Martin Bartlam began his legal education at King’s College London, where he studied law and laid the foundation for his long and diverse career in legal practice and financial services. After completing his education, Martin started his legal journey at Slaughter and May, one of the most well-established law firms in the UK. He trained and worked there for seven years, gaining early experience in corporate law and finance.
In the early 1990s, Martin joined Denton Wilde Sapte, where he became a partner. His work during this time focused on structured finance and project finance. He built on this experience and moved into leadership roles at various global law firms. In 2000, Martin became a partner at Jones Day, where he worked for four years. During his time there, he was involved in developing the firm’s finance practice and advising on complex international financial transactions.
In 2004, Martin joined Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. He served as the Managing Partner of the London office and led the finance team. His work involved advising financial institutions and companies on cross-border transactions, structured products, and capital markets. He held this position until 2012, contributing significantly to the firm’s finance practice.
In 2012, Martin joined DLA Piper as a partner. He co-chaired the Global Fintech Group and became the International Group Head of Finance, Projects, and Restructuring. He led a team of around 600 lawyers and played an important role in the firm’s work related to fintech, digital finance, and structured deals. He advised on a wide range of topics including securitisation, derivatives, capital markets products, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). He remained with DLA Piper until October 2023.
During his time at DLA Piper, Martin contributed to the development of new financing techniques and legal frameworks for digital assets. He wrote and published several articles through the Global Financial Markets Insight platform. In 2013, he authored Changes in Rating Agency Counterparty Criteria. In 2015, he wrote EBA set out principles for qualifying securitisation. In 2016, he contributed three articles: FinTech – Redefining the Finance Sector, Can Blockchain Live Up to the Hype?, and Understanding the Basics of European Marketplace Lending. These publications explain the legal and financial implications of emerging technologies and changing financial structures.
In 2021, Martin became a Senior Advisor at Corinthian Digital Asset Management Limited. He provided guidance on digital finance strategies and worked with early-stage ventures. He continued in this role until October 2023.
Martin also worked with Global Digital Finance, a non-profit industry organisation. As General Counsel, he contributed to the development of standards and codes of practice for the digital asset sector. He also participated in the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Digital Sandbox programme as a mentor, helping innovators address legal and regulatory challenges in financial technology.
In October 2023, Martin took on two major roles. He became the Founder and CEO of Coded Law, a legal technology business focused on supporting law through digital tools. He also joined Xfinite Global Plc, part of the Eros Group, as Head of Business Affairs and General Legal Counsel. At Xfinite, he works on technology-led entertainment and media platforms, including projects related to Immerso and Eros Technologies Plc.
Martin is also active as a speaker and educator in the financial and legal sectors. He has presented on blockchain, fintech, ICOs, and structured finance at events such as the Global ABS conference, the LMA, the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, and industry groups in the insurance sector.
As of 2025, Martin continues to lead Coded Law and supports Xfinite Global Plc in their commercial and legal affairs. He remains a recognised expert in finance law and digital innovation, applying legal knowledge to help businesses and financial institutions navigate evolving technologies and regulations.
