Frank Borger Gilligan

Based in Dickinson Wright's Nashville office, Frank Borger Gilligan is a distinguished member of the firm's Corporate, M&A, and Securities practice group. With deep knowledge of securities law and corporate transactions, Frank provides comprehensive counsel to clients navigating complex regulatory frameworks and strategic business initiatives.

Frank's securities practice encompasses the full spectrum of federal securities regulations, with particular strength in 1933 Securities Act and 1934 Exchange Act filings, Regulation A+ offerings, and private placement transactions. He regularly advises clients on public and private securities offerings, ensuring compliance with intricate regulatory requirements while maximizing capital-raising efficiency. His background includes structuring and executing private placements, managing SEC reporting obligations, and guiding companies through the complexities of federal securities compliance.

In the realm of regulatory compliance, Frank serves as trusted counsel to broker-dealers and investment advisers, providing strategic guidance on registration requirements, ongoing compliance obligations, and regulatory examinations. His background as Tennessee's former top securities regulator provides him with unique insights into regulatory expectations and enforcement priorities, enabling him to deliver practical, results-oriented advice to financial services clients.

Frank's mergers and acquisitions practice spans middle-market transactions across diverse industries, where he guides companies through every phase of the transaction lifecycle. From initial due diligence and deal structuring to negotiating definitive agreements and managing post-closing integration, he brings both technical skill and commercial acumen to complex business combinations. His work includes representing both strategic and financial buyers in acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures.

In private equity, Frank provides comprehensive legal support to private equity funds and their portfolio companies. He assists with fund formation, capital raising strategies, and investment transactions, while also advising on regulatory compliance matters specific to private fund advisers. His work encompasses both buy-side and sell-side representations in private equity transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, and exit strategies.

With his background as the former Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Securities Division, Frank brings extensive background in federal and state securities matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings. He has collaborated extensively with the Securities and Exchange Commission, FINRA, SIFMA, and various state and federal agencies, leveraging this regulatory background to anticipate challenges and develop proactive compliance strategies for his clients.

Frank's previous regulatory roles include serving as President-Elect of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), where he chaired NASAA's Broker-Dealer Committee and served as Vice-Chair of the FinTech Committee. During his tenure as Assistant Commissioner, he oversaw critical program areas including Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Registration, Securities Registration, and Enforcement. Prior to his regulatory appointments, Frank served as Director of Securities Enforcement and Fraud Investigations for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, where he led investigations into complex securities and insurance fraud matters.

Frank's legal career also includes roles as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Tennessee and Assistant District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both civil and criminal legal frameworks that enhances his ability to counsel clients on risk management and compliance strategies.