Joe Cutler helps evaluate the regulatory exposure and compliance paths for emerging distributed ledger technology companies, cryptocurrency exchanges, and token-based projects. He provides guidance related to financial services, principally those involving money transmission, exchange, and emerging payment solutions. Joe also helps companies obtain state money transmission licenses, register with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as money services businesses, draft and implement anti-money laundering programs, and comply with state and federal financial privacy laws. His litigation work focuses on combating cybercrime and enforcing website terms of use.

A leader in the blockchain space, Joe represented Washington state’s first licensed bitcoin company, CoinMe, and first cryptocurrency point-of-sale solution for the cannabis industry. He is working with cryptocurrency exchanges to obtain their money transmitter licenses and formalize the requisite internal governance to operate in the United States. Joe counseled 15 U.S. representatives and senators on ways to integrate blockchain technology into government functions to reduce bureaucracy and testified before Washington State House and Senate legislative committees considering legislation related to blockchain and cryptocurrency. Joe also represented clients under threat of enforcement by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.