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Fintech

Fintech

Key Contacts

Cambodia

Laos

Myanmar

Thailand

Vietnam

OVERVIEW

We offer unrivaled legal services for fintech and payment product offerings in the region.

Leveraging our market-leading legal expertise in the technology sector, Tilleke & Gibbins advises the world’s foremost financial institutions and innovative technology companies on the offering of fintech products and services in Southeast Asia. Our advice covers all local laws and regulations related to cross-border money transfer and remittance services, e-payment services, virtual account and card issuance, crowdfunding, digital assets and cryptocurrencies, online lending services featuring peer-to-peer (P2P) mechanisms, operating agreements, and data protection matters.

We assist fintech clients in establishing partnerships with local banks, securing licensing and registration for their local operations, and obtaining approval from the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and other regulators across Southeast Asia for product offerings. We also offer strategic advice on market entry and all related legal and regulatory concerns, including foreign investment, investment promotion, anti-money laundering (AML), and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Our legal experts across our Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam offices bring an in-depth understanding of the relevant technology and business to help clients present complex and innovative products to local regulators.

Experience

  • Assisted a multinational financial services provider on the Thai legal elements of its acquisition of Citibank’s merchant acquiring business in Asia Pacific, including conducting due diligence, advising on deal structuring, novating 800+ merchant accounts, and advising on transitional service arrangements and BOT regulatory and licensing requirements.
  • Advised Coda Payments on the regulatory framework applicable to e-money businesses in Thailand, as well as on exemptions under Thailand’s Payment Systems Act.
  • Engaged on a retainer/secondment basis to provide legal and regulatory advice to a world-leading online payment processing company to support its operations and services in the Thai market, including applying for and operationalizing payments licenses from the BOT.
  • Advised one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges on laws and regulations, licensing requirements, and restrictions applicable to its proposed launch of a copy trading product in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
  • Advised an Asian mobile phone manufacturer on fourth-party payment services that enable online merchants to carry out cross-border settlements and currency exchange in Vietnam.
  • Advised Visa International on a range of matters related to their local operations in Thailand, including advice on compliance with Thailand’s Payment Systems Act.
  • Assisted a commercial bank with the preparation of a full suite of contracts for the launch of an online B2C marketplace for the Cambodian market via the client’s mobile application.
  • Assisted a leading shopping, rewards, and payments platform in preparing and submitting a payment license application to the BOT, as well as in applying for a Foreign Business License to operate a foreign majority-owned business in Thailand.
  • Assisted a New Zealand payment provider engaging in highly scalable real-time e-money payment processing, digital payments, and point-of-sale platforms to enter the Vietnam market.
  • Advised a Thai financial services company on local licensing and regulatory requirements in relation to nanofinance and personal loans; buy now, pay later (BNPL) structures; and invoice financing.
  • Advised a Thai commercial bank on card payment acquiring services in Vietnam and reviewed the terms and conditions and privacy policy for its related mobile app.
  • Advised an international online payment platform on Thai licensing and regulatory requirements for its products and the establishment of a mobile payment partner.
  • Assisted a Greek payment processor providing airtime credit and airtime advance services, digital financial platforms, big data analytics, mobile financial services, and handset loans in entering the Vietnam market.
  • Provided comprehensive legal advice to the payment arm of a multinational tech company in connection with its collaboration with a leading Thai bank.
  • Advised a client on cybersecurity regulations, laws, and guidance issued by the supervising authorities as they relate to payment systems, payment products and solutions, and infrastructure security.
  • Retained to assist a Thai fintech company with applying for and obtaining a license from the Bank of Thailand to operate a personal loan program in Thailand.
  • Assisted a global merchant services technology company on all legal matters in connection with the offshore provision of e-payment services in the Thai market, including advising on licensing requirements and regulations, analyzing business models, and handling consultations and applying for a ruling from the BOT.
  • Engaged to assist a client with preparing and submitting an application to the BOT to obtain a payment license for the Thai market.
  • Advised a mobile e-payment application on establishing operations to provide e-payment and e-wallet services in Thailand. We assisted the client in a full range of corporate formation and regulatory matters, including consultations with the BOT and the Ministry of Commerce to obtain approval for their innovative products.

PROFESSIONALS

RELATED INSIGHTS

September 30, 2026
On September 15, 2026, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) released for public consultation a draft circular on reporting and information disclosure in the pilot crypto asset market. The draft implements Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on the Pilot Implementation of the Crypto Asset Market in Vietnam and provides further detail on how licensed crypto asset service providers (“CASPs”) will be supervised once the market becomes operational. The draft indicates a data-intensive supervisory model, with licensed CASPs serving as the first line of market oversight. Public Disclosure Requirements The draft imposes detailed public disclosure requirements on CASPs, aimed primarily at market transparency. CASPs and crypto asset issuers must make disclosures in both Vietnamese and English, retain reported and disclosed information for at least 10 years, and keep information published on their websites accessible for at least five years. For CASPs, disclosure obligations arise both periodically and when specific events occur. A CASP must announce any crypto asset to be admitted to trading on its website at least seven days before trading begins and publish periodic financial statements. Certain extraordinary events and information requested by the MOF must generally be disclosed within 24 hours. CASPs must also provide ongoing market information. During trading hours, they must publish key trading data, including prices and volumes, daily highs and lows, average prices, the three best bid and offer levels, and transactions by foreign investors. By 9:00 a.m. each trading day, they must publish specified information on the previous day’s trading activity. Regulatory Reporting Requirements Separate from public disclosure, the draft requires CASPs to provide regulators with detailed information enabling ongoing supervision of their operations and the market. For market activity, CASPs must report decisions to admit or remove a crypto asset from trading within 24 hours, submit previous-day trading data to the State Securities Commission
September 4, 2026
Foreign business restrictions on telecommunications, treasury center businesses, and intragroup support services were eased when Thailand published the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Service Businesses Not Requiring Permission for Foreign Business Operations (No. 5) B.E. 2569 (2026) in the Government Gazette on August 28, 2026. The ministerial regulation expands the categories of service businesses that foreign investors may operate without a foreign business license (FBL) under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) (FBA). Of particular relevance to the telecommunications, fintech, and technology sectors, the ministerial regulation exempts: Type 1 telecommunications licensees, which do not have their own networks; Treasury center businesses operated in accordance with Thailand’s exchange control regulations; and Certain intragroup administrative, human resources, and information technology management services. Telecommunications Services Foreign-owned businesses providing telecommunications services under a type 1 telecommunications license may now operate without obtaining an FBL. This may streamline market entry for qualifying telecommunications and digital infrastructure businesses. The exemption applies only to the FBA licensing requirement. Operators must continue to comply with applicable requirements under the Telecommunications Business Act and the regulations of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and the change does not affect foreign ownership restrictions applicable to type 2 or type 3 telecommunications businesses. Treasury Center Businesses The ministerial regulation also exempts qualifying treasury center businesses from the FBL requirement. This may facilitate centralized treasury functions in Thailand, including liquidity management, foreign exchange management, and intragroup funding arrangements. Treasury center operations remain subject to applicable requirements of the Bank of Thailand and other competent authorities. Intragroup Administrative, HR, and IT Services Certain administrative, human resources, and information technology management services provided between affiliated entities are also exempt, provided the relevant entities satisfy prescribed ownership or management criteria. The exemption is available where the service provider and recipient are related through specified ownership
September 2, 2026
On August 21, 2026, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published two consultation papers that would broaden regulated access to crypto assets while tightening custody standards. The first proposes a framework for establishing crypto exchange-traded funds (crypto ETFs) in Thailand. The second proposes enhanced qualification requirements for foreign digital asset custodians serving mutual funds and private funds that invest in digital assets. The proposals seek to expand regulated access to crypto assets while strengthening custody, governance, disclosure, and investor protection, and they affect fund managers, trustees, and licensed digital asset operators. Comments on both papers are due by September 20, 2026, and the SEC expects the resulting rules to take effect later in 2026. Elevating Foreign Custodian Standards Under current rules in effect since January 16, 2025, mutual funds and private funds investing in digital assets may use foreign custodians that meet qualifications similar to those set for domestic digital asset business operators. The SEC now proposes that foreign digital asset custodians satisfy two cumulative requirements: Compliance with the existing baseline qualifications: demonstrated expertise, robust cybersecurity measures, segregation of client assets, controls preventing unauthorized asset transfers, and sound financial standing. Supervision by a regulator that is either (1) an IOSCO Signatory A member under the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, the international arrangement through which securities regulators share information and cooperate on enforcement, or (2) a regulator in a jurisdiction that the Thai SEC designates as having adequate supervisory and investor protection standards. The SEC is initially considering 11 jurisdictions for the approved-country list: France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. The SEC may expand this list over time based on its assessment of other jurisdictions’ regulatory frameworks governing custodian licensing, asset segregation, secure custody practices, client rights in insolvency,
August 27, 2026
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is seeking public feedback on a proposed overhaul of the regulatory framework for licensed money changers authorized by the finance minister, under the Exchange Control Act, to buy and sell foreign banknotes separately from commercial banks and specialized financial institutions. The BOT published the draft principles on August 19, 2026, for public consultation, with comments accepted through September 18, 2026. If adopted in its current form, the new framework would substantially raise licensing standards, require existing licensees to undergo a review and upgrade process, temporarily freeze new applications in 2027, and reduce application intake rounds from 2028 onward, with significant implications for both existing operators and prospective new entrants. The overhaul initiative stems from the BOT’s recognition of a need to prevent the use of licensed money changers as channels for financial crime. The stated objectives are to build public confidence, ensure the safety of financial service users, and align the supervisory framework with the current risk profile of the business and evolving market conditions. Upgraded Licensing Standards The BOT intends to significantly revise the licensing framework, including requirements relating to registered capital, branch management, operational standards, and customer transaction limits. Detailed criteria have not yet been released and are expected to be subject to further consultation. All existing licensees will be required to upgrade to meet the new standards and submit evidence of compliance for BOT review on a case-by-case basis. Existing licensees that are unable to satisfy the upgraded requirements may face regulatory consequences, subject to the final framework and BOT review process. Freeze and Reopening The BOT will temporarily stop accepting new license applications throughout 2027 to focus resources on inspecting and upgrading existing money changers. Any party wishing to obtain a new money changer license must submit its application by
AWARDS & RANKINGS
September 30, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has been named a finalist in two categories at the IFLR and International Tax Review (ITR) Asia-Pacific Awards 2026. The firm is shortlisted for Thailand National Firm of the Year at the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards, which recognize innovative cross-border transactions and the firms, teams, and transactions shaping the region’s legal and financial landscape. Tilleke & Gibbins is also shortlisted for Thailand Tax Firm of the Year at the ITR Asia-Pacific Tax Awards. The awards recognize leading firms and practitioners across the region for their work in direct tax, indirect tax, tax disputes, and transfer pricing. The winners will be announced at a joint awards ceremony on November 12, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong. For more information, please see the full shortlists for the IFLR Asia-Pacific Awards 2026 and the ITR Asia-Pacific Awards 2026.
September 23, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has received 14 nominations for the Asialaw Awards 2026. The nominations span jurisdiction-level, practice-area, and individual categories across the region. At the jurisdiction level, Tilleke & Gibbins has been shortlisted in three categories: Cambodia Firm of the Year Laos Firm of the Year Thailand Firm of the Year The firm has also been shortlisted for four regional practice awards: Aviation and Shipping Firm of the Year Corporate and M&A Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution Firm of the Year Technology and Telecommunications Firm of the Year Seven individual nominations recognize lawyers from the firm’s offices in Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam: Prisna Sungwanna, Laos Female Lawyer of the Year Pimvimol Vipamaneerut, Thailand Female Lawyer of the Year Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen, Vietnam Female Lawyer of the Year John Frangos, Aviation and Shipping Lawyer of the Year, Dispute Resolution Lawyer of the Year Pongpalin Chantrapirom, Dispute Resolution Rising Star of the Year Chusert Supasitthumrong, Labour and Employment Lawyer of the Year The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on November 5, 2026. For more information on the Asialaw Awards 2025 and to browse a full list of the nominees, please visit the Asialaw website.
May 11, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has continued to show excellent performance in the recently released Benchmark Litigation 2026 rankings for dispute resolution firms in the Asia-Pacific region. The rankings include two jurisdictions where Tilleke & Gibbins is active: Thailand and Vietnam. Firm Rankings A full summary of the firm’s rankings is provided below: Thailand Commercial & Transactions – Tier 1 Government & Regulatory – Tier 1 Labor & Employment – Tier 1 Intellectual Property – Tier 1 Trade & Customs – Tier 2 Vietnam Commercial & Transactions (Foreign Firms) – Tier 1 Intellectual Property (Foreign Firms) – Tier 1 Labor & Employment (International Firms) – Highly Recommended (top tier awarded in this category) White Collar Crime – Recommended (top tier awarded in this category) Energy & Construction (Foreign Firms) – Tier 2 International Arbitration – Tier 2 Individual Rankings The 2026 edition also recognizes 12 Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers in Thailand—more than any other firm in the jurisdiction—and four in Vietnam. Thailand Alongkorn Tongmee – Trade & Customs Chitchai Punsan – Commercial & Transactions Chusert Supasitthumrong – Labor & Employment John Frangos – Commercial & Transactions Noppramart Thammateeradaycho – Shipping Nuttaphol Arammuang – Intellectual Property Piyawat Vitooraporn – Commercial & Transactions Pongpalin Chantrapirom – Commercial & Transactions Suebsiri Taweepon – Intellectual Property Suruswadee Jaimsuwan – Commercial & Transactions Thawat Damsa-ard – Commercial & Transactions Tiziana Sucharitkul – Commercial & Transactions, Government & Regulatory Vietnam Duc Anh Tran – Commercial & Transactions Linh Duy Mai – Intellectual Property Loc Xuan Le – Intellectual Property Tu Anh Tran – Commercial & Transactions Benchmark Litigation’s annual research is based on interviews with dispute resolution specialists and clients, as well as analysis of recent casework and market developments. To view the full results, please visit the Benchmark Litigation websites for Thailand and Vietnam.