MICHAEL FRISCH
Partner

Mike Frisch is a nationally recognized lawyer at the forefront of cryptocurrency, digital assets and Web3 law. Combining private practice, federal enforcement and senior government service experience, he advises companies, founders, investors, and financial market participants navigating the rapidly evolving business, regulatory and litigation landscape surrounding blockchain technology and digital assets. As head of the firm’s Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets & Web3 practice, he advises clients in structuring innovative products, building and growing their businesses, developing practical compliance strategies, and handling high-stakes disputes.

Mike represents cryptocurrency exchanges, digital asset companies, decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, Web3 businesses, investors and other market participants in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, litigation and corporate matters. He counsels clients on matters involving the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Justice (DOJ) and other regulators, as well as token offerings, product development, corporate governance, organizational structuring, and investment transactions. Identifying legal and regulatory issues early, Mike helps clients address risk while pursuing innovative opportunities in the digital asset space.

Before entering private practice, Mike served as a Senior Trial Attorney in the Division of Enforcement at the CFTC, where he investigated and litigated alleged violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and helped shape the agency’s early approach to digital asset enforcement. He brought one of the CFTC’s first cryptocurrency enforcement actions, CFTC v. Bitfinex, and was a member of the team responsible for the agency’s landmark action against Tether. He also served on the litigation team in CFTC v. Monex, a significant case addressing the scope of section 2(c)(2)(D) of the Commodity Exchange Act and contributed to the CFTC’s Final Interpretive Guidance on Actual Delivery for Digital Assets. He also served as lead attorney in CFTC v. Kraft, one of the agency’s first market-manipulation cases under its expanded Dodd-Frank authority. His extensive experience with government investigations and enforcement strategy gives Mike unique insight into regulatory priorities and enables him to anticipate government concerns and develop effective approaches for clients facing scrutiny.

Immediately before joining Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres, Mike served as senior advisor and legal counsel to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, advising the mayor and senior city officials on complex legal, policy and labor matters. He oversaw major collective bargaining initiatives, negotiated legislation with state lawmakers, and led significant legal aspects of the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in his career, Mike practiced at Mayer Brown, representing financial institutions and other sophisticated clients in complex commercial litigation, white collar defense and compliance matters. That foundation, combined with his government experience, enables him to provide clients with a comprehensive perspective when addressing complex disputes, regulatory challenges and strategic business decisions.

Beyond his client work, Mike is an active leader in the digital asset community. He serves as general counsel to the Illinois Blockchain Association, co-chairs the Chicago Bar Association’s Futures and Derivatives Law Committee, and previously chaired the Public Policy and Regulation Committee of the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association. He is a frequent speaker and writer on cryptocurrency regulation, digital asset enforcement and emerging legal issues affecting the blockchain industry.