Technology Law Services in Toronto
Expert Legal Counsel for IT, AI, and Fintech Companies
I provide specialized legal services to technology companies navigating the complex intersection of innovation and regulation. Based in Toronto, I understand the unique challenges facing IT companies, artificial intelligence developers, and financial technology firms operating in Canada's dynamic tech ecosystem. As a solo practitioner, I offer personalized attention and deep expertise to every client I work with.
My Technology Law Practice
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, bringing unprecedented legal considerations. I advise AI companies on compliance with Canada's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), intellectual property protection for algorithms and training data, liability frameworks for AI-generated outputs, and ethical AI development practices. I stay current with provincial and federal AI regulations to ensure your innovations remain compliant while maintaining competitive advantage.
I assist with AI procurement agreements, deployment contracts, and risk assessment frameworks that address algorithmic bias, transparency requirements, and accountability measures. Whether you're developing generative AI tools, machine learning platforms, or automated decision-making systems, I provide practical guidance that balances innovation with regulatory compliance.
Fintech and Financial Services Technology
Financial technology is one of my core practice areas, and I've developed deep expertise in the regulatory frameworks that govern this space. Fintech companies operate in one of the most heavily regulated sectors, and I help my clients navigate these complex requirements while building innovative financial services.
FINTRAC Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering
If you're operating a money services business, cryptocurrency exchange, or payment service provider in Canada, you need to understand your obligations under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). I guide fintech companies through FINTRAC registration and compliance, including:
- Determining whether your business model triggers reporting entity obligations
- Preparing and submitting FINTRAC registration applications
- Developing compliance programs that meet FINTRAC requirements
- Implementing customer due diligence and know-your-client procedures
- Establishing transaction monitoring and suspicious transaction reporting systems
- Creating record-keeping systems that satisfy regulatory requirements
I help you understand the specific obligations that apply to your business model, whether you're a money services business dealing in foreign exchange or funds transfers, a payment service provider facilitating transactions, a cryptocurrency dealer or exchange, or a platform offering peer-to-peer payment services. FINTRAC compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about building a sustainable business that can scale and attract institutional partners.
Canadian Fintech Regulatory Framework
Beyond FINTRAC, I advise on the broader regulatory landscape affecting fintech companies in Canada. This includes:
- Provincial licensing requirements for money services businesses in each province where you operate
- Securities law compliance for platforms offering investment products or tokenized assets
- Federal and provincial consumer protection legislation affecting lending and payment services
- Payment systems oversight including Payments Canada requirements
- Cross-border regulatory considerations for companies serving international markets
I work extensively with lending platforms navigating provincial consumer protection acts and interest rate restrictions, payment processors structuring operations to comply with Payment Card Industry standards and regulatory requirements, digital banking services obtaining appropriate authorizations and partnerships with federally regulated institutions, cryptocurrency and blockchain companies addressing securities law implications and exchange regulations, and insurtech platforms coordinating with provincial insurance regulators.
Financial Services Partnerships and Licensing
Many fintech companies need to partner with traditional financial institutions or obtain specific licenses to operate. I structure these arrangements, including agency banking relationships, white-label financial service agreements, referral arrangements that comply with financial services regulations, and licensing applications for money services businesses, securities dealers, or other regulated activities.
Information Technology and Software Companies
IT companies require legal counsel that understands both technology and business. I provide comprehensive support including software licensing agreements for SaaS, perpetual licenses, and enterprise deployments, technology development and outsourcing contracts, vendor and procurement agreements, and cloud services agreements. I draft and negotiate contracts that protect your intellectual property while facilitating business relationships.
I advise on open source software compliance, API licensing, software escrow arrangements, and technology transfer agreements. Whether you're a startup building your first product or an established enterprise expanding your service offerings, I provide scalable legal solutions aligned with your business objectives.
Core Service Areas
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Data protection is fundamental to technology business operations. I advise on compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), provincial privacy legislation including Ontario's FIPPA, cross-border data transfer requirements and adequacy assessments, and data breach response protocols and mandatory breach notification requirements.
My cybersecurity practice includes incident response planning and breach management, vendor security assessments and third-party risk management, privacy policy and terms of service development, and consent management and marketing compliance under Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).
I help companies implement privacy-by-design principles, conduct privacy impact assessments, and establish data governance frameworks that build customer trust while meeting regulatory obligations. For fintech companies, this includes the additional layer of financial data protection requirements and heightened security expectations from regulators and partners.
Intellectual Property Protection
Your technology is your competitive advantage, and I protect it through strategic patent counseling for software and AI innovations, copyright protection for software code and digital content, trademark registration and enforcement for your brand assets, and trade secret protection strategies for proprietary algorithms and business processes.
My IP practice focuses on building defensible portfolios that support business growth and attract investment. I work with you to identify what's protectable, develop protection strategies aligned with your business model, and enforce your rights when necessary.
Technology Transactions and Commercial Agreements
Technology companies thrive on strategic partnerships and transactions. I structure and negotiate mergers and acquisitions of technology companies, investment agreements and venture capital financing rounds, joint ventures and strategic alliances with technology and financial services partners, and licensing and distribution agreements for software and technology products.
My transactional experience spans seed-stage startups to growing technology companies, ensuring deals are structured to maximize value and minimize risk. I understand the economics of technology deals and work to ensure your interests are protected while maintaining deal momentum.
Regulatory Compliance and Government Relations
The regulatory landscape for technology companies is constantly evolving, particularly in the AI and fintech spaces. I monitor regulatory developments affecting AI, fintech, and IT sectors, prepare regulatory submissions and applications including FINTRAC registrations and provincial licensing, advise on compliance program development and implementation, and represent clients in regulatory proceedings and examinations.
My proactive approach helps clients anticipate regulatory changes and adapt their business practices accordingly. I maintain relationships with key regulators and industry associations to stay ahead of emerging requirements.
Why Work With Me
Focused Technology Expertise
I concentrate my practice on technology law, ensuring deep knowledge of the legal issues facing IT, AI, and fintech companies. I understand both the technology and the business models driving innovation, and I speak your language.
Practical Business Counsel
Legal advice should enable business growth, not impede it. I provide pragmatic solutions that address legal risks while supporting your commercial objectives. My goal is to be a strategic partner in your business success, not just a lawyer who says "no."
Deep Fintech and FINTRAC Knowledge
I've developed specialized expertise in Canadian fintech regulation, including FINTRAC compliance, MSB licensing, and the complex regulatory frameworks governing financial services technology. I understand how to structure fintech businesses for regulatory compliance and scalability.
Toronto and Canadian Market Knowledge
Based in Toronto, I have extensive experience with Ontario and federal regulatory frameworks affecting technology companies. I understand the Canadian technology ecosystem and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the innovation community.
Direct Access and Responsiveness
As a solo practitioner, you work directly with me on every matter. There's no handing off to junior lawyers or losing context between team members. Technology moves quickly, and I prioritize responsiveness and clear communication to ensure you receive timely advice when business decisions need to be made.
Scalable Solutions
Whether you're a two-person startup or a growing technology company, I provide legal services scaled to your needs and budget. My flexible engagement models ensure you receive sophisticated legal counsel at every stage of business development.
Industries I Serve
I work with technology companies across diverse sectors:
Let's Discuss Your Technology Law Needs
Technology companies need legal counsel that understands innovation and regulation. I combine legal expertise with technology industry knowledge to provide practical solutions for complex challenges.
Whether you're launching a new fintech platform, scaling your AI company, or navigating a regulatory challenge, I'm here to help.
Contact me today for a confidential consultation.