J. Joan Hon (She/Her) Email & Phone Number

I lead the team at the NYDFS Virtual Currency Unit that evaluates new products, services, and activities involving crypto assets. Both "bitlicensees" and limited purpose trust companies authorized to engage in "virtual currency business activity," as defined by 23 NYCRR Part 200 under the New York Financial Services Law, must seek prior approval from the Department for certain products and services as well as mergers and acquisitions. We take on a multi-faceted approach, reviewing legal and regulatory issues, safety and soundness concerns, and sometimes technically challenging requests.Prior to becoming a regulator, I spent 15 years in the private sector as a lawyer. I began my career representing low-income housing cooperatives, students, and non-profit organizations, and later worked at large multi-national law firms, where I shifted the scope of my practice to complex commercial litigation, white collar litigation, and regulatory enforcement. From 2009-2014 I lived overseas and qualified to practice law as a Hong Kong solicitor. I am currently also an arbitrator on the AAA Consumer Panel. I am a board member at the NYU Law Alumni of Color Association and other outside interests include competitive powerlifting and urban gardening.

Listed skills include Litigation, Dispute, Dispute Resolution, Depositions, and 12 others.