A&O Shearman provides comprehensive regulatory advice to banks and broker-dealers, assisting them with a broad range of matters, including licensing, capital requirements, regulatory investigations, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. The firm’s financial services regulatory practice is led by Barbara Stettner, who is based in Washington DC while the banks regulatory practice in New York is headed by Lena Kiely. The team regularly advises clients on compliance with SEC and FINRA regulations, offering guidance on various regulatory frameworks affecting financial institutions. Jennifer Morton is a key contact within the practice, frequently advising banks, investment firms, and broker-dealers on issues related to net capital requirements, trade reporting obligations, and corporate financing rules. Based in New York, Taylor Pugliese is recognised for her in-depth knowledge of broker-dealer regulations, as well as the cross-border requirements that impact financial institutions.

Regulatory compliance, transactions, and enforcement remain central areas of focus for Arnold & Porter’s banking and consumer finance practices. Kevin Toomey, who leads both of these teams, is supported by a highly experienced group that includes former officials from key regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, CFPB, and the New York State Department of Financial Services. Washington DC-based banking and securities specialist David Freeman also advises a variety of lenders on interactions with the CFPB and FTC in addition to helping clients navigate UDAAP rules. The banking team provides comprehensive guidance to financial institutions on a variety of issues, including capital requirements, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, regulatory compliance, and the necessary approvals. Additionally, the team offers valuable assistance to clients in structuring complex financial transactions and in responding effectively to enforcement actions. In the realm of consumer finance, the team advises banks and lenders on compliance with UDAAP regulations, advertising practices, required disclosures, and regulatory examinations.

Known for its expertise in advising clients on a wide range of consumer financial services issues, Ballard Spahr LLP represents banking institutions, fintech companies, and investors in complex regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement matters, particularly those involving the CFPB and other agencies. The firm is recognized for its experience in handling matters related to privacy, cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence, and continues to be a leader in representing payment systems and other fintech firms. The practice also has a strong focus on providing regulatory due diligence support for private equity firms, investment bankers, and other professional investors in transactions involving consumer financial services companies. Co-leading the firm is John Socknat, based in Washington DC., who advises clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, examinations, audits, and enforcement actions, while also assisting with product design and transactional matters and Philadelphia based Daniel McKenna who specializes in high-stakes litigation, including class actions and arbitration, with a focus on mortgage, auto, and credit card loan-related issues. Joseph Schuster joined the firm in 2024, known for his expertise in financial services matters. Mike Kilgarriff is also another new arrival from Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is noted for its expertise in advising both US and international banks, handling matters tied to restructuring, asset management, and compliance with Bank Holding Company Act and Volcker Rule provisions, among others. The practice is also frequently sought out by clients facing regulatory and enforcement actions by the SEC and FINRA. It has been particularly active in advising clients on the implementation of Basel III “endgame” regulations, including regulatory advocacy and compliance guidance for major financial institutions and trade associations. Additionally, the team plays a key role in the ongoing overhaul of the US Treasury securities market, representing a wide range of banks and dealers in connection with SEC rule changes. Washington DC-based practice head Derek Bush offers extensive expertise in Dodd-Frank regulations, bank restructuring, and government investigations. In New York, Hugh Conroy focuses on structured finance and derivative transactions in addition to his work on Dodd-Frank, while Lauren Semrad, based in Washington DC, advises US and international financial institutions on US bank and bank holding company regulatory matters. Patrick Fuller, also in New York, handles bank licensing issues in addition to bank M&A.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP provides regulatory guidance to financial institutions and fintech firms on a range of supervisory, enforcement, governance, and transactional matters. The team, led by Jelena McWilliams in Washington DC, brings significant regulatory experience, with many of its lawyers having previously held positions in government and regulatory agencies. The firm assists clients with complex compliance matters, enforcement proceedings, and policy initiatives, offering strategic advice on navigating evolving financial regulations. Clients rely on the team for support with risk assessments, regulatory negotiations, and addressing supervisory concerns. The firm’s deep understanding of legislative intent and regulatory frameworks enables it to provide tailored guidance on regulatory challenges affecting financial institutions. By drawing on its knowledge of regulatory policies and enforcement trends, the team helps clients anticipate potential compliance risks and respond effectively to regulatory developments.

Dentons consumer finance regulatory team is widely recognized in the US consumer finance market, representing some of the world’s largest financial institutions, hedge funds, and private equity funds. The practice is co-led by Matthew Yoon in New York and John Holahan in Washington DC, both of whom bring decades of experience in mortgage and consumer finance regulation. The team advises a broad spectrum of clients, including national banks, non-depository mortgage lenders, credit card issuers, student lenders, and secondary market participants, on matters ranging from CFPB compliance to state regulatory issues. In 2024, the team was further strengthened by the promotion of William Beecher to partner. Beecher represents national mortgage lenders, servicers, and Wall Street institutions before federal and state regulators, including the CFPB, and advises on a wide range of regulatory matters across the United States. The firm is particularly noted for its work in advising clients on the effects of rising interest rates, governmental housing policies, and CFPB rule changes affecting the mortgage and consumer credit markets.

Freshfields‘s US financial services regulatory practice has seen significant expansion, further strengthened by the addition of senior talent. Co-heading the practice is New York based David Sewell, with extensive expertise in regulatory, transactional, investigations, and enforcement matters, brings a wealth of experience across both traditional financial services and the rapidly growing fintech sector. His background includes holding senior roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and JPMorgan Chase, equipping the firm to offer invaluable support to a diverse range of clients in banking, payments, and fintech. Additionally, Alison Hashmall also heads the practice, bringing a deep understanding of financial services regulation.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP advises major bank and non-bank clients on significant matters before regulatory bodies such as the New York State Department of Financial Services, the Federal Reserve, the OCC, U.S. Department of Justice, FinCEN, CFTC, SEC, and CFPB. The practice combines expertise in state and federal banking regulations with a strong focus on regulatory enforcement and investigations. The team is led by Stephanie Brooker and Kendall Day both of whom have extensive experience in handling multi-agency, criminal AML investigations and enforcement actions brought by regulatory bodies, including the DOJ, SEC, and Federal Reserve Board. Brooker, a former Director of the Enforcement Division at FinCEN and federal prosecutor, specializes in anti-money laundering, sanctions, and crypto-related matters, and co-chairs the firm’s global white collar and financial institutions & AML practices. Day also brings significant expertise in criminal AML investigations, having been involved in high-profile matters such as the Binance virtual currency case. Adam Smith specializes in international trade and the FCPA, while Jeffrey Steiner focuses on blockchain and digital assets regulations, as well as derivatives matters under Dodd-Frank and the CFTC.

Goodwin‘s banking and broker-dealer practices are extensive and cater to a wide range of clients. In the banking space, the firm offers comprehensive expertise across all areas of banking compliance, including the regulation of bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and foreign banking organizations. The team also advises on capital regulation, regulatory issues affecting business combinations, and consumer compliance matters related to the mortgage and credit card industries. Notably, they provide guidance on anti-money laundering (AML), risk management, and affiliated party and insider transactions, among other banking-related concerns. In the broker-dealer space, the firm provides strategic counsel on broker status and exemptions from registration, including advising on fund sponsor arrangements with unregistered “finders” and venture “scout” programs. The practice assists clients with SEC registration, FINRA membership, and structuring considerations, as well as day-to-day legal, regulatory, and compliance advice. This includes personnel registration, licensing, recordkeeping, marketing, and advertising, as well as supervision and sales practices. Samantha Kirby leads the firm’s banking practice in Boston, while William Stern, based in New York, and Nick Losurdo, based in Boston, lead the financial services regulation practice.

Husch Blackwell LLP  advises a broad range of financial services clients, including mortgage lenders, auto finance companies, and credit card providers, on compliance with federal and state regulations such as the FCRA, ECOA, and TILA. The firm provides regulatory guidance on consumer credit laws, risk management, and evolving compliance requirements, leveraging its in-depth industry knowledge. Madison-based Marci Kawski leads the practice, drawing on her expertise in both national consumer finance regulations and Wisconsin-specific laws. Susan Seaman, based in Columbus via the firm’s virtual office, advises on credit, deposit, and payment systems regulations. Christopher Friedman , who also operates virtually, supports clients navigating entry into new jurisdictions and product launches. The team expanded in February 2024 with the addition of former CFPB attorney Mike Silver, who brings deep regulatory experience to the practice.

Jones Day advises broker-dealers, banks, and other financial institutions on a range of regulatory and enforcement matters. The firm’s practice, led by Brett Barragate and Jayant Tambe, both based in New York, focuses on compliance with U.S. federal and state securities laws, FINRA and other SRO regulations, and trading-related matters, including equity market structure issues and securities transactions across exchanges, alternative trading systems, and over-the-counter markets. The team includes former senior officials from the SEC, CFTC, DOJ, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, offering substantial enforcement expertise. The team is also active in the fintech sector, providing counsel on blockchain-based offerings, cryptocurrency regulations, and digital asset trading platforms.

K&L Gates’ practice is known for providing practical advice to broker-dealers, hedge funds, private equity, and other fund sponsors on managing complex regulatory issues. The team advises retail and institutional brokers, clearing firms, exchanges, proprietary traders, and fund managers across asset classes and investment structures. Key areas of focus include regulatory compliance, government enforcement, cross-border regulation, capital markets, and portfolio trading, as well as tax and structuring matters. The firm has significant expertise in navigating dealings with regulators and self-regulatory organizations (SROs) globally, including the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA. The team also assists clients with obtaining interpretive, exemptive, or no-action relief. Led by Michael Caccese and Clair Pagnano in Boston, and Mark Amorosi and Ndenisarya Meekins in Washington DC, the practice is recognized for its capability in addressing sensitive regulatory matters and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory authorities.

King & Spalding LLP advises major financial institutions on regulatory compliance, enforcement matters, and risk management across broker-dealer, consumer finance, and banking sectors. The firm’s broker-dealer compliance team counsels clients on regulatory developments, enforcement actions, and compliance strategies, drawing on extensive government experience. The consumer finance team supports banks and financial institutions in regulatory compliance and enforcement matters, advising on issues such as payments, credit cards, mortgage lending, and fintech. The banking regulatory practice assists leading global banks with compliance, enforcement, and risk mitigation, frequently engaging with US and state regulators.  Heads of the broker dealer team include Russell Sacks, Aaron Lipson  and Emily Gordy. Matthew Biben, David Lesser and Jamie Dycus  are the heads of the Consumer finance team. Matthew Biben also co-heads the financial services team alongside Olivia Radin.

Latham & Watkins LLP advises financial institutions on a broad range of banking and broker-dealer regulatory matters, including compliance, transactions, enforcement, and litigation. The firm is recognised for its expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and engaging with agencies such as the SEC, FINRA, and the Federal Reserve. The banking regulatory team has been active in analysing and commenting on the Basel III Endgame proposal, providing insights into its potential impact on the industry. On the broker-dealer side, the firm advises on compliance, registration, cross-border issues, M&A involving regulated entities, and enforcement matters. The practice also addresses emerging fintech regulations and developments in electronic trading platforms. The firm’s global reach and multidisciplinary approach enable it to assist clients with regulatory challenges across multiple jurisdictions. The banking practice is led by Arthur Long and Courtenay Myers Lima in New York, while the broker-dealer practice is headed by Stephen Wink in New York and John J. Sikora Jr. in Chicago. Located in New York, Pia Naib advises banks and other financial services clients on crypto regulations in addition to issues tied to Dodd-Frank, the Volcker Rule and the Consumer Protection Act.

Mayer Brown advises financial institutions on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and transactional matters. The firm’s consumer financial services practice, co-led by Jeffrey Taft and Steven Kaplan, provides guidance on regulatory frameworks, licensing, and compliance matters, including ECOA requirements for consumer credit lenders. The team was strengthened by the 2024 arrivals of Jennifer Zepralka and Kimberly Hamm. The firm is also active in banking regulation, assisting clients with supervisory expectations, capital requirements, and market developments. The team, led by Jeffrey Taft and Andrew Olmem, has advised on the Basel endgame proposal and regulatory capital matters, including credit risk transfer transactions. The practice also provides counsel on compliance with the Volcker Rule, AML laws, and cybersecurity requirements. The firm is engaged in regulatory inventories, risk governance, and structuring transactions involving financial institutions.

Moore & Van Allen, PLLC ’sgroup is led by Edward O’Keefe  and Neil Bloomfield, both based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kate Wellman specializes in LIBOR transitions, with further expertise in recovery and resolution planning. The team offers extensive expertise in banking regulatory matters, handling complex issues involving the SEC, FDIC, and other regulatory bodies. It focuses on Dodd-Frank regulations, anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines, and the intersection of AI with financial regulations. The firm advises clients on a range of regulatory matters, including compliance, enforcement, and risk management.

With a broad regulatory practice spanning both banking and consumer finance, Morrison Foerster assists financial institutions with compliance, enforcement, and transactional matters. The practice is co-led by Jeremy Mandell in Washington DC, who focuses on consumer financial products and banking regulation, and Jeffrey Silberman in New York, who advises on fintech matters, including banking-as-a-service and digital lending. The firm’s bank regulatory team advises on prudential supervision, governance, and both retail and wholesale banking matters. Marc-Alain Galeazzi in New York handles AML, sanctions, and OFAC compliance. The team also provides guidance on digital transformation, strategic partnerships, and regulatory issues affecting online and app-based financial services. Boris Segalis joined as a partner in March 2024, adding experience in data privacy and cybersecurity. Evan Minsberg also assists clients with money transmission, licensing and broker issues. The firm assists financial institutions with evolving compliance requirements and supervisory expectations, as well as structural and enforcement matters.

From innovative payment and digital asset systems to credit cards and mortgages, the financial regulation specialists at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP provide expert advice on a wide range of complex consumer finance issues. It has successfully represented financial services firms in high-profile fair lending cases, working on matters involving several key federal and state enforcement agencies such as the CFPB, DOJ, HUD, and State Attorneys General. The practice is led by Clinton Rockwell, a seasoned licensing and compliance specialist based in Santa Monica.

Frequently engaged to represent banks, fintech companies, nonbank lenders, and loan servicers, Paul Hastings LLP handles complex enforcement actions brought by the CFPB, DOJ, FTC, and state regulators, focusing on issues such as deposits, prepaid and credit cards, mortgage origination and servicing, student lending, and fair lending. The practice is known for its experienced team, which includes former senior government officials and in-house counsel from major financial institutions. Jonice Gray specializes in high-stakes enforcement matters, internal investigations, and regulatory compliance, with particular expertise in fair and responsible lending. Allyson Baker represents consumer finance companies in non-public CFPB hearings and other high-profile matters. Both provide strategic advice to corporate leaders navigating complex regulatory challenges. Matthew Previn, Kari Hall, and other senior team members are recommended for their experience in handling major enforcement cases across a variety of financial services sectors. All lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise specified.

Ropes & Gray LLP’s broker-dealer practice provides regulatory guidance to asset managers and private equity firms, advising on a broad range of compliance and enforcement matters. The team assists clients with broker-dealer formations, registrations, and compliance with SEC and FINRA regulations, as well as representing firms in regulatory examinations and enforcement proceedings. The practice is particularly noted for its experience in advising private equity firms on broker-dealer regulatory matters, helping clients navigate evolving regulatory requirements and operational challenges. The team works closely with clients to develop compliance frameworks and respond to regulatory inquiries. Key figures in the practice include Brynn Rail, who is based in New York, and Eva Carman, the managing partner of the firm’s New York office. Boston-based Jessica Reece  is also a core member of the team, supported by Erin Conklin in Chicago and Cole Goodman in Boston. The firm continues to assist financial institutions in addressing regulatory complexities and maintaining compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape.

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP’s New York-based regulatory specialists provide comprehensive counsel on banking and broker-dealer matters, particularly for private investment funds. The team, led by Marc Elovitz and Kelly Koscuiszka, is recognised for its strength in advising hedge, private equity, and venture capital fund managers on SEC investigations, compliance procedures, and the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding generative AI. In the broker-dealer space, co-chairs Julian Rainero and Craig Warkol oversee the firm’s work on compliance, enforcement, and regulatory matters, representing prime brokers, market makers, and electronic agency brokers. The team advises on issues such as electronic trading, institutional sales, net capital and custody requirements, and securities financing, alongside enforcement defence in cases involving FINRA and digital asset technology.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s provides comprehensive regulatory, transactional, enforcement, and litigation services to financial institutions across the sector. The team advises on complex regulatory frameworks, compliance matters, acquisitions, and product development, drawing on extensive cross-border experience. The firm is also at the forefront of financial technology developments, assisting clients with issues related to virtual currency, blockchain, marketplace lending, and mobile payments. The practice has a strong focus on financial institution M&A, private equity investments, and joint ventures, handling transactions that require deep regulatory knowledge and multi-jurisdictional expertise. It also advises on capital markets matters, large securities offerings, and complex financings. Additionally, the team frequently counsels non-U.S. banks on governance, risk management, and US regulatory requirements, including licensing and compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other banking laws. The practice is led by David Teitelbaum and Joel Feinberg in Washington DC.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP advises financial institutions, private equity firms, and other market participants on transactional and regulatory matters across the banking and broker-dealer sectors. The firm has a strong track record in financial institution M&A, fintech transactions, and regulatory compliance, including Dodd-Frank and Basel III-related issues. Its integrated approach ensures seamless navigation of regulatory requirements in complex deals. The firm recently expanded its financial institutions practice with the addition of Sven Mickisch, Matthew Nemeroff, and Tim Gaffney in New York, as well as Brian Christiansen in Washington DC. The team regularly advises on regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters impacting broker-dealers, including SEC and FINRA examinations, public offerings, and governance issues. Lee Meyerson and Mickisch lead the financial institutions practice from New York, while David Blass heads the broker-dealer team in Washington DC.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP s financial institutions practice is co-led by Jeffrey Brill  and Mark Chorazak, both based in New York, and Adam Cohen, based in Washington DC. The firm advises a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, investment firms, fintech companies, insurers, and payment system providers, on their most significant matters. The firm is particularly known for its work on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, capital raising, corporate governance, and regulatory matters.

Venable LLP provides regulatory advice to clients across the payments, fintech, and banking sectors, assisting with compliance, licensing, and the development of consumer lending products. The team also represents clients in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions brought by agencies such as the CFPB and FTC. In addition to handling compliance matters, the firm advises on operational risks and regulatory requirements affecting financial institutions. The practice is led by four partners, with Ellen Berge and Andrew Bigart focusing on payments and fintech-related regulatory issues, including licensing and compliance frameworks. Michael Bresnick, Leonard Gordon, and Jonathan Pompan handle enforcement matters, representing clients in investigations and proceedings initiated by regulatory agencies, including the DOJ. Gordon serves as the key contact in New York, while the rest of the team is based in Washington DC

White & Case LLP ’s financial services team advises clients on a broad spectrum of regulatory and compliance matters, acting for banks, fintech companies, and financial institutions. The firm is a key adviser to foreign banks navigating the US regulatory landscape and provides guidance on capital requirements, bank insolvency regulations, and M&A-related regulatory issues. The practice also has expertise in digital assets, blockchain, and stablecoin regulations. New York-based Prat Vallabhaneni leads the US team. The firm strengthened its regulatory offering with the arrivals of Rachel Rodman in Washington DC and Ladan Stewart in New York from the SEC in February 2024. followed by Jiang Liu, in New York, in February 2025. Rodman brings extensive experience in defending banks and fintechs in federal and state enforcement actions, while Stewart enhances the firm’s capabilities in securities regulation and compliance. The team regularly interacts with regulators, including the OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, NYDFS, and FinCEN, advising on both contentious and non-contentious compliance matters. Douglas Landy has retired from practice.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP ’s financial regulatory and enforcement practice provides in-depth, comprehensive support for broker-dealers, investment managers, and other financial institutions, assisting clients with complex compliance and enforcement challenges. The practice is known for its deep understanding of investment management regulation and broker-dealer and derivatives regulation, enabling the firm to deliver practical solutions to regulatory issues across various sectors. The team is led by Kristina Littman, co-chair of the securities enforcement practice, who brings extensive regulatory expertise. She is supported by Brian Baltz, and Matthew Comstoc . James Anderson , chair of the asset management regulatory and enforcement practice, adds further strength to the practice.  All lawyers mentioned are in New York.

WilmerHale's financial institutions team provides 'insightful views of emerging legal risks' to a range of banks, payments firms, fintechs and cryptocurrency firms, handling regulatory matters, high-stakes enforcement actions, and class action litigation. It works with the firm's securities practice to advise diversified financial institutions. Franca Harris Gutierrez heads the team from Washington DC, regularly advising both domestic and international banks as well as mortgage servicers, student loan servicers, and emerging financial services providers. Also in DC, Michael Dawson is a go-to for compliance and remediation programs and has knowledge of the use of AI in financial services. In New York, Zachary Goldman is experienced in complex regulatory and enforcement matters related to OFAC sanctions, anti-money laundering, and financial crime risk management issues.