Digital Currency 'Dean' Named Pillsbury Focus Team Leader

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Pillsbury today named New York counsel Marco Santori leader of the firm's Digital Currency and Blockchain Technology focus team. Described by an American Banker journalist as "the dean of digital currency lawyers," Santori is a well-known authority on blockchain technology. He has served as chairman of the Bitcoin Foundation's Regulatory Affairs Committee since its creation in 2013 and has testified before U.S. lawmakers, directly impacting the development of digital currency regulations. He also is a frequent speaker and author on the topics of financial technology and the future of banking and payments.

"Pillsbury has advised banks, financial services companies and digital currency startups since blockchain technology was in its infancy," Santori said. "The team has helped its clients influence regulatory policy to set standards for the entire industry in matters of corporate governance and high-level business strategy."

The Digital Currency and Blockchain Technology team helps its financial services clients comply with federal and state money services laws and licensing requirements; navigate the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's classification system; manage data security strategy and respond to breaches; maintain business continuity in a crisis; and understand the tax implications of digital currency investment, mining and income structures. Additionally, lawyers on the team advise clients on digital currency-related disputes and litigation and defend them against enforcement actions under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

"Marco's leadership of Pillsbury's digital currency team underscores our commitment to this disruptive space," said Firm Chair Jim Rishwain. "His understanding of this burgeoning industry is unparalleled. Our digital currency team provides a wide range of service offerings and boasts a roster of respected practitioners. Marco will work with the team to hone and expand its expertise in step with the innovative companies in this sector."

The Digital Currency and Blockchain Technology focus team comprises thought leaders, trusted legal advisors, litigators and subject matter authorities from across Pillsbury's Corporate & Securities, Global Security Services, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Public Policy and Tax practices, underscoring a multidisciplinary approach to the complicated needs of clients in this emergent field. In addition to Santori, members of the team include partners Jack Barufka, James Campbell, James Chudy, Aaron Dyer, Brian Finch, Riaz Karamali, JiJi Park, Samuel Pearse, Stanley Pierson, Christine Scheuneman, Deborah Thoren-Peden, James Tumbridge, Mercedes Tunstall and Brian Wong; senior counsel Catherine Meyer; counsel Elsa Broeker and Steven Farmer; senior associate Nora Burke; and attorney Amy Pierce.

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy & natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate & construction and technology. Based in the world's major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients' objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek.

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