Distributed Ledger Technology:
Cryptocurrency and Beyond

Monday, April 29
6:00 p.m. (Program)
7:00 p.m. (Networking Reception)

Albany Law School
80 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208
Program - Room 200
Reception - East Foyer
Via Zoom (link available in confirmation email)

Registration

Attendee List

Speakers

John Melican ’96
Elliptic, Chief Legal Officer

Robert W. Werner (NYU Law)
Deutsche Bank USA Independent Non-Executive Director

Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including cryptocurrencies, is changing how we handle money globally by enabling multiple copies of ledgers that track transactions to be maintained and synchronized across different locations, often with no central authority.  Each participant in the network has a copy of the ledger, which ensures the data is decentralized and not controlled by any single entity. DLT is revolutionizing the financial markets by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing transparency, and opening up new opportunities for innovation and inclusion. Addressing the legal implications concerning DLT will require collaboration between policymakers, regulators, legal experts, and industry stakeholders to develop clear and adaptable regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection and legal certainty.

Join us for a robust discussion about these issues, featuring Elliptic Chief Legal Officer John Melican ’96 and Deutsche Bank USA Independent Non-Executive Director Robert W. Werner. 

Bob Werner is a prominent figure in the field of financial crimes compliance. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held key positions at major financial institutions including HSBC, Goldman Sachs, and Merrill Lynch. Additionally, he has served as Senior Counselor to the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Earlier in his career, he also worked as a Judicial Law Clerk to Associate Justices Anthony M. Kennedy and Lewis F. Powell, Jr.

John Melican is an industry veteran with extensive experience leading teams in Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, and Anti-Corruption Compliance within the financial industry. Most recently, he held the position of overseeing Global Financial Crimes Consulting at Exiger. Prior to that, he played pivotal roles in compliance functions at American Express, Bear Stearns, and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi. John began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County, where he specialized in prosecuting financial crimes.

Whether you're a student, faculty member, or community member, this event is your ticket to understanding some of the legal and regulatory complexities presented by this rapidly evolving industry and how it is reshaping the traditional world of finance.

Albany Law Professional Networks

This initiative is a part of Albany Law Professional Networks program, a collaboration by the Career and Professional Development Center and the Office of Alumni Engagement, focused on bringing together alumni who are subject matter experts and are interested in providing opportunities for education and connection to the greater Albany Law School community.