With a deep understanding of both domestic and international financial institutions, Will focuses on guiding his clients through intricate and groundbreaking regulatory and transactional hurdles. His experience encompasses a wide range of areas, including commercial and retail bank regulation, financial technology, and emerging trends in the financial industry.
One of Will's core strengths lies in providing strategic advice to financial institutions, broker-dealers, investment advisors, private equity funds, and other non-bank financial companies. He assists them in navigating the complexities associated with new products, investments, and compliance issues. This guidance is invaluable in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape where staying ahead of the curve is essential for financial institutions to thrive.
Will's comprehensive knowledge extends to the rapidly expanding realm of cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and fintech. His clients benefit from his insights on various matters, including initial coin offerings and token issuances, money transmitter and virtual currency regulations, and potential litigation concerns. By leveraging his experience, Will ensures that his clients make informed decisions and remain compliant with relevant laws and regulations while exploring opportunities in the cryptocurrency and fintech space.
In addition to his focus on digital assets and emerging technologies, Will also provides counsel on an array of traditional financial services matters. He advises clients on financial services mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, public and private securities offerings, Volcker Rule compliance, investments and risk management, and obtaining charters for bank, trust company, fintech, and other financial services entities. Will also advises non-bank lenders and equipment finance companies of state licensing and regulatory compliance matters. This breadth of experience allows Will to offer a holistic approach to his clients, assisting them in achieving their business objectives while mitigating legal risks.
Furthermore, Will's guidance extends to governance, privacy, and anti-money laundering (AML) issues within the financial services industry. He ensures that his clients are well-versed in the regulatory requirements surrounding these critical areas and helps them implement robust compliance frameworks. By proactively addressing governance, privacy, and AML concerns, Will assists his clients in safeguarding their operations and reputation, while fostering trust among their stakeholders.
Will also focuses on payments-related matters. He frequently advises clients on a wide range of payment issues, including the development of innovative payment products. This involves staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the payment industry, enabling him to provide valuable insights to clients seeking to introduce new payment solutions.
Overall, Will’s ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and provide strategic advice enables his clients to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving financial industry. With a keen focus on emerging technologies and a solid foundation in traditional financial services, Will remains at the forefront of legal counsel in the business and finance sphere.
Recognitions
- Selected through peer review for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" list for Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2023-2025
Credentials
Education
- Emory University School of Law, 2015, J.D.
- University of Georgia, 2011, BBA, magna cum laude
Professional admissions & qualifications
- Georgia
- Washington, D.C.
Industries
News
- Reed Smith lawyers named 'Ones to Watch' by <em>Best Lawyers</em> (22 August 2025)
- Reed Smith advises Santander Bank in sale of seven branches to Community Bank (25 June 2025)
- Reed Smith represents Franklin BSP Realty Trust in acquisition of NewPoint Holdings (13 March 2025)
- Reed Smith opens Atlanta office with 15-partner private equity, M&A, finance and technology team (30 January 2025)
- 227 Reed Smith U.S. lawyers recognized in<em> Best Lawyers</em> 2025 (15 August 2024)
- Reed Smith advises Fasanara Capital on groundbreaking private credit tokenisation (16 May 2024)
- Reed Smith announces promotions for 2024 (8 January 2024)
- <em>Best Lawyers in America </em>features 237 Reed Smith lawyers (17 August 2023)
Insights
- U.S. Bank M&A Outlook for 2026 and Beyond (4 December 2025)
- FinTech M&A – Fueling Success: Key Considerations and Practical Guidance (13 October 2025)
- Investigations and enforcement trends: Top takeaways for Q2 2025 (11 April 2025)
Blogs
- Stablecoin Reform: GENIUS & CLARITY (21 July 2025)
- New Milestones in Commercial Lending Regulation: CFPB and States Ramp Up Scrutiny (6 April 2023)
Events
- Stablecoins in America: Regulation, Adoption, and Institutional Growth (Thursday, July 24, 2025)
- Investigations and enforcement trends webinar series: Key priorities for Q2 2025 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025)
- Election aftermath: What are the key regulatory implications? (Thursday, November 7, 2024)