Fintech

Led by partner Brian Klein, named by Chambers as one of the top financial technology attorneys in the United States, Waymaker is at the forefront of cases in this burgeoning industry. This includes matters involving blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Financial technology is upending the world of traditional finance, and Waymaker is proud to be part of the revolution.

We regularly represent financial technology entrepreneurs and companies (from the smallest start-ups to fast-growing industry leaders) located in the United States and abroad. The firm has handled some of the first and most prominent fintech cases before federal regulators like the SEC and CFTC, and in federal courts around the country. Our practice is national, and we have appeared in places as diverse as New York, Boston, Washington DC, Denver, Seattle, San Diego, Miami, and San Francisco. For example, the firm represented Block.one before the SEC in New York, reaching a landmark settlement related to Block.one’s unregistered initial coin offering (ICO) of digital tokens that raised the equivalent of several billion dollars. The firm also represented Arthur and Kathleen Breitman in connection with two securities class action lawsuits involving the Tezos fundraiser, which raised approximately $230 million. Finally, we are representing the digital token platform Kraken and its founder Jesse Powell in the first cryptocurrency antitrust case, in Miami federal court.

We have represented dozens of clients, both individuals and companies, in state and federal criminal and regulatory investigations involving financial technology. Some cases have included allegations of unlicensed money transmitting businesses, money laundering, and alleged OFAC violations involving cryptocurrencies. Our adeptness in understanding this new technological landscape has often assisted us in securing resolutions that result in no charges being instituted and no penalties, including fines or forfeiture, being assessed. Having had the opportunity to advocate before law enforcement officials in numerous jurisdictions throughout the United States, including top fintech regulators at the SEC and CFTC, we have not only a broad base of experience, but substantial national credibility, in advocating for clients. We fight for clients wherever the fight takes us.

Representative Engagements:

• In the Matter of Block.one, Securities Act Release No. 10714
  Represented Block.one before the SEC in New York, reaching a landmark settlement related to Block.one’s unregistered initial coin offering (ICO) of digital tokens that raised the equivalent of several billion dollars.

• United American Corp. v. Bitmain
  Currently represents the digital token platform Kraken and its founder Jesse Powell in the first cryptocurrency antitrust case, in Miami federal court.

• In Re Tezos Securities Litigation
  Represented Arthur and Kathleen Breitman in connection with two securities class action lawsuits involving the Tezos fundraiser, which raised approximately $230 million.

• United States v. Burt Wagner
  Represented Mr. Wagner who was prosecuted for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado tied to his Bitcoin trading. Before trial, we secured a dismissal of the case.

• In the Matter of: Erik T. Voorhees, Securities Act Release No. 9592
  Represented Bitcoin pioneer Erik Vorhees in this SEC matter based out of New York City. This was the first settlement for an unregistered cryptocurrency securities offering.

• In re Hashfast Technologies
  Represented a professional in the first cryptocurrency bankruptcy case in a fight over thousands of bitcoins, and secured a very successful settlement for the client. The case was based out of federal bankruptcy court in San Francisco.