Andrew McElmeel

Director, Product and Regulatory Attorney @ PayPal

About

Experienced Financial Services Lawyer | FinTech & Payments Expert | Regulatory Specialist A seasoned and business-minded financial services lawyer with over 20 years of experience across banking, fintech, and other regulated entities, having worked with Fortune 500 companies. A proven leader with a passion for providing innovative, legally-compliant business solutions in highly regulated industries. Key Areas of Expertise: • FinTech & Payments Landscape: Deep knowledge in payment systems (state money transmitter laws, escheatment, real money gaming, UDAAP, TCPA, Reg. E, P2P), cryptocurrency, and e-commerce products. • Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Extensive experience advising businesses and product lines on strategies to avoid licensure and regulatory hurdles while ensuring compliance with state and federal financial regulations. • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnering with global teams—business units, product managers, engineers, and legal partners—to drive legal compliance in product development and ongoing operations. • Strategic Risk Management: Navigating complex legal requirements and identifying solutions to manage risk, enabling business growth without triggering unnecessary regulatory requirements. • Global Expansion & Negotiation: Supporting international growth by coordinating legal strategy across multiple jurisdictions. • Trusted Business Advisor: A proactive problem-solver, effectively communicating complex legal issues and driving results in fast-paced, dynamic environments. As a dedicated advocate for the payments and FinTech industries, I work closely with clients to deliver results that balance legal requirements with business objectives.

Country

United States

City

Omaha Metropolitan Area

Industry

Internet

Skill

Management, Leadership, Privacy Law, Social Media, Intellectual Property, Microsoft Office, Fraud, Customer Service, Corporate Law, Licensing, E-commerce, Payments, Commercial Litigation, Risk Management, Corporate Governance, Legal Research, Legal Writing, Start-ups, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation

Experience

Director, Product and Regulatory Attorney

PayPal

2007-7 - Present · 19 yrs 3 mos

Omaha, Nebraska

As a payments attorney with extensive experience in both product development and regulatory compliance, I oversee multiple initiatives across various business units in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. I provide strategic legal counsel on a wide range of issues, including consumer protection, Regulation E, UDAAP, state money transmitter laws, escheatment, tax, and more. I work closely with business teams to identify and implement win-win solutions that balance legal requirements with business goals, ensuring continued growth and compliance.

General Counsel

Precision Industries

2007-1 - 2007-7 · 7 mos

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

As a key member of the leadership team, I provided strategic legal counsel and enterprise-wide advisory support. I led a team of attorneys and paralegals, driving the execution of critical initiatives with a focus on efficiency and risk mitigation. I developed and executed the strategy for the sale of a closely held company, navigating complex negotiations and regulatory requirements. I played a central role in negotiating large vendor contracts and managing the litigation surrounding the exit from those relationships. I oversaw a significant reduction in force, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with business goals. Additionally, I implemented a streamlined process for negotiating and managing annual due diligence reviews, ensuring ongoing compliance with contracts and reducing operational risks.

Senior Litigation Associate Attorney

Stinson LLP

2000-9 - 2007-1 · 6 yrs 5 mos

Omaha, Nebraska

As a Senior Associate, I handled a broad range of complex litigation and regulatory matters, taking a lead role in multiple bench and jury trials across state and federal courts throughout the Midwest. My experience spans M&A, banking and white-collar fraud, product liability, bankruptcy, and creditor rights. I developed and executed strategic legal plans to navigate high-stakes disputes, overseeing all stages of litigation from discovery to trial. I led case teams, managed trial preparation, and represented clients in both state and federal courts, securing favorable outcomes in challenging and high-profile matters.