Emerging Technologies

AGG’s Emerging Technologies industry team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services and strategic guidance to clients operating in the rapidly evolving world of emerging technologies. With our deep knowledge and industry experience, we focus on key areas, including regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, digital assets, venture capital, technology transactions, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and director and officer liability counseling. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies that companies are facing because our attorneys have served in-house and led business, privacy, and compliance teams in the same space as our clients. AGG offers innovative, practical, and business-minded solutions to empower our clients to navigate complex and shifting regulations, meet business and revenue goals, and thrive in our tech-focused society.

Regulatory Compliance

Our team brings a dual perspective as both in-house and outside counsel when serving our clients in spaces related to digital assets, the blockchain ecosystem, AI, payments and fintech, medical technologies, and industries regulated by the SEC. They leverage this experience when representing clients before regulators, understanding the language needed to explain new product launches in plain and clear terms. Additionally, this insight allows our team to tailor advice and program builds to each client’s business and revenue goals, while minimizing enterprise and regulatory risk.

We possess vast experience in guiding clients on the interpretation and application of both federal and state securities and commodities regulations concerning digital assets. This encompasses a wide array of transactions involving tokenized assets, investment vehicles, and decentralized finance (“DeFi”) products.  Furthermore, our Data Strategy, Security, & Privacy team provides comprehensive solutions to clients concerning the intricate and continuously evolving landscape of regulations governing data privacy and cybersecurity.

Enforcement Defense

We are keenly attuned to the digital asset sector, representing both publicly and privately held entities, broker-dealers, investment banks, accounting firms, and other participants in the web3 market. This representation extends to their officers, directors, and managers, covering a broad spectrum of civil and criminal enforcement investigations. Our services encompass advising clients in civil enforcement inquiries conducted by the New York Department of Finance (“NYDFS”), Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), Internal Revenue Service Title 31, SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and state securities regulators, as well as offering guidance in self-regulatory proceedings before entities such as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Additionally, our team is adept at assisting clients facing criminal investigations led by the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”).

Technology Transactions

Our attorneys cater to sophisticated innovators, start-ups, and dealmakers who seek unparalleled knowledge, creativity, and nimble execution from their legal counsel. Our team possesses a deep understanding of technology and the intricate legal and business issues embedded in contracts. We excel in advising clients on optimal sourcing and commercial solutions, strategic relationships, and technology creation, acquisition, and use. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, we collaborate with attorneys in our Intellectual Property, Financing, Tax, Employment, and Litigation practices to guide clients through the entire business lifecycle. Additionally, we provide comprehensive support to institutional and individual investors, venture capitalists, and lenders involved in technology investments, acquisitions, and financing.

Director & Officer Liability Counseling

Corporate directors and officers often find themselves in high-stress positions in which they are balancing the success of their organization with the interests of the stakeholders.  Drawing from first-hand experience, our team is passionate about protecting director and officer liability arising from claims made against executives of public and private corporations. We counsel directors and officers in connection with derivative and class actions related to tender offers, going private transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and securities issues. Our attorneys work closely with executives to reduce exposure and address financial and reputational concerns by offering comprehensive counsel  and seeking early resolution to minimize liability.