Marc D. Powers, Esq. is a nationally respected authority in corporate and securities law, celebrated for a career that spans more than four decades and touches many of the most consequential legal and regulatory issues of the modern financial era. His journey began in public service with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he quickly rose to become a Branch Chief in the Division of Enforcement. There, he handled complex cases involving insider trading, investment contract analysis, market manipulation, and unregistered securities offerings—experiences that not only shaped his legal philosophy but established the regulatory foundation that would inform his private practice leadership for decades to come.
Following his government service, Marc entered private practice in New York City, where he sharpened his litigation, regulatory, and governance expertise across several respected firms before ultimately stepping into the AmLaw 50 arena. His rise to becoming a partner at Reed Smith and later a long-tenured partner at BakerHostetler reflected both his legal acumen and his ability to guide organizations through the emerging complexities of financial markets, securities regulation, and enforcement risk. Over time, he developed a reputation as a trusted advisor to investment banks, insurers, broker-dealers, hedge funds, and corporations navigating high-stakes matters that demanded clarity, steadiness, and strategic foresight.
Marc’s 16-year tenure at BakerHostetler marked one of the most defining chapters of his career. Beyond serving as a securities litigation and regulatory enforcement partner, he founded, built, and led two major national practices for a 1,000-attorney, 18-office law firm—an achievement that underscores both entrepreneurial and organizational leadership at scale. He established the firm’s Hedge Fund Industry practice at a critical moment following the Great Recession and passage of Dodd-Frank, anticipating that regulatory pressures would reshape the investment landscape. Under his leadership, the practice became a national pillar, guiding clients through inspections, investigations, and litigation that redefined the boundaries between compliance, regulation, and financial innovation.
Among Marc’s many high-profile representations, his work on behalf of the Trustee for the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities liquidation remains one of the most consequential. Leading the investigation and litigation teams, he helped recover billions of dollars for defrauded investors, including negotiating a historic settlement of more than $1 billion—the largest hedge fund recovery in SIPA liquidation history at that time. His involvement in the Martha Stewart insider trading matter, the Conrad Black fiduciary litigation, and representation of 9/11 widows in their pursuit of restitution funds further reflect a career shaped not only by legal prowess but by a deep commitment to justice, accountability, and service.
As Marc’s practice evolved, he became one of the early legal voices to recognize the transformative impact of blockchain technology and digital finance. His industry-wide influence expanded as he advised digital asset companies, exchanges, and emerging fintech firms seeking to innovate responsibly. His thought leadership extended into boardrooms, international conferences, and global media platforms, including appearances on CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, Fox News, and FinTechTV. His monthly opinion column for Cointelegraph, along with frequent quotations in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other leading publications, solidified him as a respected commentator and educator in the space.
Internationally, Marc has cultivated meaningful professional relationships across Sweden, Israel, and Canada, serving as an advisor to blockchain and fintech companies that seek to balance innovation with regulatory clarity. His global experience reflects not only technical knowledge but a cultural fluency that strengthens his advisory impact. Whether evaluating digital asset strategies, guiding governance structures, or helping companies anticipate emerging regulatory frameworks, Marc’s work is marked by both pragmatism and foresight.
In addition to his legal and advisory accomplishments, Marc has invested heavily in education and mentorship. As an Adjunct Professor at the Florida International University College of Law, he teaches “Blockchain Regulation” and “FinTech Law” preparing the next generation of lawyers to navigate new technological and regulatory frontiers. His role on the Wolters Kluwer Securities Regulation Advisory Board, along with service on numerous advisory and governance committees, has positioned him as a leader who actively shapes—not merely observes—the evolution of markets and policy.
Marc’s professional affiliations further demonstrate a commitment to service, ethics, and industry advancement. His involvement with organizations such as Global Digital Finance, GameChange Solar, the New York County Lawyers Association, and Lawyers for Good Government speaks to a career grounded in civic responsibility and an unwavering belief in the positive role legal and regulatory systems can play in society. From solar energy governance to blockchain accreditation frameworks, he continues to apply his expertise across industries focused on innovation, societal impact, and responsible growth.
Today, Marc advises businesses, boards, and emerging technology leaders while maintaining an active interest in early-stage investment and strategic mentorship. He brings to each engagement a perspective uniquely shaped by decades of leadership across law, regulation, governance, fintech, and global markets. His 40+ years of experience provide him with an uncommon ability to see not only where industries stand today, but where regulatory, economic, and technological forces are likely to lead them tomorrow.
At his core, Marc is driven by the belief that industries evolve most successfully when guided by strong governance, informed regulatory strategy, and a commitment to ethical decision-making. His career reflects a seamless integration of public service, private practice leadership, global advisory work, and forward-looking thought leadership—all underscored by a personal dedication to helping companies and boards navigate complexity with confidence and integrity.
Character:
Marc’s character is defined by integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to ethical leadership. He consistently acts in the long-term interest of clients, industries, and the public—an approach shaped by decades of service in high-stakes environments. His reputation for fairness and principled judgment has made him a trusted advisor across boardrooms, courtrooms, and regulatory arenas.
Knowledge:
Marc brings an exceptional depth of knowledge spanning securities regulation, enforcement, litigation, blockchain innovation, and corporate governance. His insight is grounded in both historic legal precedent and emerging regulatory frameworks, allowing him to bridge legacy systems with modern technological change. He is widely recognized as a thought leader whose perspectives shape industry understanding and advance professional discourse.
Strategic:
Operating with a strategist’s mindset, anticipating regulatory shifts and industry inflection points well before they materialize. He builds frameworks and solutions that help organizations navigate complexity, mitigate risk, and capitalize on new opportunities. His ability to integrate legal judgment with business insight enables companies to make decisions that are both compliant and competitive.
Communication:
Marc communicates with clarity, credibility, and authority, whether addressing regulators, boards, global media, or students. He transforms complex legal and technical concepts into practical guidance that informs and empowers stakeholders. His presence—whether written, spoken, or advisory—reflects a seasoned communicator who elevates conversations and strengthens organizational decision-making.
