Cryptoassets

We have worked at the forefront of emerging areas of cryptoasset regulation, advising cryptoasset and fintech firms providing innovative digital asset services, including stablecoins, NFTs and other cryptoassets.

Our experts combine a strong technical understanding of the underlying technology with practical experience of its implementation in financial services and NFT-related products.

Influence

We have been actively involved in the development of regulatory regimes in the UK, the EU and a number of other jurisdictions. Our lawyers participate in several international crypto forums and currently contribute to the development of guidelines relating to the Travel Rule.

Origins

Our involvement in the crypto space dates back to predecessor technologies such as public key cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and their early implementations in financial services, including DigiCash, Mondex and other initial attempts to create digital bearer instruments.

Advocacy

We have extensive experience in applying financial services regulation to novel and innovative services, and we continue to engage with the regulatory treatment of cryptoassets across financial crime, prudential and conduct of business frameworks. We are also committed to a risk-based and proportionate approach to the regulatory perimeter, including advocating for the exclusion of most NFTs from financial services regulation.

At the EU level, we advise on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), including key provisions relating to the prudential framework for e-money and asset-referenced tokens, the NFT exclusion and the treatment of significant service providers. We have supported MiCA authorisations in multiple EU jurisdictions, advising clients on authorisation applications, engagement with competent authorities, and the implementation of governance, prudential and conduct requirements under the MiCA regime.

In the UK, we have advised firms on FCA registrations and are currently supporting a number of businesses in preparation for the FCA cryptoasset gateway opening on 30 September 2026.