Topics: FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Market Regulation, Data Protection, Career Tips, Swiss FinTech Innovations, Kellerhals Carrard.
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Good morning, Ms. Stengel. You are an attorney specializing in financial market and data protection law and a partner in the management team at Kellerhals Carrard Zurich. Could you please outline your educational background and, in particular, explain how you established yourself as a leading expert in the FinTech sector?

My academic journey began with studying law at the University of Zurich, where I obtained my licentiate degree. This was followed by the bar admission and ultimately a doctorate – a very traditional path.

However, my first position as an attorney led me to a company that was active, among other things, in the area of payment services. The close interplay between law and technology in this field immediately fascinated me and has captivated me ever since. This early practical experience was undoubtedly formative and laid the foundation for my specialization in the FinTech sector.

My passion for technology and innovation also drew me to the financial sector early on. FinTech companies operate at the intersection of law, technology, and economics, which I find highly compelling. To establish myself in this field, I took an interdisciplinary approach and actively sought exchange with experts from various industries. I attended numerous conferences (not only those for lawyers but also for economists and IT professionals) and participated in workshops and working groups to continuously expand my knowledge and stay up to date. I continue to do so to this day.

I enjoy understanding new technologies, listening, and working with a dedicated team to develop innovative solutions for legal and regulatory challenges. In my past projects, I have learned how important it is to integrate different perspectives and remain open to new ideas. Open-mindedness and continuous learning are crucial to establishing oneself as an expert and achieving long-term success.

Furthermore, I have dealt extensively with the regulatory challenges posed by new technologies in the financial sector. Through my work, I have gained valuable experience and built networks that help me drive forward forward-looking developments. I firmly believe that the combination of legal expertise, technical know-how, and economic insight is the key to success in the FinTech industry and beyond.

Curiosity is the best compass. Those interested in technology should actively seek interdisciplinary opportunities. - Prof. Dr. Cornelia Stengel

In law studies, technological and economic topics are often only marginally covered. How can one specifically further their education in the direction of FinTech?

That’s true – traditional law studies focus heavily on legal dogmatics, which is important but not sufficient to keep up in a dynamic field like FinTech. My advice: curiosity is the best compass. Those interested in technology should actively seek interdisciplinary opportunities—whether through continuing education, executive courses, or exchanges with tech and business experts. Getting involved in digital-related projects or participating in start-up initiatives can also be extremely enriching. The key is to combine legal thinking with technological openness—and not to be afraid of sometimes “not understanding everything.”

Could you give us insight into your typical workday and explain which aspects of your role you particularly appreciate?

No two days are the same—and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. I oversee regulatory projects, handle mandates in financial and data protection law, lead workshops, participate in strategic committee meetings, and occasionally give lectures or presentations. What I particularly appreciate is the exchange with brilliant minds—whether within the team, with clients, or in interdisciplinary projects. And I love when a seemingly dry legal question suddenly turns into a creative space for solutions. That’s when my heart beats faster.

In your opinion, what sets Kellerhals Carrard apart from other employers in the legal industry?

We are large enough to handle complex mandates at the highest level—while remaining agile enough to quickly implement innovative ideas. What I particularly appreciate is the trust placed in us as partners, the openness to new topics, and the freedom to think entrepreneurially. At our firm, responsibility is not just assigned but actively embraced. And: we also laugh a lot. That should never be underestimated.

Which current trends in the FinTech sector do you find particularly exciting and why?

The tokenization of assets remains a hot topic—not just from a technological perspective but also in terms of regulatory challenges. Likewise, the evolution of payment infrastructures and the question of how central bank digital currencies could reshape our financial system are highly relevant. And of course, AI—a field that has long since arrived in FinTech, influencing areas such as credit decisions and fraud detection. What fascinates me is the speed at which this market is evolving—and how essential it is to navigate it with a clear legal compass.

Data is often called the new gold—and I believe we should take it just as seriously from a legal perspective. - Prof. Dr. Cornelia Stengel

But if I had to name one trend that somehow ties all of this together and fascinates me as much as it makes me reflect, it would be the responsible handling of digital assets. This includes our data, our time, and our attention as valuable resources. We talk a lot about technology, platforms, and innovation, but too rarely about the economic and legal substance of digital developments. Data is often called the new gold—and I believe we should take it just as seriously from a legal perspective.

You focus intensively on artificial intelligence. What legal questions arise from this, and is legislation necessary?

The integration of artificial intelligence into various areas raises numerous legal questions. However, I firmly believe that not every challenge requires new legislation. Instead, businesses and society should take responsibility and promote an ethically sound, conscious approach to AI. A balanced approach is needed—one that does not stifle innovation but supports it through responsible actions by all stakeholders.

You are a member of the executive board of Swiss FinTech Innovations (SFTI). What concrete goals do you pursue with this initiative?

SFTI serves as an innovation platform—we bring together banks, insurance companies, start-ups, and tech players. Our goal is to actively shape the digital transformation of the Swiss financial sector. We develop standards, support regulatory developments, and create spaces for dialogue between industry, academia, and policymakers. Because only by working together can we build the future—while preserving Swiss values such as trust and legal certainty.

What advice would you give to lawyers who aspire to a career in the FinTech sector?

Be open-minded, bold, and a little nerdy—it helps! Seek out projects that challenge you. Read tech blogs, listen to podcasts, attend meet-ups. And work with people who push and support you—but that advice applies to any career path.

Thank you for the fascinating insights into the world of FinTech and your daily work at Kellerhals Carrard! We wish you continued success.

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