Robert Ballen and Thomas Fox

Bob Ballen is nationally recognized as one of our country’s foremost experts on payments law matters. His clients include the multi-bank and other organizations that] provide many of the nation’s electronic and paper-based payments clearance and settlement systems, as well as the financial institutions and corporate users of those
systems. He represents several leading technology firms that provide payments services to or in conjunction with the banking industry. He also represents world-wide money transmitters, including in connection with their federal registration, state licensing, and ongoing operations. Bob received his J.D. degree cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1981, and his B.A. degree magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1978. He is a member of the District of Columbia and U.S. Supreme Court Bars.

Tom Fox is a partner in Schwartz & Ballen LLP, which he joined upon its formation in 1995. Tom advises clients on federal and state legal matters for bank and non-bank financial institutions and their service providers. His expertise involves legal issues related to paper and electronic payments, including check-clearing houses, check image collection, card networks, Internet payment products and prepaid cards. Tom counsels clients on legal issues associated with launching new deposit and payment products, including issues under state money transmission laws and the federal anti-money laundering laws (including the USA PATRIOT Act). Tom received his J.D. degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1991 and earned his B.A. degree cum laude from Duke University in 1988. He is a member of the District of Columbia and Maryland Bars.