Chris Ford, who has led some of the country’s largest and most innovative financial technology and payment systems transactions, joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Group.

Ford advises clients — including Fortune 100 companies, merchants and financial institutions — on large-scale commercial transactions, particularly those involving financial services, payments, technology and outsourcing. He also provides strategic counsel to clients on co-brand and private-label card transactions, card processing and network-related deals, merchant acquisition and information technology and business process outsourcing.

“Chris is an outstanding addition to a Consumer Financial Services Group that is second to none,” said firm chair Mark Stewart. “As a leader in transactions involving financial services technology, he will be an extraordinary resource for clients seeking to make the most of developments that are revolutionizing the industry.”