Jessica Sklute

Consumer Financial Services

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Professional Background

I am a consumer financial services lawyer focused primarily on payments systems and solutions, bringing a national perspective and decades of experience to consumer financial regulatory clients.

I originally represented traditional payment companies, which eventually transformed into the emerging payments that we see today, such as those delivering payments through apps, wallets and other devices. I’ve represented bank “program managers” since the early 2000s, which have now become known as the infamous “fintechs” for their increased focus on technology and innovation.


Representative Experience With Emerging Companies

  • Represented one of country’s largest retailers in an agreement with a fintech for payment of wages to independent contractor delivery drivers.
  • Represented technology company in 50 state money transmission licensing project to process payments for consumer credit repair loan arrangements
  • Advised one of country’s largest retailers on consumers opening digital bank accounts at a fintech via a prepaid card sold by the client.
  • Advised a leading fintech on a loan product to help enable customers to establish credit.


Areas of Focus

  • I work with market-leading banks, retailers, senior lenders and other institutional investors on new product development, regulatory diligence, compliance, joint marketing, sponsorship and outsourcing arrangements and a wide range of operational and strategic transactions. 
  • I also work on privacy and data security matters.

My Advice to Entrepreneurs
  1. You need stamina. There are a lot of laws, agreements, policies and negotiations to get through before you’re where you need to be.
  2. Your lawyers should always want to figure out a way to get you what you want.
  3. Things will run smoother when your entire organization is available to help and provide information and input to your lawyers.