Fintech

OVERVIEW

The rapid rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies since 2015, coupled with the potential applications of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies across a number of industries, has generated a wave of innovation and new business opportunities for fintech entrepreneurs. At the same time, regulatory authorities at the local, state and federal levels, have created a number of rules or task forces in an attempt to regulate this new technology.

Our team has been one of the first firms directly involved with some of the key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict goals between the government and the laws they have created (or attempted to create) and the fintech entrepreneurs and startups. We are uniquely qualified to manage the challenges specific to this evolving industry.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Our cryptocurrency litigation experience involving the New York BitLicense, along with our understanding of the regulatory issues, tax law implications, and policy implications, uniquely positions us to help clients with their litigation and dispute resolution efforts with commercial parties, such as exchanges, or regulators.

Government Affairs

Our team has extensive experience advocating on behalf of individuals, corporations, and institutions. We are here to help develop and implement communication strategies focused on defending business innovation and to help you navigate the complex and fluid legal and regulatory environments surrounding cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets in the U.S.

Our team can devise and execute effective issue campaigns, organize meaningful constituent meetings, and leverage traditional media and social media to mobilize public support. We are able to align our clients with like-minded organizations to amplify their efforts. Our strong understanding of administrative law and process can assist clients with rulemaking, contracting, and enforcement issues.

RECENT Matters

Since 2017, we have represented a small New York business owner in his legal challenge of the New York’s “Virtual Currency” regulation (also commonly referred to as the BitLicense), which is aimed at regulating Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency businesses in New York.

Since 2018, we have represented the same client in challenging, through multiple lobbying activities, the Uniform Law Commission against a model act attempting to replicate the New York “Virtual Currency” regulation. Through a multiple jurisdiction lobbying effort, our client was successful in stopping the adoption of the model act across the states which considered its adoption.

We advised an international fintech firm in its plans to launch an “Initial Coin Offering” across multiple countries, including the design of strong carve-out rules for the United States.

We were counsel to the Bitcoin Foundation between 2017 and 2019 across a range of matters, including the defense of criminal matters, as well as lobbying efforts at the federal and state levels to promote the adoption of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA Appearances