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F. Dario de Martino

Partner

Dario’s practice focuses on domestic and cross-border public and private mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions, and corporate governance matters.

He represents a broad array of major U.S.-based and multinational technology (including AI/machine learning, software, semiconductors, IoT, and cloud computing), financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and industrial companies. 

He has extensive experience advising Japanese corporates in connection with US-centric M&A transactions. 

Dario is a frequent speaker and writer on various topics in M&A with a particular focus on innovative technologies. 

Dario serves as Co-Chair of A&O Shearman's global FinTech and Blockchain Group, advising clients on transformative matters relating to cryptocurrency/digital assets and blockchain-enabled technologies. 

In the Chambers USA FinTech 2024 rankings, Dario was recognized as Band 2 in Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies.

Published Work

  • “DeFi protocol Uniswap and investors avoid suit for fraudulent activity on digital asset exchange”, Allen & Overy, September 15, 2023 
  • “SEC charges Impact Theory for unregistered offering of NFTs” Allen & Overy, September 5, 2023
  • “Ripple Labs: long-awaited decision answers some questions but gives rise to further uncertainty”, Allen & Overy, July 14, 2023
  • “Delaware Chancery Court allows termination of USD230 million telecom deal for breach of Capitalization Representations”, Allen & Ovey, June 7, 2023
  • “Federal banking regulators issue joint statement on crypto-asset risks to banking organizations”, Allen & Overy, January 4, 2023
  • “Digital assets will remain in demand – despite the crypto winter”, Allen & Overy, December 2, 2022
  • “United States: Fintech: an overview of Fintech laws and regulations applicable in United States”, The Legal 500 Country Comparative Guides, November 2022
  • “Crypto M&A: Current trends and unique legal and regulatory considerations”, Global Legal Insights - Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Regulation 2023, November 2022
  • "Crypto-tunities: Transaction strategies in the challenging crypto markets", Allen & Overy update, July 13, 2022
  • "Oh no, where's my crypto? What happens to crypto assets when a custodian fails", Allen & Overy update, June 23, 2022
  • "Crypto M&A: Unique Legal and Regulatory Considerations", The Legal 500 Country Comparative Guides Hot Topic | Fintech, January 21, 2022, by F. Dario de Martino
  • "Blockchain M&A: The Next Link in the Chain", Stanford Journal of Blockchain Law & Policy, January 4, 2021 

Recognition

He is very thorough, detail-oriented and very responsive. He has great judgment and is incredibly easy to work with.
Chambers – USA, 2023
He has developed a unique ability to handle complex issues and develop sound solutions that work despite regulatory frameworks being often inconsistent across state, federal and international borders.
Chambers – USA, 2023

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted: Bar of the State of New York

Registered Foreign Lawyer, England and Wales, 2024

Academic

Federico II University School of Law, J.D.
Columbia Law School, LL.M.

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.