Yvette Valdez > Latham & Watkins LLP > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

The ‘very strong practice’ at Latham & Watkins LLP counts a range of global banks, funds and broker-dealers among its clients, whom it assists with major transactions and associated regulatory challenges, in addition to providing regulatory support as it relates to derivatives, broker-dealer registrations and restructuring measures. The team is also accustomed to handling proceedings before regulatory bodies, including FINRA, NFA and the SEC among others. Leading the group is the New York-based triumvirate of Stephen Wink, Yvette Valdez and Arthur Long, who joined the leadership team following the retirement of Alan Avery in January 2023. Marlon Paz, who splits time between New York and Washington DC, is noted for his work advising broker-dealers on all aspects of securities regulation and enforcement, with New York-based Jenny Cieplak focusing on regulatory issues arising out of the fintech sector. Also located in New York, Pia Naib advises banks and other financial services clients on crypto regulations in addition to issues tied to Dodd-Frank, the Volcker Rule and the Consumer Protection Act.

The ‘wonderful’ team at Latham & Watkins LLP assists clients on matters ranging from OTC derivatives to margin loan transactions and equity-linked structured products. It is also well-positioned to assist clients in investigation and litigation matters concerning CFTC regulations. Its industry expertise includes the burgeoning fintech and digital assets space. Yvette Valdez, head of the regulatory practice, is well-versed in regulatory matters concerning derivatives, including those relating to crypto-assets as well as bespoke and complex financial and market infrastructure solutions. ‘Incredible’ Rafal Gawlowski has extensive experience in equity-linked capital markets, structured repurchase, hedging and derivative financing transactions as well as compliance issues surrounding equity derivatives. With ‘strong expertise in the corporate equity derivatives space’, Witold Balaban advises top investment banks and financial institutions across an array of equity-linked products. Doug Yatter expertly covers investigation and enforcement matters, including complex litigation, for banks, hedge funds, fintech companies and cryptocurrency platforms. Courtenay Myers Lima is noted for novel structured products structuring and distribution for professional and retail investors. Each lawyer highlighted practices in New York.

Often working in conjunction with the firm’s privacy & cyber practice on data privacy and security law issues, the New York-based practice Latham & Watkins LLP covers the full array of blockchain, digital asset, and payment technology matters. Co-lead of the practice Stephen Wink specializes in compliance and enforcement and is a key port of call for various digital asset entities, DAOs, and financial institutions. Also-co-lead of the team, Yvette Valdez is experienced in advising global investment banks, asset managers, and trading shops on establishing crypto derivatives and structuring digital assets. Jenny Cieplak offers strong knowledge of the corporate, intellectual property, and regulatory aspects of fintech transactions, while Marlon Paz often assists broker-dealers on internal investigations and securities regulations. In Washington DC, Barrie VanBrackle is well-versed in fintech transactions and consumer financial services compliance, while Los Angeles-based Ghaith Mahmood is proficient in the commercialization of IP assets and is often engaged in NFT matters. Todd Beauchamp left the team in March 2023.