Skip to content
DWT logo
People Expertise Insights
About Locations Careers
Search
People
Expertise
Insights
About
Locations
Careers
Search
Mobile Image: placeholder for no bio photo

Matthew B. Comstock

Partner

T 202.661.7034 Washington, D.C.
  •  

Download vCard Download bio Print this page
Share

Matt, a former lawyer at the Securities and Exchange Commission, has a diverse practice covering the legal and regulatory aspects of securities trading and markets. His focus includes the regulation of digital assets issued on the blockchain and, more broadly, technological developments in securities. He regularly advises trading platforms, broker-dealers, clearing agencies, hedge funds and other clients on a variety of compliance, regulatory, and transactional matters. He also interfaces with the staff of the SEC and other regulatory bodies on behalf of clients.

His areas of focus include creation of trading platforms, custody and trading of alternative investments and digital assets, and regulatory requirements facing broker-dealers.

Matt previously worked in the SEC's Division of Trading and Markets where he held the positions of branch chief, special counsel and staff attorney in the Office of Financial Responsibility. He was a shareholder and member of the executive committee at McGonigle, P.C., before it combined with Davis Wright Tremaine.

Practice Highlights

Blockchain

Matt has advised clients on the creation of a trading platform for digital markets and the establishment of cryptocurrency trading desks. He speaks and writes regularly on blockchain-related topics.

Securities regulation

Matt frequently advises on broker-dealer financial responsibility, broker-dealer liquidations, securities credit regulation, compliance with self-regulatory organization rules, short selling, regulations governing market manipulation, securities lending and securities repurchase transactions, soft dollars, prime brokerage, and market structure.

SEC experience

At the SEC, Matt's responsibilities included a variety of matters relating to broker-dealer net capital requirements, customer protection, broker-dealer books and records requirements, and broker-dealer liquidations.

*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
Searching...

Admitted to Practice

  • District of Columbia
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania, 1996

Education

  • LL.M., University of Augsburg, 1995
    • Fulbright Scholar
  • J.D., University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1994
  • M.B.A., University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business, 1994
  • B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 1991

Professional Recognition

  • Band 3 in Financial Services Regulation: Broker-Dealer (Compliance), Nationwide, Chambers USA Guide (2021)


    Band 3 in Financial Services Regulation: Broker-Dealer (Compliance & Enforcement), Nationwide, Chambers USA Guide (2020)

DWT logo
©1996-2022 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
NAVIGATE
Home People Expertise Insights
About Locations Careers Events Blogs
STAY CONNECTED

Subscribe to stay informed.

Subscribe
Employees
DWT Collaborate
EEO
Affiliations
Legal notices
Privacy policy
©1996-2022 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Close
Close

CAUTION - Before you proceed, please note: By clicking “accept” you agree that our review of the information contained in your e-mail and any attachments will not create an attorney-client relationship, and will not prevent any lawyer in our firm from representing a party in any matter where that information is relevant, even if you submitted the information in good faith to retain us.