Fintech, Blockchain, Digital Assets
INTELLECT expands its Fintech capabilities with the addition of Maria Bolobonova and her team, bringing deep expertise in digital finance regulation and blockchain innovations.
Maria Bolobonova, the newly appointed partner at INTELLECT, has taken the helm of the Fintech Practice, spearheading its comprehensive relaunch and elevating it to a premier tier of excellence.
INTELLECT marks a milestone in its 25th anniversary year with the appointment of Maria Bolobonova, a preeminent Russian legal expert in fintech and digital assets, as Partner. This strategic addition reinvigorates the firm's Fintech, Blockchain & Digital Assets practice, positioning it at the forefront of Russia's digital economy.
Maria Bolobonova is a rare expert of unique caliber in Russia. With over 8 years of experience in fintech legal advisory, she possesses unparalleled expertise across all critical areas of digital finance and adjacent fields:
- Legal support for developing and implementing payment systems with IT partners;
- Collective investment schemes and regulatory compliance;
- Integration of digital assets, blockchain, DeFi, and AI solutions into business models, including cryptocurrency mining operations;
- Civil and criminal litigation involving digital currencies (theft, pyramid schemes, unlawful investment activities).
While fintech legal work forms the core of Maria's practice, her influence extends far beyond client matters. As a sought-after speaker, published author, and government advisor on digital asset regulation, she brings unparalleled policy insights to every engagement:
- Widely recognized as one of Russia's foremost experts on cryptocurrency and AI legislation, actively shaping policy through her roles in State Duma advisory councils;
- Faculty member at UrSULA and MGIMO, where she developed groundbreaking curricula on legal frameworks for digital business transformation, digital platforms regulation, digital financial assets and currencies;
- Author/co-author of multiple monographs, textbooks, and peer-reviewed articles on digital economy regulation;
- Regular speaker at major Russian and international conferences;
- Advisor to the President of NAUFOR (National Association of Securities Market Participants);
- Member of the BRICS Payments & Fintech Working Group.
This list merely scratches the surface of her contributions. Maria's multidimensional expertise — combined with INTELLECT's nationwide office network — positions the firm's Fintech Practice for unprecedented growth and accessibility across Russia.
Maria Bolobonova's Statement:
"Becoming a partner at INTELLECT represents far more than a career milestone — it's a homecoming to a team I deeply trust. In our profession, we often emphasize trust as the cornerstone of client relationships. Yet the trust within a legal team itself is equally — if not more — critical.
I profoundly value not only the firm's commitment to legal excellence, but also its culture of accountability, mutual respect, and impeccable professional standards. I'm grateful to my colleagues for this trust — it's both a weighty responsibility and a tremendous honor.
My focus will be advancing our Fintech Practice. We're building legal frameworks for businesses navigating rapid digital transformation, where providing holistic solutions — aligned with both Russian and international regulations — has never been more vital.
A key priority will be expanding into strategic markets: the UAE, China, India, EAEU nations, and Southeast Asia.
By combining our domestic expertise with this global outlook, we'll deliver legal solutions that transcend borders."
Evgeny Shestakov, managing partner of INTELLECT:
"I am delighted to welcome Maria to our partnership. This is a truly inspiring moment for our team, and here's why:
First, Maria and I have been friends and collaborators for years, sharing the same professional values. It's remarkable when a strong personal and working relationship evolves into something even greater — a partnership that unlocks tremendous new potential.
Second, this union demonstrates INTELLECT's enduring appeal to top legal talent. Over our 25-year history, we've built a premier consulting platform — complete with a distinguished brand, robust infrastructure, and outstanding marketing, financial, technical, and HR support.
Third, as a firm named INTELLECT, we must lead in cutting-edge legal domains like blockchain, cryptocurrency mining, and AI.
Maria's arrival doesn't just strengthen our capabilities in financial technologies and technical innovation — it positions us as one of Russia's most advanced firms, ready to meet the challenges of the Fifth Industrial Revolution head-on."
Anastasia Makhneva, partner at INTELLECT:
"INTELLECT's Fintech Practice has a well-established legacy. Over the past seven years, our project experience has earned us consistent recognition in legal rankings — including annual recommendations in Kommersant's 'Digital Economy/Fintech' category since 2021 and Pravo-300 since 2019.
Yet Maria and her team's arrival marks a transformative leap in our expertise, unlocking new possibilities for clients. Personally, what resonates most is welcoming an exceptional new partner to INTELLECT. I hope this partnership's growth sets a lasting precedent for our firm's evolution."
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