Taft Fintech attorneys Richard B. Levin, Bobby Wenner, Jorge Castiblanco, and Taylor Hill John have authored a chapter in Global Leading Insights – Fintech 2025 – “Stranger things have happened: The evolving regulation of staking.” The authors introduce the readers to: blockchain technology (the foundation of all digital assets); staking; what constitutes a security; the current approach to the regulation of staking in the United States; recent regulatory developments that may reshape the industry’s approach to compliance; suggestions for navigating the regulatory environment; and looming threats to the industry.
Levin noted, “we are excited to offer this chapter as part of an important discussion with respect to the regulation of staking products offered by FinTech companies.”
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Levin is the Chair of the FinTech Practice at Taft. His practice focuses on the representation of companies in the FinTech industry, including broker-dealers, hedge funds, alternative trading systems (ATSs), exchanges, and digital asset trading platforms. He represents these firms before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and Congress. Levin has also represented clients before regulators around the world. Chambers and Partners has recognized him as a trusted adviser in the FinTech, blockchain, and cryptocurrency space.
Wenner focuses on the representation of financial technology companies working with blockchain, tokenization, digital assets, and cryptocurrencies seeking regulatory advice as they grow their business. He has extensive experience in product development, regulatory licensure application, and advocacy in complex digital asset legal issues. Wenner’s clients include broker-dealers, alternative trading systems (ATS), digital asset and currency trading platforms, digital asset issuers and custodians, securities exchanges, and derivatives trading platforms including swap execution facilities, among other regulates entities.
Castiblanco is an associate in Taft’s Chicago office and represents clients throughout the full cycle of public and private business transactions, with a focus on venture capital, fund formation, and M&A across industries including digital assets, blockchain, and AI.
John assists clients, as seller or buyer, with mid-market mergers and acquisitions. She also has experience with corporate governance, entity formation, contract drafting, securities for public companies, and nonprofit work. John works on a wide range of clients’ matters, including pet-related business, restoration projects, telecommunications and media, government, and food and beverage.