The group at Ashurst Perkins Coie, noted for its ‘technical excellence and strong understanding of client priorities’, is well-regarded for its abilities in handling the gamut of complex fintech cases. The team harnesses experience in advising on global payments strategies, cross-border transactions, and developing related infrastructure, as well as in a range of regulatory and compliance cases. In Seattle, Joseph Cutler works across the lifecycle of tech development, from product design, to enforcement and disputes. Sam Boro is based in Washington DC and has compliance and strategic expertise relating to fintech payments. Palo Alto’s Lowell Ness is well-equipped to handle M&A, venture capital and public offering matters for emerging companies, in particular. At the same office, Sarah Shtylman has notable expertise in blockchain and digital assets cases. The four co-head the team alongside ’leading figure in fintech and digital asset regulation’ Dax Hansen, who works alongside Cutler in Seattle. Compliance and enforcement specialist James Walker‘s client list features NFT and Web3 developers, and crypto trading platforms. Federal and state-level fintech compliance are Ross Handler’s areas of expertise. Both Walker and Handler are based in New York.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The fintech team provides real and practical advice regarding different financial service products. Some of the fintech products are new and emerging. It is helpful to be advised of what types of activities a client needs to watch for and what regulatory requirements a client needs to be sensitive to, especially as all services vary.’
‘Joseph Cutler is accessible and can work through some complex issues. He provides practical advice and gives useful ways to comply with the law.’
‘Deep understanding of not only applicable regulations but also underlying technologies and commercial needs.’
‘A top-tier law firm that did an outstanding job on litigation and worked with us.’
‘Joseph Cutler has always maintained the relationship we have with him.'
‘The fintech practice is distinguished by its strong focus on practical, client-facing risk assessment work and is delivery of solution-driven advice. What sets the team apart is its ability to clearly identify realistic regulatory and structural risks that clients actually need to understand, rather than limiting its analysis to abstract legal theory.'
Key clients
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Soundcloud
- Meta
- Trace Finance
- Booking.com
- Etsy
- Alvarez & Marsal
Work highlights
Advising Alvarez & Marsal Private Wealth Partners, one of the world’s largest financial services consulting firms, on the chartering and launch of the Alvarez & Marsal Trust Company, N.A. (A&M Trust Company).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Dax Hansen
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sarah Shtylman
Practice head
Joseph Cutler; Sam Boro; Lowell Ness; Sarah Shtylman; Dax Hansen
Other key lawyers
James Walker; Steve Merriman; Ross Handler