Represents prominent investment management firms, public & private companies and individuals in highly sensitive white collar & government investigations, investment fund and securities litigation, regulatory examinations and compliance, and internal investigations.
Significant experience in matters before the SEC, CFTC and DOJ.
Serves as a leader in Akin’s digital assets, cryptocurrency & blockchain practice, having represented senior executives, traders and companies in some of the largest and most high-profile government investigations of cryptocurrency exchanges and trading platforms.
Served in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement in Los Angeles and as a member of the division’s Market Abuse Unit.

Peter is a leading name of the white collar bar and a highly regarded litigator. He provides counsel on matters before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and other federal and state agencies. Prior to joining Akin, Peter served as senior counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.

Peter is a go-to lawyer in the investment funds space. He represents clients in enforcement investigations and litigation, including with respect to the federal securities and commodities laws and charges such as alleged insider trading and other forms of market abuse and matters involving the Investment Advisers Act. He also regularly handles private civil litigation in state and federal courts for investment funds and companies.

In the regulatory examination and compliance space, Peter regularly handles all aspects of the exam process, including advising during an exam, assisting with responses to deficiency letters and handling matters that result from referrals from the SEC’s Division of Examinations (EXAMS) to the Division of Enforcement. He also assists clients on a day-to-day basis with respect to a wide range of compliance and risk management issues related to topics such as books and records compliance, securities trading and the investment research process.

Peter is also a leader in the firm’s digital assets, cryptocurrency & blockchain group. He represents senior executives, traders and other companies in complex, multilayered investigations, including in high-profile government investigations of digital asset exchanges and trading platforms, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other digital assets such as smart contracts and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Peter is ranked by Chambers USA, with clients noting that he “skillfully negotiates thorny issues,” that he is “always a step ahead, thinking about what needs to be done” and that “client service is his strength.” As noted by Chambers, Peter is “one of the most talented attorneys in California in the securities enforcement and white collar space. He is smart, thoughtful, responsive and can deliver difficult messages with poise and authority.”

A recognized thought leader, Peter is a frequent speaker at key industry conferences and contributor to articles covering the issues that are top of mind for investment funds and companies.

Further, Peter is active on several Akin leadership committees, including as a member of the firm’s Partnership Admissions Committee.

Representative Work

Asset Manager Representations

Represented a registered investment adviser that specializes in private credit transactions. The client was identified as a principal victim of fraudulent conduct by a borrower. Through a carefully executed strategy of engagement and cooperation with the SEC and DOJ, Akin successfully kept the client’s name out of the government’s charging papers. Our team also worked on a restructuring of the borrower’s company that led to a successful credit bid purchase of the collateral pledged by the borrower in the loan documentation.
Represented a registered investment adviser in connection with an SEC investigation regarding alleged failure to disclose certain conflicts of interest related to the firm’s sponsorships and investments in several special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). After making several presentations to the SEC, the Akin team reached a favorable settlement that was limited to negligence-based violations of the Investment Advisers Act.
Defended a registered investment adviser in an investigation by the SEC and a related criminal investigation in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) concerning insider trading allegations. No charges were filed against the client and the client was not named in public action taken by the government against a former employee of the adviser.
In a securities class action alleging control-person liability against a global investment firm, served as architect of the defense strategy and oversaw the execution of all aspects of litigation, including court arguments, depositions, briefings and negotiations. Achieved a huge victory, securing a highly favorable settlement funded wholly by insurance money.
Defended a multinational registered investment adviser in an investigation by the SEC into possible violations of Rule 105 of Regulation M, the SEC regulation to deter manipulative shorting related to public stock offerings and obtained a closing letter from the Division of Enforcement within 90 days of the initial document request.

Represented a registered investment adviser, in connection with charges by the SEC for failing to comply with the Custody Rule. The SEC announced the settlement as part of a sweep involving several other investment advisers. Akin obtained a favorable settlement and the lowest civil monetary penalty amongst the group of announced settling parties.
Led an internal investigation at a global asset manager relating to allegations by an employee of sexual harassment and hostile workplace conditions.
Representing a registered investment adviser that engaged in an activist investment strategy in connection with an SEC investigation concerning potential conflicts of interest.
Representing an investment firm in an SEC investigation related to short-seller research reports.

Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency-Related Representations

Represented a co-founder of a leading cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform in a first-of-its-kind and closely watched criminal case brought by the SDNY alleging violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as well as a related CFTC civil enforcement arising from alleged failure to register with the commission. Also handled the defense of numerous civil lawsuits for the client.
Represented a high-frequency cryptocurrency trading firm in a government investigation of a cryptocurrency exchange. The CFTC sued the exchange and no charges were filed against the client.
Represented a leading high-frequency trading firm in connection with a DOJ investigation related to the firm’s trading of digital asset derivatives on offshore exchanges. Conducted a comprehensive review of the client’s digital asset trading business, which involved the review of thousands of documents and interviews of witnesses around the world. No action was taken against the client.
Represented a leading international alternative investment firm in connection with a CFTC investigation concerning the brokerage of digital asset trading on offshore trading platforms.
Represented a founder of a DeFi organization in connection with various charges from the CFTC against the company, including failing to properly register and meet BSA requirements. Advised and successfully settled the matter for the client, who was not mentioned in the public documents. The client also received a closing letter from the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, a rare achievement in CFTC investigations.
Represented a former executive at a well-known virtual currency trading platform in a CFTC investigation regarding virtual currency trading practices on that platform. No charges were filed against the client and the client was not named in public action taken by the government against its former employer.
Representing a leading proprietary trading firm specializing in cryptocurrency in connection with cross-border investigations into allegations of market manipulation.

Other Representations

Led the representation of an SEC Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) filing agent in connection with a DOJ and SEC investigation regarding a cybersecurity breach of the client’s computer systems and resulting alleged insider trading based on material nonpublic information (MNPI) associated with the client’s customers. The alleged hackers and traders were indicted, sued and ultimately sentenced. No charges were filed against the client, which was identified as a principal victim of the hack, and the client was not named in the public action taken by the government.
Represented a board member of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in a DOJ and SEC investigation that led to a criminal indictment and SEC lawsuit against the founder of the company. Our client was not named in the charging papers.
Defended an individual in an insider trading investigation by the SEC, securing the first-ever deferred prosecution agreement with the SEC in such a matter.
Represented a former financial professional of a company in connection with an investigation into the company by the SEC, which resulted in a settlement with the company and multiple former executives, as well as a litigated action against an additional executive. No charges were filed against our client.
Representing of a CFTC-registered introducing broker in connection with an investigation relating to off-channel communications practices at the firm.
Representing a former employee of a registered investment adviser in connection with an SEC receivership.

Represented a registered investment adviser, in connection with charges by the SEC for failing to comply with the Custody Rule. The SEC announced the settlement as part of a sweep involving several other investment advisers. Akin obtained a favorable settlement and the lowest civil monetary penalty amongst the group of announced settling parties.
Led an internal investigation at a global asset manager relating to allegations by an employee of sexual harassment and hostile workplace conditions.
Representing a registered investment adviser that engaged in an activist investment strategy in connection with an SEC investigation concerning potential conflicts of interest.
Representing an investment firm in an SEC investigation related to short-seller research reports.

Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency-Related Representations

Represented a co-founder of a leading cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform in a first-of-its-kind and closely watched criminal case brought by the SDNY alleging violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), as well as a related CFTC civil enforcement arising from alleged failure to register with the commission. Also handled the defense of numerous civil lawsuits for the client.
Represented a high-frequency cryptocurrency trading firm in a government investigation of a cryptocurrency exchange. The CFTC sued the exchange and no charges were filed against the client.
Represented a leading high-frequency trading firm in connection with a DOJ investigation related to the firm’s trading of digital asset derivatives on offshore exchanges. Conducted a comprehensive review of the client’s digital asset trading business, which involved the review of thousands of documents and interviews of witnesses around the world. No action was taken against the client.
Represented a leading international alternative investment firm in connection with a CFTC investigation concerning the brokerage of digital asset trading on offshore trading platforms.
Represented a founder of a DeFi organization in connection with various charges from the CFTC against the company, including failing to properly register and meet BSA requirements. Advised and successfully settled the matter for the client, who was not mentioned in the public documents. The client also received a closing letter from the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement, a rare achievement in CFTC investigations.
Represented a former executive at a well-known virtual currency trading platform in a CFTC investigation regarding virtual currency trading practices on that platform. No charges were filed against the client and the client was not named in public action taken by the government against its former employer.
Representing a leading proprietary trading firm specializing in cryptocurrency in connection with cross-border investigations into allegations of market manipulation.

Other Representations

Led the representation of an SEC Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR) filing agent in connection with a DOJ and SEC investigation regarding a cybersecurity breach of the client’s computer systems and resulting alleged insider trading based on material nonpublic information (MNPI) associated with the client’s customers. The alleged hackers and traders were indicted, sued and ultimately sentenced. No charges were filed against the client, which was identified as a principal victim of the hack, and the client was not named in the public action taken by the government.
Represented a board member of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in a DOJ and SEC investigation that led to a criminal indictment and SEC lawsuit against the founder of the company. Our client was not named in the charging papers.
Defended an individual in an insider trading investigation by the SEC, securing the first-ever deferred prosecution agreement with the SEC in such a matter.
Represented a former financial professional of a company in connection with an investigation into the company by the SEC, which resulted in a settlement with the company and multiple former executives, as well as a litigated action against an additional executive. No charges were filed against our client.
Representing of a CFTC-registered introducing broker in connection with an investigation relating to off-channel communications practices at the firm.
Representing a former employee of a registered investment adviser in connection with an SEC receivership.

“Peter is one of the most talented attorneys in California in the securities enforcement and white-collar space. He is smart, thoughtful, responsive and can deliver difficult messages with poise and authority.”

Chambers USA, 2024

Education
J.D., Brooklyn Law School, cum laude, 2005
B.A., University of Michigan, with honors, 2001

Clerkships
U.S.D.C., Southern District of New York

Bar Admissions
California
New Jersey
New York

Recognitions

Securities Docket, Enforcement Elite, 2024.
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2024.
The Legal 500 US, Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense: Advice to Corporates / Advice to Individuals, 2024.
Daily Journal, Top White Collar Lawyers, 2021 and 2023.
SEC Enforcement Director Award, for distinction in investigating enforcement matters.
Pro Bono Counsel of the Year for Akin’s New York Office.

Speeches and Publications

Panelist, “Financial Firms in the SEC’s Crosshairs—Key Developments for Asset Managers, Broker-Dealers, Private Funds and Hedge Funds,” Securities Enforcement Forum West, May 23, 2024.
Co-author, Chapter 9: SEC Enforcement—Legal Considerations, Federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Matthew Bender.
Panelist, “Financial Firms in the SEC’s Crosshairs—Key Developments for Asset Managers, Broker-Dealers, Private Funds and Hedge Funds,” Securities Enforcement Forum West, May 23, 2023.
Panelist, “Electronic Communications Sweep: How Large and Small Investment Advisers Can Respond,” DFW Financial Services Counsel Roundtable, Dallas, February 23, 2023.
Panelist, “Moving On-chain: Unwinding the Complexity of Crypto,” AICPA’s Forensic & Valuation Services Conference, Nov 14, 2022.
Panelist, “Crypto, Digital Assets and Cyber Priorities,” Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 54th Annual Securities Regulation Seminar, October 21, 2022.
Panelist, “Cryptocurrency Regulation, Enforcement and Litigation,” Securities Enforcement Forum West 2022, May 12, 2022.
Moderator, “Financial Firm Spotlight – Enforcement and Regulatory Developments for Asset Managers, Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds and More,” Securities Enforcement West 2021, May 13, 2021.
Moderator, “What’s Next on the Regulatory and Enforcement Agenda,” Managed Funds Association West 2021, April 7, 2021.
Co-panelist, “Navigating the Regulatory Intersection of Data Procurement, Web Scraping, MNPI and Insider Trading Compliance,” MFA DATA, September 16, 2020.
Co-panelist, “Material Non-Public Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insider Trading Risks to Avoid,” Akin Webinar, May 14, 2020.
Co-panelist, “The SEC’s Focus on Cybersecurity – Disclosure, Enforcement and Key Guidance for 2020,” Securities Enforcement West, May 12, 2020.
Moderator, “What’s Next on the Regulatory and Enforcement Agenda,” Managed Funds Association West, February 25, 2020.
Co-panelist, “Financial Firm Spotlight – Enforcement and Regulatory Developments for Asset Managers, Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds and More,” Securities Enforcement West, May 9, 2019.
Co-panelist, “SEC Examinations: Perspectives from CCOs Who Went Through Exams During the Past Year – The Best 45 Minutes You Can Spend Preparing For Your Own Exam,” Akin Investment Funds Symposium, April 30, 2019.
Co-panelist, “What’s Next on the Regulatory and Enforcement Agenda,” Managed Funds Association West, February 28, 2019.
Co-panelist, “What Should Crypto Funds Expect From The SEC Going Forward?,” Securities Docket Webcasts, December 3, 2018.
Co-panelist, “CCO Liability: How to Protect Yourself,” Fall 2018 ACA Group Compliance Conference, October 4, 2018.
Co-panelist, “Annual Update on Regulatory Developments and Enforcements: U.S. and U.K.,” Akin Annual New York Private Investment Funds Conference, September 27, 2018.
Co-panelist, “Financial Firm Spotlight—Enforcement and Regulatory Developments for Asset Managers, Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds and More,” Securities Enforcement Forum West, May 10, 2018.
Moderator, “Managing #MeToo Every Day—Mitigating and Protecting Against the Significant Risks of Workplace Misbehavior,” Akin Investment Funds Symposium, May 3, 2018.
Co-panelist, “Today’s Hottest Compliance Issues—Straight Talk So You Don’t Get Burned,” IA Compliance: The Full 360° View West, November 2, 2017.
Co-panelist, “Using Data Scraping in the Investment Research Process,” Fall 2017 ACA Group Conference, October 25, 2017.
Moderator, “Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for the SEC in the Trump Administration,” Akin and FTI Consulting’s Investment Funds Symposium, June 8, 2017.