Rebecca Fike

Rebecca, a Chambers-ranked lawyer in Reed Smith’s Regulatory & Investigations Group, leverages her extensive experience to help clients successfully navigate complex investigations and SEC enforcement and compliance matters. Drawing on nearly a decade as Senior Counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Rebecca brings a unique, insider’s understanding of the SEC, which enables her to effectively guide clients through the complexities of today’s ever-changing regulatory environment.

While at the SEC, Rebecca conducted numerous investigations (often parallel to investigations by the Department of Justice and other civil and criminal agencies) and instituted over a dozen Commission actions. During her tenure, she led three national “Top 5” priority investigations. Her outstanding investigative work earned her the SEC’s Annual Enforcement Director’s Award and the inaugural Performance Incentive Bonus, recognizing her “extraordinary and rare level of performance that significantly surpasses the requirements of the job.”

Clients trust Rebecca to guide them through the challenges of today’s dynamic regulatory landscape and work constructively with SEC staff while vigorously protecting their interests. Since returning to private practice, Rebecca has successfully represented both public and private companies in SEC matters brought by the Division of Enforcement and the Division of Examinations, skillfully steering clients through investigations to case closures, favorable Wells notice outcomes, and advantageous settlements. She has also conducted internal investigations for audit and special committees in response to whistleblower complaints or other reports with potential SEC ramifications. Additionally, Rebecca regularly advises corporate clients on enforcement risks related to business transactions and other scenarios, enabling them to take proactive steps to avoid enforcement actions. Through her strategic counsel and practical insights, Rebecca helps clients resolve regulatory challenges and achieve their business objectives.

Rebecca also has extensive knowledge of regulatory and enforcement issues affecting blockchain-based platforms, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets. She has led numerous compliance projects for crypto companies seeking to navigate FinCEN and SEC regulatory issues.

Rebecca is recognized as a leader in government investigations by top legal directories. She is listed in Chambers USA in the area of White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations Litigation, with clients remarking that “she is spectacular and has a really good read in the SEC office.” Clients also commend her for her “in-depth knowledge of securities and her ability to handle complex investigations on behalf of clients,” as well as praise her for “really [knowing] how to effectively guide her clients in this space.”

She is also recognized as a thought leader on SEC issues. Rebecca is regularly quoted in major publications such as Forbes, Politico, Bloomberg Law, Reuters, Law360, Private Equity Law Report, and The Texas Lawbook. She is a sought-after speaker and author on SEC topics, was named a Top Author in White Collar Defense by JD Supra in 2023, and is a frequent guest on CNBC and other news outlets.