Lavan Thasarathakumar

Lavan’s main focus area at the EU was on Economic and Monetary Affairs, within which he focused on emerging technologies advising on a number of FinTech, Cryptoasset and DLT files. Most notably, he advised the rapporteur of the EU Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation and the Comprehensive European Industrial Policy on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. However, as the principal adviser to the leader of the UK delegation, Lavan has experience in advising on a wide range of areas. 

Lavan set up Thasa Consulting, through which he advises firms, trade associations and supranational organisations on matters pertaining to emerging tech policy. Notably he authored the Commonwealth Secretariat Regulatory Guidance on Virtual Currencies in 2019 and the UK FinTech Strategic Review in 2021.

Lavan also holds the position of Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at Global Digital Finance, where he is responsible for representing the views of the industry to policymakers and regulators across the globe as well as distil and disseminate policy and regulatory positions to the industry. Lavan chairs the MiCA Working Group and the Private Market Digitisation Steering Group.

Lavan’s ability to navigate the EU and UK legislative process enables him to help clients understand the incomings regulatory requirements that will impact their business. He also has experience in drafting legislation, policy recommendations and a strong understanding of the industry which he brings to the firm.