Dispute resolution

Technology and FinTech Disputes

Technology and FinTech disputes resolutions for start-ups, scale-ups and the entrepreneurially spirited

Technology is, by its very nature, a rapidly evolving sector with innovation at its core – the emergence, and ever increasing prevalence, of FinTech is illustrative of this. We have a team which knows the market and the commercial issues that drive it. As challenges are overcome in technological fields and tech becomes commonplace, there is a growing demand for advice on disputes in the FinTech law field.

Due to the dynamic and competitive nature of the technology industry, disputes are inevitable. Effective handling of technology related disputes requires expertise, a proper understanding of the subject matter and an appreciation of the commercial nuances applicable to tech companies and entrepreneurs. We work with entrepreneurs at the cutting edge of technology and bring this enhanced breadth of experience into a contentious situation.

Additionally, with the growth of cryptocurrency and bitcoin in the commercial world comes questions surrounding its application, and the potential for disputes down the line. It is essential now for businesses to understand how crypto assets are classified, the tax regime that applies, how the court views them, and how they can be harnessed in a commercial context.

Our FinTech law team take a collaborative approach in advising clients on how best to handle disputes to achieve the best possible outcome and are well versed in the sensitivities that are particular to those operating within the technology sector.

FinTech law experience

We have experience in a wide range of FinTech law matters, including the following:

  • Conducting litigation involving allegations of copyright infringement and misuse of confidential information by Blockchain specialists across multiple jurisdictions
  • Advising in relation to cyber security breaches, subsequent loss of data and breaches of confidentiality
  • Assisting with a shareholder dispute for a FinTech company
  • Negotiating the exit of a software developer and preparation of a resulting settlement agreement
  • Advising on problematic contracts with an underperforming party
  • Handling disputes arising from intellectual property licensing agreements
  • Advising regarding ownership of crypto currency

Legal Considerations

Contractual Documents

Articles of Association and any relevant shareholder agreements

Directors Duties

The common law and equitable duties of directors (and shadow and de facto directors) are codified in section 170 of the Companies Act 2006.   These duties include:

  • To promote the success of the company for the benefit of the members as a whole (s.172); 
  • To exercise independent judgment (s.173); 
  • To exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence (s.174); 
  • To avoid conflicts of interest (s.175); 
  • Not to accept benefits from third parties (s.176); and
  • To declare any interest in a proposed transaction (s.177).

Minority Protections

“Unfair prejudice” is a legal action that exists pursuant to s.994 of the Companies Act 2006 to offer statutory protection for oppressed minority shareholders. When a shareholder feels that a company’s board of directors is acting in a way that prejudices him/her as a shareholder or a group of shareholders, that shareholder (or the affected group of shareholders) may have a right to bring an action for “unfair prejudice”.

In order to bring such a claim, a shareholder must show that:

  • The conduct of the board caused prejudice or harm to the “relevant interest” of the shareholders or some of the shareholders of the company; and
  • Such conduct was “unfair”. 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of what the Courts have previously considered to amount to unfair prejudice:

  • Breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties.
  • Breaches of companies’ articles of association.
  • Excluding shareholders from the management of quasi-partnerships.
  • Diverting business to other companies in which the majority shareholder (but not the minority shareholders) holds an interest.
  • Deliberately diluting a minority shareholding for no good reason.
  • Causing a decrease in the economic value of the shares or placing the economic value of shares in jeopardy as a result of misconduct by the board of directors.

The Court has a wide discretion when it comes to relief and can order that the company’s affairs are judicially regulated in future or that the company refrain from acting in a certain way. Most frequently the remedy granted is to provide for the purchase of the shareholding of the unfairly treated member by the other shareholders or by the Company itself and, in the case of the purchase by the Company itself, the reduction of the Company's capital accordingly. The applicable valuation is often the price that would have been achieved as if the unfairly prejudicial treatment had not taken place.

Just & Equitable Winding Up

Under s.122(1)(g) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (“IA 1986”) a company may be wound up by the Court if ‘the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable the company should be wound up’. The grounds of what may constitute ‘just and equitable’ are not exhaustively defined but can include:

  • A deadlock that prevents decisions being made concerning the running of the company; 
  • Being wrongly excluded from management;
  • Majority shareholders consistently ignoring the interests of the minority; and
  • Mismanagement.

It should be noted that even if the criteria for bringing a claim for a just and equitable winding up can be met, the Court may still refuse to grant the relief on the basis that there is an alternative remedy available. Since this is both a discretionary remedy and drastic in nature, the Court may deem that it is unreasonable for the petitioner not to pursue an alternative remedy where a realistic one exists (s.125 IA 1986).

Derivative Actions

In order to offer further protection to a company, a claim can be brought by shareholders on behalf of the Company to redress a wrong. This can be utilised in many scenarios but it should be noted that it is not a straightforward claim to bring and legal advice should be obtained.

Find out how we can help with shareholder & boardroom disputes.

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Other factors to Consider

Where injunctive relief is required to enforce judgments or protect assets consideration must be given to fluctuations in cryptocurrency and how these can be measured.
As the world of fintech advances and cryptocurrencies become ever more common place the rules regulating the same are evolving and it is important to ensure the advice you take is current.
It is important to consider disputes on a multi-jurisdictional level where appropriate and take action in the most appropriate jurisdiction.
Cryprocurrency has been deemed to be personal property by the Courts of England & Wales in the context of injunctive relief.
We have recently advised clients on crypto currencies in the context of ownership disputes, remuneration pursuant to an employment agreement, application for bonuses and in other corporate issues.
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Other factors to Consider

Company buyback of shares and subsequent cancellation.  This can be a useful route provided 75% of the shareholders will consent as the Company meets the acquisition cost; however it must have sufficient surplus cash.

If a founder is looking to step aside then perhaps a reorganisation can assist with the variation of rights but retention of financial reward.

An anti-embarrassment clause can operate effectively in any settlement agreement, with the sale price for shares being uplifted if an event such as a sale of the business occurs or funding is received subsequent to exit.

A key to the resolution of a dispute is often an independent valuation of the relevant shareholding.  To secure this the parties will need to determine the basis of the valuation.

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