CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Sept. 28, 2026
Executive Summary
Houlihan Lokey has appointed Chris McMillan as a Managing Director in its FinTech Group, based in Charlotte and focused on the digital assets sector. McMillan brings experience across M&A, capital markets and strategic advisory, including leadership roles at 3V Capital Partners and Credit Suisse. The appointment expands the firm’s FinTech capabilities as financial services companies incorporate blockchain technology into products and services.
Announcement Overview
Chris McMillan has joined Houlihan Lokey as Managing Director in the firm’s FinTech Group, where he will focus on digital assets from Charlotte. Most recently, McMillan founded 3V Capital Partners, advising technology companies across M&A, capital markets and strategic matters, with a focus on blockchain/digital assets, AI infrastructure and software. Previously, he served as Head of Blockchain and Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. Houlihan Lokey stated that his appointment adds digital assets expertise and relationships to a FinTech team of nearly 40 finance professionals covering the global financial technology sector.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Executive Appointment
- Announcing Entity: Houlihan Lokey, Inc.
- Announcement Date: September 28, 2026
- Dateline: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Appointee: Chris McMillan
- Position: Managing Director, FinTech Group
- Focus: Digital Assets
- Location: Charlotte
- Previous Firm: 3V Capital Partners
- Previous Role: Head of Blockchain and Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking, Credit Suisse
- Core Expertise: M&A, Capital Markets, Strategic Advisory
- FinTech Team: Nearly 40 finance professionals
- 2025 Ranking: No. 1 M&A Advisor for Global FinTech Transactions
- Ticker: NYSE: HLI
Chris McMillan Joins as Managing Director in Charlotte
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE), the global investment bank, announced that Chris McMillan has joined as a Managing Director in its FinTech Group.
Based in Charlotte, McMillan will focus on the digital assets sector.
His experience includes:
- M&A
- Capital markets
- Strategic advisory
- Blockchain and digital assets
- AI infrastructure
- Software
Most recently, McMillan founded 3V Capital Partners, a boutique advisory firm providing M&A, capital markets and strategic advisory services to technology companies. The firm focused on blockchain/digital assets, AI infrastructure and software.
Before founding 3V Capital Partners, McMillan served as Head of Blockchain and Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse.
Leadership Perspective
Alec Ellison, Global Head of Houlihan Lokey’s FinTech Group, said McMillan brings digital assets expertise and strategic advisory experience to the group.
“Chris brings a deep understanding of the digital assets ecosystem and a proven strategic advisory track record within this complex sector,”
Ellison added:
“His unique expertise and extensive relationships across the blockchain landscape will be invaluable as we continue to expand our FinTech capabilities and partner with our colleagues on the Financial Services banking team as traditional financial services firms incorporate blockchain technology into their products and services. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”
McMillan’s Perspective
Chris McMillan said he was joining Houlihan Lokey’s FinTech Group and highlighted the firm’s advisory approach and global platform.
“I am excited to join Houlihan Lokey’s highly respected FinTech Group,”
McMillan continued:
“The firm’s commitment to providing insightful, thoughtful advice and its exceptional global platform offer the perfect environment to help clients navigate strategic opportunities within the digital assets sector. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to drive continued growth and success for our clients.”
Houlihan Lokey’s FinTech Group
Houlihan Lokey stated that its FinTech Group builds on the firm’s technology and financial services expertise and reflects its commitment to the future of financial technology.
The group has nearly 40 finance professionals and covers the global financial technology sector, combining end-market expertise with dedicated senior-level financial professionals across FinTech verticals.
The firm stated that:
- The team covers the entire spectrum of the global financial technology sector.
- Its professionals bring deep end-market expertise.
- Dedicated senior-level financial professionals cover every FinTech vertical.
- The group works alongside the firm’s Financial Services banking team.
Houlihan Lokey also stated that PitchBook ranked the firm No. 1 M&A advisor for all global FinTech transactions in 2025.
The firm described FinTech as an innovative and fast-growing area of the broader technology landscape and stated that an industry shaped by innovation and change requires an advisor able to think ahead of the market and help advance clients’ visions.
About Houlihan Lokey
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE) is a global investment bank providing independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors and governments.
The firm stated that it combines industry expertise, international reach and a partnership approach across:
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Capital solutions
- Financial restructuring
- Financial advisory
- Valuation advisory
Houlihan Lokey stated that its transaction volumes provide data-driven perspectives designed to help clients address critical strategic and financial objectives. The firm operates globally and provides integrated advisory solutions across its areas of expertise.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit HL.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
