Judith  Rinearson Bryan Cave LLP, New York Judith Rinearson is a recognized authority in the areas of payment systems, electronic payments, stored value, travelers checks and check processing. She has more than 18 years experience in the financial services industry, particularly in the areas of non-bank money services and payment products. Prior to her tenure with another New York law firm, Ms. Rinearson was group counsel for the American Express Global Travelers Cheque and Prepaid Service Group for more than 10 years. Under her legal guidance, American Express launched a range of stored value cards and products, including phone cards, gift cards, mall cards and expense management cards. Her experience also encompasses smart cards, "virtual" and RFID (radio frequency ID) products. Ms. Rinearson is a frequent lecturer on the subject of stored value regulation and has published numerous articles. In January 2004, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Payment Cards Center invited her to present a workshop on the regulation of prepaid payment products. In January 2005 she co-chaired a two-day conference on Payment Systems sponsored by the American Conference Institute. Her knowledge of stored value regulation includes laws governing state abandoned property, anti-money laundering, consumer protection as well as state licensing. On the international level, Ms. Rinearson has supervised the launch of prepaid cards, met with international regulators and spoken on the issue of stored value regulation. Ms. Rinearson also has advised the publishing industry (as primary legal counsel for American Express Publishing) as well as those in advertising and the foreign exchange business. Her experience in drafting, negotiating and structuring complex contractual relationships ranges from overseas outsourcing contracts to major promotional sponsorships to the establishment of joint ventures, both in the U.S. and internationally. From 1989 to 1992, while based in Sydney, Australia, Ms. Rinearson served as chief counsel for American Express’ businesses in Australia, New Zealand and in the South Pacific. Prior to joining American Express, she practiced law in New York City handling primarily commercial and banking litigation. Ms. Rinearson is a graduate of New York University, J.D., 1981 and Smith College, B.A., 1975.