Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Compliance) | USA

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP maintains its position at the forefront of the financial services regulatory space as the first port of call for institutions seeking up-to-date expertise. A market-leading offering in banking regulatory compliance is bolstered by strong showings in banking enforcement and transactional matters and the broker-dealer regulatory space. Helps bring to fruition sophisticated M&A deals involving financial institutions. Marries traditional legal acumen and experience with the innovative use of technology, producing the industry-standard policy and procedure manual for Volcker matters and a subscription-based Regulatory Tracker. Also noted for its knowledge of global regulatory systems, including the Basel III capital and liquidity rules.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is a colossus of the US financial services space, handling sophisticated banking regulatory issues on a regular basis. Comfortable negotiating the ins and outs of Dodd-Frank regulations for systemically important clients and defending them against incursions by an array of regulatory bodies. Adept at dismissing harmful allegations relating to such crimes as rate rigging and money laundering, with noted expertise in representing clients before high level regulatory enforcement actions. Also noted for its continuing excellence in the transactional space, advising financial institutions in connection with industry-defining M&A activity. Increasing presence in the FinTech space, alongside an ability to advise on cybersecurity issues affecting banking clients.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is a highly respected team comprising a number of former regulators and prosecutors, and recognized for its expertise in the banking, broker-dealer and M&A spaces. Provides cutting-edge insight into regulatory issues impacting financial institutions, and has played a leading role in guiding clients through the implementation of the Dodd-Frank reforms. Offers a fine track record in connection with investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the regulatory agencies. Has an increasing focus on complex regulatory matters at the intersection of banking, securities and derivatives law.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is recognized for having developed a diverse banking and financial institutions practice. Particularly noted for its handling of regulatory compliance and transactional matters at the intersection of the banking and insurance sectors, while also impressing in connection with state and federal government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions. Maintains close ties with other departments, including litigation, private equity and M&A, to deliver a robust and rounded service. Benefits from the experience of alumni of a number of major regulatory bodies, including the SEC, the Federal Reserve Board and the US Treasury.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates is a hugely respected firm with an enviable history of involvement at the cutting edge of the US financial services arena. Particular strength in the banking space, advising leading institutions on a range of sophisticated regulatory compliance, enforcement and M&A matters. Advises on all aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act, and adept at dealing with allegations of sanctions and anti-money laundering violations. Offers additional expertise in consumer finance, including CFPB compliance and enforcement matters, and particularly excelling in consumer class action defense. Noted expertise in the emergent FinTech area.

Arnold & Porter is well regarded in the banking regulatory space, advising clients in connection with a broad range of regulatory compliance and enforcement matters. Strong experience interfacing with both state and federal regulatory agencies on behalf of banking holding companies, insurance companies and e-commerce businesses, among others. Benefits from the firm's clout in ancillary areas such as antitrust, tax and ERISA. Also represents clients in connection with legislative matters, including Congressional hearings and investigations.

Covington & Burling LLP is an established presence in the regulatory arena with a strong showing in Washington, DC. Continues to impress across the banking compliance and enforcement spaces and is recommended for the depth of its political connections. Noted strength in FinTech, data privacy and anti-money laundering, among other areas. Frequently engaged to represent financial institutions in investigations by the CFPB, among other regulatory authorities. Clients of the firm include multinational banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions.

Mayer Brown LLP has a broad practice with an exceptional reputation in the consumer finance space, notably excelling in its provision of compliance advice to clients in the mortgage industry. Also covers the full range of banking regulatory compliance and enforcement matters. A strong global reach allows the team to handle cross-border cases with ease, while the presence of several former regulatory officials provides insight into the most cutting-edge matters. Regularly defends clients in proceedings brought by government regulators including the SEC, the CFPB, the FDIC and the OCC.

A&O Shearman is noted for its talented group in the broker-dealer space, with a respected practice weighted toward the provision of compliance advice. It combines broker-dealer expertise with specialist knowledge of the banking and asset management spaces to provide clients with a holistic advisory service. Advises on all aspects of US broker-dealer regulation, and noted for its work on cross-border transactional matters. The team is also experienced in handling the full range of Dodd-Frank and Volcker Rule matters in the banking space, as well as anti-money laundering rules and sanctions law. It has a strong international presence ensures that the team is also able to advise on EU, UK and other regulatory systems. It has further experience in advising financial institutions on cryptocurrency regulatory issues.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is well noted for its strength in advising domestic and international clients on banking regulations. The group provides insight on chartering and structuring issues. The team also has extensive experience in handling both transactional and enforcement matters. Also boasts expertise in FinTech.

Haynes and Boone, LLP is a full-service law firm, known for its impressive capabilities on international bank regulatory matters. Provides bank and non-bank clients with broad expertise regarding state and federal regulatory authorities, including the FDIC, OCC and CFTC. Lawyers at the firm are particularly skilled at advising on all aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act, including Volcker Rule compliance.

Latham & Watkins LLP is a compact team with particular strength in the banking and broker-dealer spaces, advising on a range of high profile regulatory matters, including those pertaining to financial technology such as data capture technologies. Fully equipped to advise on current and emerging requirements implemented by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA and NYSE, among others. An expanding team includes a number of alumni of the major regulatory bodies, enabling it to provide clients with crucial strategic insight. Clients include most of the world's major global banks, as well as international broker-dealers, private fund complexes and FinTech companies.

Moore & Van Allen, PLLC is comprised of practitioners with prior experience at regulatory offices. The group provides large financial institutions with insight into SEC, CFTC and OCC regulatory systems, along with in-depth knowledge on Dodd-Frank and Volcker rules. The team also boasts expertise in contentious matters and investigations by the Department of Justice and US Attorney's offices.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has strength in the full range of regulatory matters pertaining to the banking and broker-dealer industries, with a recognized group of securities law experts advising blue-chip clients on the most cutting-edge matters. Particular strength in regulatory compliance matters, but also noted for its handling of high-stakes enforcement actions by the SEC, FINRA and other agencies. Benefits from a highly experienced bench, with over 30 partners having previously served with the DOJ or the major regulatory agencies. Increasing strength in connection with cross-border regulatory matters, with the US team working closely alongside colleagues in London, Frankfurt and Tokyo.

Morrison Foerster is a highly respected firm in the consumer finance space, noted for its work on the full range of CFPB regulatory matters. Heavily involved in all aspects of consumer lending, undertaking cutting-edge work relating to payment card systems and other matters. Particularly recognized for its expertise in the mortgage and fair lending space, showing great skill advising on federal and state regulations.Also enjoys a fine reputation for its handling of consumer finance litigation, impressing on behalf of lenders in complex consumer class actions. Further expertise demonstrated in diverse bank regulatory matters, including Volcker Rule and Bank Holding Company Act issues.

WilmerHale is a consummate financial services firm, marshaling among its ranks significant ex-governmental prowess with an intricate knowledge of the regulatory landscape. Particularly recognized for its exceptionally strong broker-dealer practice, offering a deep bench of attorneys who are able to advise on the most cutting-edge regulatory matters. Additional strength in the banking regulatory space, with a solid presence in the enforcement sphere. Seasoned in representing clients before the CFPB and other regulatory agencies, also acting in related litigation.