Stephen Wink > 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.

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.