(NEW YORK) Katten announced today that the firm has been ranked highly in the Chambers FinTech 2023 guide for the first time. Katten was recognized as a leader in the FinTech Legal: Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies - USA category, which identifies and differentiates the leading blockchain and cryptocurrency professionals globally.
Chambers cited Katten's "strong blockchain and cryptocurrency practice, acting for market-leading crypto companies, traditional financial institutions investing in the industry, and major brands launching NFT [nonfungible token] projects" as validation for its recognition. The guide also featured client comments that stated, "They are incredibly knowledgeable about the digital asset space, not only from a regulatory perspective, but also from a technological and practical perspective."
Industry trailblazer Gary DeWaal also earned an individual high ranking as a leading practitioner in the guide. The guide highlighted DeWaal's proficiency in "traditional financial services and digital assets" and his ability to assist "clients with CFTC [Commodity Futures Trading Commission] regulatory issues as well as significant licensing matters." Clients lauded DeWaal for being an "an absolute expert in the field" and someone who "checks every box for what a great outside counsel should be."
DeWaal is a senior counsel in Katten's Financial Markets and Regulation practice, which advises clients on matters regarding cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology, as well as counsels them on regulatory, compliance, transactional and enforcement-related issues. The group is led by partners Daniel Davis, former CFTC general counsel, and Carl Kennedy, who previously served as special counsel and policy advisor to a former CFTC Commissioner. Lance Zinman, global chair of the Financial Markets and Funds department, oversees the practice.
Katten's cryptocurrency, digital assets and blockchain technology attorneys are highly sought after for their unmatched international, regulatory and technology experience. They frequently write articles and share their insight on the latest legal and regulatory developments involving cryptocurrency and blockchain technology at a variety of industry and firm events, including the recent Crypto with Katten Symposium. Additionally, DeWaal, Zinman and Davis were named among the "Top 15 US Legal Crypto Practitioners 2022" by Citywealth earlier this year.
Chambers FinTech helps clients discover the leading lawyers and other professionals in the FinTech industry across the world. The ranking are based on thousands of thorough research interviews, all conducted by an independent and dedicated research team.