Financial Services

For companies in the financial services industry, it is critical to engage legal counsel that understands the regulatory environment in which they operate and the business challenges they face. Our attorneys have decades of experience working with the full spectrum of financial services companies, including state- and nationally-chartered local, regional and national banks (public and private) and their holding companies; federal and state-chartered thrifts; agent banks; insurance companies and their holding companies; health maintenance organizations; preferred provider organizations; captive insurers; insurance brokers; insurance agencies; third-party administrators; representatives and investment advisors; trust companies; and brokerage firms.

For our financial services industry clients and others, we provide counsel in the areas of corporate and securities, regulatory and enforcement, debt finance and litigation on a wide range of needs, including:

  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Regulatory and securities law compliance
  • Entity formation and capital raising
  • Enforcement proceedings
  • Financial, insurance depository products
  • Lending transactions
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Shareholder rights
  • Financial services litigation
  • Securities litigation and arbitration
  • Insurance coverage disputes and litigation
  • Restructuring and bankruptcy

Attorneys serving our financial services clients have received important accolades, including eight of our attorneys who are listed in A.M. Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance AttorneysChambers USA has consistently ranked Bass, Berry & Sims as one of the top banking and finance law firms in Tennessee for the past 14 years. In their research, Chambers concluded the firm is a “Stellar outfit providing services across the financial services spectrum. Represents borrowers and lenders in matters ranging from commercial lending to regulatory compliance. Experienced handling large-scale transactions for a broad range of clients including regional and national banks, insurance companies and private equity firms. Demonstrates expertise in debt refinancing and syndicated loans, as well as bank M&A and the formation of subsidiaries.” Clients describe the lawyers as “highly skilled and easy to work with,” adding: “They take the time to understand our concerns and priorities.” Sources say: “It is a very client-oriented firm and provides great service.” Another client appreciates the firm’s “top-tier service and performance.” (from Chambers USA 2021).

  • We advised Enterprise Bank & Trust in its participation in a syndicated revolving credit facility for Plexus Fund VI-A SPV,...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Representation of CyberGuard Compliance, LLC, a compliance and regulatory services company, in their sale to CyberGuard Management, Inc, an affiliate of Atlantic Street Capital Management, LLC. CyberGuard Management, Inc. acquired all of the equity of CyberGuard Holdings, Inc. and Elite Consulting Solutions LLC from the owners of CyberGuard Compliance, LLP. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    We represented CyberGuard Compliance, LLC, a licensed CPA firm specializing in IT compliance and cybersecurity audit and assessment services, in...
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  • Representation of Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc., a full-service state-chartered community bank with 13 branch offices across the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast, in its acquisition of the Mobile, Alabama branch of Bank OZK (Nasdaq: OZK

    We represented Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc., a full-service state-chartered community bank with 13 branch offices across the Mississippi and...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Represented New Mountain Capital in over $282 million worth of real estate transactions, primarily sale-leasebacks

    In 2019, we represented New Mountain Capital in over $282 million worth of real estate transactions, primarily sale-leasebacks. These closings...
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  • Represented New Mountain Capital in over $329 million worth of real estate transactions, primarily sale-leasebacks

    In 2018, we represented New Mountain Capital in over $329 million worth of real estate transactions, primarily sale-leasebacks. These closings...
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  • Engaged in 2010 to serve as independent disclosure counsel to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Bank of America pursuant to a settlement order entered into by Bank of America and the SEC

    We were engaged in 2010 to serve as independent disclosure counsel to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Represented Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNFP) in its merger with BNC Bancorp (NASDAQ: BNCN)

    We represented Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNFP) in its $1.9 billion merger with BNC Bancorp (NASDAQ: BNCN) pursuant to...
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    Client Type: Public Company
  • Successfully defended a firm financial institution client against claims arising out of cyber theft of funds of one of its commercial customers

    Bass, Berry & Sims successfully defended a firm financial institution client against claims arising out of cyber theft of funds...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Defending firm bank clients against class actions alleging they processed ATM and debit card transactions in a manner to maximize overdraft fees to its customers

    Bass, Berry & Sims is defending firm bank clients against class actions alleging they processed ATM and debit card transactions...
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    Client Type: Private Company
  • Represented the administrative agent in a $72 million syndicated credit facility to a private equity-sponsored operator of inpatient behavioral treatment facilities in several states

    We represented the administrative agent in a $72 million syndicated credit facility to a private equity-sponsored operator of inpatient behavioral...
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    Client Type: Public Company
Nicholas M. Bessette
Associate
Bryan  P. Bylica
Member
Marina Kirtland Carrier
Associate
Stefanie R. Chamberlain
Associate
Michael G. Dashefsky
Member
T. Scott Davidson
Associate
Kean W. Devine
Associate
Felix R. Dowsley, III
Member
Leslie M. Ford
Member
E. Bruce Foster, Jr.
Member (retired)
Haley Frank
Associate
Michael C. Gibson
Member
Thomas Gossett
Member
B. Taylor Gray
Counsel
Nova D. Harb
Counsel
David W. Harper, Jr.
Associate
Cheyne W. Harris
Member
R. Turner Henderson
Associate
D. Scott Holley
Member
Brian R. Iverson
Member
Jason S. Lewallen
Member
Vincent B. Lillegard
Member
Anna Kaufman Looney
Associate
G. Mark Mamantov
Member
Robert P. McDaniel, Jr.
Member
Nicole  T. Milani
Associate
James Polk Moneyhun, Jr.
Member
Matthew Morrow
Associate
Marisa Rouse
Associate
McKeehanon C. Rue
Associate
Alexandrea R. Samber
Associate
John S. Seehorn
Member
Cynthia N. Sellers
Member
Katherine Smalley
Associate
Bria Smith-Edwards
Associate
Amanda Elliott Stanley
Counsel
Justin T. Starling
Member
Michael A. Stewart
Member
James S. Tate, Jr.
Member
T. Stephen C. Taylor
Member
Molly Terrell
Senior Attorney
T. Gaillard Uhlhorn, V
Member
Price W. Wilson
Member

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