Financial Innovation and Regulation

Guiding innovation, managing risk

From early-stage fintech startups to global financial institutions, our attorneys provide tailored legal counsel to help businesses innovate, scale, and stay compliant. Whether you’re developing a blockchain-based platform, launching a digital banking service, or expanding a payment solution, we have the experience to support your growth while managing regulatory complexity at the state and Federal levels. 

We provide comprehensive legal counsel across the financial ecosystem, guiding startups, financial institutions, and technology providers through complex challenges across financial innovation products and services, compliance and digital assets, IP and cybersecurity, and tech transactions and strategic partnerships.

Financial innovation products and services

We help clients bring compliant, secure products to market, including:

• Blockchain and digital assets – Advising on cryptocurrency funds, token structuring, SEC and CFTC compliance, and fund formation for crypto index tracking.
• Payments and digital wallets – Providing regulatory guidance on mobile banking, digital wallets, and payment applications, ensuring compliance and security.
• E-commerce and payment platforms – Structuring and advising on payment processing, merchant services, and cross-border transactions.
• Digital and virtual banking – Assisting with licensing, regulatory approvals, and compliance for neobanks and digital banking platforms.
• Marketplace lending and alternative credit – Guiding lenders on legal considerations for peer-to-peer lending, alternative credit structures, and compliance.
• The metaverse and decentralized finance – Advising on virtual assets, decentralized financial platforms, and regulatory frameworks in emerging digital environments.
• Cloud-based financial services – Helping firms address compliance, security, and operational challenges related to cloud computing in financial services.
• Exchanges and clearinghouses – Assisting with all regulatory applications and interactions, managing regulatory approvals from initial designation, technology changes, new products and self-certifications.

Compliance and digital assets

The financial industry operates in an evolving regulatory environment, where proactive compliance is critical. We help clients navigate SEC, CFTC, FINRA, NFA, exchange SROs, FinCEN, and AML regulations, manage risk, and respond to investigations or enforcement actions involving digital assets, securities, and commodities laws.

IP and cybersecurity

Innovation is at the core of fintech, and protecting intellectual property is essential. We advise on patents, trademarks, and trade secrets while ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy compliance to safeguard customer information and maintain regulatory standards.

Tech transactions and strategic partnerships

Success often depends on strategic partnerships, technology agreements, and capital investment. We structure and negotiate deals, from M&A and venture financing to joint ventures and licensing agreements, ensuring legal frameworks align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.