Colombia fintech lawyer
Colombia’s fintech sector is one of the most dynamic in Latin America, and many Colombian fintech companies look to the United States for capital, partnerships, and market access. At the same time, US-based fintech firms and investors increasingly engage with Colombian counterparts, whether through cross-border payments, digital lending platforms, or blockchain-based services. Navigating the legal frameworks of both countries requires a clear understanding of US financial regulation and a reliable connection to Colombian legal counsel. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., a US law firm founded in 1997, provides US-side legal guidance to fintech companies, investors, and entrepreneurs operating across the US-Colombia corridor. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys, led by Mr. Sris, advise on federal and state money transmitter laws, securities compliance, anti-money laundering (AML) obligations, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). To discuss your cross-border fintech matter, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What This Cross-Border Practice Area Covers
US fintech regulation is a patchwork of federal and state laws that apply to money transmission, securities offerings, digital assets, and consumer financial services. A Colombian fintech company seeking to offer services to US customers or raise capital from US investors must comply with these rules, regardless of where the company is incorporated. The Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311 et seq.) and its implementing regulations require financial institutions—including many money services businesses—to maintain anti-money laundering programs, file suspicious activity reports, and verify customer identities. At the state level, most US states require money transmitters to obtain a license, and the requirements vary significantly from state to state. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) also imposes registration and reporting obligations on certain fintech activities.
If a fintech product involves a security—such as a token that functions as an investment contract—the federal securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) may apply. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933 govern registration, disclosure, and anti-fraud provisions. Cross-border fintech transactions also raise questions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records. A Colombian fintech that interacts with US banks, payment processors, or investors must structure its operations to avoid FCPA exposure. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. helps clients assess which US regulatory regimes apply to their specific business model and develop a compliance roadmap.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Network Handle These Matters
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the US-side analysis of fintech regulatory questions, including money transmitter licensing, securities law compliance, and AML program design. Mr. Duport Jaramillo is licensed in Colombia. Not admitted in any US state bar. Practice with Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is limited to matters of Colombian law and to serving as a liaison for international clients with US-licensed attorneys at the firm. This division of responsibility ensures that US legal advice comes from US-admitted counsel, while Colombian-law questions are addressed by a Colombian-licensed attorney who understands the local regulatory environment.
For a typical cross-border fintech engagement, the firm first identifies which US federal and state laws apply to the client’s activities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel then coordinate with Mr. Duport Jaramillo to map the corresponding Colombian regulatory requirements—such as those administered by the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia—so that the client receives a comprehensive view of its obligations in both countries. The firm does not practice Colombian law; all Colombian-law work is performed by Mr. Duport Jaramillo in his capacity as an independent Colombian attorney. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys remain responsible for all US-law aspects of the matter. This collaborative model allows the firm to serve fintech clients with cross-border needs while maintaining strict jurisdictional boundaries.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Network
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), the bill that became the 2019 revision to Va. Code § 20-107.3(g). His practice includes cross-border business matters, and he has worked with international clients on US regulatory compliance for more than two decades. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience across US and foreign jurisdictions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented experience across multiple cross-border practice areas since 1997. Results may vary; prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result.
Mr. Duport Jaramillo’s background includes service as a former Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Colombia to the European Union and as Executive President of the Pereira Chamber of Commerce. He works from the firm’s Pereira, Colombia location and serves as a liaison for international clients. All US-law advice is provided by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-admitted attorneys. The firm’s US principal location is in Virginia, and all consultations are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US-licensed lawyer for my Colombian fintech startup’s US operations?
Yes, if your fintech startup offers services to US customers, processes US-dollar transactions, or seeks US investment, you need a US-licensed attorney to advise on federal and state regulatory requirements. US money transmitter laws, securities regulations, and AML rules apply to activities that touch the United States, regardless of where the company is incorporated. A US-admitted lawyer can help you determine whether you need state licenses, register with FinCEN, or file a securities registration statement. For Colombian-law aspects, you will also need Colombian counsel. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. provides the US-side legal guidance and collaborates with Colombian Of Counsel for the Colombian-law side. For a consultation, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
What US regulations apply to a Colombian fintech that processes cross-border payments?
A Colombian fintech that processes payments to or from the United States may be subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, FinCEN registration, and state money transmitter licensing requirements. The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to implement AML programs, file currency transaction reports, and report suspicious activity. FinCEN’s regulations define which entities qualify as money services businesses and must register. Additionally, most US states require a money transmitter license, and the requirements differ by state. The firm helps fintech clients analyze their specific business model to identify which US obligations apply and develop a compliance plan. For guidance on your specific cross-border situation, reach Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does the FCPA affect a Colombian fintech that works with US banks?
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) applies to any Colombian fintech that interacts with US banks, payment processors, or investors, and it prohibits bribery of foreign officials and requires accurate books and records. Even if the fintech is not a US company, the FCPA’s accounting provisions can apply if the fintech’s securities are traded on a US exchange or if it acts as an agent of a US issuer. The anti-bribery provisions can also reach foreign companies that use US interstate commerce in furtherance of a corrupt payment. The firm advises fintech clients on FCPA risk assessment, internal controls, and compliance programs. To discuss the details of your international matter, contact Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a Colombian fintech raise capital from US investors without registering with the SEC?
It depends on the structure of the offering and the type of investors. Many Colombian fintechs raise capital from US investors through private placements that are exempt from SEC registration under Regulation D or Regulation S. Regulation D provides exemptions for offerings to accredited investors, while Regulation S applies to offerings made outside the United States to non-US persons. However, even exempt offerings must comply with anti-fraud provisions and state securities laws. The firm helps fintech clients evaluate which exemption may be available and prepare the necessary documentation. For a consultation on cross-border counsel, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel network at (888) 437-7747.
What is the role of a Colombian Of Counsel in a US fintech matter?
A Colombian Of Counsel provides Colombian-law advice and serves as a liaison between the client and the US-admitted attorneys, but does not practice US law or appear before US tribunals. In a cross-border fintech matter, the US-admitted attorneys handle all US regulatory analysis, licensing, and compliance work. The Colombian Of Counsel advises on Colombian financial regulations, corporate governance, and any local legal issues that affect the transaction. This division ensures that each jurisdiction’s legal work is performed by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction. His role is limited to Colombian-law matters and liaison services.
Does Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. have a location in Colombia?
The Pereira location supports the firm’s cross-border practice by providing a point of contact for Colombian clients and facilitating coordination between US and Colombian legal teams. All consultations at the Pereira location are by appointment only. The firm’s US-admitted attorneys practice from the firm’s US locations and are responsible for all US-law advice. The Pereira location does not constitute the practice of US law in Colombia. For more information, contact the firm at (888) 437-7747.