Kimberly A Prior

Financial Regulatory & Enforcement

• Represented a broker-dealer affiliate of a multinational financial institution in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Continuing Membership Application process related to business reorganization.
• Advised an investor group on the acquisition of a broker-dealer.
• Represented a national bank in the acquisition of a payday lending company.
• Advised an investor group on investments in private investment funds.
• Represented a Florida bank in connection with a sale to an investor group.
• Advised an online lending company regarding federal and state licensure and regulatory obligations.
• Represented a broker-dealer affiliate of a multinational financial institution in a FINRA investigation and enforcement action pertaining to the FINRA anti-money laundering rules.
• Represented an affiliate of a multinational financial institution in parallel Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and FINRA investigations and enforcement proceedings pertaining to the promotion of a financial product.
• Represented an investment adviser in an SEC enforcement action regarding custody of client funds.
• Represented a securities issuer in a Florida Office of Financial Regulation (FOFR) investigation relating to securities offerings.

Blockchain

• Advised a United States cryptocurrency exchange in connection with a government investigation regarding anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
• Advised a European cryptocurrency exchange concerning whether certain digital assets are regarded as securities under United States law.
• Advised private funds holding digital assets or investing in digital asset businesses.
• Advised issuers of digital assets with respect to regulatory obligations and prepared offering documents.
• Advised a cryptocurrency exchange interacting with many state regulators to determine whether licenses are required for purposes of contemplated business activities.
• Advised large institutional financial institutions regarding implementation of blockchain technology.
• Advised an issuer regarding their development and offering of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
• Advised a real estate development company concerning its acceptance of cryptocurrency.
• Advised a real estate developer regarding its issuance of tokens backed by real estate.
• Represented an investor acquiring a cryptocurrency tax reporting company.

Kimberly Prior helps financial institutions, digital asset and fintech companies, investors, and investment firms, navigate complex financial services regulatory challenges, execute strategic transactions, and develop compliant business solutions in evolving markets. Drawing on deep experience in banking regulation, securities regulation, blockchain technology, digital assets, and fintech innovation, she advises clients on regulatory compliance, licensing, enforcement matters, risk management, corporate transactions, and regulatory approvals, helping them address uncertainty, manage risk, and achieve their business objectives with confidence.

Kimberly Prior advises banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers, fintech companies, digital assets businesses, and private funds on significant legal, regulatory, and transactional matters. Clients turn to her for practical guidance on navigating change, managing risk, and advancing strategic business objectives in highly regulated markets.

She counsels clients on compliance, licensing, governance, enforcement matters, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives. Whether launching a new product or business line, pursuing a transaction, responding to supervisory scrutiny, or seeking regulatory approvals, Kimberly helps clients evaluate options, address challenges, and move forward with confidence.

Kimberly is widely recognized for her work involving digital assets, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and financial technology. She advises both established financial institutions and emerging companies on the legal and regulatory considerations associated with digital asset activities, payments, custody arrangements, lending platforms, tokenization initiatives, and other innovative financial products and services. Her guidance helps clients capitalize on emerging opportunities while operating within evolving federal and state frameworks.

Drawing on her experience working with industry participants, policymakers, and regulators, Kimberly helps clients anticipate developments that may affect their businesses and adapt to changing expectations. She regularly advises on the implications of new legislation, agency guidance, enforcement priorities, and market developments across the financial services sector.

Clients value Kimberly's strategic judgment, clear communication, and ability to translate complex issues into actionable advice. Whether assisting with a transformative transaction, addressing a high-stakes regulatory matter, or bringing innovative products or services to market, she remains focused on helping clients achieve their objectives while effectively managing legal, compliance, and business risk.

Admitted only in Florida