Sidley Austin LLP announced that Lilya Tessler has joined the firm as partner and New York head of Blockchain and FinTech in the Securities & Derivatives Enforcement and Regulatory group. Ms. Tessler joins Sidley from McDermott, Will & Emery, where she served as co-head of the firm’s Blockchain and FinTech group.

A prominent figure in the FinTech industry, Ms. Tessler focuses her practice on representing digital asset trading platforms, blockchain technology companies, financial services firms, and leaders of cryptocurrency funds. Ms. Tessler advises technology companies on SEC registered and exempt blockchain token offerings, and counsels financial institutions on digital asset trading, securities issues, private placement agent and custody rule requirements, cross-border regulatory matters, money services requirements and FINRA and SEC regulatory inquiries.

“Lilya's experience is perfectly aligned with exciting, evolving developments within the FinTech industry, and she offers clients a comprehensive approach to formulating and executing strategies to address where technology and finance meet,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office. “Lilya’s capabilities and deep understanding of FinTech and related matters will further strengthen Sidley’s multidisciplinary approach to our work with clients –particularly those in the fast-developing areas of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.”

A certified public accountant and FINRA dispute resolution arbitrator, Ms. Tessler provides diversified counsel to her clients with a focus on the implications of cross-border technology transactions, securities laws and other broker-dealer regulatory issues associated with these complex technologies.
With 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the globe, Sidley is a premier legal adviser for clients across the spectrum of industries. Follow Sidley on Twitter @SidleyLaw.

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