Presenters

Chris Linton, Consultant, Duncan Cotterill
Chris is a senior corporate/commercial and technology specialist. She advises New Zealand and international corporates, and public sector clients, on their terrestrial and online businesses. This includes technology projects (from strategy, procurement and implementation through to dispute resolution), blockchain, crypto and fintech businesses (advising start-ups and investors); M&A, joint ventures, strategic alliances, venture capital, and gaming (and related regulatory advice). Before joining Duncan Cotterill, Chris was a partner at national law firm in Wellington and a specialist commercial law firm in Auckland. She also worked in London with leading global firm, Linklaters doing cross border M&A, joint ventures and financing. Chris is the Honorary Consul for Finland in Auckland, President of the New Zealand Scandinavia Business Association, and a member of Fintech NZ.


James Cochrane, Partner, Lane Neave
James is a dispute resolution and litigation partner at Lane Neave in Auckland, specializing in banking, finance, insolvency, company law, and insurance. He has expertise in cryptocurrency, web3 technology, and digital assets, advising on tax, asset structuring, gaming, and regulatory issues. James also handles fintech, social media disputes, and corporate social responsibility. With a First Class Honours LLM from the University of Auckland, he is active in BlockchainNZ, RITANZ, and NZILA. He provides commercial advice to a diverse range of clients, from individuals and startups to multinational corporations.