Taft, one of the fastest-growing law firms in the nation, announced today that Sean Ruff has joined the firm’s growing FinTech and Financial Services practices as a partner. He joins following the recent arrival of Richard B. Levin, the new chair of Taft’s FinTech practice, and FinTech partner Bobby Wenner, industry veterans who arrived in April with plans to significantly expand Taft’s national presence at the intersection of financial services and technology.
Sean focuses his practice on both emerging and established FinTech companies and other financial institutions, helping them understand and comply with an intricate web of federal and state regulations while pursuing innovative business models. He also previously served in-house as lead payments and regulatory counsel at a global fintech company now known as Block, Inc., the publicly traded technology and financial services company founded by Jack Dorsey.
“Sean is a great addition as we move to grow our FinTech and Financial Services practice groups with proven leaders from across the industry,” said Taft’s Firmwide Chairman and Managing Partner, Robert J. Hicks. “This is just the start and we’re excited to see the continued growth of these groups.”
“A highly regarded leader in the FinTech and Financial Services industry, Sean’s arrival marks another key milestone as we continue to recruit and build a top-tier practice at Taft,” said Rick Levin, chair of Taft’s FinTech practice. “Sean brings a strong mix of regulatory and transactional experience to the firm that’s important to our clients as we focus on building-out our capabilities.”
With a deep background throughout the financial services landscape, Sean advises financial institutions, fintech companies, global marketplaces, and digital asset platforms on regulatory, transactional, and strategic matters spanning a wide range of consumer and commercial financial services. With a core focus on both federal and state regulatory frameworks, Sean helps clients navigate complex legal regimes while developing, scaling, and acquiring innovative financial products.
“I am excited to join Taft and collaborate with a team that shares my longstanding commitment to innovation and client service in the FinTech and Financial Services industries,” said Sean Ruff. “Taft’s platform and culture provide a great opportunity to help clients address today’s most pressing regulatory challenges and opportunities.”
“Sean’s extensive experience in both consumer and commercial financial services law, coupled with his in-house experience at a leading payments company, strengthens our talented payments capabilities,” said Nicole Meisner, chair of Taft’s PayTech practice. “He also brings valuable expertise in areas such as payments issuing, consumer and commercial lending, money transmitter and lending lender compliance and licensing, Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering compliance, and private-label card networks, expanding our capabilities.”
Recognized in Chambers FinTech for U.S. Payments & Lending, Sean’s work spans both consumer and commercial financial services, including payment processors, money transmitters, lenders, marketplaces, digital wallet providers, cryptocurrency exchanges, and emerging digital asset applications.
With the addition of Sean, Taft continues to grow quickly through strategic lateral hires and mergers. The firm has increased its headcount by more than 200 attorneys in the first half of 2025, strengthening its position as a super middle-market firm with a unique national platform.