NEW YORK – September 9, 2026 –Winston Taylor announced today that Zila Acosta-Grimes has joined the firm as a partner in New York, where she will be a member of the Transactions Department, Financial Innovation & Regulation Practice, and Digital Assets Group.
Zila advises domestic and international financial institutions, private funds, and other companies on a broad range of financial regulatory and compliance matters relating to financial crimes, digital assets, banking and payments, and fintech. She counsels clients on issues ranging from anti-money laundering, sanctions, and Bank Secrecy Act requirements to digital currencies, transactional matters, banking regulatory issues, government inquiries, and internal investigations. She also advises financial institutions, including digital asset providers, on U.S. market entry, stablecoin issuances, and state and federal licensing matters.
“Zila brings a distinctive blend of transactional, regulatory, and compliance experience,” said Transactions Department Co-Chair Timothy Kincaid. “Based on this foundation, she has built a sophisticated practice focusing on areas that are increasingly important to financial institutions and other market participants.”
“Zila’s experience bridges the firm’s financial crimes compliance, digital assets, and fintech, banking and payments capabilities. She will bring valuable insights and counsel to our clients as they navigate complex international trade regulatory and transactional issues,” said Brad Vaiana, Co-Chair of the Transactions Department.
Zila’s experience includes advising clients on issues related to financial regulatory reform, helping them navigate the rule-making process, and engaging domestic regulatory authorities and international standard-setting bodies. Her addition further enhances the firm's capabilities in advising established institutions and emerging market participants in the U.S. and internationally.
“Winston Taylor’s strengths across financial
regulation, digital assets, and transactional matters along with
its international presence make it a compelling platform for my
practice. I’m thrilled to be joining the team and building on
the incredible work they’ve already begun,” Zila said.
“The firm’s dedication and support for its
market-leading capabilities align closely with the needs of
financial services leaders operating in a rapidly changing
environment. I look forward to helping clients address challenges
as their business considerations continue evolving and pursue
opportunities for growth and innovation.”
“New York is at the center of developments influencing
financial institutions and investment activity, and Zila’s
arrival underscores our commitment to supporting clients in this
important market,” said Eva Cole, Managing Partner of the
firm’s New York office. “Her experience positions her
to advise businesses operating in this dynamic environment, and we
are pleased to welcome her to the firm.”
With the addition of Zila, Winston Taylor continues its strategic growth across the firm’s transactional platform. Her arrival follows the recent additions of Shan Haider and David Love in New York and Lee Discher and Patrick Valenti in Chicago earlier this year.