1. Hi Francesso! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?
I am a legal and compliance advisor with over 12 years of experience spanning various sectors, including banking and financial services. I hold a Master’s in Accounting Auditing & Control from Bocconi University in Milano, and I am an Italian Qualified Lawyer, but I am no longer practising law. I am a certified practitioner of the International Compliance Association (ICA), a certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS), and a certified financial crime specialist (CFCS). I have extensive knowledge and skills in compliance, financial services regulations, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorist financing. I am passionate about helping fintech companies navigate the complex and evolving regulatory landscape and mitigate financial crime risks. I am also a speaker and trainer on various topics related to AML/CFT and financial crime prevention.
2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSP’s? And why is it a good fit for you?
I like working in NewLaw for Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) because of the unique opportunities they offer particularly in terms of flexibility, innovation, and international exposure. Throughout my career in compliance, financial services regulation, AML/CFT, and financial crime prevention, I have witnessed firsthand how the legal industry has evolved to meet the increasingly complex demands of businesses operating in highly regulated environments. Traditional law firms, while still playing a crucial role, often struggle to provide the level of agility and commercial pragmatism that today’s fast-paced industries like Web3 and DeFi require.
NewLaw and ALSPs adopt a more agile and client-focused approach, integrating technology, cross-disciplinary expertise, and a problem-solving mindset to tackle legal and regulatory challenges more efficiently. This evolution aligns seamlessly with my professional background and interests. With my expertise in law, compliance, AML/CFT, and financial crime prevention, I can provide strategic guidance that extends beyond traditional legal advisory services, assisting businesses—particularly fintech companies and VASPs—in navigating complex global regulations while effectively managing risk.
Moreover, the international exposure that comes with working in this space is particularly exciting to me. Having worked across different sectors and jurisdictions, I appreciate the ability to collaborate with clients and professionals from diverse backgrounds, tackling cross-border regulatory challenges and staying at the forefront of global compliance trends and AML/CFT best practices. This diversity of experience not only enhances my professional growth but also enables me to add greater value to clients who need a holistic, globally informed approach to legal and compliance issues.
3. What’s the most rewarding assignment you’ve ever had and why?
One of the most rewarding assignments I’ve ever had wasn’t a single project linked or not to a single client or specific jurisdiction, but rather the broader transition from working in traditional in-house legal and compliance roles to becoming an independent consultant. Making this shift was both a professional challenge and an opportunity for growth, allowing me to apply my expertise in new and diverse ways while enjoying greater flexibility and international exposure.
As an independent consultant mainly focusing on compliance and AML/CFT matters, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of clients, from established financial institutions, and fast-growing fintech startups to Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), each facing unique regulatory and compliance challenges. The ability to step into different environments and tailor my expertise to the specific needs of each client has been incredibly fulfilling. Instead of being confined to the priorities and structure of a single company, I now have the opportunity to provide strategic, hands-on guidance across multiple sectors, jurisdictions, and business models.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this transition has been the ability to make a tangible impact. Whether it’s helping a fintech scale its operations, launch a new product or service, while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations, advising a financial institution on strengthening its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) frameworks, or training professionals on AML/CFT or financial crime prevention, my work directly contributes to reducing risk and fostering a stronger, more resilient financial system.
4. As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSPs fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?
As an independent consultant, I see NewLaw and ALSPs as a critical and transformative force within the legal sector, bridging the gap between traditional law firms, in-house legal teams, and regulatory advisory services. These alternative models have evolved to address the increasing demand for specialised expertise, efficiency, and flexibility in legal and compliance services, especially in highly regulated industries like financial services, fintech, and crypto-assets.
NewLaw and ALSPs fit into the broader legal matrix by offering a more dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Unlike conventional law firms that primarily emphasise legal interpretation and risk management, ALSPs combine legal expertise with business insights, compliance proficiency, and regulatory knowledge. This evolution has been especially advantageous for industries dealing with intricate regulatory frameworks, as businesses increasingly seek advisors who not only comprehend legal requirements but also deliver pragmatic, business-oriented solutions that support compliance and align with operational goals.
One of the key differentiators of NewLaw and ALSPs is their ability to attract and deploy highly skilled professionals with strong educational and professional backgrounds, often bringing in experts from law, compliance, finance, and technology. This multidisciplinary approach enables them to offer holistic solutions that go beyond legal analysis, incorporating regulatory compliance, financial crime risk mitigation, and strategic business guidance. As a result, companies working with ALSPs gain access to expertise that extends beyond traditional legal advisory, helping them navigate the evolving regulatory landscape more effectively.
Ultimately, NewLaw and ALSPs have carved out a vital space within the legal sector, not as replacements for traditional law firms, but as complementary partners that provide tailored, industry-focused solutions. By focusing on both legal and compliance aspects, these models are redefining how businesses approach regulatory challenges, risk management, AML/CFT, and financial crime prevention in a rapidly changing world.
5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?
Adoption of Artificial Intelligence, and a higher demand for qualified professionals able to adapt themselves to future challenges.
6. Your favourite tune? And why?
Tutto il resto è noia” by Franco Califano who described the several shades of love. For this song, Califano was awarded an honorary degree in Philosophy by the New York University.
KorumLegal is a boutique legal consultancy committed to providing value innovation in legal service delivery. The legal services industry is continuing to change with ‘NewLaw’ – and clients are seeking more innovative and cost-effective solutions without compromise on experience and quality
