Lowenstein Sandler hired Ryne Miller, the former general counsel of now-bankrupt crypto exchange FTX, as a partner and chair of the new commodities, futures and derivatives practice and co-chair of the crypto group.

In a Nov. 12 press release, the Roseland-based law firm said Miller will also co-chair Lowenstein Crypto, which advises clients on cryptocurrency and digital asset investment strategies.

He is set to begin Nov. 18, according to the firm.

Prior to joining Lowenstein, Miller was U.S. general counsel for FTX. After the exchange collapsed in November 2022, former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of stealing $8 billion from customers of his exchange and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Before FTX, Miller was a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell. There, he co-led the commodities, futures and derivatives practice. His background also includes positions in the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

In a statement, Lowenstein’s chair and managing partner Gary Wingens said, “Ryne offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between financial services, venture capital, and investment management, particularly with regard to OTC derivatives, futures, and other complex financial products.”

“The focus of his interdisciplinary practice aligns perfectly with Lowenstein Sandler‘s strategic plan and vision for the future, where we help clients navigate the intersection of technology and law. Our clients will benefit from the depth and breadth of the firm’s collective knowledge of the financial, intellectual property, and regulatory factors influencing this new economy,” Wingens said.

Specialized insights

Ethan Silver co-chairs Lowenstein Crypto and chairs the fintech and broker-dealer practices group. He commented, “Ryne commands intense respect throughout the industry: he has served on the front lines of the digital currency revolution, having been an essential and trusted advisor to many builders in the crypto ecosystem. We are excited to have Ryne join our team as we continue to cement Lowenstein as the destination firm for advising emerging companies and FinTech companies and all their regulatory matters.”

Silver added, “Ryne has specialized insight into the new technologies at play in the trading and clearing of futures, options, and derivatives, as well as the rules that govern them. His experience in this area further enhances the transactional capabilities of Lowenstein’s highly sophisticated investment teams.”

Miller said he was “delighted” to join the team and develop the commodities, futures and derivatives practice to offer a full-service platform to meet the needs of the firm’s growing trading and markets client group.

He went on to say, “In parallel, I am honored to partner with their exceptional digital assets team that has been instrumental in the growth of many leading Web3 companies from their beginnings. Working with a team of the caliber of Ethan and his colleagues at Lowenstein will empower me to deliver excellent service, at scale, to clients with complex and evolving legal needs in the dynamic fintech marketplace.”