Best Fintech Lawyers in Nea Erythraia

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Nea Erythraia, Greece

Founded in 2004
English
ITLawyers is a specialized boutique law firm based in Nea Erythraia, Attica, Greece, with a focus on information technology law, cybercrime, data protection and intellectual property. The firm represents individuals and legal entities in civil and criminal matters, providing precise guidance on...
AS SEEN ON

1. About Fintech Law in Nea Erythraia, Greece

Fintech activity in Nea Erythraia sits at the intersection of European frameworks and Greek supervisory rules. Startups and established firms alike must navigate licensing, consumer protection, data privacy, and anti money laundering obligations. The local regulatory environment is shaped by EU directives that Greece implements through national law and by the supervision of Greek authorities located in the Athens region.

Key fintech sectors in Nea Erythraia include payment services, e money, lending platforms, and crypto assets. Payment service providers and electronic money institutions are governed under a centralized EU framework that Greece implements with local guidance from the Bank of Greece. Data protection and privacy obligations are enforced by the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, in line with European data protection standards. For crypto assets and related activities, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation provides a cross border EU regime that affects entities operating from Nea Erythraia or serving customers there.

Having dependable legal counsel helps you translate complex rules into practical compliance, contract drafting, and enforceable agreements. A local Fintech solicitor or attorney can tailor EU rules to a Greek business model and address cross border issues for clients in Nea Erythraia and the wider Athens area. This guide provides an overview and practical next steps to engage qualified legal counsel.

“GDPR penalties can reach up to 20 million euros or 4 percent of annual turnover, whichever is higher, for serious breaches.”

Source: Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) guidance on penalties and enforcement practices

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

  • Starting a digital wallet or payment institution in Nea Erythraia requires licensing and ongoing regulatory compliance. An attorney can help prepare submission documents for the Bank of Greece and outline KYC, AML, and cybersecurity controls required by regulators.

    We see local startups benefit from early regulatory scoping meetings to avoid delays in licensing and to align product design with PSD2 requirements.

  • Drafting terms of use and customer contracts for a fintech app facing Greek consumers. A solicitor will tailor terms for payments, data sharing, liability, and dispute resolution under Greek contract law and EU consumer rules.

    Precise language reduces risk of unenforceable clauses or consumer complaints later on.

  • Ensuring GDPR compliance for a data driven fintech service operating in Nea Erythraia. An attorney can help with data mapping, lawful bases for processing, data breach response plans, and cross border data transfers to non EU partners.

    Non compliance can trigger penalties and reputational harm, so early assessment is essential.

  • Advising on crypto asset activities under MiCA for a startup or platform that custody or trades tokens. A lawyer can assess licensing needs, investor disclosures, and marketing restrictions in line with EU crypto asset rules.

    This helps reduce cross border risk as services expand across Greece and the EU.

  • Negotiating vendor and merchant agreements with payment processors in the Athens metro area. An attorney can review merchant acquiring terms, data security obligations, and liability provisions to protect your business model.

3. Local Laws Overview

Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) - Directive 2015/2366/EU governs how payment services are provided across the internal market. Greece implements PSD2 through national regulation and Bank of Greece oversight for payment service providers and electronic money institutions. The directive aims to foster innovation while strengthening consumer protections and security in payments.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Regulation (EU) 2016/679 sets the rules for processing personal data in the EU, including Greece. Greek authorities enforce GDPR compliance, with penalties for non performance and broad rights for individuals. Local organizations must implement data protection governance, information notices, and breach response plans.

Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) - Regulation (EU) 2023/XXX (MiCA) provides a unified regime for crypto assets, issuers, and crypto asset service providers across the EU. Greek fintech operators dealing with crypto assets must assess licensing, consumer disclosures, and custody standards under MiCA. Application of MiCA spans from introduction, to operation, to ongoing supervision within Greece and EU member states.

“MiCA creates a single EU framework for crypto assets and related service providers, reducing cross border regulatory complexity.”

Source: European Commission and EU regulatory guidance on MiCA principles

Note: Where national law interacts with EU rules, Greek authorities such as the Bank of Greece (BoG) and the Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) provide concrete guidance and licensing frameworks. For practical steps in Greece, consult with a local Fintech solicitor who understands Nea Erythraia and the Athens region.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is PSD2 and why does it matter in Greece?

PSD2 is the EU directive that governs payment services and bank oversight. It encourages open banking and secure online payments in Greece, affecting licensing and customer authentication rules.

How do I start a Fintech company in Nea Erythraia?

Begin with a regulatory assessment, then prepare a licensing plan for BoG if you offer payments or e money. Recruit a local Fintech attorney to map milestones and deadlines.

When will MiCA apply to my crypto project in Greece?

MiCA has begun to apply across the EU with transitional provisions. For Greece, expect licensing, disclosures, and custody requirements to be implemented in stages through 2024 and beyond.

Where can I get official Greek guidance on data protection?

Consult the Hellenic Data Protection Authority for local interpretation of GDPR obligations and enforcement procedures. They publish guidelines and breach response requirements.

Why should I hire a Fintech lawyer in Nea Erythraia rather than a general lawyer?

A specialist understands BoG licensing, GDPR, MiCA, and local contract practices. They anticipate regulatory changes that affect your product roadmap and funding plans.

Can a Greek Fintech operate across the EU or only in Greece?

EU directives like PSD2 and MiCA enable cross border operations within the EU, subject to member state licensing and supervision. An attorney can help navigate multi jurisdictional requirements.

Do I need to register data processing activities with the HDPA?

Most processors and controllers handling personal data must comply with GDPR and HDPA expectations. A lawyer can determine whether Registration or notification is required for your case.

Is there a cost difference between hiring a lawyer for licensing versus contract work?

Yes. Licensing and regulatory compliance work generally commands higher upfront fees, while contract drafting may be billed per hour or fixed project price. Ask for a detailed engagement plan.

How long does BoG licensing typically take?

Processing times vary by product and completeness of documentation. A well prepared file can take several months; complex cases may exceed six to nine months.

What is the difference between a payment institution and an e money institution?

A payment institution provides payment services; an e money institution issues electronic money. Both require BoG oversight, but licensing standards and capital requirements differ.

Should I implement a data breach response plan now?

Yes. GDPR and Greek data protection rules require prompt breach notification and remediation actions. A proactive plan reduces penalties and reputational risk.

5. Additional Resources

  • Bank of Greece (BoG) - Supervises licensing and ongoing prudential requirements for payment service providers and e money institutions operating in Greece. https://www.bankofgreece.gr
  • Hellenic Data Protection Authority (HDPA) - Enforces GDPR in Greece and provides guidance on data processing, privacy notices, and breach handling. https://www.dpa.gr
  • Ministry of Development and Investments - National policy and regulatory framework for digital economy and financial technology initiatives. https://www.mind.gov.gr

6. Next Steps

  1. Define your fintech product and the states in which you will operate, including whether you need a BoG license or MiCA compliance. This shapes your regulatory roadmap within 2 weeks.

  2. Gather essential documents: business plan, corporate documents, data protection policies, and any existing agreements with partners. Complete document collection within 1 month.

  3. Identify and contact 2-3 qualified Fintech lawyers in the Athens area who regularly advise on BoG licensing, GDPR, and crypto assets. Schedule initial consultations within 2-4 weeks.

  4. Obtain written engagement letters and fee estimates. Compare scope, timelines, and deliverables before signing an agreement within 1-2 weeks after consultations.

  5. Implement a regulatory readiness plan with your counsel, including a data protection impact assessment, KYC/AML processes, and vendor risk management. Target 6-12 weeks for initial compliance milestones.

  6. Submit your BoG licensing package or MiCA readiness assessment as advised by your lawyer. Expect a regular update timetable from your counsel during the review period.

  7. Establish ongoing compliance monitoring and annual reviews with your legal counsel to stay current with EU and Greek regulatory changes affecting Fintech in Nea Erythraia.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Nea Erythraia through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Fintech, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Nea Erythraia, Greece - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.