Nina ZegarraSchmidt | Lawyers

Admissions

United States

Services

Financial Regulation Group

Testimonial

"With a commitment to assisting clients in navigating the intricate landscape of intertwining and often complex financial regulations, my focus is providing comprehensive legal solutions and strategic guidance to helping clients with advancing their business objectives in an ever-evolving regulatory environment.”

Overview

Nina is an Associate in the U.S. Financial Regulation Group based in Washington, DC, advising domestic and foreign financial institutions, fintech companies, and emerging payment services providers on complex regulatory matters in an evolving financial services landscape. She helps clients navigate the intersection of traditional banking regulation and innovative financial products, with particular experience in stablecoin-based payment systems, digital asset frameworks, and novel payment technologies. Nina provides strategic regulatory counsel across bank regulatory compliance, fintech licensing (including money transmitter and money services business requirements), AML/BSA obligations, and emerging regulatory developments. She works collaboratively across practice areas to deliver practical solutions for clients operating at the forefront of financial innovation, from established institutions launching new products to fintech companies seeking regulatory clarity in dynamic markets.

Work Highlights

Stablecoin and Digital Payment Systems: Advises clients on regulatory frameworks governing stablecoin-based payment systems, including federal and state compliance requirements, licensing considerations, and novel payment product structures.
Bank Regulatory Compliance: Counsels financial institutions on compliance with the Bank Holding Company Act, Volcker Rule proprietary trading restrictions and covered fund activities, compliance program requirements, and ongoing regulatory obligations across a range of banking activities.
Fintech Licensing and Money Transmitter Compliance: Guides fintech companies and payment services providers through state money transmitter licensing requirements, money services business registration, and multi-jurisdictional compliance strategies for digital payment platforms and emerging financial products.
Novel Financial Products: Supports clients developing and launching innovative financial products by analyzing applicable regulatory frameworks, identifying licensing pathways, and structuring compliance programs tailored to new business models in the evolving financial services landscape.
Regulatory Enforcement: Provides research support and strategic assistance to clients responding to regulatory examinations and enforcement actions.
Pro Bono Representation: Offers pro bono representation for asylum seekers, U-visa applicants, and other immigration matters.

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Beyond the Office

Prior to joining Linklaters, Nina worked as a Media and Communications Intern for the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights.

During law school, Nina served as a judicial intern at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Nina also completed an in-house legal internship at a technology company based in California..

Education and Qualifications

Nina graduated cum laude from American University, Washington College of Law, where she served as a Note & Comment Editor for the American University Law Review. Nina also served as a Teaching Fellow for the Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Program.

Nina previously graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she majored in Neuroscience.

State Admissions:
Washington, D.C.

Overview

Work Highlights

Stablecoin and Digital Payment Systems: Advises clients on regulatory frameworks governing stablecoin-based payment systems, including federal and state compliance requirements, licensing considerations, and novel payment product structures.

Bank Regulatory Compliance: Counsels financial institutions on compliance with the Bank Holding Company Act, Volcker Rule proprietary trading restrictions and covered fund activities, compliance program requirements, and ongoing regulatory obligations across a range of banking activities.

Fintech Licensing and Money Transmitter Compliance: Guides fintech companies and payment services providers through state money transmitter licensing requirements, money services business registration, and multi-jurisdictional compliance strategies for digital payment platforms and emerging financial products.

Novel Financial Products: Supports clients developing and launching innovative financial products by analyzing applicable regulatory frameworks, identifying licensing pathways, and structuring compliance programs tailored to new business models in the evolving financial services landscape.

Regulatory Enforcement: Provides research support and strategic assistance to clients responding to regulatory examinations and enforcement actions.

Pro Bono Representation: Offers pro bono representation for asylum seekers, U-visa applicants, and other immigration matters.