of Internal Control Rules under 115‑FZ and “Know Your Customer” (KYC) programmes.
• Support during Rosfinmonitoring inspections.
• Configuration of risk profiles for automated detection of suspicious transactions.

3. Licensing and permits

• Obtaining a Bank of Russia licence for banking operations (if required).
• Registration as a non‑bank credit institution (NCO).
• Interaction with the Central Bank of the Russian Federation for new types of fintech activities (payment services, neobanks).

4.Transactional protection and contract work   

• Structuring agreements with acquirers, payment gateways, IT contractors.
• Sanctions clauses for contracts with international partners.
• Legal support for M&A transactions in fintech (due diligence, integration).

5. Ongoing support (current compliance)

• Continuous monitoring of legislative changes (laws on DFA, marketplaces, cryptocurrencies).
• Updating local regulations and Internal Control Rules to meet new Central Bank and Rosfinmonitoring requirements.
• Support during inspections by the Bank of Russia, Roskomnadzor, Rosfinmonitoring, and the Prosecutor’s Office.
• Judicial protection in disputes with clients, banks, and government authorities.

Our advantages

• Law + Finance + IT – we understand not only the provisions of 115‑FZ and 259‑FZ, but also the operating principles of payment systems, DLT (distributed ledger) architecture, P2P platforms, and the Central Bank’s capital requirements.
• GR support – effective engagement with regulators during pilot projects and law‑making processes.
• Focus on business sustainability – we help preserve the ability to process payments, issue DFA, attract investment, and serve clients.
• Confidentiality (attorney‑client privilege) and speed – sensitive fintech projects demand rapid solutions and strict information control.

Where we are particularly effective   

• Digital platforms and ecosystems;
• Payment services and aggregators;
• Projects in the DFA and cryptocurrency space;
• Marketplaces with their own financial infrastructure (neobanks);
• Mining and data centres for digital currency;
• Fintech startups at the investment‑raising stage (seed, VC, ICO/STO, crowdlending).

Results of our assistance   

• Legally sound structure – either registration in the Central Bank registers or, with a properly designed model, confirmation that no registration is required.
• Reduced regulatory risks – protection against account freezes, Rosfinmonitoring claims, and licence revocation.
• Structured contracts with partner banks, payment gateways, and IT providers.
• Legal readiness for inspections by the Bank of Russia, Rosfinmonitoring, the Federal Tax Service, and Roskomnadzor.
• Ability to attract investment into your fintech project (through thorough legal due diligence).