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Frank Scaduto

Of Counsel at Wiley Rein LLP

Frank Scaduto's profile photo
LocationWashingtonDistrict of Columbia, United States
Current roleOf CounselWiley Rein LLP · since May 2025

About

Frank is a versatile litigator who focuses on disputes involving financial services, technology, and telecommunications companies. As a member of the Washington, D.C., California, and New York bars, his practice sits at the intersection of Capitol Hill, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street. He has successfully tried cases, won appeals, and secured favorable dismissals and settlements in bet-the-company matters and complex, high-stakes litigation.

Frank regularly assists clients with cutting-edge litigation concerning cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. He also has significant experience handling commercial and securities litigation, investigations, and regulatory proceedings involving financial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance issues, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, government contracts, and antitrust laws.

In addition, Frank teaches legal writing and oral advocacy at The George Washington University Law School.

Roles

May 2025–Present
Current role

Of Counsel

Wiley Rein LLP

Washington, District of Columbia

Civil LitigationCommunications LawBusiness / Corporate ServicesAppellate LitigationFinance
Jan 2014–Present
Current role

Professorial Lecturer in Law

The George Washington University Law School

Washington, District of Columbia

Professor
Jan 2013–Jan 2013
Former role

Law clerk

U.S. District Court

(appointed)Pennsylvania Eastern District

Law ClerkResearchLegal Assistance

Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Cynthia M. Rufe, researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.

Representative matters

Experience

May 2025

Representing a provider of AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) solutions in M&A litigation concerning purchase-price adjustments under a stock purchase agreement. Representing a crypto mining business in commercial litigation arising out of the acquisition and construction of a HPC data center. Representing digital asset, cryptocurrency, and blockchain trade associations as amicus curiae in high-profile cases important to the industry. Representing a software developer in a lawsuit that sought to blame the company for financial losses at the hands of third parties who used its trading platform to engage in an alleged “pig butchering” scam involving cryptocurrency trading. Representing a telecommunications company in novel litigation arising out of the use of robocalling and AI deepfake technology in political elections. Representing a telecommunications company in False Claims Act litigation concerning Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum auction fraud. Representing telecommunications companies in litigation and regulatory proceedings involving the deployment of broadband infrastructure, wireless facility siting, joint use, and pole attachment issues. Representing a television broadcasting company in antitrust litigation with respect to retransmission consent fees. Representing a mutual bank in litigation to defend against a hostile takeover attempt. Representing corporations, officers, and directors in investigations and enforcement actions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and other regulators for insider trading, securities fraud, and defense procurement fraud. Representing issuers, underwriters, and accountants in private securities class action litigation under Rule 10b-5 and provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, Exchange Act of 1934, and other U.S. securities laws and regulations.

Publications & speeches

DOJ Disbands Crypto Enforcement Unit

Wiley.law

April 2025

In a significant shift in enforcement strategy, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), effective immediately. According to the April 7 memo announcing the decision, “[t]he Justice Department will no longer pursue litigation or enforcement actions that have the effect of superimposing regulatory frameworks on digital assets while President Trump’s actual regulators do this work outside the punitive criminal justice framework.”

Link

President Trump’s Crypto Czar Outlines Federal Government’s New Approach to Digital Assets

Wiley.law

February 2025

On February 4, President Trump’s Crypto Czar, David Sacks, held a press conference on Capitol Hill to discuss the new Administration’s plans for cryptocurrency regulation. Sacks was joined by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), and House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR).

Link

U.S. Leadership in Crypto, Digital Assets, and Blockchain Technology Among Trump’s Week 1 Executive Orders

Wiley.law

January 2025

After years of regulatory uncertainty, the highly anticipated federal government changes in support of digital assets are beginning to take shape under President Trump. This week brought two big announcements – an Executive Order and the creation of a new Crypto Task Force by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Through these developments, the crypto industry is getting a preview of coming attractions but will have to wait a little longer for the main event. That’s because both the Executive Order and the SEC’s Crypto Task Force simply establish a process for creating clearer rules and regulations with respect to digital assets and blockchain technology.

Link

Crypto & Consumer Protection: Insights from a Former FTC Official

Wiley.law

October 2024

In this episode of the CryptoCounsel, hosts Josh and Frank speak with Duane Pozza, a partner in Wiley's FTC Regulation and Privacy, Cyber & Data Governance practices and a former assistant director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Together they explore the latest trends in crypto enforcement, the role of the FTC, and the evolving landscape of consumer protection in the digital age. From the rise of meme coins to the complexities of Bitcoin ATM scams, Duane shares important insights and advice for navigating the intricacies of this expanding area of regulation.

Link

From Court to Code: Smart Contracts and Arbitration

Wiley Connect

September 2024

In this episode of the CryptoCounsel, hosts Josh and Frank delve into smart contracts, blockchain, and cross-border disputes. They explain how blockchain technology can execute contract terms automatically, which enhances efficiency and prevents disputes. They also discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating this technology into legal and commercial practices, including revolutionary dispute resolution through “on-chain” arbitration. From the New York Convention to innovative platforms like Kleros, this episode offers cutting-edge insights for anyone curious about international disputes or the future of legal tech.

Link

Crypto Advocacy in Action: A Conversation with Coinbase's Nick Carden

Wiley.law — PODCAST

May 2025

In this episode, Frank welcomes two distinguished guests: Nick Carden, Associate General Counsel at Coinbase, and Michael Toner, Chair of Wiley's Election Law and Government Ethics Practice. Together, they discuss the rollercoaster political atmosphere surrounding crypto, including the challenges of "regulation by enforcement" under the previous administration and the proactive steps the industry has taken for clearer regulatory frameworks. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving intersection of crypto and politics!

Link

Welcome to CryptoCounsel 2.0!

Wiley.law — PODCAST

April 2025

In this episode, they break down the timeline of the Trump Administration's significant impact on the crypto landscape since taking office, highlighting key regulatory developments and implications for the industry. They also share insights from the 2025 DC Blockchain Summit, providing a download on what leading figures in the space see for the future of digital assets.

Link

Understanding European Crypto Regulation with Mike Romanenko

CryptoCounsel — PODCAST

February 2025

Join Josh and Frank as they delve into the complexities of European crypto regulation with special guest Mike Romanenko, Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder of Kyrrex. They discuss the implications of the MiCA Regulation for the global crypto market and how Kyrrex is navigating this space to simplify crypto access for users worldwide. Josh and Frank also discuss Josh’s upcoming role at the U.S. State Department and how the podcast’s future will remain in good hands with Frank. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of crypto law and regulation.

Link

Unveiling Crypto's Future with James Murphy, aka MetaLawMan

CryptoCounsel — PODCAST

January 2025

Join Josh and Frank as they sit down with James Murphy, aka Meta Law Man, as he shares his journey from TradFi securities litigator to becoming a leading voice in crypto. In this episode, James discusses how his exploration into Bitcoin led him to pivot his law practice toward the crypto ecosystem and spurred his interest in the sector's burgeoning regulatory landscape. He also shares insights for how the new Congress and the SEC should approach digital assets. Tune in for a conversation that covers the intersection of law, regulation, and the latest crypto developments moving into 2025.

Link

2024 Crypto Year in Review

CryptoCounsel — PODCAST

December 2024

Join Josh and Frank on this special year-end episode of CryptoCounsel as they take a look back at the most significant developments in crypto law and regulation in 2024. From Bitcoin's incredible surge past $100,000 to the SEC's enforcement actions, this episode covers it all. Discover the key legal battles, regulatory changes, and political shifts that shaped the crypto landscape this year. Plus, you won't want to miss our predictions for the future of crypto in 2025!

Link