Syed

@piscifauna
5.0(207)

Top Rated

Fintech, Securities, and Tax Counsel

United States
English
About me
Securities & fintech lawyer, 15+ years, including nearly a decade at a top New York law firm and a regulatory role in Citigroup's Legal & Compliance division. As an IRS-authorized advisor, I'm licensed to represent clients nationwide. I focus on three areas most lawyers won’t touch, including private placements, MSB registration, and state Money Transmitter License (MTL) applications across the US and Canada, plus fintech compliance (AML/BSA). I've handled MSB/MTL in multiple jurisdictions, drafted PPMs for growth-stage companies, and built compliance programs for payment startups.... Read more

Skills

p
piscifauna
Syed
$250/hour
Offline • 
Average response time: 2 hours

See my services

Legal Documents & Review
I will create legal documents, agreements and contracts
5.0(156)
Business Registration
I will register a US and canada money services business
5.0(12)

Want to work on an hourly basis?

Tell Syed what you need.

$250

/

hour

Portfolio

Work experience

Law

Full-time • 15 yrs 8 mos

Partner Attorney, Fintech, & Tax | COUNSELIZE Consulting

May 2017 - Present9 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 20176 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

Citibank_N.A.

Legal & Compliance Analyst

Citibank N.A. • Full-time

Jan 2007 - Mar 20081 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.

207 Reviews
5.0

(205)
(0)
(1)
(0)
(1)
Rating Breakdown
  • Seller communication level
    5
  • Quality of delivery
    5
  • Value of delivery
    5
1-5 out of 207 Reviews
Sort By
Most relevant
    J
    image-docs

    jeff_fort

    US

    United States

    5

    Awesome Preparation

    $800-$1,000

    Price

    9 days

    Duration

    gig

    Legal Research

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
    F
    image-docs

    fccasia619

    Repeat Client

    NG

    Nigeria

    5

    Good and professional in his field

    $400-$600

    Price

    12 days

    Duration

    gig

    Business Registration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
    F
    image-docs

    fccasia619

    Repeat Client

    NG

    Nigeria

    5

    Very professional in his field

    $1,500-$2,000

    Price

    5 weeks

    Duration

    gig

    Business Registration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
    I

    ikgougler

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    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.

    $200-$400

    Price

    9 days

    Duration

    gig

    Legal Documents & Review

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
    A

    alazaraklilu842

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    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! 👏

    $400-$600

    Price

    6 days

    Duration

    gig

    Legal Documents & Review

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No