Partner

Katalin Horváth

Languages

Hungarian
English
German

Katalin Horváth is a partner in the commercial team at CMS Budapest and Co-Head of CMS CEE Fintech Competence Center. She specialises in software, IT and IP law, BankTech/FinTech law, outsourcing, data protection, and cybersecurity (NIS2, CRA, CSA) matters, as well as the legal and regulatory aspects of artificial intelligence.

She has in-depth experience in complex TMT regulatory matters, commercial contracts, e-commerce and platform regulation, and e-signature issues with a particular focus on online and mobile services, web stores, FinTech, PayTech and payment solutions.

Katalin also has significant hands-on experience in AI and emerging technologies, including blockchain and cryptoassets, IoT, robotics and drones, as well as sector-specific work in space and defence. She supports the CMS Dispute Resolution team as an expert in technology-related disputes.

She regularly publishes and is a frequent conference speaker on BankTech/FinTech, AI, software law and data protection.

Before joining CMS, Katalin gained significant experience in drafting IT operating and software-related contracts, copyright and trademark litigation at a renowned Hungarian IP boutique law firm.

Awards & Recognitions

01 –

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"Katalin Horváth is a partner with exceptional professionalism, punctuality, accuracy, extremely hard work and the ability to handle all our issues to this high professional standard. It is this kind of exemplary legal practice that also defines the attitude of the talented young colleagues who work with her."

Legal 500, 2025
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"Katalin Horváth stands out for her deep understanding of data privacy regulations and her ability to translate complex legal frameworks into practical, actionable advice. What I value most about Katalin is her proactive approach—she anticipates potential challenges and addresses them before they become issues. Her attention to detail, combined with her strong communication skills, makes it easy to trust her guidance. Katalin's dedication to her clients is unmatched, and her expertise sets her apart from others in the field."

Legal 500, 2025
Quote

"Katalin Horváth has a real passion for delivering exceptional legal solutions to clients. Her wide knowledge of even the technical and business sides makes her a very reliable lawyer."

Legal 500, 2025

Relevant experience

OTP Bank and its fintech affiliates, SimplePay and HelloPay – trusted legal advisor since their establishment, advising across operations, most recently on software and cloud licencing, support and SOW arrangements for DSK Bank (Bulgaria); and leading DORA readiness by developing contract templates and playbooks and negotiating key DORA agreements with global ICT providers.
Varonis, a global cybersecurity solutions provider, on DORA compliance, including preparing DORA-compliant contract templates, negotiating DORA agreements, and advising on the required technical and organisational measures on a global scale.
A leading insurance sector client on AI Act, NIS2 and DORA compliance, including the classification of third-party ICT service providers, DORA gap analysis, reviewing and negotiating DORA-compliant contracts, and ongoing support throughout the implementation process.
A global e-commerce and cloud services provider on a regional and local basis across a broad range of regulatory, contractual, and cybersecurity matters, including cross border online sales, consumer and advertising regulation, e-contracting issues, DORA and NIS2 compliance and telecom related regulatory support.
A leading pet food company on the strategic acquisition and group-wide implementation of a new ERP system across all international operations.
Canon Europe on the NIS2 Directive and DORA Regulation compliance.
A regional Space and Defence company on a landmark space technology project (satellite manufacturing and satellite-based telecoms services), including drafting core project contracts and ongoing technology/contract support.
AmRest (operator of KFC, Starbucks) on e-commerce and consumer protection compliance matters.
A major low-cost airline on e-commerce and consumer protection compliance.
Various fintech clients, such as Coinbase, Iconomi, eToro on complex crypto regulatory compliance.

Memberships & Roles

Budapest Bar Association, 2009
Hungarian Fintech Association: Co-head of the Regulatory Working Group, 2022
IVSZ, the largest Hungarian technology association: Co-Head of the Regulatory Working Group, 2022
Hungarian AI Coalition - participating in the establishment of the national AI strategy as technology legal expert
Hungarian Association for the Protection of Industrial Property and Copyright, 2004

Education

2005 - Doctor of Law, Cum laude, Faculty of Law, Eötvös Lorand Science University

Practice Areas

Commercial Intellectual Property

sectors

TMT - Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Insights

Global Reach