
Frank Borger Gilligan practices in the area of securities law and regulation, captive insurance, and government administrative and regulatory investigations. As the former top securities regulator for the State of Tennessee, Frank has extensive experience working on federal and state securities matters, including compliance, offerings and investigations. He has worked with the Securities and Exchange Commission, FINRA, SIFMA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and various state and federal agencies and brings this experience to assist clients in helping to understand and navigate complex securities laws and regulations.
Frank is also a part of Dickinson Wright’s captive insurance law practice group and a member of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association. As an attorney in the firm’s captives practice, he advises clients on the benefits of forming a captive, choosing a captive structure, selecting a domicile, best practices and implementation, and avoiding potential pitfalls.
He previously served as Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Securities Division and as President-Elect of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). As Assistant Commissioner, Frank oversaw the Division’s three major program areas: Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Registration; Securities Registration; and Enforcement.
Prior to being appointed Assistant Commissioner, Frank served as the Director of Securities Enforcement and Fraud Investigations for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. In that role, he led a team of skilled investigators who investigated suspected cases of insurance and securities fraud. As leader of this team, he successfully investigated hundreds of complaints ranging from technical violations to multi-million dollar frauds.
Frank also previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Tennessee an as Assistant District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia.
Frank is also a part of Dickinson Wright’s captive insurance law practice group and a member of the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association. As an attorney in the firm’s captives practice, he advises clients on the benefits of forming a captive, choosing a captive structure, selecting a domicile, best practices and implementation, and avoiding potential pitfalls.
He previously served as Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Securities Division and as President-Elect of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). As Assistant Commissioner, Frank oversaw the Division’s three major program areas: Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Registration; Securities Registration; and Enforcement.
Prior to being appointed Assistant Commissioner, Frank served as the Director of Securities Enforcement and Fraud Investigations for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. In that role, he led a team of skilled investigators who investigated suspected cases of insurance and securities fraud. As leader of this team, he successfully investigated hundreds of complaints ranging from technical violations to multi-million dollar frauds.
Frank also previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Tennessee an as Assistant District Attorney for the City of Philadelphia.
Education & Credentials
Education
Columbia College
B.A.DePaul University College of Law
J.D.Bar Admission
Professional Involvement
- President-Elect – North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) (2018-2019)
- Chair – NASAA Broker-Dealer Section Committee (2017-2018)
- Vice-Chair – NASAA FinTech Committee (2017-2019)
- Member – NASAA State Legislation Committee (2016-2018)
- Tennessee Bar Association
- Tennessee Captive Insurance Association
- Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville
- Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA)
Court Admissions
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- U.S. District Court – Middle District of Tennessee
- U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Tennessee
- U.S. District Court – Western District of Tennessee
Publications/Presentations
- Author, “SEC Provides Guidance to Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Regarding Examinations for Compliance with Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS”, Dickinson Wright Client Alert, April 2020
- Co-Author, “Dealing with Your Obligations to Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, April 2020
- Presenter, "Business Interruption Insurance, Captives, and Coronavirus," Dickinson Wright Webinar, April 2020
- Author, "SEC Issues Guidance Regarding Disclosure Obligations in Light of COVID-19," Dickinson Wright Client Alert, March 2020
- Panelist at the 2020 FactRight RIA Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona