Mr. Payne has developed an expertise in advising crypto companies in the myriad issues they face in the current unsettled U.S. regulatory environment. As President of Blockade United, Mr. Payne currently serves as counsel and strategic advisor to a family of companies with traditional business models (debit cards, telehealth, physical security, etc.) that incorporate blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in order to decentralize control and provide opportunities for the public to help disrupt industry. Mr. Payne’s work is incredibly varied, including advising on the potential application of the securities laws to business operations, creating a compliance framework, drafting and revising contracts, setting up overseas operations, and performing diligence to assist with recruiting as well as mergers and acquisition opportunities. Mr. Payne also serves as advisor to Node Governance, a Swiss company dedicated to helping crypto companies decentralize governance of their blockchains and digital assets. In his previous role as a shareholder and leader of Murphy & McGonigle’s FinTech & Blockchain Practice Group, Mr. Payne had a diverse range of crypto clients. He assisted a large public company in developing a security token offering along with a platform for trading the securities. He also advised numerous companies on securities law risks associated with distributing, issuing, selling, or otherwise relying on cryptocurrencies and NFTs in various business models. Apart from his crypto practice, he also assisted financial services firms and public companies facing civil litigation and regulatory enforcement matters, as well as counseling clients on compliance with industry regulations. Earlier in his career, Mr. Payne defended mortgage originators and RMBS sponsors in litigation and government investigation spawned by the 2008 financial crisis. The team had numerous important wins, including the dismissal of monoline bond insurer plaintiffs from a $1.8 billion lawsuit, favorable settlements, and protection of sensitive client information in discovery. Mr. Payne is a 2009 graduate of the University of Richmond Law School, where he was a John Marshall Scholar.