Financial Services Regulation: Banking (Enforcement & Investigations) | USA

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 the 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.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP enjoys a significant reputation for its defense of high-profile financial institutions, including investment funds, banks and mortgage companies, against enforcement and investigative actions. Adept at dealing with regulatory bodies, defending against cases brought by the OCC, DOJ and OFAC, among other federal and state authorities. Counts a number of former regulators and federal prosecutors among its ranks. Works in close conjunction with the firm's market-leading white-collar criminal defense practice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is an established practice noted for its prowess in defending major clients in high-stakes financial litigation. Attorneys at the firm are equally skilled at advising clients on investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by a range of regulatory authorities, including the SEC, CFPB and OFAC. Further expertise displayed across a wide spectrum of bank regulatory matters.

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.

Williams & Connolly LLP is a successful financial services group noted for its defense of financial institutions and their directors and officers in investigations, enforcement actions and litigation brought by government regulators. Experience of a broad range of regulatory actions, including those relating to FDIC receivership and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA). Ancillary expertise in the white-collar space ensures the firm can cover cases with an overlapping DOJ element.

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.