Leading national law firm brings powerhouse financial services practice and deep regulatory experience to support the evolving bank-fintech ecosystem

Richmond, VA (July 9, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced the addition of McGuireWoods to its Legal Advisory Committee. McGuireWoods has decades of experience guiding both traditional financial institutions and emerging fintech firms through complex regulatory environments. As a member of AFC’s Legal Advisory Committee, McGuireWoods will provide legal and strategic guidance to help ensure that federal and state oversight keeps pace with modern financial innovation while maintaining balanced, consumer-centric standards for the industry.

“As regulatory expectations for fintechs and bank-fintech partnerships continue to shift and expand, having unparalleled legal experience in our corner is more critical than ever,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “McGuireWoods brings a rare combination of first-hand regulatory perspective and deep, practical knowledge of both traditional financial services and cutting-edge digital innovation, making them an outstanding addition to our Legal Advisory Committee. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for clear rules of the road that foster a transparent, inclusive, and well-regulated financial ecosystem.”

McGuireWoods represents top U.S. banks, fintech companies, crypto startups, and established payment platforms. The firm’s cross-functional team integrates practical, technological, and legal strategies to guide clients through complex regulatory frameworks, including a web of federal and state financial services regulations. Leveraging decades of experience, including representing all 10 of the top U.S. banks ranked by assets, McGuireWoods advises on a wide range of industry issues including consumer lending, payment processing, embedded finance, and digital assets, while also providing robust defense in high-stakes financial services litigation.

“We are thrilled to join the American Fintech Council and its Legal Advisory Committee during such a pivotal time for the financial services industry,” said Aaron Marienthal, Co-Lead of McGuireWoods’ Fintech Practice. “The line between traditional banking and fintech can be blurry, creating incredibly complex legal, operational, and compliance challenges for companies trying to innovate responsibly. We look forward to working closely with AFC and its members to address the industry’s most pressing issues, from Earned Wage Access (EWA) and Home Equity Investments (HEI) to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), digital assets, and open banking.”

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.

About McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods LLP is a leading international law firm with 1,000+ lawyers in 21 offices worldwide. It continuously ranks among the top firms in Financial Times’ prestigious North America Innovative Lawyers report. The firm has been recognized 20 times on BTI Consulting’s Client Service A-Team — elite firms singled out for client service excellence based on unprompted feedback from clients in major companies.

McGuireWoods’ nationally recognized, coast-to-coast Fintech Practice, ranked by both Chambers USA and The Legal 500, includes lawyers in the most active fintech hubs who bring a keen understanding of emerging technologies and deep experience serving the financial sector. The team helps clients navigate shifting legal, commercial, and technical challenges, drawing on the firm’s decades of experience representing financial institutions — including each of the top 10 U.S. banks ranked by assets — to provide the industry insight and broad capabilities that help fintech companies thrive. McGuireWoods represents top U.S. banks, fintech companies, crypto startups, and established payment platforms, advising on consumer lending, payment processing, embedded finance, digital assets, Earned Wage Access, Buy Now Pay Later, and open banking, while providing robust defense in high-stakes financial services litigation.

Its full-service public affairs arm, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC, offers infrastructure and economic development, strategic communications and grassroots advocacy, and government relations solutions. For more information, visit www.mcguirewoods.com.

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