Financial Services Regulation: Financial Institutions M&A | 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.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is an M&A powerhouse with an outstanding track record in corporate transactions involving financial institutions. Well placed to handle the raft of regulatory compliance considerations that accompany corporate finance in the post-Dodd-Frank world. Relied upon to enable the successful completion of joint ventures, M&A, financings, restructurings and other undertakings.

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.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a well-established transactional offering with the ability to operate effectively across all facets of deals involving financial institutions. Represents a wide array of financial institutions including banks, credit card issuers, mortgage brokers and insurance companies, granting it an impressive overview of industry-wide trends. Offers a robust grounding in the regulatory directives of every core agency in the space.

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.

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.

Alston & Bird LLP is a respected team recognized for its performance in the consumer finance regulatory space. Particularly noted for its expertise in payment systems law, while also offering a respected coverage of regulatory matters surrounding mortgage lending and other forms of consumer credit. Demonstrates proficiency in representing bank holding companies and other financial institutions in significant M&A transactions.

Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP has a broad practice covering the representation of both private and public financial institutions in diverse transactions. Attorneys offer clients the benefit of comprehensive experience in bank M&A matters, including the securing of regulatory approvals for stock acquisitions and spin-off transactions. Sought after by a wide variety of clients, including leading banks, financial advisers and bank holding companies.

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.

Goodwin has particular strength in the consumer finance space, advising in relation to regulatory compliance and enforcement, and handling class action litigation concerning such topics as mortgages, credit cards and auto finance. Also advises fintech companies in connection with a raft of regulatory matters, including payment systems issues and privacy matters. Highly experienced at representing clients in complex litigation filed by the CFPB, SEC and DOJ.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton is well regarded by commentators for its continued strength in M&A in the financial services sector, most notably for matters pertaining to the community bank space. Also advises in connection with securities offerings and loan portfolio acquisitions and dispositions. Also able to advise on ancillary matters such as general banking law and executive compensation.