Eversheds Sutherland Welcomes Nora Flood as US Capital Markets and Investments Counsel in Washington, DC, Bolstering Derivatives Regulatory Capabilities

Based in the firm’s Washington, DC office, Ms. Flood has an extensive track record in derivatives regulation and policy.  Her arrival further strengthens the firm’s long-standing team advising clients on the full spectrum of derivatives regulatory and transactional matters.

Across various senior legal roles at the CFTC, Ms. Flood oversaw the analysis of novel and complex legal questions regarding the regulatory framework for derivatives, helping provide regulatory clarity in emerging areas. She also played a key role in developing and implementing agency rule sets, including those addressing the registration and oversight of derivatives exchanges and the listing of derivatives products for trading.

Drawing on this experience, Ms. Flood will support clients in responding to regulatory developments and addressing complex compliance and market structure issues in the derivatives space. She will advise on matters arising under the Commodity Exchange Act and related regulatory regimes, particularly in connection with derivatives and structured products, trading and exchange matters, and emerging issues involving prediction markets and digital assets. Her practice will help clients use derivatives strategically to support their business needs and objectives.

“Nora’s experience at the CFTC gives her a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and market developments affecting derivatives. Her background will help clients navigate evolving regulatory expectations and assess new opportunities in these areas,” said Partner and Head of US Capital Markets and Investments Cynthia Krus. “Her experience working with a broad range of stakeholders — including other federal and foreign regulatory authorities and legislative staff — will also be valuable as clients assess and plan for the legal and policy developments shaping financial markets."

During her more than 12 years at the CFTC, Ms. Flood provided counsel to the Division of Market Oversight on a broad range of complex matters, including those involving innovative derivative products and trading structures. Ms. Flood also served as counsel and policy advisor to a CFTC Commissioner and as counsel in the CFTC’s Office of the General Counsel, where she focused on legislative and intergovernmental matters, including digital asset-related legislation.

Prior to her government career, Ms. Flood also gained experience as in-house counsel at financial services institutions and in private practice at two major corporate law firms. 

Ms. Flood is the second counsel to join the Capital Markets and Investments group in 2026, following the May arrival of Brandon Hill.