Akshay N. Belani

Akshay N. Belani focuses his practice on the application of derivatives in trading, structured products and capital markets. He represents hedge funds, banks, institutional investors, broker-dealers and other financial institutions in all aspects of their futures, derivatives and commodities trading. Akshay has a breadth of experience in futures, derivatives and commodities laws, as well as regulations affecting both buy- and sell-side market participants.

Akshay is actively involved in the development of standardized documentation in the OTC and cleared derivatives markets and regularly advises clients on issues related to Dodd-Frank derivatives reform. He is also a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to the global derivatives market structure, with an emphasis on Dodd-Frank.

Akshay also participates in pro bono matters and is active in the Start Small Think Big Clinic and has handled matters for organizations such as Kids in Need of Defense, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

• Capital Markets / Securities / Debt Finance
• Commodities / Derivatives / Energy
• Corporate
• Corporate Counseling

• The Legal 500 United States, Recommended, Finance: Structured finance: derivatives and structured products
• Law360, Member, Practice Group of the Year, Asset Management

• Member, American Bar Association, Committee on Futures and Derivatives Law
• Member, New York State Bar Association, Business Law Section
• Member, New York City Bar Association, Committee on Futures and Derivatives Regulation
• Member, New York International Law Review

• Moderator, “Alternative Family Office Investment Strategies and Opportunities,” Stroock’s Second Annual Family Office Symposium, November 13, 2019

• Co-author, "SEC Expansion of Definitions of Accredited Investor and Qualified Institutional Buyer; Effective Date December 8, 2020," Stroock Client Alert, October 13, 2020
• Co-author, “COVID-19 Risks for Over-the-Counter Derivatives Markets,” Law360, March 20, 2020
• Author, “INSIGHT: Understanding New NFA Swaps Proficiency Requirements,” Bloomberg Law, March 13, 2020
• Author, “The Possible Impact of COVID-19 on the OTC Derivatives Markets,” Stroock Special Bulletin, March 6, 2020
• Co-author, “Upcoming NFA Rule Changes and Swaps Proficiency Requirements,” Stroock Special Bulletin, November 25, 2019

New York

J.D., St. John's University School of Law, 2004

B.A., Tufts University, 1998