David F. Freeman, Jr. | People

David Freeman represents financial institutions, investment managers, and broker-dealers on banking and securities regulatory issues, legislation, mergers and acquisitions, private investment funds, and new product development and documentation. As part of his practice, David advises domestic and foreign banks, investment management firms, and broker-dealers on compliance with state and federal banking and securities laws, federal commodities laws, and SRO rules.

Focus Areas

Experience

Developing and documenting bank deposit products and broker sweep arrangements.
Negotiating financial vendor services agreements.
Development of investment advisory, custody, and client services form agreements.
Creation and operation of private investment funds, common trust funds, and collective funds.
Advising client financial institutions and funds on services agreements, risk disclosures, and regulatory issues associated with digital assets.

Representation of a large money market fund sponsor on rulemaking and public policy matters related to proposed changes in the U.S. and Europe to the regulation of money funds.
Advocating on behalf of banking organizations on the Volcker Rule, the LCR Rule, and mortgage lending rules under the Dodd-Frank Act.

Obtaining or expanding bank and securities firm approvals to conduct business, including charters, licenses, registrations, approval orders, regulatory interpretations, and membership agreements.
Advising clients on regulatory and policy matters involving the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Financial Stability Board, International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), state bank and securities regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Developing, enhancing, documenting, and automating supervisory and compliance systems and internal policies and procedures regarding banking and securities operations.

Acquisitions and sales of banks and trust companies, broker-dealers, investment advisers, business units, and private investments in financial services firms.

Perspectives

March 9, 2026

Implementing the GENIUS Act: The OCC Proposes Comprehensive Rulemaking Governing Payment Stablecoins Issuance

Advisory

February 13, 2026

Chambers Global 2026 Ranks 42 Arnold & Porter Lawyers, 34 Practice Areas

January 8, 2026

OCC Proposals Confirm Federal Preemption of State Interest-On-Escrow Laws

December 15, 2025

USA: Law and Practice & Trends and Developments (pdf)

Chambers Financial Services Regulation 2025

October 27, 2025

OCC and FDIC Take Steps To Refocus Supervision and Tailor the Regulatory Framework for Community Banks

Advisory

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Recognition

Chambers Global

Banking & Finance: Mainly Regulatory — USA (2025-2026)

IFLR1000

"Highly Regarded" Financial Services Regulatory, Investment Funds — USA (2019-2025)

The Legal 500 U.S.

"Leading Lawyer" Financial Services Regulation (2023-2025)
"Recommended Lawyer" Banking (2023-2025)
"Recommended Lawyer" Consumer Finance (2025)
"Recommended Lawyer" Fintech (2020-2025)
"Recommended Lawyer" Financial Services Litigation (2016-2017, 2020-2024)
"Recommended Lawyer" Financial Services Regulation (2011-2022)

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Credentials

Education

J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 1987
M.B.A., University of Virginia, 1987
B.A., University of Virginia, 1981

Admissions

District of Columbia
Virginia

Activities

Emeritus Member, Board of Advisors, UNC School of Law, Center for Banking & Finance