Shoosmiths expands FinTech offering with significant ex-PayPal and WorldPay hire

Shoosmiths continues its growth in the technology sector with the appointment of new Partner – Tom Brown – one of the UK’s leading FinTech lawyers.

Tom brings extensive experience in digital payments, having most recently served as Deputy General Counsel, SVP, and Head of the Global Products Legal team at Worldpay. During his tenure, he also led the Worldpay Ecommerce International Legal team, overseeing 45 lawyers globally and his team won 2022 In-House Banking and Finance team of the Year at the Lawyer Awards. He and his team supported Worldpay’s expansion into markets including Argentina, Colombia, Malaysia, and Mexico and the launch of innovative services in areas such as cryptocurrency and high-risk verticals like gambling and contracts for difference.  His contributions helped position Worldpay as the world’s second-largest acquirer and the largest in Europe.

Before joining Worldpay, Tom spent eight years at PayPal as Director and Head of Legal for UK and Ireland, where he was part of the UK executive management team. He played a pivotal role in PayPal’s transformation from an eBay payment method to a standalone global wallet and becoming the world’s leading wallet with the recruitment of over £1 billion in new client revenue to PayPal UK in 2 years.

Shoosmiths Technology Sector Head, Joe Stephenson said: “Our strategy is to be “technology industry first” lawyers, not just lawyers advising in the technology industry.  Being experienced in our clients’ industries not only delivers superior legal services but allows us to be genuine thought-partners for clients when planning and executing their technology strategies.  Tom fits this ethos perfectly – few lawyers have achieved what he has in the digital payments space.”

Robin Webb, Head of the firm’s Commercial Group, added “Tom’s arrival is further evidence of the momentum behind our growing Commercial practice, where FinTech, and our broader IT & Tech offering, are key pillars. His appointment follows other high-calibre additions to the team, including the Trade Mark team from Locke Lord including partners Dominic Farnsworth and Leigh Smith, former Head of DWF’s Commercial team Craig Chaplin, and BCLP’s Privacy and Data partner Kate Brimsted. We’re building a market-leading team that reflects the evolving needs of our clients.”

Commenting on his appointment, Tom added: “After more than a decade in-house, Shoosmiths offers the ideal platform for me to return to private practice. The firm’s momentum and entrepreneurial culture are exciting, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued growth in the FinTech space.”