Our Team – Blockade

President

Daniel Payne, Esq.

Daniel Payne serves as the President of Blockade, where he expertly guides crypto companies through the complex U.S. regulatory environment. His role extends to advising companies that merge traditional business models with blockchain and cryptocurrency, covering areas such as compliance, securities law, and international operations. Daniel also advises Node Governance, a Swiss company focused on decentralizing blockchain governance. Previously, he led the FinTech & Blockchain Practice Group at Murphy & McGonigle, handling a diverse range of crypto-related legal matters. A 2009 graduate of the University of Richmond Law School and a John Marshall Scholar, Daniel's career is distinguished by his significant contributions to both the crypto industry and financial services sector.

Mr. Payne has developed an expertise in advising crypto companies in the myriad issues they face in the current unsettled U.S. regulatory environment.

As President of Blockade United, Mr. Payne currently serves as counsel and strategic advisor to a family of companies with traditional business models (debit cards, telehealth, physical security, etc.) that incorporate blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in order to decentralize control and provide opportunities for the public to help disrupt industry. Mr. Payne’s work is incredibly varied, including advising on the potential application of the securities laws to business operations, creating a compliance framework, drafting and revising contracts, setting up overseas operations, and performing diligence to assist with recruiting as well as mergers and acquisition opportunities.

Mr. Payne also serves as advisor to Node Governance, a Swiss company dedicated to helping crypto companies decentralize governance of their blockchains and digital assets.

In his previous role as a shareholder and leader of Murphy & McGonigle’s FinTech & Blockchain Practice Group, Mr. Payne had a diverse range of crypto clients. He assisted a large public company in developing a security token offering along with a platform for trading the securities. He also advised numerous companies on securities law risks associated with distributing, issuing, selling, or otherwise relying on cryptocurrencies and NFTs in various business models. Apart from his crypto practice, he also assisted financial services firms and public companies facing civil litigation and regulatory enforcement matters, as well as counseling clients on compliance with industry regulations.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Payne defended mortgage originators and RMBS sponsors in litigation and government investigation spawned by the 2008 financial crisis. The team had numerous important wins, including the dismissal of monoline bond insurer plaintiffs from a $1.8 billion lawsuit, favorable settlements, and protection of sensitive client information in discovery.

Mr. Payne is a 2009 graduate of the University of Richmond Law School, where he was a John Marshall Scholar.

Attorney

Nandy Millette, Esq.

Nandy Millette is an accomplished FinTech attorney at Blockade, specializing in Blockchain, Web 3, cryptocurrency, and U.S. securities law. Nandy's rich educational background in finance and law, including a BSc. in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and a JD from Cornell Law School, equips her with a deep understanding of the financial and legal intricacies of digital finance. Her professional journey includes pivotal roles in financial analysis at KPMG, JMMB GroupTT, and EY, as well as legal expertise gained at Linklaters LLP and Fenwick & West. Nandy's focus is on navigating the complexities of blockchain and digital assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering innovative financial solutions.

Chief Compliance Officer

Cathryn H. Bonar

Cathryn Bonar, a distinguished Chief Compliance Officer, skillfully leads the compliance division at Blockade United. Her extensive experience, spanning both private and public sectors across a variety of industries, has equipped her with a deep understanding of Web3 and Digital Asset compliance. Recognized for her proficiency in creating and implementing comprehensive compliance protocols, Cathryn is pivotal in navigating the intricate world of digital currencies and blockchain technology. In addition to her leadership role, she has significantly contributed to the blockchain community by developing specialized compliance courses tailored for startups. These educational initiatives demonstrate her commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and legal integrity in the blockchain space, further solidifying her position as an invaluable asset to the industry and aiding emerging companies in adhering to regulatory standards.

Attorney

Jacob Fordham, Esq.

Jake Fordham is a key legal advisor at Blockade, specializing in assisting blockchain and Web3 startups. With a strong legal background, Jake adeptly handles litigation matters, leveraging his rich experience in the field. Prior to joining Blockade, he served as the Assistant Attorney General for the state of Utah, where he honed his legal acumen in a variety of complex cases. His career also includes valuable experience as a law clerk for the U.S. Attorney's Office, further solidifying his expertise in legal analysis and litigation. At Blockade, Jake continues to apply his extensive legal knowledge to guide and protect innovative blockchain ventures.

Attorney

John Madsen, Esq.

Jon Madsen is a skilled corporate attorney and intellectual property expert, with a strong focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency. He has a rich history in providing strategic legal counsel and brand protection for both private and publicly traded companies in regulated industries. His expertise includes IP portfolio management, patent drafting, trademark protection, and litigation support, alongside developing global brand protection strategies. Jon's experience extends to drafting commercial agreements, managing litigation, and ensuring legal compliance. He actively contributes as the Brigham Young University Law Alumni Chapter President and as a Soccer Coach for the Northern Utah County Soccer Association. Jon previously chaired committees with the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)

Jon Madsen is a skilled corporate attorney and intellectual property expert, with a strong focus on blockchain and cryptocurrency. He has a rich history in providing strategic legal counsel and brand protection for both private and publicly traded companies in regulated industries. His expertise includes IP portfolio management, patent drafting, trademark protection, and litigation support, alongside developing global brand protection strategies. Jon's experience extends to drafting commercial agreements, managing litigation, and ensuring legal compliance. He actively contributes to the community as the Brigham Young University Law Alumni Chapter President and as a Soccer Coach for the Northern Utah County Soccer Association. Jon previously chaired committees with the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)

Skillful corporate attorney, intellectual property expert and blockchain/crypto enthusiast, with a demonstrated history of providing high quality legal counsel and brand protection assurance to both private and publicly traded companies in highly regulated industries, offering solutions to executive-level and upper management on a variety of legal matters. Constantly striving to effectively expand practice capabilities and synergize with others to engender a general culture of brand protection and product security worldwide.

Substantial experience in IP portfolio management, patent drafting and prosecution, trademark procurance and protection, litigation support, strategic IP implementation, and defining global brand protection strategies, while executing corporate priorities, driving profitability by implementing goal-oriented processes to achieve productivity targets and revenue goals. Ready to act, preparing and delivering technically accurate and legally sound work product for brand protection, intellectual property leverage, value chain integrity, risk mitigating practices, and growth objectives.

Paralegal

Rebecca Gallacher

Rebecca Gallacher, a multi-faceted professional with a Paralegal Degree (1997) and a recent BA in Business Administration focusing on Management and Marketing (2023), brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 15 years in the insurance industry as a Premium Insurance Auditor and Carrier Manager, and a recent pivot into the dynamic world of crypto and digital assets, she has demonstrated adaptability and depth in her expertise. Serving as a Notary Public in Utah and fluent in Spanish, Rebecca’s diverse skill set and bilingual proficiency make her a valuable asset in the evolving landscapes of law and business.

Rebecca Gallacher, a multi-faceted professional with a Paralegal Degree (1997) and a recent BA in Business Administration focusing on Management and Marketing (2023), brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 15 years in the insurance industry as a Premium Insurance Auditor and Carrier Manager, and her a pivot into the dynamic world of crypto and digital assets, she has demonstrated adaptability and depth in her expertise. Serving as a Notary Public in Utah and fluent in Spanish, Rebecca’s diverse skill set and bilingual proficiency make her a valuable asset in the evolving landscapes of law and business.