David Adams is an exceptional talent with a multi-continental experience. David has been critical in helping us navigate global regulatory issues.
Biography
David Adams is a partner in White & Case's Financial Services Regulatory Practice and Global Private Capital Industry Group, based in Washington, DC.
David's practice sits at the intersection of technology, financial institutions and US financial regulation. His practice spans broker-dealer regulation, investment adviser regulation, FINRA rules, exchange and alternative trading system (ATS) matters, financial technology (including generative AI), digital assets and other technology-enabled financial businesses.
David leverages over 20 years of financial services experience to help clients design and operate US and cross-border regulated structures, launch new financial products, enter the US market, expand distribution, acquire and integrate regulated businesses, and address regulatory issues creatively to help drive commercial growth.
David writes and speaks frequently on US and cross-border regulatory topics, including the use of generative AI by financial services companies, and the application of federal and state regulations to digital asset businesses. He has been quoted on these topics in leading publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The National Law Journal.
Prior to joining White & Case, David worked at another global law firm, where he advised clients on financial regulatory and enforcement matters involving traditional and crypto assets. Before entering private practice, he gained industry experience working in the Division of Investment Management at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and in Market Regulation at NASD, the predecessor of FINRA.
Experience
His experience includes advising:
Fund managers and sponsors on adviser status, SEC registration, private fund exemptions, ERA filings and US distribution arrangements.
Regulated financial services platforms on broker-dealer and investment adviser formations, acquisitions, restructurings, changes in control, expansions and post-closing integration.
Non-US sponsors, managers, brokers and fintechs on US market-entry, US investor access, US distribution and cross-border regulatory structures including SEC Rule 15a-6.
Broker-dealers on FINRA materiality consultations, continuing membership applications, new member applications, supervisory obligations, communications, licensing, sales practices and related matters.
Investment advisers on marketing, advertising, supervision, conflicts, custody, compliance programs and SEC examination issues.
Fintech and digital asset businesses on broker-dealer, investment adviser, exchange/ATS, custody, trading, platform and market-access issues.
Sponsors, fund managers and financial institutions on distribution, placement, referral, advisory, custody, technology and outsourcing agreements tied to regulated financial services activity.
Clients responding to SEC and FINRA examinations, inquiries, investigations and enforcement matters.
Companies and financial institutions on AI-related regulatory, compliance and governance issues affecting financial services businesses.
The Legal 500 United States: Recognized for exceptional client service, 2021
Recurring Faculty, Practicing Law Institute (PLI), Fintech & Regtech in the Financial Services Industry: The ABCs of Digital Assets in the Securities Industry (2023 – 2026)
Compliance Week Cyber Risk & Data Privacy Summit, Cyber Risk and Cryptocurrency: Navigating a New Frontier (2025)
Compliance Week AI & Compliance Summit, AI Training: Building Your AI Compliance Program (2024)
Reuters Investment USA Conference, Fad or Fundamental: The Role of Digital Assets in the Institutional Portfolio (2022)
A New Era for Crypto Regulation & Innovation? The Crypto Executive Order, a Rebooted SEC Crypto Task Force & the Journey Ahead (2025)
Compliance Dates Are Set: A Roadmap for Private Fund Advisers to Start Preparing for the SEC's New Rules for Private Fund Advisers (2023)
Expansive SEC Predictive Data Proposal Surprises Broker-Dealers, Advisers & Technology Providers (2023)
SEC Revamps Broker-Dealer Recordkeeping Requirements; "Audit Trail" Alternative Replaces "WORM" Format (2022)
More than a Token Risk – ICO Trading Platforms and Promoters in SEC Crosshairs (2018)