Often working in conjunction with the firm’s privacy & cyber practice on data privacy and security law issues, the New York-based practice Latham & Watkins LLP covers the full array of blockchain, digital asset, and payment technology matters. Co-lead of the practice Stephen Wink specializes in compliance and enforcement and is a key port of call for various digital asset entities, DAOs, and financial institutions. Also-co-lead of the team, Yvette Valdez is experienced in advising global investment banks, asset managers, and trading shops on establishing crypto derivatives and structuring digital assets. Jenny Cieplak offers strong knowledge of the corporate, intellectual property, and regulatory aspects of fintech transactions, while Marlon Paz often assists broker-dealers on internal investigations and securities regulations. In Washington DC, Barrie VanBrackle is well-versed in fintech transactions and consumer financial services compliance, while Los Angeles-based Ghaith Mahmood is proficient in the commercialization of IP assets and is often engaged in NFT matters. Todd Beauchamp left the team in March 2023.

Able to draw upon support from the firm’s banking & finance department on capital market matters, Mayer Brown offers strong expertise in regulatory financial service issues and the full spectrum of capital transactions. In Washington DC, David Beam counts money service businesses, investment banks, and consumer lenders among his clients and is principally focused on payment systems and credit products. Steve Kaplan leads the firm’s financial services regulatory and enforcement team, while Rohith George splits his time between Palo Alto and San Francisco and is proficient in the negotiation and execution of SaaS and other hosted service agreements. Working out of Chicago, Joe Pennell’s broad caseload encompasses digital and outsourced services transactions as well as the outsourcing of finance and accounting services. Brad Peterson oversees the firm’s global technology transactions practice and is well-versed in PaaS and SaaS, while Julian Dibbell is another key member of the team.

The ‘deep and versatile fintech practice’ Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP remains at the forefront of venture finance mandates and is well-regarded for its regulatory financial expertise. The team is jointly led by New York-based Daniel Forester and Clint Rockwell in Santa Monica, the latter of whom is a key port of call for auto lenders, banks, and securities broker-dealers on compliance and licensing. In Washington DC, Katy Ryan often advises on compliance matters pertaining to the SAFE Act and the FCA, while Santa Monica-based Josh Pollick is a key contact for technology companies and venture capital firms on corporate formations, M&A, as well as public offerings. In Silicon Valley, Joseph Perkins is noted for his virtual currency activity and is labelled as ‘at the top (of the) field’ by clients.

Lauded by clients for its ‘deep knowledge of fintech-related laws’, M&A, joint ventures, and private equity matters remain a key component of the practice at Paul Hastings LLP. The team is also geared to handle regulatory compliance for token launches and is knowledgeable of money laundering and sanctions. The group is jointly chaired by Atlanta-based Chris Daniel, who often advises private equity and venture capital firms on FinTech investments. Also co-lead of the department, Eric Sibbitt in San Francisco is a key contact for trading platforms and prominent investors on regulatory blockchain and financial technology matters. In New York, Dana Syracuse is well-versed in The Bank Secrecy Act and consumer protection, while Molly Swartz works out of San Francisco and assists financial technology companies and internet marketplaces on transactional mandates. Operating out of Atlanta, Meagan Griffin is informed in federal and state laws pertaining to electronic payments, mobile payments, and digital assets.

Specializing in acquiring bank and trust charters, Perkins Coie LLP advises cryptocurrency, blockchain, and paytech clients on the development, operation, and maintenance of technology-based financial products and services. The practice is also proficient in money transfers, transmission, and remittance, token-based fundraising, as well as BaaS solutions. In Seattle, Joe Cutler heads the team and is knowledgeable about payment solutions, while on the litigious side, he is also vastly experienced in state banking and financial institution disputes. Dax Hansen is proficient in anti-money laundering, prepaid access, and tokenized assets, while in Palo Alto, Lowell Ness often handles venture capital financing, M&A, public offerings, as well as private placements, he is also adept in securities law and corporate governance. Sarah Shtylman is noted for her expertise in regulated digital asset platforms, in-game currencies, and payment services integrations, and often advises clients on marketplace payments, social media monetization strategies, and application-specific virtual currencies.

Noted for its strong track record in financial services enforcement matters, including investigations by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Cooley LLP’s broad fintech caseload encompasses financing, joint ventures, IPOs as well as M&A. The practice is also a key port of call for collaborative agreements and transactions, notably Buy-Now, Pay-Later products. In Washington DC, Obrea Poindexter is proficient in the regulatory aspects of mobile payment systems and person-to-person payments, while Michelle Rogers is experienced in representing financial institutions in litigation matters before federal and state enforcement agencies. Sean Ruff is knowledgeable about anti-money laundering regulations and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, while Derek Colla is skilled in venture capital financing. In Palo Alto, Nancy Wojtas handles corporate governance issues, M&A, and venture capital financing, while other key members of the team include Adam Fleisher and James Dionne who are knowledgeable of state money transmitter licensing laws. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.

 

 

 

 

A strong choice for broker-dealers, banks, startups, as well as public companies, the New York-based practice at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is knowledgeable of digital payments, protocol design, and Web3 intellectual property mandates. Other areas of expertise for the practice include regulatory cryptocurrency matters, decentralized finance, and DAOs. David Kappos oversees the team and is proficient in the intellectual property aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency matters. A partner in the firm’s corporate department, Scott Bennett advises issuers and investment banking firms on public and private offerings of securities. Sasha Rosenthal-Larrea often handles the technology, intellectual property, data privacy, and data security aspects of major corporate transactions, while Daniel Barabander is particularly well-versed in compliance and securities matters. Other key team members include co-lead of the firm’s litigation practice Kevin Orsini.

 

DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-equipped to advise a broad range of companies on implementing blockchain solutions, and is often engaged in transactional, litigious, and regulatory digital asset work. In Washington DC, Margo Tank co-leads the team with Los Angeles-based James Williams who is experienced in advising blockchain companies on token generation events, SEC compliance, and venture financing. Working out of Washington DC, banking and financial service law specialist Jeffrey Hare is knowledgeable of mobile payments, state licensing requirements, and virtual currency. In Chicago, Ronald David Whitaker often advises clients on privacy and data security laws pertaining to electronic financial services and payments, while in San Francisco Michael Fluhr is particularly active in the financial sector, and is focused on blockchain and digital asset matters.

A key contact for card processors, money remittance providers, and alternative payment providers, the ‘very attentive’ Atlanta-based practice Eversheds Sutherland is adept in domestic and international payment processing and digital commerce issues. The practice is also particularly well-versed in insurtech, regtech, and financial regulatory compliance matters. With over two decades of experience in joint ventures, commercial transactions and arrangements as well as M&A, Robert Pile oversees the practice. Brian Murphy is noted for his capabilities in digital wallet initiatives, outsourcing arrangements, technology transfers, and licensing transactions, while in New York, Brian Barrett is experienced in advising insurers, banks, broker-dealers, and pension sponsors on transactional matters. Brennan Posner is proficient in asset-backed securitization and bank origination programs, while Michael Bahar specializes in data privacy and cybersecurity. Other key members of the team include Hannah Winiarski who is knowledgeable of anti-money laundering compliance.

Goodwin fields a considerable workload, notably in NFT, DAO, and government investigation matters, and is also highlighted for its in-depth expertise in intellectual property, SEC regulations, and token fundraising. In Santa Monica, David Ajalat is experienced in advising fintech companies and investors on capital raising, company formation and structuring, and M&A. Working out of San Francisco, Mitzi Chang’s practice encompasses capital markets transactions, SEC reporting, and venture capital financings, while Karen Ubell is proficient in the adoption, launch, and distribution of various digital assets. Silicon Valley-based Grant Fondo is another key team member, while Kimberly Holzel in Boston is knowledgeable of consumer financial services law compliance. Working out of Washington DC, Michael Whalen covers enforcement, regulatory, and transactional matters for fintech clients.

Noted for its extensive experience in cryptocurrency enforcement and prosecution matters, Morrison Foerster often assists fintech companies and regulated entities on federal and state law compliance. In New York, practice co-head Jeffrey Silberman is knowledgeable of regulatory and transactional mandates surrounding digital lending and payment networks, while Boston-based co-head Haimavathi Marlier represents fintech clients in litigation and government investigations. In Washington DC,Jeremy Mandell handles cash back, digital deposit, and stablecoin matters, and Crystal Kaldjob is often engaged in compliance issues as well as network and Baas agreements. In Palo Alto, Stephanie Lynn Sharron is proficient in data rights surrounding Fintech licensing and partnership deals. San Francisco-based Alfredo Silva is informed in corporate and securities law, and in New York, Evan Minsberg is a key contact for banks, e-commerce platforms, and gaming sites on product development and strategic partnerships. In Washington DC, Calvin Funk specializes in consumer finance law, notably debt collection laws, credit services, and state lending.

Commended for its ‘second-to-none domain knowledge and deal skills’, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s broad offering spans private equity, M&A, and capital markets matters, the team is also well-equipped to handle an array of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFT regulatory issues. Operating out of New York, Conrad Bahlke often handles derivative transactions as well as commodities and banking regulations, while Jeffrey Poss is knowledgeable of private equity and venture capital transactions for both public and private companies. Christopher Giancarlo previously acted as 13th Chairman of the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while Kari Larsen’s digital asset practice encompasses drafting and negotiating third-party agreements and regulatory requirements. In Washington DC, A. Kristina Littman is experienced in digital asset investigations and enforcement actions, and Justin Browder assists investment advisers, broker-dealers, and digital asset ecosystems on federal securities laws.

With a strong track record in representing financial institutions and technology providers on government investigations and enforcement proceedings, Ballard Spahr LLP is particularly proficient in financial services compliance. The practice is also well-equipped to handle the development, commercialization, and maintenance of lending programs and mobile applications. Minnesota-based Ronald Vaske often advises banks on BaaS programs, while in Pennsylvania, Peter Jaslow handles entity formation and structuring as well as capital raising. In Washington DC, Michael Gordon is vastly knowledgeable in consumer financial services law. Working out of California, Michael Guerrero is well-versed in consumer credit programs, while New York’s Marjorie Peerce is another key team member. Lisa Lanham left the firm in April 2024.

Lauded as a ‘renowned law firm with a global presence in key markets worldwide’, the New York-based practice Clifford Chance is a key contact for sizeable financial institutions on blockchain and cryptocurrency projects, online lending, as well as corporate and financing transactions. Clifford Cone assists investment advisers on FINRA and SEC compliance in addition to the application of the Custody Rule. In Washington DC, Steven Gatti ’s practice encompasses anti-money laundering and trading regulation, while Jesse Overall often handles tokenization transactions. Young Kim is experienced in advising domestic and international banks on federal and state money service business laws, while Washington DC-based Philip Angeloff assists financial institutions on US banking, securities, derivatives laws, and regulations.

Well-equipped to handle digital transactions, the ‘professional and knowledgeable’ team at Dechert LLP is experienced in advising registered investment advisers and broker-dealers on cybersecurity matters. In San Francisco, former SEC senior counsel Mark Perlow is geared to assist hedge fund managers and broker-dealers on a range of regulatory and transactional mandates. Working out of Silicon Valley, Timothy Spangler is often engaged in the formation and structuring of private investment vehicles, while Ralph Mazzeo is proficient in capital markets and mortgage finance transactions. Commended as a ‘problem solver’, Andrew Pontano is knowledgeable of public and private securities offerings, while other key members of the team include Sarah Milam who handles fintech investment transactions for issuers and investors. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in New York, unless stated otherwise.

A key contact for technology providers as well as money transmitters on transactional and regulatory matters, the New York-based practice Dentons is highlighted for its litigious cryptocurrency capabilities. In Washington DC, John Holahan and Matthew Yoon are knowledgeable of blockchain-driven technology and digital currency matters, while Victor Boyajian leads the firm’s global venture and TMT practices. Chris Errico often handles cross-border transactional work for venture private equity funds, institutional investors, and capital market entities, whilst Joseph Guagliardo advises public and private companies on technology transactions. Joshua Jordon is well-versed in federal, state, and local consumer credit laws, and William Beecher is a key member of the firm’s capital markets department who is experienced in representing hedge funds, national mortgage lenders, and Wall Street institutions before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

 

With in-depth corporate, payments, and regulatory expertise, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is a strong choice for emerging and established fintech companies, bank originators, and payment processing providers. The practice is also highlighted for its capabilities in advising private equity firms and hedge funds on financing matters and is led by Texas-based Erin Fonté. Fonte is proficient in the product development and launch of payment systems, whilst in New York, Lisa Sotto leads the firm’s privacy and cybersecurity department, which is also an area of key expertise for Brittany Bacon. Peter Weinstock advises platform banks on data monetization, while in Washington DC, Scott Kimpel is experienced in enforcement matters before the SEC and various other capital market regulators. Charlotte-based Abigail Lyle is skilled in consumer protection law litigation, and Carleton Goss advises financial institutions on M&A. Rachael Craven often handles financial products and services investments and partnerships, while Marysia Laskowski focuses on corporate and securities matters. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Dallas, unless stated otherwise.

Noted for its global fintech offering, ‘the extremely agile’ practice K&L Gates is particularly skilled in banking and technology company partnerships, regulatory compliance, and investment finance transactions. The practice is also a key port of call for international clients on licensing approvals and is highly knowledgeable of blockchain, marketplace lending, and payments. In New York, Judith Rinearson has over three decades of experience in financial services matters and is well-versed in prepaid and emerging payment systems, electronic payments, and cryptocurrency. She is also praised by clients for her ‘naturally client-centric approach’ and ‘is an expert when it comes to devising legal strategies and options for complex client problems.’ San Francisco-based Jeremy McLaughlin is proficient in digital asset compliance, while Andrew Hinkes in Miami is noted for his capabilities in NFTs and stablecoin matters. New York-based Eden Rohrer is adept in the development and operation of funding portals, capital raising platforms, and trading platforms.

Able to draw upon support from the firm’s global network, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a key contact for broker-dealers, financial institutions, and trading enterprises on cryptocurrency, blockchain, IP, and technology matters. The practice, which is lauded for its ‘excellent knowledge’, is also geared to handle data privacy, M&A, IPOs, outsourcing, and regulatory approvals. In Washington DC, Cory Barry is well-equipped to advise issuers, underwriters, and borrowers in securitization and structured finance transactions. New York-based Kristin Lee is experienced before various federal and state financial regulatory agencies, while in Los Angeles, John Filippone advises on hostile takeovers, proxy contests, public offerings, and private placements. Other key team members include Philadelphia-based Christine Lombardo, who is a strong choice for broker-dealers, private fund managers, and retail asset managers on security regulation matters.

 

A key port of call for digital wallet platform developers, media studios, and content producers, the ‘experienced’ team Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is well-regarded for its transactional blockchain and cryptocurrency expertise. Established litigator Jessica Carey specializes in cryptocurrency related regulatory matters, while Manuel Frey handles the structuring and negotiation aspects of derivative, synthetic, and financing products. Jonathan Ashtor is proficient in the technology and intellectual property aspects of data licensing arrangements as well as software and IT agreements. In Washington DC, Roberto J. Gonzalez is knowledgeable of economic sanctions, consumer financial protection regulation, and cybersecurity. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Leveraging support from its global network, White & Case LLP often advises fintech clients seeking bank partnerships, media companies on NFTs, and banking entities on lending projects. The multifaceted practice is also highlighted for its strength in cybersecurity issues, data management, regulatory matters, as well as technology transactions. With experience in advising brokers, payment processors, and issuers, former banking regulator Pratin Vallabhaneni oversees the team and is well-established in the blockchain sector. In Chicago, Gary Silverman advises corporate entities on joint ventures, M&A, and private equity investments, Douglas Landy leads the firm’s financial services regulatory practice, and Burr Eckstut is knowledgeable of financial data and often handles NFT matters. A key member of the firm’s white-collar department, Joel Cohen is proficient in tax, insider trading, and money laundering proceedings. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in New York, unless stated otherwise.

Highly experienced in the establishment and operation of private investment funds, Winston & Strawn LLP is knowledgeable in SEC and CFTC regulatory digital asset matters. The digital assets and blockchain technology group is jointly led by Carl Fornaris, Kimberly Prior, who advises distributed ledger and blockchain companies on regulatory matters, and Daniel Stabile, who is knowledgeable of securities law pertaining to digital assets and NFTs. Will Turner is proficient in M&A and venture capital investments, while in New York, Thania Charmani often represents corporations and individuals in blockchain and shareholder derivative litigation. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Miami, unless stated otherwise.

Noted for its capabilities in financial services regulatory matters and technology transactions, A&O Shearman is a strong choice for trade bodies on blockchain and cryptocurrency issues. In New York, Adam Chernichaw often advises users of fintech products and services on strategic alliances and product integrations, while Dario de Martino is well-equipped to assist clients on blockchain licensing, smart contracts, and tokenization. Based in San Francisco, Alex Touma handles the integration of financial and web3 services on card network services, global platforms, and stored value products. Operating out of Washington DC, Todd Beauchamp arrived to the team from Latham & Watkins LLP in March 2023, leading the firm’s payments practice, and counts traditional financial institutions on his client roster. Other new arrivals to the team include Helen Christakos who joined the team from Fenwick & West LLP in April 2023.

 

 

Often working in conjunction with the firm’s transactional experts, Arnold & Porter is a key port of call for banks and funds on virtual currency-related mandates. David Freeman leads the practice from Washington DC and advises broker-dealers and investment management firms on federal banking and securities law, while Christopher Allen is knowledgeable of online lending and payment platform regulatory issues. Michael Mancusi is vastly experienced in representing clients in government and corporate internal investigations, while in New York, Lawton Camp is well-versed in structured finance and securitization matters. Michael Penney co-leads the emerging companies and venture capital practice and handles public company reporting and compliance issues. Working out of San Francisco, Catherine Young Hagerty is proficient in structured finance and joined the team from Norton Rose Fulbright in January 2023.

 

With extensive expertise in fintech M&A, Greenberg Traurig LLP is knowledgeable of virtual currencies, blockchain technology, as well as e-money and banking regulations. On the contentious side, the practice is also experienced in representing financial institutions on consumer protection laws, data security, privacy, and taxation disputes. In New York, David Greenberg is regarded for his intellectual property and technology transaction capabilities, while David Miller often advises various broker-dealers, hedge funds, and private equity funds on internal investigations. In Los Angeles, Barbara Jones’ corporate and securities law practice encompasses private and public financings, dual listings, strategic collaborations, and licensing transactions. Lisa Lanham joined the team in Miami from Ballard Spahr LLP in April 2024, contributing significant regulatory expertise.

Jointly led by Jayant Tambe in New York and Craig Waldman in Washington DC, Jones Day is lauded by clients as ‘deeply knowledgeable of the technology and financial aspects of the fintech space.’  The practice is also a key contact for payment processors and technology providers on international banking and financing regulatory matters, transactions, investigations, and litigation. Key members of the ‘thoughtful and experienced team’  also include San Francisco-based Abradat Kamalpour who is well-regarded for his capabilities in the establishment of crypto-based payment systems. In Dallas, Mark Rasmussen’s broad caseload encompasses contentious and regulatory blockchain, NFT, and stablecoin matters, while Kimberly Desmarais in New York boasts a strong lending background, with in-depth expertise in fintech acquisition finance and asset-based loans.

Well-regarded for its corporate and securities law expertise, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP enjoys a strong reputation in consumer lending and data protection matters. The practice, which is lauded by clients for its ‘responsiveness’, is also knowledgeable of decentralized finance, NFTs, and regulatory compliance. In New York, Brian Korn is well-regarded for his fintech lending and investment structuring and compliance expertise, he also often advises clients on implementing cloud and blockchain technologies. Scott Pearson oversees the firm’s consumer financial services practice from Los Angeles and works with New York-based Eric Knight on negotiating bank partnership documentation. Other key team members include Orange County-based Bernhard Alvine, who is a key port of call for fintech credit agreements and forward flow arrangements.

 

Noted for its consumer compliance and litigation capabilities, McGuireWoods LLP is commended as ‘highly experienced’ and often advises financial institutions on loans falling under the Paycheck Protection Program. Based in Charlotte, co-head of the practice Rakesh Gopalan is particularly well-versed in cloud-computing solutions, SaaS, and software licensing. Also co-lead of the team, Molly White in Los Angeles is vastly experienced in representing broker-dealers, individuals, and investment companies in investigations conducted by the FINRA and the SEC. In Chicago, Sarah Zielinksi is highlighted for her antitrust litigation expertise, notably in market and customer allocation, price fixing, and unfair competition. Charlottesville-based Ashley Matthews is a key port of call for financial institutions and retailers on consumer financial service and governance matters.

A strong choice for investors, start-ups, and technology companies, Norton Rose Fulbright is praised by clients for its ‘innovative approach to work’, and is particularly experienced in advising financial institutions on regulatory fintech mandates. Stephen Aschettino oversees the New York practice, and is well-equipped to advise sizeable airlines, energy providers, retailers, and social media companies on the development and implementation of paytech solutions. Andrew Lom is often engaged in blockchain, fund formation, securities trading, and tokenization matters, while Denver-based Rachael Browndorf is knowledgeable in cryptocurrency, payments, as well as private and public token offerings.

With in-depth blockchain and cryptocurrency expertise spanning digital assets, ETFs, and NFTs, Ropes & Gray LLP is has a strong record in regulatory fintech mandates, marketplace lending, and mobile platforms. On the contentious side, the practice is also highly experienced in intellectual property litigation before various courts, including The Patent Trial and Appeal Board. In San Francisco, Melissa Bender advises institutional investors, non-profit organizations, and public companies on digital asset custody. Working out of New York, Helen Gugel is often engaged in government enforcement and regulatory matters pertaining to market misconduct, as well as potential violations of federal securities and commodities laws. Sarah Young is experienced in stock and asset acquisitions, while Silicon Valley-based Andrew Thomases specializes in patent and trade secret cases litigation. Operating out of Boston, Mark Cianci is also noted.

A key contact for financial institutions, the New York-based practice at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is well-regarded for its antitrust, data privacy, as well as financial regulation and enforcement capabilities. Jeffrey Brill is often engaged in financial services M&A, Alexander Drylewski is experienced in representing digital asset clients in litigation and regulatory matters, while Stuart Levi is noted for his transactional strength. Sven Mickisch acts as co-head of the firm's financial services initiative, and Daniel Michael has strong knowledge of governance tokens. Matthew Nemeroff’s recent caseload encompasses advising private equity firms investing in the financial services sector, and in Washington DC, Bao Nguyen is proficient in compliance matters and enforcement issues. Eytan Fisch is knowledgeable about economic sanctions and anti-money laundering, while Brian Christiansen is another key team member.

 

 

Highlighted for its anti-money laundering expertise, WilmerHale is knowledgeable in fintech M&A and venture capital financing. On the contentious side, the practice is also geared to handle contractual, intellectual property, and regulatory disputes. In New York, Robert Finkel co-leads the team and is thoroughly experienced in technology transactions, for which Boston-based Ariel Soiffer is also a key contact. Also co-lead of the practice, Washington DC-based Franca Harris Gutierrez leads the firm’s financial institutions practice and counts domestic and international banks, mortgage servicers, and student loan servicers on her client roster. Michael Dawson often advises trade associations on corporate governance, consumer protection, and economic sanctions, while Stephanie Evans is noted for her transactional capabilities. Andre Owens’ practice encompasses securities trading matters, New York-based Tiffany Smith is well-versed in broker dealer as well as cryptocurrency regulatory compliance, and Zachary Goldman is praised as ‘outcome focused and diligent.’