Digital Assets, Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies

Handled a litigation matter before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas for a cryptocurrency software developer based in the European Union in 2020. Involved claims by a licensee alleging various intellectual property and other related claims against our client. Defeated a TRO motion, and the plaintiff dismissed the complaint voluntarily a day before a scheduled hearing on our motion to dismiss.

Advised a major European payment platform regarding the launch of its payment product for online gaming in the United States. A critical part of the client’s expansion plans in the United States, the successful launch involved advice in multiple regulatory areas. Served as chief U.S. regulatory counsel for the program.

Advised a major U.S. cryptocurrency wallet and exchange on compliance with state licensing laws and federal anti-money-laundering laws. Continued to provide updated advice as laws and regulations developed in this quickly changing area.

Assisted with the launch of cryptocurrency exchanges in the European Union and United States. Provided regulatory guidance in establishing a P2P payments platform, which was a major critical step in the growth of the client's business plan. Served as chief regulatory and contract counsel for the entire project.

Advised a leading commodity digitization and registry service on the launch of one of the world's first gold-backed stable coins with the gold held by a government-guaranteed custodian, The Perth Mint (wholly owned by the government of Western Australia). Regulatory treatment of cryptographic tokens is complex and not yet well-settled in Australia. Stable tokens, and their trading on global markets, create additional layers of complexity. Leveraged our hands-on, practical knowledge of financial services regulation to develop a token structure for the client that provided a simple compliant solution to these regulatory challenges. The structure needed to satisfy not just our client and its shareholders, but also The Perth Mint and other counterparties. Enabled the client to launch the token on schedule, with much international media attention.

Advised on a new prepaid card program for a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange platform seeking to accelerate the world’s transition to cryptocurrency. Enabled the client to launch in the United States and marked a huge step forward for the client in its goal of accelerating the world’s acceptance of cryptocurrency conversion.

Provided regulatory compliance and licensing advice to a P2P mobile payments platform with integrated cryptocurrency capabilities. Collaborated with client on various product features to ensure proper regulatory treatment and licensing compliance. Advised on anti-money-laundering obligations with respect to its payment services.

Represented a cryptocurrency exchange in relation to the Australian regulatory implications of its bitcoin exchange, including Australian AML laws, licensing requirements, and establishing a retail cryptocurrency fund.

Represented a blockchain technology company focused on the advertising and social data space in the structuring of its digital asset token offering for up to US$100 million on OfferBoard. Advised regarding the conversion of the offering to convertible notes (convertible into digital asset tokens or preferred equity of the company) and conversion of notes offering into a joint venture with Smartificial Research and Technology as part of the Smartificial Marketplace Network focused on decentralized R&D for artificial intelligence and blockchain business solutions.