Big Four auditing firm KMPG is scaling up its legal operations in eastern Europe by absorbing Romanian law firm Fernbach & Partners, in a move to create "the leading technology, IP and privacy practice in Romania".

The move sees Fernbach & Partners founder Cristiana Fernbach join KPMG Legal Romania as coordinating partner of the practice.

Fernbach & Partners focuses on technology law, data protection, intellectual property and digital media, with a 100% focus on new technologies – the first firm of its kind in Romania. The firm's portfolio includes fintech and blockchain technologies, among others.