Dimitrios Karakolis

Tell us your story:

"Dimitrios is a Senior Associate in the FinTech team at Founders Law specialising in Payments. With a profound understanding of the payments and e-money regulatory landscape, Dimitrios possesses a proven track record of providing tailored legal advice in support of innovative FinTech ventures, demonstrating his adeptness in understanding complex financial products.

He has spearheaded legal initiatives for a diverse array of established FinTech clients, including for CleaBank (the UK’s first clearing bank in over 250 years), Nium (a global leader in real-time, cross-border payment), Yapily (Europe’s leading open banking infrastructure platform) and BVNK (a disruptive crypto-rail payment services provider).

Dimitrios’ astute legal advice and strategic guidance have been instrumental in the successful execution of new models in the FinTech space that push the boundaries of traditional legal frameworks and position clients at the forefront of innovation and regulatory compliance. His comprehensive understanding of FinTech products, coupled with his strategic insights, enables him to deliver pragmatic solutions that drive business success and help move the FinTech market in the UK forward."

Impact:

"As a fintech lawyer at Founders Law, I have the privilege of leading ‘Proud @ FF’, the LGBTQIA+ network for the Founders Forum Group, a collective of 10+ companies dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship. In this role, I am responsible for driving initiatives that foster greater LGBTQIA+ awareness and inclusivity across the group. At Proud @ FF, we have successfully organised a range of events aimed at both education and advocacy.

Through our events we have raised funds for local charities such as London Friend, a charity that focuses on supporting the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in London. We have also organised informative panel discussions featuring speakers from the likes of Series Q (a non-profit that brings together LGBTQ+ people at startups in London) and LVNDR (a digital health service providing holistic healthcare for LGBTQ+ people), in an effort to spark insightful conversations around LGBTQ+ visibility and foster engagement on key issues particularly within the startup ecosystem. We also prioritise supporting queer-owned businesses by catering events through LGBTQIA+ owned restaurants.

I strongly believe that visibility and action are key to creating lasting change. Through my work, I strive to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals within the group feel supported and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. I would be honoured to be featured in the Pride in FinTech Powerlist 2024, as it would allow me to further amplify the importance of inclusion within the financial services, and highlight all the progress being made across the sector. There is unfortunately still much work to be done, and I am proud to be contributing toward a more diverse, welcoming industry for all."

Advice:

"Firstly, look for companies that prioritise actively championing diversity and inclusion. When considering potential employers, research their culture, employee resource groups, policies and look out for initiatives that support LGBTQIA+ employees. Your freedom to be yourself at work should be non-negotiable and will ultimately help you thrive professionally.

Secondly, it’s equally important to build your own support system within the workplace. Finding mentors and connecting with a group of individuals who truly believe in you can create a sense of belonging that is invaluable, especially for queer people. These relationships can provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support, helping you navigate your career path with more confidence.

Finally, always be proactive. FinTech is a fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape. Take advantage of any learning opportunities to continuously enhance your skills and stay ahead of industry trends. A more open mindset will ultimately also enable you to embrace new opportunities as they come your way."