Computer scientist and professor Peter McBurney has been appointed to lead the new practice, which will provide technical expertise to help clients take full advantage of new and emerging disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) including blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.

Future priorities

The new practice will work with clients across all sectors globally on projects such as the redesign of business processes to adopt new technologies; the evaluation and design of proposed technologies for new business ventures such as new DLT platforms; and the development of AI, DLT and cryptocurrency strategies. Professor McBurney is a Professor of Computer Science and former head of department in the Department of Information at King’s College London. He is a member of the Academic Advisory Council of the FCA, advising on the use of AI and DLT in financial regulation. Sean Murphy, Norton Rose Fulbright global head of FinTech, commented ‘we are delighted to work with Peter McBurney who has exceptional technical knowledge that corresponds with our clients’ current and future priorities. By combining deep technological expertise with our extensive, multidisciplinary legal and regulatory experience, we can advise on all aspects of technology adoption across all sectors around the world.’

Disruptive technologies

Professor McBurney commented, ‘disruptive technologies have an unprecedented impact on information-intensive industries, particularly those subject to heavy regulation such as financial services. The adoption of these technologies is expected to lead to major redesigns of business processes, particularly in sectors relying on inter-company collaboration across a value chain. The firm’s new technology consulting practice is dedicated to helping financial institutions, corporations and start-ups develop and implement these new businesses processes.’ The firm says the technology consulting practice is one of a number of new initiatives created as the firm continues its focus on client value, technology and innovation. These include NRF Transform, the firm’s global change and innovation program; The Institute, an exclusive client knowledge site; Regulatory Compliance Consulting, providing risk and compliance advisory services to clients; Risk Advisory, leveraging industry expertise to provide legal and regulatory guidance; NRF Parker, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence designed and built by Norton Rose Fulbright in-house technology experts.