Evan T. Abrams

Evan Abrams counsels financial institutions, multinational corporations, and individuals on a variety of international regulatory and compliance matters. He regularly advises clients on issues related to anti-money laundering (AML), economic sanctions, export controls, foreign anti-corruption, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Among other sectors, his practice focuses on emerging technology and financial technology where he leverages his deep understanding of business trends and technological developments to help clients achieve their commercial objectives while complying with complex regulatory regimes.

Emerging Technology and National Security Law

Evan advises a broad range of clients on the intersection of emerging technology and national security laws. He regularly works on matters involving cutting edge technology such as frontier artificial intelligence models and advanced semiconductors.  He is adept at navigating novel legal issues and questions of first impression with respect to the application of existing national security laws to emerging technology. He also helps clients understand how those technologies are likely to be regulated in the future by assessing legal trends and the implications of proposed legislation and regulations.

FinTech, Blockchain, Web3, and Metaverse

Evan represents some of the world's largest and most innovative FinTech companies, including entities focused on payments, blockchain and cryptocurrency, Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized AI, and the metaverse, among others. He also works with traditional financial institutions such as banks, venture capital firms, and broker-dealers, including advising them on developing or interacting with new financial technology.

In a sector where the legal landscape is rapidly changing, Evan helps clients understand both the current state of play and ongoing trends, so companies can be positioned for success now and in the future.

Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, and Export Controls

Evan regularly assists financial institutions and others in a wide range of matters related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and AML regulations promulgated by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This includes helping clients create and implement compliance programs, navigate BSA examinations, and interpret and apply FinCEN regulations. Evan also conducts independent compliance program assessments and advises clients on the applicability of FinCEN regulations, including rules related to money services businesses (MSBs) and money transmitters.

Evan's sanctions and export controls practice includes matters related to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and a variety of sanctions programs under US and international law. He regularly counsels US and foreign clients on complying with those regimes, seeking licenses from relevant agencies, and conducting internal investigations.

Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States

Evan's CFIUS practice involves representing foreign and domestic companies in understanding and navigating CFIUS's regulations, preparing and submitting filings to the committee, responding to CFIUS inquiries, and negotiating and implementing mitigation agreements. He has represented companies in industries including FinTech, energy, semiconductors and electronics, metals and mining, and cyber and digital security, among others. He also assists clients with classified contracts in navigating DCSA requirements related to foreign, ownership, control, or influence (FOCI).