Dr. Kilian Schärli, LL.M.
Managing Partner/Partner/Notary Public, Zug/Zurich
Profile
Kilian Schärli advises founders, technology companies, investors and international corporate groups on strategic transactions and complex legal matters at the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, intellectual property and digital infrastructure.
His practice focuses on technology-driven business models, platform ecosystems, licensing and ownership structures, as well as regulatory matters relating to AI systems, software, digital assets and tokenized infrastructure.
He regularly advises on cross-border technology projects, venture and strategic transactions, and governance and investment structures involving significant technological and regulatory complexity.
Kilian is known for translating technological, regulatory and commercial complexity into clear, practical and durable legal structures.
As Managing Partner of MLL Legal, he advises on AI governance, digital ownership structures, technology transactions, licensing frameworks and digital infrastructure.
In addition to his advisory and transactional practice, he regularly acts as a notary public of the Canton of Zug in connection with sophisticated corporate, financing and technology-driven structures, particularly involving international holding, investment and digital asset arrangements.
Kilian is consistently recognised by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 for his work in technology, FinTech and digital assets law, where he is ranked as a “Leading Individual”.
Focus Areas
- AI Governance & Digital Infrastructure
- Intellectual Property & Technology Strategy
- Technology Transactions & Licensing
- Digital Assets & Tokenized Structures
- Venture & Strategic Transactions
- Cross-Border Technology Projects
Practice Areas
Industry Groups
Special Desks
Rankings & Awards
- “Kilian has always been extremely polite, correct and his fine character attracts positive attention which can also be seen in the interaction with his own colleagues.”– Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
- “Kilian Schärli is the most pragmatic, competent, customer-oriented, and empathetic legal advisor.”– Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
- “Kilian Schärli uses a proactive approach and shows multiple solutions for the client. He has the capability of connecting the correct experts at the right moment; his extensive network of experts is extremely valuable. His ambition to solve any problem for the client and to find the best suitable solution in time, budget and content is remarkable.”– Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
- “Dr. Kilian Schärli provides a brilliant customer service: he is extremely competent and knowledgeable as well as customer focused. His very sensitive and empathetic behaviour is very helpful and has already shown significant success in highly tense situations in which he provides more comfort to all stakeholders.”– Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
- “Kilian deeply understands the business and commercial aspects of a transaction, and offers custom tailored advice to clients to help them achieve their business objectives. He is one of the best lawyers whom I have met.” – Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
- “Kilian is not just a legal expert; he is a true partner who delivers tailored, practical solutions” – Lexology Index, 2026
- “His deep expertise in blockchain and fintech is unmatched” – Lexology Index, 2026
- “Working with Kilian Schärli has been an exceptional experience” – Lexology Index, 2026
- “He is very practical and creative”– Lexology Index Client Choice, 2026
- “Kilian has a deep understanding of crypto that is necessary to serve companies in this space” – Lexology Index Client Choice, 2026
- “Kilian is a one-of-its kind partner to do business with – he is very skilled especially in new tech or changing legal topics” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2026
- “Kilian’s proactive problem-solving and extensive network of experts ensure that we receive the best possible advice, no matter the challenge” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2026
- “He is not just a legal representative, but a strategic partner who has played a pivotal role in shaping our successes” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2026
- “Kilian Schärli is easily the best lawyer we have ever worked with.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian is simply an outstanding professional and the best in his field of expertise.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian shows creativity in finding solutions that are practical from a business perspective, even in complex matters.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian is super commercial and has a great network and an impressive roster of clients.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian Schärli is very dedicated to his clients.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian gives practical advice and considerations.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian Schärli has a great holistic, entrepreneurial view of our company.” – Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “Kilian is very pragmatic, very practical and very supportive.”– Chambers & Partners, FinTech 2025
- “He has great knowledge of crypto legislation and the crypto market; great understanding of business problems and provides quick and pragmatic solutions.” – IFLR1000, Financial service regulatory, 2025
- “Responsive, knowledgeable and organized.” – IFLR1000, Banking and finance, 2025
- “Kilian Schärli is exceptionally good at finding the right level of engagement and his advice is always in the absolute best business interest of the client. We have the feeling that he is never fishing for enlarged scopes if not absolutely necessary” – Legal 500 EMEA, Public Law, 2025
- “I highly recommend Kilian Schärli for his outstanding expertise and meticulous attention to detail in handling patent matters within the life sciences sector” – Legal 500 EMEA, IP, 2025
- “Kilian Schärli: very knowledgable, well connected, great solutions and responsive” – Legal 500 EMEA, Fintech, 2025
- “Working with Kilian Schärli has been an exceptional experience” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2025
- “His deep expertise in blockchain and fintech is unmatched” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2025
- “Kilian is not just a legal expert; he is a true partner who delivers tailored, practical solutions” – Client Choice, FinTech, 2025
- “Kilian Schärli is very dedicated to his clients” – Chambers and Partners, Fintech, 2025
- “Kilian Schärli has a great holistic, entrepreneurial view of our company” – Chambers and Partners, Fintech, 2025
Deals & Cases
- Advised Telegram on certain regulatory aspects relating to the potential integration of digital asset functionality into the Telegram ecosystem
- Advised the Open Network Foundation
- Advised the Pyth Data Association
- Advised Ondo on the Ondo Global Markets initiative, a tokenization platform designed to bring public securities onchain
- Advised on Backed Finance’s tokenisation platform and its USD 9.5 million Series A financing round
- Advised Backed Finance AG and its shareholders on their exit to Kraken
- Advised Adnovum on the acquisition of iSPIN and Koch IT
- Advised BlueYard Capital on the USD 24 million Series A financing round in Corintis SA
- Advised Validation Cloud AG on its Series A financing and prior convertible loan financing
- Advised Swisscom Ventures on the Series B financing round in AMNIS Treasury Services AG
- Advised Matrixport on the acquisition of Crypto Finance (Asset Management) AG
- Advised Arcium Association on USD 5.5 million funding for decentralized on-chain computing protocol development
- Advised Moflix on its USD 3.1 million seed financing round
- Advised Iconic Funds on the launch of the Iconic Funds Physical Bitcoin ETP at SIX Swiss Exchange
- Advised Bitcoin Suisse on its CHF 45 million Series A fundraising round
- Advised Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA) in the listing of the Safello Bittensor Staked TAO ETP on SIX Swiss Exchange
Education & Admission
- University of Lucerne, Dr. iur. (2013)
- The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, in cooperation with Peking University, Beijing, LL.M. (2012)
- Admitted to the bar in Switzerland and licensed as a notary public in Zug (2011)
- University of Lucerne, MLaw (2009)
Memberships and public offices
- Capital Markets and Technology Association (CMTA)
- International Chair of LESI YMC
- Swiss Association for Intellectual Property Law (INGRES)
- Zug Bar Association
Languages
- German
- English
- French
Publications
Assistant
Publications
News Portal
“Dr. Kilian Schärli provides a brilliant customer service: he is extremely competent and knowledgeable as well as customer focused. His very sensitive and empathetic behaviour is very helpful and has already shown significant success in highly tense situations in which he provides more comfort to all stakeholders.”- Lexology Index Fintech, 2026
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