LAW · FINANCE · TECHNOLOGY
Michael Gertsik
2L · Fordham University School of Law
I have long been drawn to the intersection of law, finance, and technology. Since 2021, my focus has centered around how new systems reshape value creation, information flow, and market dynamics.
What began as late-night deep dives into smart contracts, governance, and trading protocols has evolved into a clear professional direction. I aim to understand and help shape the legal frameworks guiding the digital asset space.
Current Focus Areas
- DeFi
- Prediction Markets
- Tokenized Assets
- Stablecoins
- Staking
- Custody
- KYC/AML Compliance
- Privacy Tools
Experience
May 2025 – Present
Research Assistant
Fordham University School of Law — Professor Donna Redel
Conduct legal research and writing on SEC/CFTC enforcement actions and regulatory developments in the digital asset space, with a focus on market structure, prediction markets, custody, stablecoins, and compliance obligations as regulators respond to innovation.
May 2025 – Present
Student Fellow — Fordham Blockchain Regulatory Symposium
Fordham University School of Law
Manage logistics for Fordham’s Blockchain Regulatory Symposium, including speaker outreach, CLE accreditation, and development of panel topics for an audience of 350+ legal professionals.
June 2025 – August 2025
Legal Intern
Blockchain Association
Drafted legal memoranda, amicus briefs, policy reports, and comment letters on federal and state legislative, regulatory, and enforcement developments. This work primarily focused on decentralized finance, tokenized assets, stablecoins, anti-money laundering, and sanctions compliance.
Research Areas
Enforcement & Litigation
SEC and CFTC enforcement actions, agency jurisdiction, and landmark cases shaping how regulators pursue digital asset market participants.
Market Structure
How exchanges, custodians, and market makers interact within emerging regulatory frameworks and what greater clarity could unlock.
Stablecoins & Custody
Reserve requirements, qualified custodian standards, and the evolving legal treatment of payment stablecoins.
Prediction Markets
Jurisdiction over event contracts, the rapid expansion of prediction markets, and the emerging enforcement landscape shaping market integrity across centralized and decentralized platforms.
Legislation & Policy
Analyzing the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, congressional intent, and the evolving policy landscape for digital asset regulation in the U.S.
DeFi & Protocol Governance
When DeFi systems and smart contracts reduce reliance on intermediaries, where they fall within or outside securities laws, and what safeguards are required when those laws apply.
Get in Touch
I am always interested in connecting with practitioners, researchers, and others working at the intersection of law, finance, and technology. Please feel free to reach out via email or LinkedIn.