Global law firm brings extensive expertise in financial services, digital assets, and high-stakes government affairs

Washington, DC (April 23, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced the addition of Steptoe LLP as the newest member of its Legal Advisory Committee. A globally recognized law firm, Steptoe brings a team of experienced attorneys and former regulators to advise AFC’s work shaping a modern regulatory framework for the evolving fintech landscape.

“As the fintech industry navigates a complex and fragmented regulatory environment, the need for deeply informed counsel is essential,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “Steptoe’s team brings unique insight that will be vital in crafting smart, tailored policy solutions to shape the future of financial services. We are excited to welcome Steptoe and look forward to collaborating as our members continue to lead in both responsible innovation and consumer protection.”

Steptoe’s Financial Innovation and Regulation practice works with fintech providers, banking-as-a-service platforms, and digital asset companies to navigate complex legal, regulatory, and compliance challenges, combining technical knowledge with practical experience. As a member of the Legal Advisory Committee, Steptoe will advise and collaborate with AFC on its work to promote transparent, consumer-centric financial services and navigate the growing complexities of state and federal financial regulation.

“The fintech sector is at a critical juncture where cutting-edge technology and responsible innovation often do not neatly fit into legacy regulatory structures, driving a critical need for regulatory clarity around the sector” said Ben Saul, partner in Steptoe's Financial Innovation and Regulation practice. “We look forward to working with AFC and fellow Legal Advisory Committee members to foster an environment where the fintech industry can thrive within a well-tailored and modernized legal framework.”

A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.

About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients and innovative thinking before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.

‍