Market Structure
Our lawyers are involved in every significant development in market structure, whether it relates to the formation of a new exchange or trading platform or the development of an innovative new product. We have been involved from the earliest days of significant market developments, such as the use of debit cards, cash management accounts, online banking and trading, exchange-traded commodity pools and financial derivatives. Today, we are fintech leaders as new developments cut across every aspect of the markets for banking, lending, securities, commodities, derivatives, insurance and payments.
Financial markets are interconnected with the internet, mobile technologies, and related advances in data analytics, artificial intelligence and cryptography, as well as blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies. We know how to work with institutions, entrepreneurs and regulators to develop novel solutions to the regulatory issues that can arise with innovations in financial markets. We advise on mobile and person-to-person payment platforms, registered and exempt blockchain token offerings, marketplace lending, robo-advisers, virtual currency-related activities, derivatives and exchanges, and applications of blockchain and other distributed ledger technology.
Broker-Dealer Operations
Our lawyers routinely counsel clients on all aspects of broker-dealer operations, including: compliance and supervisory systems, policies and procedures for retail and capital markets businesses; securities research; anti-money laundering compliance and reporting; net capital, credit and margin issues (Regulations T, U and X and SRO margin rules); clearing and prime brokerage matters; soft dollar arrangements; data security and data breach responses; new products, including products and services that combine banking and securities features; and employment-related matters, including mandatory reporting for registered representatives, requirements for associated persons and potential whistleblowers. We also provide advice and counsel on compliance with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.