Lilya Tessler joined Sidley Austin as partner and New York head of Blockchain and Fintech in the Securities and Derivatives Enforcement and Regulatory group.

Tessler focuses her practice on representing digital asset trading platforms, blockchain technology companies, financial services firms and leaders of cryptocurrency funds. She has advised technology companies on SEC-registered and exempt blockchain token offerings and counseled financial institutions on digital asset trading, securities issues, private placement agent and custody rule requirements, cross-border regulatory matters, money services requirements and FINRA and SEC regulatory inquiries.

Tessler joins Sidley from McDermott, Will & Emery, where she served as co-head of the firm’s Blockchain and Fintech group. She is a certified public accountant and FINRA dispute resolution arbitrator.

“Lilya’s experience is perfectly aligned with exciting, evolving developments within the fintech industry, and she offers clients a comprehensive approach to formulating and executing strategies to address where technology and finance meet,” said Sam Gandhi, managing partner of Sidley’s New York office.