Our Website Uses Cookies
We and the third parties that provide content, functionality, or business services on our website may use cookies to collect information about your browsing activities in order to provide you with more relevant content and promotional materials, on and off the website, and help us understand your interests and improve the website.
For more information, please contact us or consult our Privacy Notice.
Your binder contains too many pages, the maximum is 40.
We are unable to add this page to your binder, please try again later.
This page has been added to your binder.
Covington is a leading global provider of legal services to market participants in the financial services industry and has been for decades. The rapid growth of the “fintech” industry—comprised of companies that make use of new technologies to provide financial services traditionally offered by banks, companies that partner with banks to provide financial services using innovative technologies, and other companies that provide financial technology services—has created significant opportunities for all segments of the financial services industry.
Covington’s attorneys in Washington, New York, London, and San Francisco are uniquely well situated to provide sophisticated legal counsel in the areas of financial institutions, consumer financial services, technology and IP transactions, venture capital and emerging companies, capital markets and securities, mergers and acquisitions, insurance coverage, privacy and cybersecurity, and derivatives compliance and enforcement to companies in the fintech sector.
We advise on a range of different fintech matters, including:
- Financial services compliance and licensing requirements applicable to new financial technologies
- Acquisitions of financial technology providers
- Commercial agreements between financial institutions and technology companies
- IP licensing agreements involving financial technology companies
- Venture capital and “angel” investing matter
- Insurance coverage for emerging payment technologies
- Financial services applications of new technologies such as “blockchain”
- Major technology and social networking companies’ provision of services to the financial services industry
- Regulation of consumer reporting agencies, data brokers, and “big data” service providers
Advising Global Service Provider on Financial Services Project
Advising a global service provider on a project that sits at the intersection of tech advisory and trade controls, including on the use of AI tools by financial services providers.
American Express’s Divestiture of Its Global Travel Business
Representation of American Express in the divestiture of its global travel business to form a joint venture with Certares LP, which was the largest foreign investment ever in a travel management company and included Middle Eastern government-owned investors.
Advised on the £15 million Placing and Open Offer by Equals Group plc
Advised Cenkos Securities (NOMAD and Joint Broker) and Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) on the £15 million placing and open offer by AIM-listed Equals Group plc, a financial services technology company.
BBVA in Acquisition of Simple
Representation of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, an international financial group based in Spain, in its acquisition of financial technology company Simple. The $117 million acquisition is part of BBVA's strategy to lead the technology-driven change that is transforming the financial services industry. According to Francisco González, Chairman and CEO of BBVA, Simple will reinforce BBVA’s “global digital transformation while BBVA will provide the means to help Simple maximize its outstanding growth potential.”
Prosper in Acquisition of BillGuard
Representation of Prosper in its acquisition of BillGuard, a personal finance analytics company.
New EU Legislation for the Fintech Sector
Advising a number of firms on the provisions of the new Payment Services Directive 2 and how to implement the changes.
Prosper in Acquisition of American Healthcare Lending
Representation of Prosper Marketplace, Inc. in its acquisition of a healthcare lending platform, American Healthcare Lending, LLC, and merger with Prosper’s wholly owned subsidiary, Prosper Healthcare Lending, LLC.
Public Capital Raising by Fintech Issuer
Representation of Cenkos Securities, plc as nominated adviser, broker and bookrunner in relation to an IPO on AIM and two follow-on offerings by FAIRFX GROUP plc, an international payment services provider.
Strategic Alliance and Outsourcing
Representation of a company in the fintech sector in a complex strategic alliance and outsourcing transaction to create an innovative post-financial trade processing and technology service for large banks in Europe and Asia.
Innovative New Product for Global Communications Firm
Advising a global network that enables institutions to send and receive information about financial transactions on an innovative new communications technology platform.
Prosper in Six Rounds of Funding
Representation of Prosper Marketplace in its last six rounds of financing, including its most recent $165M Series D financing.
JD.Com in Investment in and Joint Venture with ZestFinance, Inc.
Representation of JD.com in connection with its investment in and joint venture with ZestFinance, Inc.
Prosper in First-of-its-Kind Transaction
Representation of Prosper Marketplace in a variety of securities advisory and transactional matters, including in a first-of-its-kind registration of $500 million of borrower dependent notes and restructuring into a bankruptcy remote vehicle, several rounds of venture financings, as well as ongoing disclosure, SEC reporting and SEC regulatory matters.
Legg Mason Investment in Precidian Investments LLC
Representation of Legg Mason, Inc. in its investment in Precidian Investments LLC, a leader in the creation of innovative financial technology products, specializing in exchange-traded fund and mutual fund development, and associated trading and pricing technologies.
WSFS Bank in Strategic Investment and partnership with ZenBanx
WSFS Bank in its strategic investment and partnership with ZenBanx Holdings, which offers a mobile, multi-currency account that will allow consumers to hold balances denominated in up to five currencies in a single account.
OCC Special Purpose Bank Charters
Several online lending and payments platforms regarding the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s special purpose national bank charter for fintech companies and other regulatory matters.
Bitcoin Technology in Transfer of Currency from Currency-Controlled Jurisdiction
A multinational company regarding a transaction to use Bitcoin and related blockchain technologies to transfer currency from a currency-controlled jurisdiction to the United States and European Union.
Class Action Cases Challenging "True Lender" Status
Representing Celtic Bank, a leading provider of SBA loans, in two class action lawsuits challenging the bank's "true lender" status.
Argentinian Payments Company on Sale with Enterprise Value of $1.42B
Represented Prisma Medios de Pago, Argentina’s leading payments company, in the sale of a controlling stake to Advent International. Prisma’s existing shareholders will retain a 49 percent stake in the company. The transaction values 100 percent of Prisma at $1.42 billion.
Online Lenders Alliance in CFPB Rulemaking
Representation of leading industry trade association of online lenders in responding to CFPB small dollar rulemaking.
Fintech Regulatory and Transactional Counsel
We advise on a range of fintech matters, including financial services compliance and licensing requirements applicable to new financial technologies, acquisition of financial technology providers, and financial services applications of new technologies.
Whitepaper on Cybersecurity Advantages of Blockchain Technologies
Advising Microsoft and the Chamber of Digital Commerce in the development of a whitepaper exploring the cybersecurity advantages of blockchain technologies.
January 6, 2021, Global Policy Watch
On January 5, 2021, the CFPB’s (the “Bureau”) Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law (the “Taskforce”) released a report (the “Report”) recommending how consumer protection in the financial marketplace may be improved. Chartered by the Bureau in January of 2020, the Taskforce was charged with “examin[ing] the existing legal and regulatory environment ...
January 5, 2021, Cov Financial Services
On January 5, 2021, the CFPB’s (the “Bureau”) Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law (the “Taskforce”) released a report (the “Report”) recommending how consumer protection in the financial marketplace may be improved. Chartered by the Bureau in January of 2020, the Taskforce was charged with “examin[ing] the existing legal and regulatory environment ...
November 20, 2020, The Banker
John Ahern appeared on The Banker Podcast to discuss how banks can best prepare for a no-deal Brexit, as well as the fallout from the Wirecard scandal in terms of regulators’ views on the fintech community.
November 16, 2020
WASHINGTON—Global Banking Regulation Review has named Covington partner Michael Nonaka to its “45 Under 45,” a list of the leading, next-generation banking regulation specialists. Mr. Nonaka is co-chair of the Financial Services Group and advises banks, financial services providers, and non-bank companies on a broad range of compliance, enforcement, ...
October 14, 2020, Global Policy Watch
On September 21, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) published a letter addressing the authority of nationals banks to hold deposits that serve as reserves for stablecoins, which is a type of cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value. The OCC concludes that national banks and federal savings associations may engage...… Continue ...
October 12, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On September 21, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) published a letter addressing the authority of nationals banks to hold deposits that serve as reserves for stablecoins, which is a type of cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value. The OCC concludes that national banks and federal savings associations may engage...… Continue ...
July 23, 2020, Global Policy Watch
Today, the OCC released an interpretive letter concluding that national banks and federal savings associations (together, “banks”) may permissibly provide cryptocurrency custody services for customers. The letter, written by Chief Counsel Jonathan Gould, describes custody of cryptocurrency as a modern form of the traditional banking activity of providing ...
July 22, 2020, Cov Financial Services
Today, the OCC released an interpretive letter concluding that national banks and federal savings associations (together, “banks”) may permissibly provide cryptocurrency custody services for customers. The letter, written by Chief Counsel Jonathan Gould, describes custody of cryptocurrency as a modern form of the traditional banking activity of providing ...
June 1, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On May 29, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) issued a final rule to clarify that the interest on a loan originated by a national bank (or a Federal savings association), if permissible when the loan was originated, continues to be permissible after the loan is sold, assigned, or otherwise...… Continue Reading
June 1, 2020
LONDON —John Ahern has joined Covington’s Financial Services Industry Group in London as a partner. With more than 30 years of experience in UK, European, and Asian financial markets, Mr. Ahern helps banks, multilateral trading facilities, broker-dealers, asset managers, and investment advisors solve their regulatory challenges. He offers clients deep knowledge ...
May 15, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On April 3, 2020, the European Commission launched two public consultations on a new digital finance strategy for Europe and on a retail payment strategy for Europe, which will both run until July 15, 2020. The consultations follow two other consultations on an EU framework for markets in crypto-assets and on a potential initiative on...… Continue Reading
May 12, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On May 6, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an order (“Order”) directing the registered equity exchanges and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) (together, the “Self-Regulatory Organizations” or “SROs”) to submit to the SEC a new National Market System (“NMS”) plan to govern the public dissemination of real-time, ...
Square Gets FDIC's Approval To Launch A Bank In 2021
March 18, 2020, Law360
Michael Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding Square Inc.’s approval from the FDIC to form a bank. The article also mentions that, Nelnet, a federal student loans company, received an approval to create a digital-only ILC. Mr. Nonaka says, “The FDIC Board’s approval of the Square and Nelnet applications shows that the ILC charter is compatible with different ...
March 6, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On February 26, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau hosted a symposium titled “Consumer Access to Financial Records.” Video of the Symposium is available here. The agenda included discussion among panelists from large financial institutions, fintechs, consumer groups, policy centers, and the CFPB. Director Kathleen L. Kraninger also delivered brief ...
February 3, 2020, Cov Africa
Commencement of the AfCFTA. The landmark African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is slated to go into force on July 1, 2020. When fully implemented, the trade agreement will eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, and substantially increase intra-regional trade to volumes worth over $3.3 trillion. Twenty-nine countries have deposited their instruments of ...
January 10, 2020, Cov Financial Services
The House Financial Services Committee (“HFSC”) announced that it will convene hearings this month to consider both the trend of financial technology firms partnering with chartered banks to provide financial services and the rise of mobile payments. More information about the hearing schedule is available on the HFSC’s website. On January 30, the full ...
January 9, 2020, Cov Financial Services
On December 19, 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) appealed a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York holding that the OCC cannot offer special purpose national bank charters to fintech companies. Lacewell v. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Case 1:18-cv-08377 (S.D.N.Y. Sept....… Continue ...
Fintech Litigation To Watch In 2020
January 1, 2020, Law360
Mike Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding the New York Department of Financial Services and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors’ fintech charter, which is being challenged for its validity in the Southern District of New York. Mr. Nonaka says, “The [fintech charter case] is important litigation, because many of the companies that could be interested in the ...
Are states gaining upper hand in fintech charter battle?
December 30, 2019, American Banker
Mike Nonaka spoke with American Banker about fintech companies’ struggle to gain banking charters in 2019 and the prospect for better results in 2020. Mr. Nonaka says, “States are looking at how difficult the federal landscape can be, and based on their current laws, they're looking for ways to attract companies — either through their current regulations or even ...
December 12, 2019, Cov Financial Services
On December 10, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) held a joint workshop on accuracy in consumer reporting. The workshop included remarks from FTC Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips, CFPB Assistant Director for Supervision Policy Peggy Twohig, CFPB Deputy Director Brian Johnson, and FTC Deputy Director for the ...
November 20, 2019, Law360
Mike Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding the legality of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's fintech charter and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors' model payments. Both the OCC and CSBS have taken the concerns of industry to heart, and each initiative, while potentially overlapping in their goals of reducing regulatory burdens, may very well ...
Fintech Adoption Poised For Growth In US Despite Lag
August 20, 2019, Law360
Michael Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding Madden v. Midland Funding, a case that called into question the validity of interest rates on bank-originated debt that is later transferred to nonbank partners, such as fintech firms. The decision largely rejected the "valid-when-made" doctrine stating that a loan's interest rate remains legal as long as it was legal ...
Exchange Rules Spark Conflict
August 14, 2019, The Information
Anne Termine spoke with The Information about the issues cryptocurrency exchange companies face with U.S. regulation. Some exchange companies have resulted to forbidding U.S. customers from using their services. Ms. Termine said that to avoid regulatory scrutiny and possible fines, crypto exchanges should make a “reasonable effort” to prevent U.S. residents from ...
August 4, 2019, CoinTelegraph
Michael Nonaka spoke with CoinTelegraph to discuss cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. Mr. Nonaka says, "The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued its first guidance addressing cryptocurrency companies in 2013, and since then regulatory action for digital assets has been slow to develop but has picked up in the past few years as an increasing ...
July 29, 2019, Global Policy Watch
On July 23, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) announced a new Research and Innovation Division. The Division will assume responsibility for licensing and supervising virtual currencies. It will also “assess efforts to use technology to address financial exclusion; identify and protect consumer data rights; and encourage innovations in ...
Prominent Financial Services Lawyer Joining Covington
July 1, 2019
WASHINGTON—Jeremy Newell has joined Covington's Financial Services Group as a partner in Washington. Mr. Newell's arrival follows the recent addition of Karen Solomon, who joined Covington after serving as the acting Chief Counsel of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Mr. Newell was formerly Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief ...
States' Model Payments Law May Ease Entry For Fintechs
June 14, 2019, Law360
Karen Solomon is quoted in Law360 regarding the Conference of State Banking Supervisors’ push to knock down barriers to entry for small fintech companies. Ms. Solomon says, “CSBS, for example, has released a series of recommendations aimed at streamlining and simplifying the multiple state requirements that apply when nonbank firms conduct business across state ...
Feds Send Clear Message With Flurry Of Fintech Cases
June 7, 2019, Law360
Anne Termine is quoted in Law360 regarding the SEC’s enforcement on fintech and cryptocurrency matters. Ms. Termine says, “From my perspective, having a no-fine case is a pretty big deal. And I think the SEC wanted to make pretty clear that it was a big deal that this was a self-report and that [the company was] recognizing the SEC jurisdiction, that they were ...
Inside The Legal Battle For The Future Of Fintech
June 3, 2019, Law360
Michael Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding the OCC and New York Department of Financial Services’ legal battle over how the fintech industry will be regulated. Mr. Nonaka says, “The litigation challenging the OCC's authority to issue a special purpose fintech charter certainly has delayed the process for nondepository fintech firms to apply and receive ...
Crypto Exchanges Left Hanging as Shutdown Sidelines CFTC
January 15, 2019, Bloomberg Law
Anne Termine is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s enforcement of cryptocurrency coming to a halt with the government shutdown. Ms. Termine says, “It’s an agency working at 10,000 feet right now.” She adds that an extended shutdown could impact the agency’s preparation for oral arguments. “In litigation, March is around ...
January 9, 2019
WASHINGTON—Karen Solomon has joined Covington's Financial Services Group in Washington. Before joining Covington, Ms. Solomon served as the Acting Senior Deputy Comptroller and Chief Counsel at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In that role and in her prior role as Deputy Chief Counsel, Ms. Solomon’s work included developing and drafting ...
December 2018, Covington Alert
FinTech refers to the use of new and emerging technologies in the financial services industry to improve the delivery of financial services to customers, and includes innovations such as cryptocurrencies and open banking. Recent years have ushered in the use of several key technologies in the FinTech landscape, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, ...
December 1, 2018, Practical Law
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview on fintech regulation in the United States as part of a global fintech guide published by Thomson Reuters. Reproduced from Practical Law with the permission of the publishers. For further information, visit www.practicallaw.com.
November 30, 2018, Global Data Review
Trisha Anderson is quoted in Global Data Review regarding cyber and ransomware attacks. Ms. Anderson said that while the use of technologies like Tor and Bitcoin pose challenges to law enforcement by “raising the level of investigative effort and sophistication required to identify and locate cyber criminals,” the indictment in the SamSam Ransomware cyberattacks ...
November 29, 2018, American Banker
Michael Nonaka is quoted in the American Banker regarding how banks focused on improving their technology have shown a propensity to quickly enter into fintech partnerships. Mr. Nonaka says, “One of the most interesting developments is now small and large banks have gotten to the point where these partnerships are just business as usual. There is a lot more ...
Summary of the Final 2018 Report of the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa
October 23, 2018, Cov Africa
In its final deliverable of the 2016–2018 term, the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (“Council”), issued a call to the U.S. Government and the American business community to make a deliberate effort towards nurturing greater U.S. commercial engagement with Africa. The final report was prepared by the private-sector members of the ...
Fintech Charter Interest Could Be Shaped By Litigation
October 5, 2018, Law360
Randy Benjenk is quoted in Law360 regarding the uncertainty surrounding how many fintech firms will apply for special-purpose charters from the OCC. Mr. Benjenk says, “The question is whether the benefits of the charter will outweigh its burdens and the risks involved. I think you’ll see some fintechs conclude that, if they’re going to be regulated like a bank, ...
September 28, 2018
WASHINGTON—The National Law Journal has named Covington's Michael Nonaka to its inaugural list of "Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, & Fintech Trailblazers." This list profiles 50 lawyers who have "moved the needle" and are making great strides as finance and technology grow more entwined. Mr. Nonaka is co-chair of the firm’s Financial Services Group and advises ...
September 5, 2018, Covington Alert
This client alert summarizes recent regulatory developments relating to fintech and discusses the implications of these developments.
August 7, 2018, Global Data Review
David Stein is quoted in Global Data Review regarding the U.S. Department of Treasury’s recommendation to introduce data protection regulations in the fintech industry. Mr. Stein suggested that such a law may have to be modeled on existing state-level legislation. He says, “There likely would be pressure to enhance existing federal data security laws that apply ...
August 1, 2018, Bloomberg Law
Michael Nonaka is quoted in Bloomberg Law on the fintech industry’s enthusiasm regarding the Treasury Department’s recommendation that Congress support the “valid when made” doctrine. Mr. Nonaka adds, “The [recommendation] shows that these issues are not going away and that the uncertainty created from a growing body of inconsistent court opinions isn't a stable ...
OCC Will Accept Fintech Charter Applications
July 31, 2018, Law360
Michael Nonaka is quoted in Law360 regarding the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency accepting applications for special-purpose national bank charters from financial technology companies. Mr. Nonaka says it will be a while before any fintech firms operate as national banks, and they may ultimately decide the special purpose charter does not suit their ...
June 14, 2018, Cov Africa
As a startup founder, there are a number of issues vying for your attention on a daily basis, most of which are essential to the success of your business. Issues such as differentiating your product from competitors, developing stellar code, creating effective advertising, hiring the right staff and of course securing enough capital to fund...… Continue Reading
May 29, 2018, Bloomberg Law
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Bloomberg Law article regarding guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on small-dollar installment loans. The OCC was likely making an observation and statements of fact “rather than trying to write into the policy any discouragement of any bank-fintech partnership," says Nonaka. But the provision “does stick ...
April 25, 2018, Bloomberg Law
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Bloomberg Law article regarding Rep. Patrick McHenry's statements at a recent conference stressing that a proposal to modify how banks comply with investment requirements in local communities must take account of new technologies such as mobile banking. According to Nonaka, the Treasury's report, which included recommendations for ...
April 12, 2018, The Recorder
The Recorder highlights the arrival of Suzanne Bell to Covington's Technology Transactions practice. Bell says she was attracted to the firm's strong regulatory practice given the increased intersection between the technology sector and government regulations. Bell adds that she is looking forward to using her experience in technology transactions to assist ...
Law Firms Hitch a Ride on the Blockchain Wagon
April 3, 2018, Washington Lawyer
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Washington Lawyer article regarding legal opportunities surrounding blockchain. While some lawyers might eventually become blockchain-specialty attorneys, blockchain is looking “more like a technology you have to know about if you’re in certain industries,” says Nonaka. For instance, highly regulated industries such as energy and ...
March 9, 2018, Cov Africa
When bitcoin entered the public’s eye for the first time in 2013, it was touted as one of the greatest inventions for the unbanked in Africa. The World Bank estimates that of the 2 billion people without access to the modern financial system, a third live in Sub-Saharan Africa. In recent months, bitcoin and cryptocurrency...… Continue Reading
Giving The Middle Class Credit: With Latest Bill, Congress Is Taking A Step In The Right Direction
March 2, 2018, Global Policy Watch
Bank-fintech partnerships are good for consumers and banks, as I recently explained in testimony to Congress during a hearing on the opportunities and challenges in the fintech marketplace. Consumers benefit because banks are able to use fintech to deliver safer, more transparent, lower cost and more convenient financial products and services to consumers over ...
January 31, 2018, Global Policy Watch
The European Commission (“EC”) has stated that the almost limitless list of potential use cases of distributed ledger technology (“DLT”) makes it both very promising and challenging, and has expressed its support for blockchain and DLT.[1] However, many European institutions are still of the opinion that the technology is at its early stage of development,...… ...
If OCC Charter Case Is Dismissed, State Regulators Will Likely Sue Again, Say Fintech Attorneys
August 3, 2017, Corporate Counsel Magazine
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Corporate Counsel Magazine article regarding the Office of the Comptroller's argument that it cannot be sued over its plans for a special purpose national bank charter. According to Nonaka, "it's a fair assumption" the Conference of State Bank Supervisors would continue to pursue litigation against the OCC if the case is thrown out, ...
SEC Warns on Initial Coin Offerings--Update
July 25, 2017, The Wall Street Journal
David Martin is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding the SEC's warning on initial coin offerings. The SEC's report will likely "chill the waters a bit for these offerings," says Martin.
American Regulators Playing FinTech Catch-Up
June 15, 2017, Law360
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Law360 article examining how U.S. regulators are fostering fintech innovation. According to Nonaka, the CFTC and FINRA initiatives are important steps to get the agencies up to speed on fintech issues. “It’s certainly a step forward, it’s a step in the right direction for the regulators to be able to do new initiatives that will ...
May 31, 2017, The National Law Journal
Michael Nonaka is quoted by The National Law Journal in an article regarding the likelihood that the U.S. will introduce a regulatory sandbox for fintech companies to test new products and business models without regulatory consequences. According to Nonaka, there is "great value" in a sandbox for entrepreneurs, but "in order for a sandbox to work, you have to ...
May 24, 2017, Cov Africa
Earlier this month, more than 1,000 leaders from business, government, and civil society participated in the World Economic Forum on Africa in Durban in early May with the theme, “Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership.” This note highlights several conversations relevant to the forum’s theme. The Leadership Challenge The ...
Proposed Restrictions on Mexican Remittances Could Hinder Fintechs, Probably Not Banks
May 11, 2017, Forbes
Michael Nonaka is quoted in a Forbes article regarding the prospect of President Trump's taxing remittances for a Mexico border wall, and the possibility of an increase in the use of digital currencies as a result. In discussing banks and payment companies' experience in this field, Nonaka indicates that these institutions have taken the proposed rules in ...
Fintech Regulation
May 1, 2017, BankBeat
Randy Benjenk is quoted in BankBeat regarding the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s decision to develop a limited purpose national banking charter for fintech. Commenting on the development of guidelines, Mr. Benjenk says, “the initiative began as a non-partisan issue, but it is turning more partisan as more details are put on the table, with different ...
Fintech Startup, Covington To Launch Blockchain Council
January 6, 2017, Law360
Sebastian Vos is quoted in a Law360 article regarding the launch of a Global Blockchain Business Council at this year’s World Economic Forum by Covington and The Bitfury Group. “Blockchain has the potential to be the next great technological innovation, revolutionizing areas from cross-border payments, trade finance and land registries to government records,” ...
December 11, 2016, Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation
December 5, 2016, Covington Alert
On December 2, 2016, Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry announced that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) would move forward with issuing special purpose national bank charters to financial technology (“fintech”) companies. The OCC released a whitepaper1 outlining its authority to issue charters to fintech companies, its approach to ...
- Law360, Banking Group of the Year (2018)
- Chambers FinTech (2019)

Looking for Blockchain Solutions?
No longer is blockchain technology reserved for tech specialists. Discover this capable tool recognized and largely embraced by the global community.