Conversations Under the Basswood Tree
Bringing you the latest updates and analysis of important legal developments in corporate and tax. Our podcast delves into discussions around complex laws and regulations, tackles challenging scenarios, and provides insights to help you understand and navigate the ever-changing legal and commercial landscape.
Episode 9: The AI + AML Dilemma: What Crypto Adoption Really Means for Compliance
Rudo Mugwagwa and compliance professional Abbie McMillan continue their conversation on the fast-evolving world of digital assets, exploring how emerging technologies, shifting investor trends, and new regulatory measures are redefining compliance expectations for financial institutions and investment funds.
In this episode, they explore the next frontier of compliance — the realities of AML in a world where crypto adoption and stablecoins are no longer speculative, but part of the financial system. The conversation dives into how this shift is reshaping compliance expectations for fund managers, institutions, and regulators, as new tools race to catch up to the risks — redefining how illicit activity is traced and prevented.
Host: Rudo Mugwagwa
Rudo specializes in corporate practice, focusing on investment funds across offshore and onshore jurisdictions. Her expertise enables her to develop strategies and navigate complex legal matters for clients.
Guest: Abbie McMillan
Abbie brings over 17 years of expertise in financial services and digital assets, specializing in the intersection of regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and emerging technology. She has worked across diverse sectors including trust companies, insurance firms, investment funds, VASPs, digital exchanges, and Web3 applications, giving her a uniquely broad and practical perspective on risk management. Abbie has held senior regulatory positions such as AMLCO, MLRO, and DMLRO, where she led complex investigations and developed frameworks to meet FATCA and CRS obligations. She is highly regarded for her ability to translate complex regulations into clear, actionable processes that organizations can implement effectively. Her consulting work focuses on integrating advanced analytical tools with jurisdiction-specific compliance needs, ensuring both technical precision and regulatory alignment. Through this combination of hands-on leadership and technical insight, Abbie has established herself as a trusted authority in compliance for both centralized and decentralized environments.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 8: The AI Dilemma in AML: Game-Changer or a Governance Minefield?
AI is reshaping the way financial institutions approach anti-money laundering (AML) compliance — but with every opportunity comes new risks.
In this episode, Rudo Mugwagwa and compliance professional Abbie McMillan dive into how AI is being applied in the financial sector, from investment funds to digital asset platforms. They examine how emerging technologies are reshaping compliance programs, reveal where AI delivers real value, and explain why overreliance on it could expose institutions to significant risk.
Whether you’re a fund manager, advisor, or business leader, this episode provides timely insights to help financial institutions stay alert to the risks — and prepared to seize the opportunities — that AI brings to AML compliance.
Host: Rudo Mugwagwa
Rudo specializes in corporate practice, focusing on investment funds across offshore and onshore jurisdictions. Her expertise enables her to develop strategies and navigate complex legal matters for clients.
Guest: Abbie McMillan
Abbie brings over 17 years of expertise in financial services and digital assets, specializing in the intersection of regulatory compliance, operational integrity, and emerging technology. She has worked across diverse sectors including trust companies, insurance firms, investment funds, VASPs, digital exchanges, and Web3 applications, giving her a uniquely broad and practical perspective on risk management. Abbie has held senior regulatory positions such as AMLCO, MLRO, and DMLRO, where she led complex investigations and developed frameworks to meet FATCA and CRS obligations. She is highly regarded for her ability to translate complex regulations into clear, actionable processes that organizations can implement effectively. Her consulting work focuses on integrating advanced analytical tools with jurisdiction-specific compliance needs, ensuring both technical precision and regulatory alignment. Through this combination of hands-on leadership and technical insight, Abbie has established herself as a trusted authority in compliance for both centralized and decentralized environments.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 7: Playing Catch-up: America's Regulatory Sprint for Crypto Leadership
Can the U.S. effectively balance innovation with investor protection in crypto?
Jephte Lanthia and Rudo Mugwagwa explore the GENIUS Act, shifting SEC priorities, and the roles of key agencies such as the SEC and CFTC in shaping crypto regulation. They break down what the new rules mean for businesses, investors, and fintech industry.
This episode is a must-listen for investment managers, advisors, fund administrators, business leaders, and investors looking to navigate today’s rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
Host: Jephte Lanthia
Jephte Lanthia advises on corporate and securities, fintech, and compliance, assisting fund managers with investments, securities offerings, broker-dealer regulation, and industry compliance matters.
Host: Rudo Mugwagwa
Rudo specializes in corporate practice, focusing on investment funds across offshore and onshore jurisdictions. Her expertise enables her to develop strategies and navigate complex legal matters for clients.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 6: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Individuals
From expanded deductions and extended rate cuts to new credits and planning strategies, Gina Lee, Renee Tiun, and Chris Klug walk us through what individuals and families need to know under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Tune in for a discussion on the most significant changes—and gain practical insights to help navigate tax planning under the new law.
Host: Gina Lee
Gina Lee is your trusted guide for U.S. tax law, corporate compliance, and estate planning, providing personalized, strategic counsel to help achieve your financial and personal goals with confidence.
Host: Renee Tiun
Renee, a foreign-trained attorney at Basswood Counsel, specializes in taxation, corporate law, and estate matters, bringing over a decade of experience from Malaysia and a client-focused approach.
Host: Chris Klug
Chris is a trusted attorney with extensive experience in taxation, corporate planning, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning. He guides clients through complex tax matters to deliver practical solutions.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 5: How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Businesses
In this episode, Chris Klug and Gina Lee break down how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant changes for U.S. businesses. From expanded business tax deductions to updated compliance rules, they discuss what companies need to know to stay ahead. Tune in for insights on business tax planning under the OBBBA.
Host: Chris Klug
Chris is a trusted attorney with extensive experience in taxation, corporate planning, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning. He guides clients through complex tax matters to deliver practical solutions.
Host: Gina Lee
Gina Lee is your trusted guide for U.S. tax law, corporate compliance, and estate planning, providing personalized, strategic counsel to help achieve your financial and personal goals with confidence.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 4: Building Your M&A Team
Hazvinei Mugwagwa examines the critical role of preparation and planning in achieving a successful M&A transaction. He emphasizes how assembling the right advisors—from legal counsel to accountants and financial professionals—can significantly influence deal execution and outcomes. This episode explores why early-stage decisions, from letters of intent to confidentiality agreements, often determine the ultimate success or failure of a transaction.
Host: Hazvinei Mugwagwa
Hazvinei approaches deal-making and transactions like soccer, valuing teamwork and achieving success when every participant brings their best effort to deliver optimal outcomes on and off the field.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 3: US Exit Tax, Covered Expatriates, and Planning Ahead: A Legal and Tax Perspective
Gina Lee and Christopher Klug break down the U.S. Exit Tax and what it means for citizens and long-term green card holders considering expatriation. They walk through the key tests that determine “covered expatriate” status, the mechanics of the mark-to-market regime, and strategies for mitigating unintended tax consequences. Whether you’re planning your exit or advising someone who is, this episode offers essential insights on managing high-stakes tax decisions with long-term implications.
Host: Gina Lee
Gina Lee is your trusted guide for U.S. tax law, corporate compliance, and estate planning, providing personalized, strategic counsel to help achieve your financial and personal goals with confidence.
Host: Chris Klug
Chris is a trusted attorney with extensive experience in taxation, corporate planning, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning. He guides clients through complex tax matters to deliver practical and client-centric solutions.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 2: Basswood Counsel Discusses New SEC Chairman
On April 21, 2025, Paul S. Atkins was sworn into office as the 34th Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Basswood Counsel attorneys Jephte Lanthia and Haz Mugwagwa sat down to discuss the current regulatory landscape for market participants, including investors, the crypto industry, the IPO market, and private funds, and what to expect under the Atkins chairmanship.
Host: Jephte Lanthia
Jephte Lanthia advises on corporate and securities, fintech, and compliance, assisting fund managers with investments, securities offerings, broker-dealer regulation, and industry compliance matters.
Host: Hazvinei Mugwagwa
Hazvinei approaches deal-making and transactions like soccer, valuing teamwork and achieving success when every participant brings their best effort to deliver optimal outcomes on and off the field.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.
Episode 1: AI & Corporate Governance
Good governance is about being intentional in establishing an effective organization, pulling together various components and resources to complete tasks and monitoring their progress to make adjustments. Implementing or adopting AI is no different from any other strategic undertaking, so it should be on the Board’s agenda.
Hazvinei Mugwagwa and special guest, Jeffrey Goddard discuss AI and corporate governance in the premiere episode of Under the Basswood Tree Podcast.
Host: Hazvinei Mugwagwa
Hazvinei approaches deal-making and transactions like soccer, valuing teamwork and achieving success when every participant brings their best effort to deliver optimal outcomes on and off the field.
Host: Jeffrey Goddard
Jeffrey Goddard is a corporate governance specialist with experience at Goldman Sachs, State Street, and as a managing director in corporate services. He also held roles in tourism, focusing on strategy and marketing.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney–client relationship. For advice on your specific situation, please reach out to the Basswood Counsel team or consult a qualified attorney.