Carl Kennedy Featured in The GRIP Files

Partner and Financial Markets and Regulation Co-Chair Carl Kennedy was recently featured in Grip's series "The GRIP Files." In the interview, Carl discussed his career journey, shared key highlights, offered insights for aspiring attorneys and recounted some engaging anecdotes.

Reflecting on his tenure as a regulator with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) a "badge of honor," Carl shared that "My first day at the CFTC, July 21, 2010, was also the day when then-President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into law. I believe that was foretelling in terms of my career as Dodd-Frank made changes affecting all federal financial regulatory agencies and throughout America's financial services industry." Carl emphasized that his regulatory experience continues to inform his counsel to clients today.

Discussing the challenges and opportunities in the financial services industry, Carl highlighted the transformative impact of technology. "New technologies and cyber risks will require new regulations or adaptation of existing regulations to ensure that financial markets remain resilient, liquid and safe."

To aspiring lawyers, Carl offered valuable guidance: "I would definitely encourage any lawyer (regardless of their years of experience) to work in public service; it is a great training ground that I believe deepens your understanding of the regulatory process and the perspectives of various stakeholders within financial markets. You also develop key relationships that will often last your entire professional career." He added, "Appreciate where you are and soak up as many lessons as you can."

Carl also acknowledged the close-knit nature of the derivatives industry, where "friends become competitors, regulators become clients and so on. … You can go from being colleagues to competitors to clients or regulators all in the span of 10 years."

"The GRIP Files: Carl E Kennedy, partner at Katten and former regulator with the CFTC," Grip, October 25, 2024