Managing Associate
Miami
Janiell A. Gonzalez advises banks, fintech companies, payments companies, digital asset businesses and other technology driven companies on the regulatory considerations involved in developing, launching and operating innovative financial products and services. Her practice focuses on payments, lending, digital assets, BSA/AML and sanctions compliance, consumer financial protection, and financial services licensing.
Janiell advises clients on the regulatory considerations involved in structuring, developing and launching payment and financial services products and business models, including money transmission, payment processing, stored value and digital wallets, consumer lending, FBO account structures, and bank and fintech partnerships. She regularly analyzes business models and funds flows to assess licensing requirements and identify practical approaches to regulatory risk. Her practice also includes advising on Regulation E, electronic fund transfer requirements, NACHA Operating Rules, payment card network requirements and broader consumer protection issues, including UDAAP, disclosures, error resolution and other requirements applicable to consumer facing financial products and services.
Janiell has significant experience with federal and state licensing matters, including federal money services business registrations and nationwide money transmitter and lending licensing. She counsels clients on whether licensing is required, develops licensing strategies, manages multistate licensing applications and advises on ongoing compliance. She also advises cryptocurrency and digital asset businesses on money transmission and related licensing considerations and counsels stablecoin issuers on the evolving federal and state regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, including the GENIUS Act.
A core component of Janiell’s practice is advising clients on BSA/AML and sanctions compliance. She develops and enhances compliance programs, conducts enterprise and product specific risk assessments, and provides tailored training for a range of regulated businesses, including money transmitters, casinos, precious metals dealers, and investment advisers.
Janiell also serves as regulatory counsel in M&A transactions involving regulated financial services businesses and represents clients in regulatory examinations, investigations and enforcement matters, including negotiating resolutions with state regulatory agencies.