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Morrison Foerster Highlighted as a Leading Firm by Chambers FinTech 2025

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Morrison Foerster has earned six practice area rankings and four individual recognitions in the 2025 edition of Chambers FinTech, a comprehensive guide to the leading fintech professionals around the globe.

About Morrison Foerster

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Morrison Foerster has earned six practice area rankings and four individual recognitions in the 2025 edition of Chambers FinTech, a comprehensive guide to the leading fintech professionals around the globe.The firm received the following practice area recognitions:<ul><li>USA: FinTech Legal: Crypto-Asset Disputes</li><li>USA: FinTech Legal</li><li>USA: FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies</li><li>USA: FinTech Legal: Corporate, Securities & Financing</li><li>USA: FinTech Legal: Data Protection & Cyber Security</li><li>USA: FinTech Legal: Payments & Lending</li></ul>Jeff Silberman, co-lead of the Fintech industry group, and partner Evan Minsberg have both been individually ranked in FinTech Legal: Payments & Lending. Haimavathi Marlier, also co-lead of the Fintech industry group, was recognized in the Crypto-Asset Disputes category, while partner Nathan Taylor was highlighted for FinTech Legal: Data Protection & Cyber Security.Morrison Foerster’s multidisciplinary fintech team helps established, emerging, and startup Fintech companies, banks, investors, merchants, and other market participants as they navigate the creation, offering, or investment in Fintech products and services. Our advice is informed by decades of experience in innovative product counseling, strategic partnerships, financial regulation, privacy and data security, technology, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, corporate finance, intellectual property, litigation, and enforcement, as well as our deep understanding of how industry-specific practices and regulations affect the implementation of technology-enabled solutions.We have long been recognized for combining premier transactional capabilities with product design, in-depth regulatory insight, and enforcement capabilities across multiple geographies. Our unique understanding of the digital transformation in the fintech market positions us to help our clients succeed in a fast-moving, highly competitive market for technology-driven financial services. As our clients best put it, “Morrison Foerster is a forward-looking firm, and they have gone over and above my expectations. I have never had an instance where the team could not handle a complex situation."You can read more about our Chambers rankings on the publication’s <a href="https://chambers.com/legal-guide/fintech-49" target="_blank">website</a>.

Morrison Foerster Highlighted as a Leading Firm by Chambers FinTech 2025

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Jeff Silberman is co-chair of the firm’s Financial Services Group and co-lead of our Fintech practice, where he provides business-oriented and strategic advice to fintech companies and financial institutions.​​​Jeff’s focus includes bank/fintech partnerships, online and app-based financial services, digital assets and blockchain based payment systems, marketplace business models, and capital markets matters. He has extensive experience negotiating commercial and strategic relationships in highly regulated markets and is known for advising financial institutions and high-growth companies on the various legal, regulatory, and operational complexities associated with financial infrastructure, digital-first financial products, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and licensing arrangements, and the adoption and scale of online, app, and cloud-based business models.Jeff regularly acts as external general counsel advising early and growth stage startups, as well as incumbent fintech companies and financial institutions, on all areas affecting their organizations. He works closely with senior management and boards of directors to provide practical legal and business advice.Jeff has over two decades of legal experience in the fintech, financial services, and capital markets space, including nine years as in-house and general counsel at prominent fintech and financial services companies. Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, he served as global co-chair of the fintech practice at another leading international firm.<h4>Representative Experience</h4>Fintech<ul><li>Represent an international B2B e-commerce marketplace in transactional and regulatory matters related to integrated financial products and payment services.</li><li>Represented a public fintech company in its initial and additional bank sponsorships, including negotiation of program management, processor, network, and other third-party agreements and arrangements.</li><li>Represent a global cryptocurrency exchange in the creation and support of domestic and cross-border payment products.</li><li>Represent a U.S. challenger bank in the creation of its platform, including a sponsor bank, processing, card network, and other third-party service provider agreements.</li><li>Represented an app-based investment adviser in its formation and registration of an RIA and commercial relationships with executing broker-dealers and other supporting service providers.</li><li>Represented a fintech platform on its mobile solar loan application, loan origination, and forward flow facility.</li><li>Represented a leading fintech platform in the negotiation and execution of master service agreements integrating its technology with marketplace lenders and online small business lenders.</li><li>Represent various blockchain-based service providers, DAOs, and cryptocurrency exchanges in product creation and associated digital asset regulatory considerations.</li><li>Represented a SaaS platform in the creation and negotiation of master service agreements for broker-dealer, asset manager, and insurance company integrations.</li><li>Advised a digital asset advisory boutique in its regulatory matters.</li><li>Counseled an income share agreement platform in various forward flow purchase agreements.</li><li>Represented a point-of-sale finance platform offering consumer loans, deposit accounts, and debit cards in its sponsor bank relationship, processor, and related third-party service provider agreements.</li></ul><ul><li>Represented a cloud-based voice trading and data collection platform in strategic partnerships and integrations with a global investment bank and other broker-dealer integrations.</li><li>Negotiated strategic partnerships, joint ventures and service agreements on behalf of a leading Lending-as-a-Service fintech platform.</li><li>Counseled a digital point of sale finance platform in the creation of forward flow relationships for the sale of consumer loans.</li><li>Represented a leading fintech lending platform in the creation of forward flow facilities for consumer loans.﻿</li></ul>Financial Institutions<ul><li>Advised several U.S. banks on their core systems and various technology integrations to support direct and sponsored business units.</li></ul><ul><li>Represented a top U.S. bank in the structuring of its online wealth management platform, and related fintech integrations.</li><li>Represented several sponsor banks entering the Banking-as-a-Service space, including creation of program documentation, issuer processor arrangements, and other key third-party service provider arrangements.</li><li>Advised a growth stage venture capital fund in its Series C investment in a fintech platform focused on mortgage loan origination.</li><li>Counseled a U.S. bank evaluating digital lending business models, and the due diligence and creation of vendor relationships with fintech service providers.</li><li>Advised multiple credit unions in the origination and sale of digitally originated whole loans and loan participations.</li><li>Represent a broker-dealer in the expansion of its platform to enable online transactions.</li><li>Advised a growth stage venture capital fund in its Series B investment in a fintech platform offering AI solutions to reduce losses in auto, mortgage, and retail lending.</li><li>Represent a broker-dealer establishing its Capital Acquisition Broker registration.</li><li>Represented a New York based broker-dealer in fintech and trading system licensing matters.</li><li>Counseled a regional bank in the creation of its digital lending platform, including creation of related disclosure documents, loan agreements, and internal operating procedures.</li><li>Provided general counsel in corporate and strategic matters, to NY based broker dealer including establishment of new business lines, FINRA continuing membership applications, technology and other vendor licensing and service agreements, and general employment matters.</li></ul>

Jeff Silberman

Co-Chair of Financial Services Group

Haima Marlier is co-chair of Morrison Foerster’s Securities Litigation, Enforcement, and White Collar Defense Group and of its Fintech practice. Drawing on her experience as a former Securities and Exchange Commission Senior Trial Counsel, Haima represents public and private companies, financial services providers, and executives, directors, and other individuals in SEC, CFTC, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), state securities regulator, and internal investigations, as well as in related litigation. She has more than 20 years of experience litigating in federal, state, and administrative courts, leading complex negotiations, and representing her clients in mediation. She also counsels clients regarding securities enforcement developments, trends, and risk mitigation.Before joining the firm, Haima spent nearly a decade in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. While at the SEC, Haima served as lead counsel on a number of prominent enforcement litigations and investigations involving public companies, registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, banks, and individuals in matters arising under the federal securities laws. She has also worked closely with foreign securities regulators, numerous U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and FINRA.Haima serves on the board of trustees of the SEC Historical Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the knowledge and history of financial regulation; mentors Penn State students of color who aspire to become lawyers; and is a member of the board of directors of, and a volunteer running coach for, Girls on the Run New Jersey, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to recognize their inner physical and emotional strength. She maintains an active pro bono practice.Haima has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Women in Law and Notable Diverse Leaders in Law; The Legal 500 USA as a recommended lawyer in Securities Litigation: Defense, Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense, and Fintech; the Securities Docket’s Enforcement Elite; and the New York Law Journal for her efforts in the diversity and inclusion space.Haima received her J.D. from Boston College Law School and her B.A. from the Pennsylvania State University.<h4>Selected Significant Representations:</h4><h5>Cybersecurity</h5><ul><li>Successfully resolved an SEC investigation into a global technology solutions company’s cybersecurity risk disclosures and disclosure controls, policies, and procedures, with an acknowledgment by the SEC of the client’s significant remediation and cooperation.</li><li>Representing a global tech service management company in an SEC inquiry into its cybersecurity incidents and disclosures.</li><li>Represented numerous public companies and other clients in the SEC’s SolarWinds cybersecurity enforcement sweep.</li><li>Advising numerous public companies and SEC-registered firms on the efficacy of their cybersecurity disclosure controls and procedures and the materiality of cybersecurity incidents.</li><li>Represented a major technology company in an internal investigation into its cybersecurity statements and controls, policies, and procedures.</li></ul><h5>Fintech & Crypto</h5><ul><li>Represented a nonprofit foundation supporting a major blockchain, as well as two of its senior individuals, in an SEC investigation, with a complete termination letter issued by the SEC.</li><li>Successfully resolved an SEC crypto investigation into anti-money laundering and other compliance and monitoring programs on behalf a former senior bank executive.</li><li>Representing a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform in responding to SEC, CFTC, and state attorney general subpoenas and other requests for information.</li><li>Obtained a successful federal court settlement for a venture capital fund in a securities class action concerning an unregistered digital token offering.</li><li>Advising numerous Fintech companies, from startups to mature organizations, on securities enforcement compliance best practices and enforcement risk mitigation.</li><li>Represented a private investor in an SEC investigation related to a reverse merger involving a cryptocurrency company with no action taken by the SEC.</li></ul><h5>Artificial Intelligence</h5><ul><li>Representing a major tech company in an SEC investigation focused on AI-related disclosures and policies.</li></ul><h5>Accounting & Financial Reporting</h5><ul><li>Represented the former Chief Operations Officer of a major NASDAQ-listed food distributor in SEC and special committee investigations, with a complete termination letter issued by the SEC, as well as in related Delaware Court of Chancery litigation, which was favorably resolved.</li><li>Successfully resolved SEC and special committee investigations into related-party transaction disclosures and accounting issues, as well as related shareholder litigation, on behalf of a former CEO of a NASDAQ-listed company.</li><li>Represented an audit committee of a public company in an internal investigation resulting from a whistleblower complaint alleging accounting and disclosure issues.</li><li>Represented a leading public company in an internal investigation resulting from a whistleblower complaint alleging accounting and disclosure issues.</li></ul><h5>Other Securities Enforcement Matters</h5><ul><li>Represented the former CEO of a major company listed on the New York Stock Exchange in an SEC insider trading investigation with no action taken by the SEC.</li><li>Represented an individual in an SEC investigation concering the “pay-to-play” rule.</li><li>Represented a private investment fund in a COVID-19 related SEC insider trading investigation with no action taken by the SEC.</li><li>Represented a broker-dealer in a for-cause FINRA examination into anti-money laundering and other issues.</li><li>Represented a leading international company in government investigation into pharmaceutical drug pricing.</li><li>Represented a biotech company in a Massachusetts Securities Division investigation concerning securities registration exemptions and representations to investors regarding securities registration with no action taken by the state regulator.</li><li>Obtained a successful resolution for a pre-IPO biotech company in a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by a co-founder and former CEO terminated by the board of directors.</li><li>Represented the SEC in all stages of federal and administrative proceedings, including at trial and on appeal, in matters involving violations of the federal securities laws.</li></ul>

Haimavathi Marlier

Partner

Recognized as an authority on financial privacy issues, Nathan helps financial institutions and other companies develop practical solutions for complying with privacy and data security laws. In particular, Nathan tackles the most complex issues relating to the privacy and security of financial information.Co-author of the leading financial privacy treatise, The Law of Financial Privacy, Nathan is recognized in the industry for his exceptional legal work, including being named as an Up and Coming Nationwide Privacy & Data Security practitioner on Chambers USA’s 2018, 2019, and 2020 lists. In his many accolades, his clients praise him as “a tremendous lawyer” who is “smart and quick on his feet,” with a “strong depth of knowledge and experience.” Nathan is also known as “a go-to guy for a deeper dive on bank privacy issues, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and other matters. When he gives you a memo, it is gold-plated – you know that you can rely upon it and that it will be thoughtful” (Chambers USA 2021). Nathan is ranked in Chambers USA and Chambers Global 2021, with clients noting his exceptional work in financial privacy law, proficiency at handling various governmental investigations, and his “deep well of knowledge, which he delivers in a well-organised, thoughtful and extremely helpful manner."As state privacy law appears to be entering a new era with the adoption of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Nathan is assisting many banks, insurance companies, broker dealers, and other financial institutions in making sense of the complex law and the challenges presented by significant, but often confusing, new privacy obligations. Given the breadth of his work on CCPA issues, Nathan provides clients with valuable benchmarking across the financial industry.Nathan also continues to help companies across industries develop solutions to comply with the myriad state data breach and data security laws that have been enacted since 2003. Understanding the complexities that businesses face in complying with these laws, Nathan testified before Congress on the <a href="https://financialservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/02.14.2018_nathan_taylor_testimony.pdf" target="_blank">challenges</a> that the ever-growing patchwork of state laws present. These are complexities that he understands intimately, having advised companies on hundreds of significant data incidents, including many of the nation’s largest and highest-profile data breaches.Nathan also has defended companies in Congressional and state AG investigations regarding privacy and data security. He represented Target in its defense of a multistate AG investigation into the company’s 2013 data breach, resulting in a settlement with 47 states and the District of Columbia, at the time the largest-ever multistate settlement for a data security incident.Nathan contributes to the development of the firm’s <a href="/privacy-library/">Privacy Library</a> and MoFoNotes subscription database, which help companies keep apprised of privacy and data security compliance requirements in jurisdictions around the world.

Nathan Taylor

Evan Minsberg advises fintech companies, banks, and other financial services providers on developing new products, services, and strategic partnerships. Evan provides practical regulatory counsel and transactional support for a wide variety of payments, credit, and other financial technology business models. Evan’s focus includes payment processors, money transmitters, bank-fintech partnership arrangements, marketplaces, and other online and app-based financial services providers.With over a decade of experience in the financial services space, Evan is readily familiar with numerous fintech models and provides strategic, practical, and digestible advice. Evan’s clients are looking for help navigating the complex federal and state financial regulatory requirements applicable to the products they bring to market and finding the most efficient compliance solutions for achieving their goals – whether on their own or in partnership with other regulated entities and service providers. His transactional clients want support negotiating the best arrangements possible for their budget, timeline, and priorities, while maintaining productive relationships with their contractual counterparties. Evan’s clients range from start-ups, to fintech market leaders, to multinational public companies.Prior to joining MoFo, Evan worked in the financial services teams of two other leading law firms.<h4>Representative Experience</h4>Payment Processing and Money Movement<ul><li>Advise clients, from unlicensed start-ups to leading fintech payments companies, on compliance with federal and state money transmission and money services business laws, including licensing requirements and exemptions, bank partner and authorized delegate arrangements, funds flows, and use of “FBO accounts” and other structures.</li><li>Negotiate merchant processing and sponsorship agreements for multiple merchant, payment facilitator, and marketplace clients and advice on compliance with Card Network rules.</li><li>Structure, draft, and negotiate ACH origination, third-party sender, and third-party service provider agreements for multiple bank and fintech clients and advise on compliance with NACHA rules.</li><li>Counsel digital assets platforms on application of federal and state money transmission laws to cryptocurrency transactions.</li></ul>Banking as a Services (BaaS)<ul><li>Structure, draft, and negotiate program management agreements for multiple sponsor bank clients for deposit account programs with fintech companies, including use of “FBO Account” structures.</li><li>Advise sponsor bank clients on compliance requirements and appropriate division of rights and responsibilities with fintech partners, including end-user relationships, AML issues, customer data sharing, and program agreements.</li><li>Counsel sponsor bank clients on wind-down procedures, including timing, customer notice, return of customer funds, and other relevant issues.</li></ul>Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML)<ul><li>Counsel multiple bank, money services business, and other financial services clients on compliance with statutory and contractual BSA/AML requirements for BaaS, payment processing, “FBO Account” arrangements, and other models and structures.</li><li>Assist clients in preparing BSA/AML policies and procedures, including for money services business, digital assets and cryptocurrency, and cannabis-banking models. </li></ul>Credit Products and Services<ul><li>Develop consumer and commercial financing programs, including Buy Now, Pay Later, retail installment sales, and revenue-based financing arrangements.</li><li>Advise on state licensing requirements and exemptions and usury laws for consumer and commercial lenders, brokers, lead generators and others.</li><li>Structure, draft, and negotiate agreements for various credit arrangements, including card issuing agreements, bank partner / platform models, and lead generation arrangements.</li></ul>

Evan Minsberg

Fintech