Michael Tow
About Michael Tow
Michael Tow serves as the Assistant General Counsel, Commercial at FINRA, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive legal experience, including previous roles at Tydings & Rosenberg LLP, Shift4 Payments, Merchant Link, and MICROS Systems Inc.
Current Role at FINRA
Michael Tow serves as the Assistant General Counsel, Commercial at FINRA since 2020. In this role, he is responsible for providing legal guidance related to commercial matters within the organization. His experience includes navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Tow's position at FINRA allows him to leverage his extensive legal background to support the organization’s mission of protecting investors and ensuring market integrity.
Previous Experience at Tydings & Rosenberg LLP
Before joining FINRA, Michael Tow worked as an Associate at Tydings & Rosenberg LLP from 1994 to 1999. During his five years at the firm in Baltimore, Maryland, he developed foundational legal skills and gained experience in various areas of law. This early career stage prepared him for subsequent roles in corporate legal environments.
Educational Background
Michael Tow holds a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Virginia School of Law. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics from The Wharton School. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in both legal principles and economic theory, which supports his work in corporate law and compliance.
Professional Memberships
Michael Tow has been a member of the American Corporate Counsel Association (ACC) since 2003. This membership reflects his commitment to staying current with developments in corporate law and networking with other legal professionals. The ACC provides resources and support for corporate counsel, enhancing Tow's professional development in the legal field.
Legal Expertise and Compliance Management
Throughout his career, Michael Tow has handled compliance with legal and industry standards related to data privacy, data security, and payments. He has also managed domestic and international mergers and acquisitions, demonstrating his expertise in corporate transactions and regulatory compliance. His experience in these areas contributes to his effectiveness in his current role at FINRA.