Houlihan Lokey Bolsters FinTech Group with Digital Assets MD, Enhancing M&A and Capital Raising

Houlihan Lokey has appointed Chris McMillan as Managing Director to its FinTech Group, significantly bolstering its digital assets advisory capabilities. This strategic hire enhances the firm's expertise in M&A, capital raising, and strategic guidance for clients navigating the evolving digital assets sector.

Rafael Montoya

September 29, 2026 · 4 min read

Houlihan Lokey, the global investment bank, has strategically expanded its digital assets advisory capabilities with the appointment of Chris McMillan as a Managing Director in its FinTech Group. Announced on September 28, 2026, this move is set to significantly enhance the firm's offerings in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital markets, and strategic advisory within the rapidly evolving digital assets sector.

McMillan, who will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, brings extensive experience in blockchain, digital assets, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. His appointment signals Houlihan Lokey's commitment to addressing the increasing intersection of blockchain technology with traditional financial services, providing specialized guidance for corporate clients navigating this complex landscape and reinforcing the firm's competitive position.

Houlihan Lokey Bolsters FinTech with Digital Assets MD Appointment

Houlihan Lokey officially announced on September 28, 2026, that Chris McMillan has joined its FinTech Group as a Managing Director, with a dedicated focus on the digital assets sector. This appointment is a direct effort to strengthen the firm's advisory capabilities in a market where financial institutions are actively exploring the integration of blockchain technology into their products and services, according to reports from FinTech Global and citybiz.

McMillan's role will involve advising companies on M&A, capital markets transactions, and broader strategic matters within digital assets. He will work collaboratively across Houlihan Lokey’s FinTech and Financial Services banking teams, aiming to provide clients with comprehensive guidance on opportunities emerging in this specialized area, particularly as blockchain technology increasingly intersects with traditional financial services, creating new advisory opportunities in digital asset infrastructure, payments, and other technology-enabled financial products.

McMillan's Expertise: A Deep Dive into Blockchain, AI, and Capital Markets

Chris McMillan's background is deeply rooted in the digital assets ecosystem and advanced technology advisory. Before joining Houlihan Lokey, he founded 3V Capital Partners, a boutique advisory firm that specialized in M&A, capital markets, and strategic advisory for technology companies. His work at 3V Capital Partners focused specifically on blockchain, digital assets, AI infrastructure, and software, as detailed in a Business Wire press release distributed via Morningstar and Yahoo Finance.

Prior to establishing 3V Capital, McMillan held significant leadership roles at Credit Suisse, where he served as Head of Blockchain and Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking. This extensive experience has provided him with a deep understanding of the digital assets landscape and a proven track record in strategic advisory within this complex sector. Alec Ellison, Global Head of Houlihan Lokey’s FinTech Group, affirmed that McMillan brings a "deep understanding of the digital assets ecosystem and a proven strategic advisory track record within this complex sector."

How McMillan's Expertise Elevates Houlihan Lokey's Digital Assets Advisory

C-suite executives and institutional investors can quickly grasp the specific areas of enhanced advisory and strategic value Houlihan Lokey now offers in the digital assets space.

Subject	Dimension	Finding
Chris McMillan	McMillan's Expertise (Blockchain, AI, M&A, Capital Markets)	McMillan brings deep understanding of the digital assets ecosystem, with prior experience founding 3V Capital Partners focused on blockchain/digital assets and AI infrastructure, and serving as Head of Blockchain at Credit Suisse. His expertise spans M&A, capital markets, and strategic advisory within these technology sectors.
Houlihan Lokey	Houlihan Lokey's Existing Capabilities	Houlihan Lokey is a global investment bank with an established FinTech Group offering M&A, capital solutions, and strategic advisory services. The firm has been actively expanding its FinTech advisory capabilities.
Corporate Clients	Enhanced Client Services	Clients will benefit from strengthened advisory capabilities in digital assets, blockchain, and AI infrastructure, particularly for M&A, capital raising, and strategic matters. This enhancement is expected to provide specialized guidance for navigating complex digital asset transactions.
Houlihan Lokey	Strategic Market Position	The appointment reinforces Houlihan Lokey's competitive position in the evolving digital assets advisory market, especially at the intersection of blockchain and traditional financial services. This move is intended to meet the increasing demand for expertise in this complex sector.