The group at WilmerHale is noted for its ‘unique skillset in applying the law to novel financial tech and innovations’. The team is well-equipped to assist its clients with matters relating to the regulatory and compliance aspects of finance tech, corporate transactions, and related IP issues. The Washington DC-based team is co-headed by Stephanie Avakian, who specializes in securities and financial services matters, financial regulation specialist Franca Harris Gutierrez, and Andre Owens whose expertise areas include broker-dealer compliance and regulation. New York’s Tiffany Smith is noted as a ’thought leader’ in this space. Team changes include the April 2025 arrival of Jeremy Moorhouse, and the departure of Michael Dawson in July of the same year.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Wilmer Hale team has a deep understanding not only of traditional finance law, but also a unique skill set in applying the law to new and novel financial technologies and innovations.'
'The team is well-versed in the regulatory aspects of financial technology and is able to quickly grasp new and innovative business models.’
‘The team I work with regularly is highly knowledgeable in the intersection of blockchain and financial regulation in the US.'
'Tiffany Smith in particular is impressive in her understanding of the operation and regulatory framework of the SEC. She has an impressive reach when it comes to thought leadership in this area.’
Key clients
- Caroline Ellison
- Robinhood Crypto LLC
- PayPal, Inc.
- Coinbase
- Bank of America
Work highlights
Represented Robinhood Crypto (RHC) in an SEC investigation into the company’s trading platform and asset listing practices.
Acted successfully for Coinbase when Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín in the Northern District of California denied a temporary restraining order sought by BiT Global to stop Coinbase from delisting its wrapped bitcoin product wBTC from its exchange.
Represented Bank of America, N.A. in connection with a publicly filed enforcement action by the CFPB. The CFPB’s complaint charged our client, alongside Early Warning Services, JPMorganChase, and Wells Fargo, with violations of federal law in connection with each entity’s offering of the Zelle payments service.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Stephanie Avakian; Franca Harris Gutierrez; Andre Owens
Other key lawyers
Tiffany Smith; Zachary Goldman; Jeremy Moorhouse