Ballard Spahr LLP

Highlighted for its knowledge of complex federal rules within consumer finance, Ballard Spahr LLP leverages strong ties with enforcement agencies such as the CFPB and state banking agencies. The team is often entrusted with regulation-driven transactional work such as due diligence for large investors, mortgage companies, and private equity firms who deal with consumer finance companies, and is increasingly forging a path into lending laws related to credit cards. John Socknat in Washington DC and Daniel McKenna in Philadelphia are at the helm of a group which continues to stand out in the fintech realm, often representing payment systems. This particularly applies to emerging fintech systems and systems at the forefront of innovative technology, extending to AI, buy now pay later, privacy, and cybersecurity regulation. Regulatory aspects of high-stakes litigation form a key pillar of McKenna’s practice, while Socknat, managing partner of the DC office, is experienced in dealing with state and federal regulators and in helping clients with obtaining commercial lending licenses. Kristen Larson in Minneapolis handles a varied workload at all phases of the regulatory life cycle, from due diligence to risk management. Denver-based Joseph Schuster regularly advises on a range of consumer finance connected with consumer credit, payments, and debt collection.