On May 19, 2017, at the Annual Meeting of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Travis Nelson was elected Chair of the Banking Law Section. Travis, who is resident in the firm’s Princeton and New York offices, previously served as Vice Chair and Secretary of the Banking Law Section.  Upon his election, Travis noted: “I am honored by my peers in the New Jersey banking bar to serve in this unique role.  I hope to use this position to build greater partnerships with other sections of the Bar Association, with the New Jersey Bankers Association, and with academic and community groups throughout the state.  With the dynamic nature of financial regulatory proposals coming from Congress and from the regulators, both in Washington and Trenton, it is more important than ever that banking attorneys remain vigilant so that they may effectively advise their clients.  The Banking Law Section can help.” Len Bernstein, Chair of Reed Smith’s Financial Services Regulatory Group, and a former Chair of the Banking Law Section, said: “Travis has been a vital member of our banking team, and we look forward to supporting him in his efforts to increase the discussion of emerging issues throughout the New Jersey banking community. From commercial lending, to consumer finance, to bank M&A, to financial technology, the Banking Law Section will benefit from the broad experience and expertise that Travis brings to this leadership role.”  Diane Bettino, the Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Princeton office and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, remarked: “Travis’ election as Banking Law Section Chair continues the well-established tradition of the Princeton office for providing thought leaders in New Jersey and nationally.” Travis serves financial institutions, and their directors and officers, in M&A transactions, regulatory compliance, examinations and enforcement, and litigation. Prior to joining Reed Smith, Travis served in the Enforcement Division at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, in Washington, D.C.  Travis is also adjunct faculty at the Villanova University School of Law, where he teaches a course on regulation of financial institutions, is editor of the ABA’s Banking Law Committee Journal, and is a frequent speaker on bank regulatory and enforcement issues.  In addition to his bank regulatory practice, Travis is the Co-Chair of Reed Smith’s Anti-Money Laundering and Trade Sanctions Group.