Syed
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Fintech, Securities, and Tax Counsel
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Work experience
Law
Full-time • 15 yrs 8 mos
Partner Attorney, Fintech, & Tax | COUNSELIZE Consulting
May 2017 - Present • 9 yrs 2 mos
I run a specialized fintech and securities law practice advising founders, growth-stage companies, and investment fund managers on high-stakes regulatory and transactional matters. My practice centers on three areas: SEC-exempt private offerings (Reg D, Reg S, and Reg A+), Money Services Business (MSB) registration and state Money Transmitter License (MTL) applications across the United States and Canada, and fintech regulatory compliance, including AML/BSA program development. As an IRS Enrolled Agent, I provide tax advisory and IRS representation alongside legal counsel, a rare combination that allows clients to handle both the legal and tax dimensions of a transaction in a single engagement. Clients include payments startups, digital asset companies, investment fund managers, and founders raising capital through private offerings. I manage matters from initial structure through regulatory filing, investor documentation, and post-closing compliance.
Senior Associate, Corporate & Securities | Rizvi & Associates LLP
Nov 2010 - May 2017 • 6 yrs 6 mos
As a Senior Associate in the firm's corporate and securities practice in New York, I led complex transactional matters for private equity clients, fund managers, and operating companies. My work focused on private placements and capital markets transactions, including Reg D offerings, fund formation, and securities compliance, as well as M&A, asset purchases, and high-value commercial contracts. I served as lead counsel from due diligence through closing on multi-million-dollar transactions, advised clients on corporate governance and regulatory compliance, and supervised junior associates on active matters. Nearly seven years in New York's transactional environment built the foundation for the specialized securities and fintech practice I run today
Legal & Compliance Analyst
Citibank N.A. • Full-time
Jan 2007 - Mar 2008 • 1 yr 2 mos
In Citigroup's Legal & Compliance division, I worked within the regulatory framework governing one of the world's largest financial institutions. My responsibilities included monitoring regulatory developments across the global financial services industry, supporting the implementation of AML and BSA compliance policies, and advising internal business units on regulatory risk. This role provided direct exposure to the compliance infrastructure that underpins major financial institutions, experience that directly informs my current work advising fintech companies and money services businesses on licensing, AML program design, and regulatory requirements.
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jeff_fort

United States
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fccasia619
Repeat Client

Nigeria
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fccasia619
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Nigeria
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ikgougler
Repeat Client

United States
Syed was extremely helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. He completed everything ahead of time and was extremely responsive. I would definitely come to Syed in the future. Would highly recommend.
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alazaraklilu842
Repeat Client

United States
Syed is a PHENOMENAL legal consultant who demonstrates unrivaled attention to detail and professionalism. He made the process seamless with his proactive communication and deep understanding, always responding quickly. Highly recommend working with him! 👏
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