Steven D. Merriman
- Seattle
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Steve advises digital asset platforms and fintech companies on launching innovative financial products and services while navigating licensing requirements and engagement with state and federal regulators.
Steve Merriman is a fintech compliance lawyer, regulatory advocate, and product strategist who advises companies on financial services regulation in emerging technology markets. He works with growth-stage startups, venture capital-backed fintechs, blockchain companies, and Fortune 50 companies on regulatory strategy, licensing, and compliance for financial products. Steve helps build compliant approaches to financial innovation for digital asset exchanges, digital wallet providers, non-fungible token platforms, payment processors, and online sportsbooks and casinos, as well as brands expanding into fintech. He also advises clients on state digital asset licensing frameworks, including preparation for California’s Digital Financial Assets Law (DFAL), and engagement with state financial regulators.
A core member of the firm’s Chambers USA-ranked Fintech industry group, Steve advises on financial product development and governance strategy, compliance program framework and design, development partner evaluation, acquisition due diligence, domestic and international regulatory strategy and licensing, and advocacy and enforcement defense. He is a certified anti-money laundering specialist through the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists.
Steve’s advising and litigation experience spans rapidly evolving legal issues, including digital asset regulation, anti-money laundering, economic sanctions, data privacy and security, unclaimed property, and state money transmitter licensing. His work includes matters involving the Bank Secrecy Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, New York Financial Services Regulation Part 500, and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
Steve is known for understanding the technologies behind complex legal issues and translating them clearly for C-suite leaders, corporate stakeholders, judges, juries, and regulators in matters involving risk management, growth, litigation, and regulatory enforcement.
Education & Credentials
Education
- Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Associate Editor, Gonzaga University Law Review, 2010
- Whitworth University, B.A., Psychology, cum laude, 2008
Bar and Court Admissions
-
Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Related Employment
- Spokane County Prosecutor's Office, Spokane, WA, Extern, 2011
- Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, WA, Summer Associate, 2010
- Keller Rohrback LLP, Seattle, WA, Summer Associate, 2009
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Judicial Extern for The Hon. Robert H. Whaley, 2009
- Flynn, Merriman, McKennon, PS, Kennewick, WA, Legal Assistant, 2008
Professional Recognition
Recognized in The Legal 500, 2022
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Antitrust Law; Commercial Litigation Law, 2021-2025
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) through the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)
Community Involvement
- Center for Justice, Spokane, WA, Community Advocate; Project Intern, 2008
Professional Experience
Representative Matters
- Advise on regulatory strategy and licensing. Provide guidance on financial regulatory frameworks and state licensing requirements, including assessing of regulatory obligations and developing licensing strategies.
- Counsel on product launches under regulatory oversight. Advise on launching new financial products, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and designing internal compliance frameworks to support ongoing regulatory adherence.
- Develop compliance frameworks and programs. Assist in designing and implementing compliance programs tailored to AML, sanctions, consumer protection obligations, regulatory expectations, and operational risk.
- Provide strategy regulatory guidance. Counsel on emerging regulatory frameworks, including evaluating risk exposure and establishing internal governance and controls to support compliance objectives.
- Advise on regulatory inquiries and oversight matters. Guide responses to inquiries and examinations by financial regulators, including preparing documentation, developing response strategies, and coordinating with internal terms to address compliance issues.
Insights
