Washington, DC (August 25, 2026) – Venable is pleased to announce that the firm has joined the American Fintech Council (AFC) as a member of the organization's Legal Advisory Committee. The AFC is the leading industry association representing responsible fintech companies and innovative banks.
Through its participation on the Legal Advisory Committee, Venable's financial services team will provide strategic legal and regulatory insight to help advance balanced public policy and support the industry as it navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment shaped by rapid technological innovation.
"Our membership in the American Fintech Council strengthens Venable's ability to stay closely connected to the issues that matter most to fintech companies and their bank partners, enabling us to deliver timely, practical guidance as the industry continues to evolve," said Jim Williams, a counsel at Venable.
"As the regulatory environment surrounding financial technology continues to shift with the introduction of new technologies and services, having seasoned legal minds who understand both public policy development and operational realities is vital for AFC's continued success," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "Venable's premier regulatory compliance practice, deep government affairs experience, and proven track record in consumer protection make them an outstanding addition to our Legal Advisory Committee. Their perspective will be invaluable as we continue to work to champion transparent and consumer-centric standards across the entire financial services and fintech ecosystems."
"Joining the AFC's Legal Advisory Committee is an excellent opportunity to advance our shared goal of fostering responsible innovation in the financial technology space," said Ellen Berge, a co-chair of Venable's Financial Services Group.
"Together with AFC leadership and fellow committee members, we look forward to helping shape practical legal and regulatory approaches that support the industry's continued growth," commented Andrew Bigart, also a co-chair of Venable's Financial Services Group.
With a long history of representing banks, payments companies, fintechs, Venable's Financial Services team has extensive experience guiding clients through the evolving regulatory environment and advising on a full array of bank regulatory compliance issues.
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About Venable LLP
Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 900 professionals in California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the United States and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit our website.
About the American Fintech Council
A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.