Fintech: how the financial innovation industry is taking shape around the world

Vera Esteves Cardoso, João Diogo Barbosa and Mafalda Santos Cordeiro are the authors of the Portugal chapter in the international guide “Fintech: how the financial innovation industry is taking shape around the world (2026)”, published by the International Bar Association (IBA).

In the chapter, our lawyers provide a comprehensive overview of the Portuguese legal and regulatory framework applicable to the fintech sector. Against the backdrop of the absence of a single legal regime specifically applicable to fintech companies, the chapter highlights that the relevant framework depends, in each case, on the nature of the services and activities being carried out.

The analysis covers, among other topics, the regimes applicable to payment services and e-money, crypto-assets, credit intermediation and crowdfunding, as well as recent legislative developments affecting the sector, including DORA, MiCAR, the DLT regime, the new EU anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing package, eIDAS 2.0, and European initiatives concerning payment services and access to financial data.

The publication also highlights the mechanisms in place to support innovation in Portugal, including Technological Free Zones, Portugal FinLab and other channels for dialogue with regulators, in a context where Portugal has been increasingly establishing itself as a relevant European hub for the fintech ecosystem.

The guide aims to facilitate an understanding of different regulatory approaches and to serve as a practical resource for market participants operating in an increasingly digital, international and constantly evolving financial market.

Read the full chapter in the attachment below.