Payments
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Payments Playbook Series
Our featured insight is the Payments Playbook Series, which helps companies navigate legal complexities in the highly regulated payments space. The Embedded Payments Playbook provides a roadmap for companies looking to offer embedded payments and own a segment of the payments value chain. The Playbook for AI in Payments provides a roadmap for artificial intelligence (AI) companies looking to offer solutions to financial institutions to help build a safer, more efficient payments ecosystem.
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Trusted Advisors to Companies at the Forefront of Payments Innovation
As a leading law firm for technology companies, Wilson Sonsini provides its clients in the payments space with the full spectrum of regulatory, policy, operational, commercial, and risk-management advice.
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Modern, Strategic Regulatory Expertise
Innovative companies using new technologies to improve the movement of money count on us for sophisticated, creative advice that is attuned to the evolving regulatory landscape and designed to suit their strategic business needs.
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Tailored, Practical Solutions for a Broad Range of Innovative Clients
We help companies of all types and sizes navigate the complexities of the payments sector—whether they are launching an embedded payment solution, creating innovative platforms to deliver banking and payment services, building a blockchain-based payment system, or incorporating AI technologies to enhance payment offerings. We also advise established fintech companies around the world on a range of legal and regulatory issues associated with entering the U.S. payments market. We specialize in crafting pragmatic, business-minded legal solutions to complex issues at the intersection of payments technology and financial regulation.
Wilson Sonsini’s Fintech and Financial Services Group specializes in creatively and collaboratively partnering with entrepreneurs, financial services providers, technology companies, industry groups, and others at the forefront of payments innovation. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the evolving financial services sector, including the full range of related regulatory issues.
We help fintech and financial services companies:
- comply with applicable laws and stay attuned to the changing regulatory landscape;
- design innovative products that support regulatory compliance and advance strategic business goals;
- craft tailored legal frameworks that incorporate industry best practices and mitigate emerging risks;
- keep abreast of key legislative and regulatory developments;
- facilitate stakeholder feedback to financial authorities; and
- provide insights on industry trends.
Our team has expertise advising innovative companies on all aspects of payments law and regulatory matters critical to designing and bringing new payment solutions to market, as well as strategically mitigating risks around the corner. We have deep knowledge of the regulatory and operational aspects of a broad range of payment services and technologies, spanning traditional systems and cutting-edge payments products. Our transatlantic footprint enables us to offer efficient, integrated counsel on the range of legal and regulatory issues associated with expanding the geographic reach of various payment offerings.
Select Areas of Expertise
- State money transmitter licensing laws and crypto-asset laws (including with respect to digital currencies used in virtual worlds and gaming platforms)
- Consumer protection laws such as the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E (including the Prepaid Accounts Rule and the Remittance Transfer Rule), Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z (including with respect to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products), and the Consumer Financial Protection Act
- Anti-money laundering laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and regulations issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
- Laws governing strategic bank-fintech partnerships such as false advertising laws, pass-through deposit insurance regulations, the Bank Service Company Act (BSCA), and supervisory guidance on third-party risk management
- Interchange laws such as the Durbin Amendment and Regulation II and state surcharge rules
- Unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP) compliance
- Card network rules and NACHA rules
- Laws governing instant payments and wire transfers such as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 4A and Regulation J
- Product development, specialized commercial arrangements, and risk management across a diverse spectrum of payments products and services
- Innovative payment solutions that leverage bank partnerships, card networks, ACH, funds transfers, and instant payment systems
- Digital wallets and peer-to-peer payment solutions
- Emerging payment products and services, such as stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain-based payment systems
- Technology-driven ancillary services, such as token vaults, AI-based fraud detection, and programmable money
Overview
Wilson Sonsini’s Fintech and Financial Services Group specializes in creatively and collaboratively partnering with entrepreneurs, financial services providers, technology companies, industry groups, and others at the forefront of payments innovation. We help our clients navigate the complexities of the evolving financial services sector, including the full range of related regulatory issues.
We help fintech and financial services companies:
- comply with applicable laws and stay attuned to the changing regulatory landscape;
- design innovative products that support regulatory compliance and advance strategic business goals;
- craft tailored legal frameworks that incorporate industry best practices and mitigate emerging risks;
- keep abreast of key legislative and regulatory developments;
- facilitate stakeholder feedback to financial authorities; and
- provide insights on industry trends.
Our team has expertise advising innovative companies on all aspects of payments law and regulatory matters critical to designing and bringing new payment solutions to market, as well as strategically mitigating risks around the corner. We have deep knowledge of the regulatory and operational aspects of a broad range of payment services and technologies, spanning traditional systems and cutting-edge payments products. Our transatlantic footprint enables us to offer efficient, integrated counsel on the range of legal and regulatory issues associated with expanding the geographic reach of various payment offerings.
Select Areas of Expertise
- State money transmitter licensing laws and crypto-asset laws (including with respect to digital currencies used in virtual worlds and gaming platforms)
- Consumer protection laws such as the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E (including the Prepaid Accounts Rule and the Remittance Transfer Rule), Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z (including with respect to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) products), and the Consumer Financial Protection Act
- Anti-money laundering laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and regulations issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
- Laws governing strategic bank-fintech partnerships such as false advertising laws, pass-through deposit insurance regulations, the Bank Service Company Act (BSCA), and supervisory guidance on third-party risk management
- Interchange laws such as the Durbin Amendment and Regulation II and state surcharge rules
- Unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP) compliance
- Card network rules and NACHA rules
- Laws governing instant payments and wire transfers such as Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 4A and Regulation J
- Product development, specialized commercial arrangements, and risk management across a diverse spectrum of payments products and services
- Innovative payment solutions that leverage bank partnerships, card networks, ACH, funds transfers, and instant payment systems
- Digital wallets and peer-to-peer payment solutions
- Emerging payment products and services, such as stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain-based payment systems
- Technology-driven ancillary services, such as token vaults, AI-based fraud detection, and programmable money
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Stripe on Acquisition of Bridge
On October 21, 2024, financial infrastructure platform Stripe confirmed that it is acquiring stablecoin infrastructure provider Bridge. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Stripe on the transaction.
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
Client Advisories
Fintech in Brief: Win Some, Lose Some: Recent Developments in the Regulation of Private Funds
We are pleased to share this issue of Fintech in Brief, which discusses that recently adopted rules applicable to private fund advisers will not come into effect after all. These changes, which were adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 last August, were vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in June 2024. The SEC has allowed the deadline for appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to pass, meaning the rules will not be implemented.
Newsletters
Focus on Fintech – Q2 2024
In the latest edition, our attorneys discuss updates and developments from federal regulators, including those related to cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity in financial markets, and the intersection of fintech and AI. They also discuss rulemakings and proposals from the SEC, the CFTC, and FinCEN, and examine a federal appellate court’s recent decision to vacate SEC rules governing private fund advisers. Finally, they conclude with a survey of consumer protection developments, which discusses recent policy initiatives from the CFPB, and a novel payments law passed by the Illinois legislature.
Client Advisories
Fintech in Brief: Recent SEC Enforcement Activity on the Custody Rule: Clues for the Focus of Anticipated Rules on Safekeeping Client Assets?
We are pleased to share this issue of Fintech in Brief, which discusses that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced two settled charges involving alleged violations of Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act), known as the “Custody Rule.” These two actions likely result from increased scrutiny by the SEC of the custody-related practices of investment advisers. That scrutiny in turn appears to be part of an effort by the SEC to inform its anticipated revamping of the Custody Rule into a proposed new rule, the “Safekeeping Rule.” The original proposal was widely criticized by the investment adviser industry, and the SEC’s rulemaking agenda has indicated a re-proposal may be issued at the end of October 2024.
Alerts
The Critical Reporting Requirement U.S. Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore: Upcoming Deadlines for Beneficial Ownership Information Compliance
On January 1, 2024, the new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the U.S. Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) took effect.
Alerts
Five Issues for Wealthtech Companies to Consider Under the U.S. Securities Laws
Companies in the growing “wealthtech” space often face novel regulatory and legal issues under the federal securities laws. Wealthtech companies blend traditional asset management and brokerage services with new technologies: among others, algorithmic modeling, including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI); social media tools that allow investors to interact with one another; sophisticated communication protocols that facilitate more efficient trading; and data scraping to generate new sources of information about the economy, investments, and particular investors. Some wealthtech companies are registered broker-dealers or investment advisers; some provide services to these registered entities but are themselves unregistered.
Insights
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Stripe on Acquisition of Bridge
On October 21, 2024, financial infrastructure platform Stripe confirmed that it is acquiring stablecoin infrastructure provider Bridge. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Stripe on the transaction.
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
Client Advisories
Fintech in Brief: Win Some, Lose Some: Recent Developments in the Regulation of Private Funds
We are pleased to share this issue of Fintech in Brief, which discusses that recently adopted rules applicable to private fund advisers will not come into effect after all. These changes, which were adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 last August, were vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in June 2024. The SEC has allowed the deadline for appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to pass, meaning the rules will not be implemented.
Newsletters
Focus on Fintech – Q2 2024
In the latest edition, our attorneys discuss updates and developments from federal regulators, including those related to cryptocurrencies, cybersecurity in financial markets, and the intersection of fintech and AI. They also discuss rulemakings and proposals from the SEC, the CFTC, and FinCEN, and examine a federal appellate court’s recent decision to vacate SEC rules governing private fund advisers. Finally, they conclude with a survey of consumer protection developments, which discusses recent policy initiatives from the CFPB, and a novel payments law passed by the Illinois legislature.
Client Advisories
Fintech in Brief: Recent SEC Enforcement Activity on the Custody Rule: Clues for the Focus of Anticipated Rules on Safekeeping Client Assets?
We are pleased to share this issue of Fintech in Brief, which discusses that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced two settled charges involving alleged violations of Rule 206(4)-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act), known as the “Custody Rule.” These two actions likely result from increased scrutiny by the SEC of the custody-related practices of investment advisers. That scrutiny in turn appears to be part of an effort by the SEC to inform its anticipated revamping of the Custody Rule into a proposed new rule, the “Safekeeping Rule.” The original proposal was widely criticized by the investment adviser industry, and the SEC’s rulemaking agenda has indicated a re-proposal may be issued at the end of October 2024.
Alerts
The Critical Reporting Requirement U.S. Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore: Upcoming Deadlines for Beneficial Ownership Information Compliance
On January 1, 2024, the new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the U.S. Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) took effect.
Alerts
Five Issues for Wealthtech Companies to Consider Under the U.S. Securities Laws
Companies in the growing “wealthtech” space often face novel regulatory and legal issues under the federal securities laws. Wealthtech companies blend traditional asset management and brokerage services with new technologies: among others, algorithmic modeling, including but not limited to artificial intelligence (AI); social media tools that allow investors to interact with one another; sophisticated communication protocols that facilitate more efficient trading; and data scraping to generate new sources of information about the economy, investments, and particular investors. Some wealthtech companies are registered broker-dealers or investment advisers; some provide services to these registered entities but are themselves unregistered.
Speaking Engagements
Smarter Faster Payments Conference – AI and Data-Driven Payments Panel
Please join fintech and financial services partner Jess Cheng, along with Derek Schwede (Head of Legal, Modern Treasury), and Evis Daum (Chief Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Federal Reserve Financial Services) at the Smarter Faster Payments Conference on May 8th for their panel: AI- and Data-Driven Payments: Demystifying the Legal Complexities.
Speaking Engagements
Fintech Conference: The Evolution of Fintech - AI, Payments and Financial Inclusion
Join us for the Fintech Conference: Trends in Fintech to learn from top experts from industry, academia, and regulatory authorities as they engage in rich discussions about the latest trends in fintech and sustainable finance.
WSGR Events
Fintech Marketing – Navigating the Complex Waters of Federal Regulation
Join Wilson Sonsini partners Amy Caiazza, Jess Cheng, Neel Maitra, and Libby Weingarten for a discussion of how fintech companies can craft innovative marketing campaigns while navigating the complex web of federal regulations. In this program, we will explore the key regulatory frameworks that fintech companies must comply with when marketing their products and services and consider best practices and common pitfalls.
WSGR Events
Fintech Ecosystems Lunch & Discussion
The financial services landscape continues to evolve, with recent innovations ranging from embedded finance to the use of AI for enhancing investment strategies. Please join Wilson Sonsini, KPMG, and Mercato Partners for a lunch discussion on topics of import for the fintech ecosystem, including regulatory, industry, and transaction trends in fintech.
Speaking Engagements
Promises and Pitfalls: Addressing the Impact of AI Models in the Payments Industry
The payments industry has witnessed a rapid surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models in recent times, all aimed at enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. However, as the use of AI becomes more prevalent, there are valid concerns regarding the legal implications and potential regulatory, risk, and ethical considerations that may arise from its implementation. This informative session will dive into the potential promises and pitfalls of implementing AI models in the payments industry. It will shed light on the various types of bias, fairness, explainability issues that could potentially manifest in AI models, and approaches that legal practitioners can take to mitigate risks.
WSGR Events
AI-volution in Financial Services: Navigating the Legal & Regulatory Complexities
Evolution or revolution? AI is emerging as a crucial force in financial services—combatting payments fraud, enhancing investment strategies, and heightening digital engagement. In this program, we bring together industry trailblazers at the forefront of AI innovation in financial services. Hear about how AI is impacting the financial services landscape and the key legal considerations at this fast-changing intersection of technology and regulation.
Events
Speaking Engagements
Smarter Faster Payments Conference – AI and Data-Driven Payments Panel
Please join fintech and financial services partner Jess Cheng, along with Derek Schwede (Head of Legal, Modern Treasury), and Evis Daum (Chief Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Federal Reserve Financial Services) at the Smarter Faster Payments Conference on May 8th for their panel: AI- and Data-Driven Payments: Demystifying the Legal Complexities.
Speaking Engagements
Fintech Conference: The Evolution of Fintech - AI, Payments and Financial Inclusion
Join us for the Fintech Conference: Trends in Fintech to learn from top experts from industry, academia, and regulatory authorities as they engage in rich discussions about the latest trends in fintech and sustainable finance.
WSGR Events
Fintech Marketing – Navigating the Complex Waters of Federal Regulation
Join Wilson Sonsini partners Amy Caiazza, Jess Cheng, Neel Maitra, and Libby Weingarten for a discussion of how fintech companies can craft innovative marketing campaigns while navigating the complex web of federal regulations. In this program, we will explore the key regulatory frameworks that fintech companies must comply with when marketing their products and services and consider best practices and common pitfalls.
WSGR Events
Fintech Ecosystems Lunch & Discussion
The financial services landscape continues to evolve, with recent innovations ranging from embedded finance to the use of AI for enhancing investment strategies. Please join Wilson Sonsini, KPMG, and Mercato Partners for a lunch discussion on topics of import for the fintech ecosystem, including regulatory, industry, and transaction trends in fintech.
Speaking Engagements
Promises and Pitfalls: Addressing the Impact of AI Models in the Payments Industry
The payments industry has witnessed a rapid surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) models in recent times, all aimed at enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. However, as the use of AI becomes more prevalent, there are valid concerns regarding the legal implications and potential regulatory, risk, and ethical considerations that may arise from its implementation. This informative session will dive into the potential promises and pitfalls of implementing AI models in the payments industry. It will shed light on the various types of bias, fairness, explainability issues that could potentially manifest in AI models, and approaches that legal practitioners can take to mitigate risks.
WSGR Events
AI-volution in Financial Services: Navigating the Legal & Regulatory Complexities
Evolution or revolution? AI is emerging as a crucial force in financial services—combatting payments fraud, enhancing investment strategies, and heightening digital engagement. In this program, we bring together industry trailblazers at the forefront of AI innovation in financial services. Hear about how AI is impacting the financial services landscape and the key legal considerations at this fast-changing intersection of technology and regulation.
Jess Cheng
Partner
Jess Cheng helps innovative companies adapt and thrive in the evolving payments space. She is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she represents clients as a member of the firm’s Fintech and Financial Services group.
Jonathan Chan
Partner
Jonathan represents technology-driven clients in corporate and transactional matters.
Stephen R. Heifetz
Partner
Stephen advises clients on laws and policies at the intersection of international business and national security. He previously served in the U.S. government on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.
Josh Kaplan
Partner
Joshua (Josh) Kaplan is a corporate partner in the London and New York offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on U.S. expansion and serving companies at all stages of their life cycle, with an emphasis on clients in the financial technology and financial services sectors.
Scott A. McKinney
Partner
Scott focuses on complex commercial and technology transactions and frequently advises companies with new and emerging technologies.
Matt Squires
Partner
Matt Squires is a partner in the Seattle office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and head of the firm’s Latin America practice group.
Matthew (Matt) Staples
Partner
Matt advises companies in a number of industries regarding privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and other information security issues.
Libby J. Weingarten
Partner
Libby Weingarten is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office, of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she advises companies on a broad range of U.S. and international privacy, consumer protection, and data security issues. She has extensive experience defending major corporations facing investigations by the FTC and other federal and state regulators. She has defended retailers, software companies, advertising technology companies, mobile app developers, and ed-tech companies against regulatory investigations into privacy and data security practices, and she has assisted them in conducting internal investigations in high-profile data security breaches.
Jahna Hartwig
Of Counsel
Jahna Hartwig is Of Counsel at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she advises domestic and foreign companies on compliance with international trade laws.
Anne E. Seymour
Senior Counsel
Anne Seymour is Senior Counsel in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's Washington, D.C., office, where she focuses on issues related to compliance and enforcement of U.S. export control regulations and economic sanctions and U.S. import regulations.
Anne counsels foreign and domestic clients across technology industries on all aspects of international trade, including export controls, economic sanctions, and import issues. This work includes providing advice on potential export and import considerations stemming from cross-border technology transfers, joint venture projects, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, foreign distributor agreements, and delivery (both physical and virtual) of products and services.
Anne works closely with companies to determine which regulations may affect their transactions; obtain necessary government approvals related to the import, export, or transfer of their products, software, technology, and services; design and implement internal compliance programs; conduct compliance assessments; train employees on regulatory compliance issues; and, when necessary, prepare voluntary disclosures.
Anne is an expert in commercial and dual-use controls promulgated under the Export Administration Regulations, military-specific controls administered under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and economic sanctions programs implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. She assists clients as new regulatory challenges arise, including adapting to new sanctions regimes, classification of “critical technologies” as they may apply to CFIUS analyses, and obtaining of “deemed export” licenses for clients that employ H-1B visa holders in export-controlled areas.
Anne counsels foreign and domestic clients across technology industries on all aspects of international trade, including export controls, economic sanctions, and import issues. This work includes providing advice on potential export and import considerations stemming from cross-border technology transfers, joint venture projects, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, foreign distributor agreements, and delivery (both physical and virtual) of products and services.
Anne works closely with companies to determine which regulations may affect their transactions; obtain necessary government approvals related to the import, export, or transfer of their products, software, technology, and services; design and implement internal compliance programs; conduct compliance assessments; train employees on regulatory compliance issues; and, when necessary, prepare voluntary disclosures.
Anne is an expert in commercial and dual-use controls promulgated under the Export Administration Regulations, military-specific controls administered under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and economic sanctions programs implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. She assists clients as new regulatory challenges arise, including adapting to new sanctions regimes, classification of “critical technologies” as they may apply to CFIUS analyses, and obtaining of “deemed export” licenses for clients that employ H-1B visa holders in export-controlled areas.
People
Jess Cheng
Partner
Jess Cheng helps innovative companies adapt and thrive in the evolving payments space. She is a partner in the New York office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she represents clients as a member of the firm’s Fintech and Financial Services group.
Jonathan Chan
Partner
Jonathan represents technology-driven clients in corporate and transactional matters.
Stephen R. Heifetz
Partner
Stephen advises clients on laws and policies at the intersection of international business and national security. He previously served in the U.S. government on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.
Josh Kaplan
Partner
Joshua (Josh) Kaplan is a corporate partner in the London and New York offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on U.S. expansion and serving companies at all stages of their life cycle, with an emphasis on clients in the financial technology and financial services sectors.
Scott A. McKinney
Partner
Scott focuses on complex commercial and technology transactions and frequently advises companies with new and emerging technologies.
Matt Squires
Partner
Matt Squires is a partner in the Seattle office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and head of the firm’s Latin America practice group.
Matthew (Matt) Staples
Partner
Matt advises companies in a number of industries regarding privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, and other information security issues.
Libby J. Weingarten
Partner
Libby Weingarten is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office, of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she advises companies on a broad range of U.S. and international privacy, consumer protection, and data security issues. She has extensive experience defending major corporations facing investigations by the FTC and other federal and state regulators. She has defended retailers, software companies, advertising technology companies, mobile app developers, and ed-tech companies against regulatory investigations into privacy and data security practices, and she has assisted them in conducting internal investigations in high-profile data security breaches.
Jahna Hartwig
Of Counsel
Jahna Hartwig is Of Counsel at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she advises domestic and foreign companies on compliance with international trade laws.
Anne E. Seymour
Senior Counsel
Anne Seymour is Senior Counsel in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's Washington, D.C., office, where she focuses on issues related to compliance and enforcement of U.S. export control regulations and economic sanctions and U.S. import regulations.
Anne counsels foreign and domestic clients across technology industries on all aspects of international trade, including export controls, economic sanctions, and import issues. This work includes providing advice on potential export and import considerations stemming from cross-border technology transfers, joint venture projects, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, foreign distributor agreements, and delivery (both physical and virtual) of products and services.
Anne works closely with companies to determine which regulations may affect their transactions; obtain necessary government approvals related to the import, export, or transfer of their products, software, technology, and services; design and implement internal compliance programs; conduct compliance assessments; train employees on regulatory compliance issues; and, when necessary, prepare voluntary disclosures.
Anne is an expert in commercial and dual-use controls promulgated under the Export Administration Regulations, military-specific controls administered under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and economic sanctions programs implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. She assists clients as new regulatory challenges arise, including adapting to new sanctions regimes, classification of “critical technologies” as they may apply to CFIUS analyses, and obtaining of “deemed export” licenses for clients that employ H-1B visa holders in export-controlled areas.
Anne counsels foreign and domestic clients across technology industries on all aspects of international trade, including export controls, economic sanctions, and import issues. This work includes providing advice on potential export and import considerations stemming from cross-border technology transfers, joint venture projects, mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment, foreign distributor agreements, and delivery (both physical and virtual) of products and services.
Anne works closely with companies to determine which regulations may affect their transactions; obtain necessary government approvals related to the import, export, or transfer of their products, software, technology, and services; design and implement internal compliance programs; conduct compliance assessments; train employees on regulatory compliance issues; and, when necessary, prepare voluntary disclosures.
Anne is an expert in commercial and dual-use controls promulgated under the Export Administration Regulations, military-specific controls administered under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and economic sanctions programs implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. She assists clients as new regulatory challenges arise, including adapting to new sanctions regimes, classification of “critical technologies” as they may apply to CFIUS analyses, and obtaining of “deemed export” licenses for clients that employ H-1B visa holders in export-controlled areas.
Related Industries
Recent Insights
Client Highlights
Wilson Sonsini Advises Stripe on Acquisition of Bridge
On October 21, 2024, financial infrastructure platform Stripe confirmed that it is acquiring stablecoin infrastructure provider Bridge. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati advised Stripe on the transaction.
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
“Stablecoins are room-temperature superconductors for financial services. Thanks to stablecoins, businesses around the world will benefit from significant speed, coverage, and cost improvements in the coming years. Stripe is going to build the world’s best stablecoin infrastructure, and, to that end, we are delighted to welcome Bridge to Stripe,” wrote Stripe CEO Patrick Collison on X.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, is expected to close in the coming months.
The Wilson Sonsini team that advised Stripe on the transaction includes:
Learn More
Client Advisories
Fintech in Brief: Win Some, Lose Some: Recent Developments in the Regulation of Private Funds
We are pleased to share this issue of Fintech in Brief, which discusses that recently adopted rules applicable to private fund advisers will not come into effect after all. These changes, which were adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 last August, were vacated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in June 2024. The SEC has allowed the deadline for appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to pass, meaning the rules will not be implemented.
Learn More
Recent Events
Speaking Engagements
Smarter Faster Payments Conference – AI and Data-Driven Payments Panel
Please join fintech and financial services partner Jess Cheng, along with Derek Schwede (Head of Legal, Modern Treasury), and Evis Daum (Chief Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Federal Reserve Financial Services) at the Smarter Faster Payments Conference on May 8th for their panel: AI- and Data-Driven Payments: Demystifying the Legal Complexities.
Learn More
Speaking Engagements
Fintech Conference: The Evolution of Fintech - AI, Payments and Financial Inclusion
Join us for the Fintech Conference: Trends in Fintech to learn from top experts from industry, academia, and regulatory authorities as they engage in rich discussions about the latest trends in fintech and sustainable finance.
Learn More
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