Gadens has strengthened its national financial services, fintech and property capabilities with the appointment of partners Natasha Murgatroyd in Perth and Mizu Ardra in Melbourne, responding to rising client demand amid regulatory reform, technological disruption and growth across key sectors.

The appointments build on Gadens' continued expansion, with partner numbers increasing by around 15% this year. They add further depth in areas experiencing significant regulatory and commercial change, including private credit, financial services regulation, anti-money laundering reforms, digital assets, property development and emerging technologies.

Natasha joins Gadens with extensive experience advising institutional landlords, REITs and developers on major transactions, leasing strategies and development projects. Her experience includes advising Vicinity Centres on its Western Australian retail leasing portfolio, including redevelopment leasing initiatives for the Galleria Shopping Centre, as well as acting on significant retail, office and commercial property transactions across the state. She has advised on some of Western Australia's most significant retail, office and mixed-use projects, helping clients navigate complex development, redevelopment and leasing strategies in a rapidly evolving market. Her appointment further strengthens Gadens' footprint in Perth, one of Australia's most active property markets and a key strategic growth market for the Firm over the next 12 months.

Natasha Murgatroyd, Partner, noted:

“Gadens has built an outstanding real estate practice, a strong market reputation and genuine depth of expertise. This is an exciting next step for me and I’m looking forward to working with the national team to deepen existing client relationships, develop new opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the Gadens real estate practice.”

Mizu joins Gadens with distinctive expertise spanning financial services regulation, fintech, financial crime, emerging technologies and space law. She has advised major financial institutions, fund managers, payment providers, non-bank lenders and digital asset businesses on some of the most significant regulatory and technology-driven changes affecting the sector.

Her experience includes advising on large-scale regulatory programs for Australia's major banks, financial services licensing regimes, consumer credit compliance, financial crime frameworks and anti-money laundering reforms. She has also advised clients on digital assets, tokenisation, payments innovation and artificial intelligence regulation, and has been closely involved in assisting businesses prepare for evolving AML obligations.

Notable matters include advising BGH Capital on the financial regulatory framework supporting Fund II, reported as the largest private equity capital raising in Australia at the time. She has also worked extensively on remediation programs for major financial institutions and advised organisations operating in highly regulated sectors including financial services, defence and space.

Mizu will be joined by Special Counsel Chenjie Ma, further strengthening Gadens' capability as clients respond to increasing regulatory scrutiny, the expansion of private credit markets, evolving financial crime obligations and rapid technological change.

Mizu Ardra, Partner, noted:

“Gadens has a clear vision for supporting clients through complexity and change, and that resonates strongly with the work I do. Financial services, space and technology are converging rapidly. I'm excited to join the team to help clients navigate that intersection with commerciality and technical acumen.”

Mark Pistilli, CEO and Managing Partner said:

"We're investing where our clients need us most. Natasha strengthens our property capability in Western Australia, while Mizu and Chenjie add depth in financial services, fintech and emerging technologies. Together, they enhance our ability to support clients in sectors undergoing rapid change."