Dana Syracuse, Ex-BitLicense Regulator, Joins Law Firm Perkins Coie

Dana V. Syracuse, who recently served as Associate General Counsel for the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), has joined Perkins Coie LLP, a Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tampe Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tampe Read this Term, fintech, and financial services law firm. In his previous role he helped oversee NYDFS’s BitLicense initiative and other initiatives in anti-money laundering, cyber security, and emerging payment systems.

Dana will join Perkins Coie LLP’s growing New York Office as senior counsel in the Technology Transactions & Privacy practice where he will focus on regulatory, compliance, product review and enforcement matters related to the financial services industry, blockchain and financial technology companies.

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“Dana’s practice focuses on the nexus of financial services and technological innovation and combines a deep understanding of financial services regulation and the needs of emerging companies and large institutions alike,” said J. Dax Hansen, a partner in Perkins Coie’s Technology Transactions & Privacy Practice and chair of the firm’s Blockchain and fintech industry practice groups. “I have known Dana professionally for years and am thrilled to have the addition of his deep background in digital currency, blockchains and shared ledgers and financial technology to our growing presence in New York.”

“I have long been impressed with the depth and quality of the blockchain and fintech work Perkins Coie performs on behalf of clients of all sizes,” said Dana. “While I was with the government I was fortunate enough to interact with lawyers from all parts of the community and can unequivocally say that Perkins Coie has the best blockchain and fintech practice around. This team, and the firm as a whole, understands the transformative effect blockchain is going to have on the financial services sector and our capital markets in particular. They have devoted the resources to understanding the technology and the legal implications at a granular level and are poised to continue to provide the best client services in the industry. I am thrilled to be a part of this exceptional team.”

“Wall Street will be the epicenter of the next phase of blockchain’s growth and Dana’s addition shows that Perkins Coie is committed to continuing its strategic focus in this area with an emphasis on developments that are sure to be particularly relevant to the New York market,” said Keith Miller, Firmwide Chair, White Collar & Investigations Practice, and New York Office Managing Partner.

Perkins Coie's Blockchain Technology & Digital Currency industry group was publicly launched in May 2013 as the world’s first legal practice focused on decentralized Cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the netw Read this Term and shared ledger technologies. Its clients include blockchain consortia platforms, exchanges, wallet providers, payment processors, investors and industry associations.