The Regional Bond Dealers Association announced today it has retained the services of Nixon Peabody, a globally recognized law firm with extensive experience in taxable, as well as tax-exempt, securities issues. Nixon Peabody will partner with the RBDA in numerous areas, including developing legislative and regulatory strategy and proposals. “The RBDA is very happy to be working with Nixon Peabody,” commented Mike Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer of the RBDA. “This will immediately enhance our ability to represent our growing membership, as well as increase our impact in Washington, D.C.” The RBDA will work particularly closely with attorneys Gary Bornholdt and Mitchell Rapaport. Both have extensive experience in tax related issues with regard to public finance having held senior positions at the Internal Revenue Service before joining Nixon Peabody. Mr. Bornholdt has also served as legislative counsel to the Joint Committee on Taxation. Mr. Rapaport is nationally recognized for his experience in the tax aspects of public finance transactions, particularly with respect to public power. The RBDA also expects to hire a government relations consultant and policy analyst in the near future. The Association has expanded from 14 founding members last year to 32 member firms currently and requires additional staff and resources to meet the needs of its growing membership. The Regional Bond Dealers Association, with 32 member firms, is the only U.S. organization that exclusively represents securities dealers primarily focused on the U.S. fixed income markets.
