Christopher Steelman's practice focuses primarily on the federal and state regulatory framework for both depository and non-depository financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, money services business, consumer and commercial lenders, and similar financial entities.
Chris focuses specific attention on payment matters and on state and federal regulatory issues associated with money movement and payment networks, products and services. He routinely advises clients regarding open- and closed-loop card programs, including branded and private-label credit, and charge and prepaid card programs. Chris supports clients in negotiations with various participants in the payment systems, including card issuers, networks, acquirers and ISOs, and negotiates the various agreements related to the payment cards, ranging from merchant acceptance agreements to co-brand credit card relationships.
From a regulatory perspective, his practice also includes providing guidance and analysis regarding compliance with: Dodd-Frank Act implementation; BSA/AML, USA PATRIOT Act and US Treasury sanction program requirements; and obligations imposed by state and federal consumer financial protection laws, such as TILA, FCRA, GLBA, ECOA and their implementing regulations.