Katten Partners Showcase Leadership at Digital Asset Summit
On October 7, 2025, Katten Partners' notable figures, Co-Chair of the Financial Markets and Regulation practice, Carl E. Kennedy, and Partner Michael S. Didiuk, took center stage at the Futures and Derivatives Law Report's Digital Asset Leadership Summit, held at their New York office.
This summit highlighted the vital intersection of innovation and regulation in the digital asset space, featuring prominent speakers including US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman, Paul S. Atkins, and US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Acting Chairman, Caroline D. Pham. Their willingness to engage in discussions reflects a commitment to cross-agency cooperation aimed at advancing the digital asset markets.
Kennedy emphasized the necessity for regulators to collaborate closely with industry leaders to create a regulatory environment fostering innovation while ensuring market integrity. He stated,
"The summit's discussions spotlight the imperative for regulators to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation in the digital asset space. Collaboration is critical for developing a framework that not only promotes growth but also safeguards the market."
As the summit commenced, Editor-in-Chief of the Futures and Derivatives Law Report, Gary E. Kalbaugh, welcomed an array of distinguished speakers. The event included two in-depth panel discussions titled "Driving Innovation: Legislative Priorities and Administrative Successes in Digital Asset Policy" and "Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Tackling Unresolved Challenges in Crypto Regulation."
Didiuk moderated a pivotal panel where discussions centered on aligning federal, state, and international regulations to craft a cohesive framework for digital assets. The panel included leading voices from the industry such as Chris Brummer from Georgetown Law School, Julia Hueckel from Coinbase, and Summer Mersinger from the Blockchain Association, among others. In these discussions, panelists examined key regulatory achievements, legislative proposals, and ongoing efforts toward integrating digital assets within traditional financial markets.
Didiuk remarked,
"We're at an inflection point in how digital assets will shape our financial landscapes. Engaging with industry leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of blockchain and digital assets is an essential step towards crafting smart, balanced policies that encourage innovation while protecting investors."
This summit underscored Katten's commitment to being at the forefront of legal guidance in the digital asset domain. As an experienced law firm with a strong position in Financial Markets and Regulation, Katten has provided expertise on complex cryptocurrency matters and blockchain-related issues, alongside compliance and enforcement-related guidance.
Recognized for its leadership, Katten has garnered acclaim in the Blockchain and Crypto-Asset Disputes categories in the Chambers FinTech 2025 guide. Their seasoned attorneys, many of whom have held senior roles in federal regulatory bodies, continue to guide clients through the evolving landscape of digital assets.
In conclusion, the Futures and Derivatives Law Report's Digital Asset Leadership Summit enabled key discussions on nurturing an environment conducive to innovation in digital finance. Katten's participation not only affirms their position as leaders in financial services but their proactive stance on shaping the future of digital regulation. Through collaborative efforts, they are paving the way for a robust and integrated digital asset ecosystem.
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katten.com.