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Latham & Watkins LLP

Crypto-Asset Disputes

FinTech Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crypto-Asset Disputes - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Latham & Watkins represents major crypto projects and venture funds, including DeFi projects, NFT platforms and creators, crypto miners and exchanges, DAOs and trading firms, in commercial disputes, bankruptcy proceedings and regulatory investigations and enforcement. It has handled a significant number of regulatory investigations and white-collar matters, including SEC, CFTC and FinCen investigations, and advises on OFAC sanctions compliance.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins represented Samuel Reed, co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of BitMEX, a leading global cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform, in a first-of-its kind prosecution in the cryptocurrency industry. The DoJ alleged that BitMEX leaders had violated the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to have compliant AML and KYC programmes. The firm's client negotiated a plea deal in 2022 and was fully and formally pardoned by President Trump in March 2025.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • An extraordinarily talented team of partners and associates dedicated to the matters they take on. They are always up-to-date on the law and the regulators and government officials enforcing the law.

    Crypto-Asset Disputes respondentFinTech

  • The firm's team has strong breadth and depth; they are able to leverage subject-matter experts from a variety of areas with familiarity in both our industry and the applicable law.

    Crypto-Asset Disputes respondentFinTech

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Benjamin Naftalis
    Benjamin Naftalis

    Benjamin Naftalis

    Benjamin Naftalis is a former Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he focused on securities and commodities fraud matters, and co-head of Latham & Watkins' digital assets and Web3 practice. Naftalis advises major crypto clients on investigations and regulatory enforcement.

    • Ben is amongst the strongest lawyers I have ever worked with. He delivers effective and practical advice, and is creative in solving problems.

      Crypto-Asset Disputes respondentFinTech

    • Ben is a brilliant attorney and an expert in his field. I rely on and completely trust his advice and expertise. He has great instincts, fantastic communication skills and incredible client service.

      Crypto-Asset Disputes respondentFinTech
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  • Douglas K. Yatter
    Douglas K. Yatter

    Douglas K. Yatter

    Douglas Yatter is a former chief trial attorney at the CFTC. He is co-head of Latham & Watkins' digital assets and Web3 practice and co-chair of its commodities and derivatives regulation and enforcement practice. He advises crypto clients on investigations and regulatory enforcement matters concerning token offerings, CeFi and DeFi platforms, allegations of insider trading, money laundering and market manipulation.

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Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (2)

USA - Nationwide

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