Key topics - Osborne Clarke

Blockchain

Blockchain is emerging as a candidate for one of the major disruptive technologies of our time, with the potential to transform a huge number of industry sectors in the near future.

While many will have heard of blockchain, not everyone may appreciate fully the extent of its applications, its (current) practical limitations, or the unique legal challenges that it poses.

We focus on these issues and offer our insights into some of the potential uses for and issues associated with blockchain, distributed ledger technology and crypto-currencies. You can also read our overview of blockchain as a concept.

Article list

Blockchain

Singapore's regulators set pace for blockchain and fintech 'ecosystem' advances

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is leading a regulatory race to put the city-state at the vanguard of digital change

17/10/2024

Read time 12m

Financial Services

New bill and case law clarify path forward for digital assets in the UK

Recognition of digital assets as personal property comes crucially as investors' court claims test the edges of the law

08/10/2024

Read time 5m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | 19 April 2024

UK authorised funds rules amends and tokenisation progress, and EU marketing, disclosure and investment rules updates

19/04/2024

Read time 3m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech, digital assets, payments and consumer credit | UK Regulatory Outlook February 2024

BoE and HM Treasury respond to consultation on case for digital pound | ESMA consults on draft guidelines under MiCA

28/02/2024

Read time 4m

IT and data

DORA – New EU cybersecurity law for Crypto

Crypto-assets are digital in their nature, but in many ways resemble traditional assets. In line with the EU's Regulation on...

31/01/2024

Read time 5m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech Digital Assets Payments Consumer Credit | UK Regulatory Outlook January 2024

Reforms to the financial promotions regime | Designation of critical third parties to the financial sector | Regulatory work on...

11/01/2024

Read time 8m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | December 2023

Greenwashing, SDR, sustainability finance framework, fund disclosure rules and more

12/12/2023

Read time 7m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | 16 November 2023

Venture Capital Investment Compact, FSCS coverage for LTAFs, and funds tokenisation

16/11/2023

Read time 2m

Financial Services

New rules on marketing cryptoassets in the UK suffer teething issues

Regulator warns firms on compliance, flags common problems with crypto financial promotions, and issues guidance

03/11/2023

Read time 3m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech, Digital Assets, Payments and Consumer Credit | UK Regulatory Outlook October 2023

New rules on marketing cryptoassets to UK consumers now in force | Payment service contract termination rule changes | FCA...

31/10/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

What is the impact of the recast EU Transfer of Funds Regulation on crypto-assets transfers?

The recast regulation extends the application of the Travel Rule to transfers of crypto-assets in a significant step in the...

26/10/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

What are the EU's white paper requirements in MiCAR and do they apply to Bitcoin?

The ground-breaking Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation will apply across the EU, but what will its impact be on established crypto-assets?

04/10/2023

Read time 12m

Sanctions, ownership and related issues

UK OFSI issues first 'disclosure notice' censuring sanctions breach

Decision provides guidance on compliance as Financial Conduct Authority issues its own sanctions-compliance findings

19/09/2023

Read time 4m

Commercial

Electronic Trade Documents Act paves way for digitalised trade in the UK

A new era of paperless international trade could enhance the UK economy by £1bn over the next decade, says government

12/09/2023

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Singapore’s central bank finalises regulatory approach to stablecoins

The regulations target issuers and intermediaries in Singapore and systemic stablecoin arrangement entities

31/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Cryptocurrency tokens: should they be treated as a 'security' based on manner of sale?

A Singapore view on XRP and LUNA-UST tokens following two US judgments on Securities and Exchange Commission cases

14/08/2023

Read time 8m

Financial Services

Singapore proposes regulation for digital payment token services

Asset segregation, lending and staking, and incentive restrictions are the main reforms raised in a recent MAS paper

07/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Exploring the EU MiCAR crypto-asset transfer service

The new EU rules specify 10 crypto-asset services and our MiCAR 'deep dive' series opens with a look at transfer...

07/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Law Commission report positions UK as a centre for digital asset disputes

Long-awaited paper identifies the strength of English common law in addressing legal issues arising from digital assets

14/07/2023

Read time 5m

Blockchain

What are the implications of the EU Data Act for smart contract operators?

EU policymakers finalise long-anticipated new data rules that have far-reaching significance for smart contracts

07/07/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

Marketing cryptoassets in the UK? Prepare for new rules this autumn

The UK regulator has confirmed near-final rules governing how firms can promote cryptoassets from 8 October 2023

28/06/2023

Read time 4m

Tax

HMRC consults on proposals to change the tax treatment of lending and staking tokens in the UK

Changing the tax treatment of decentralised finance lending and staking of cryptoassets could bring welcome certainty for VC and PE...

15/06/2023

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Defending claims against crypto exchanges in English law: the surprising benefit of turning up

High Court decision raises hurdle for crypto-fraud victims when tracing into the pooled assets of 'bona fide' exchanges

24/05/2023

Read time 6m

Banking and finance

MiCAR – the final scope of a long expected (future-proof) framework at Union level for crypto

Is MiCAR fit for the digital age?

15/05/2023

Read time 16m

Banking and finance

EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation establishing regulatory framework is approved

Yesterday, the European Parliament approved the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, setting new game-changing rules for the cryptocurrency industry

21/04/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

UK government moves to regulate promotion of cryptoassets

Marketing of in-scope digital assets will be subject to restriction long familiar to wider financial services sector

30/03/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Financial Conduct Authority lays down clear priorities for UK payments sector

UK financial services regulator warns of 'unacceptable risk' that some payments firms pose to customers and the financial system's stability

23/03/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

New rules on advertisements for virtual currencies in Belgium

Reforms coming into force in May will provide a new legal framework for cryptocurrency ads to protect Belgian consumers

21/03/2023

Read time 4m

Employment and pensions

Is there a role for cryptoassets in the future of employee remuneration in the UK?

As regulators contend with cryptoassets, their role as a form of remuneration may develop – though there are considerable legal...

23/02/2023

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Blockchain in Singapore 2023: where are we now?

Collaborative projects and regulatory developments in Singapore indicate an appetite for innovation in digital assets

17/02/2023

Read time 8m

Financial Services

UK government publishes consultation on future financial services regulation of cryptoassets

Consultation paper sets out preliminary thinking of FCA and Treasury

09/02/2023

Read time 2m

Future-proofing supply chains

How to protect against counterfeit goods in distressed supply chains

A clear and robust IP strategy can help to fight the recent proliferation of infringements across international trade

09/01/2023

Read time 6m

The Built Environment

A look ahead for UK real estate in 2023

The new year will be a busy one – including the implementation of new regimes for overseas ownership of UK...

06/01/2023

Read time 16m

Financial Services

Crypto crisis begs the question in the UK: brave new world, same old problems?

Volatility and failures that hark back to the credit crunch may drive crypto regulation to protect financial stability

08/12/2022

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: the way forward

What is needed to bring tokenisation mainstream? The final article in this series offers a route map for implementation

05/12/2022

Read time 8m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: what are the barriers?

To succeed, tokenisation must win investor trust and comply with land law's formalities and financial regulation's rigour

05/12/2022

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: an untapped opportunity

What is tokenisation and what significant potential benefits could it offer?

05/12/2022

Read time 5m

Financial Services

VC Focus | 10 digital token 'must knows' for international venture capital

What should VCs know about investing in tokens and what could safeguard the ability to invest in them in the...

08/11/2022

Read time 9m

Blockchain

What is the Ethereum 'Merge' and how will it make blockchain greener?

'The Merge' will significantly decarbonise the infrastructure for many blockchain applications, such as crypto assets, NFTs and DeFi systems

13/09/2022

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Law Commission launches digital assets consultation

UK businesses involved in crypto-token transactions have an opportunity to shape the future regulation of crypto-assets

26/08/2022

Read time 3m

Sanctions, ownership and related issues

New sanctions reporting obligation on crypto-asset exchanges and custodian wallet providers

New regulations increasing the obligations to report under the UK financial sanctions regime are likely to impose significant burdens on...

20/07/2022

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Political agreement reached on the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation

New regulatory framework for crypto expected to come into force in 2024 – with implications for issuers and service providers...

15/07/2022

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Should blockchain's decentralised autonomous organisations be regulated or unregulated?

Crypto 'community in action' clubs are raising legal issues around regulation, liability, tax optimisation and contract

07/07/2022

Read time 3m

Corporate

Crypto and blockchain in M&A: how to address issues around volatility, validity and valuation

The value of crypto-funded deals has doubled over the last couple of years, but there are specific challenges for parties...

30/06/2022

Read time 8m

Tech, Media and Comms

Blockchain in the metaverse: what international regulatory challenges lie ahead?

A metaverse unleashed by blockchain technology raises big questions for digital, financial and data regulators the world over

21/04/2022

Read time 7m

Financial Services

The EU steps up the debate on a proposed regime for crypto-asset markets

What are the objectives of the recently adopted MiCA text and how does it promote market competitiveness?

13/04/2022

Read time 7m

Blockchain

Retail central bank digital currencies: are they inevitable if the metaverse is inescapable?

What are the chief characteristics of CBDCs and their talking points in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and India?

03/03/2022

Read time 7m

Digitalisation

Not everyone's cup of NFT

Are NFTs a type of property and what fraud and security risks arise from their technical implementation?

11/02/2022

Read time 6m

Urban Dynamics

Future living: How proptech is transforming home buying

Increased technology usage since the pandemic began has fundamentally altered the residential transaction process

25/01/2022

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Law Commission concludes English law supports smart contracts

Businesses can take comfort that smart contract technology can create legally binding agreements, but should be aware of remaining areas...

18/01/2022

Read time 6m

Digitalisation

Digitalisation | Five legal and regulatory predictions for 2022

As another year gets underway, and digitalisation continues to transform businesses across all sectors, we offer five predictions for tech...

07/01/2022

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Singapore cautiously weighs up the future of blockchain

As the world gets to grips with blockchain, what regulatory and industry developments have come with its take up in...

05/01/2022

Read time 12m

Blockchain

Report on the UK's blockchain landscape confirms London as global hub

The Big Innovation Centre highlights the strength and breadth of UK's blockchain ecosystem in its new report

19/11/2021

Read time 3m

Blockchain

What are the legal issues around NFTs?

Our international blockchain, technology, data, intellectual property and finreg specialists discuss the legal issues raised by the growing commercial activity...

14/10/2021

Read time 6m

Tech, Media and Comms

Metaverse Report

A joint Osborne Clarke and Newzoo report on the games industry's early embrace of the metaverse and the legal issues...

12/10/2021

Read time 2m

Financial Services

Cryptoexchange ordered to reveal account holder information linked to multi-million cryptocurrency fraud

Decision confirms English courts' willingness to assist victims of crypto-asset fraud in recovering their property

31/08/2021

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Why not all blockchain has a heavy carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been making headlines recently. We explain what drives their energy consumption...

14/05/2021

Read time 4m

Employment and pensions

Can pension schemes invest in cryptocurrencies?

The recent increase in Bitcoin's price has renewed interest in cryptocurrencies, but what legal issues should trustees consider before investing?

07/05/2021

Read time 4m

Blockchain

UKJT consults on new Digital Dispute Resolution Rules for FinTechs

The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce (UKJT) has proposed a new, faster and more flexible approach to dispute resolution tailored for disputes...

25/03/2021

Read time 5m

Commercial

Cryptoassets case law homes in on location, location, location!

Slowly but surely the English courts are defining the legal status of cryptocurrencies by confirming the rights that go with...

25/02/2021

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Blockchain and its role in the fight against Covid

With the ability to provide a secure and reliable record of vaccine delivery, the technology is set to play a...

23/02/2021

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Importance of stablecoins in the future – which problems could stablecoins solve?

28/07/2020

Read time 1m

The Built Environment

Real estate and blockchain: the transformative potential

The ledger technology promises to transform the way that real estate projects are run, our Paris-based experts argue in an...

12/06/2020

Read time 3m

Digital transformation

World Economic Forum releases benchmark Blockchain Deployment Toolkit

15/05/2020

Read time 2m

Digital transformation

Cryptoassets and smart contracts | What is their legal status under English law?

Innovators and investors in blockchain-based business models can take comfort from a recent analysis that cryptoassets can be a form...

13/12/2019

Read time 10m

Blockchain

Blockchain and IoT: secure future or regulatory minefield?

18/10/2019

Read time 13m

Workforce Solutions

What are the key Digital Transformation issues for Recruitment and Workforce Solutions companies?

26/09/2019

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Retrospective: Blockchance

22/08/2019

Read time 1m

Tech, Media and Comms

Legal status of cryptoassets, distributed ledger technology and smart contracts| Consultation on what needs clarifying

29/05/2019

Read time 3m

Financial Services

FCA consultation on Cryptoassets brings welcome clarity on extent of regulatory perimeter

16/05/2019

Read time 5m

Financial Services

What will MLD5 mean for the regulation of Cryptoassets?

16/05/2019

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Will blockchain drive the evolution of cognitive supply chains?

13/05/2019

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Law Commission hits pause on smart contracts project, making way for LawTech Delivery Panel

The Law Society's LawTech Delivery Panel will be taking the lead role in investigating the role and regulation of smart...

01/04/2019

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Why blockchain matters to your business | Insights into the growth of private blockchains

15/03/2019

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Singapore Today – Payment Services Act: new Laws on cryptocurrencies and other digital payment tokens

The Payment Services Act (PSA) was passed by Parliament on 14 January 2019 and is projected to come into operation...

13/03/2019

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Blockchain and GDPR: beyond the right to be forgotten

In September 2018, the French data protection authority (CNIL) issued a report considering Blockchain technology from a personal data protection...

26/11/2018

Read time 5m

Tax

Taxation of cryptocurrencies in Europe: an overview

17/09/2018

Read time 9m

Blockchain

The Digital Revolution: Blockchain – the legal issues

Blockchain is already presenting new opportunities for businesses in a range of sectors - but how will it be regulated?

13/09/2018

Read time 1m

Blockchain

The Digital Revolution: How blockchain works

Blockchain is emerging as a candidate for one of the major disruptive technologies of our time – but what is...

22/08/2018

Read time 1m

Financial Services

The other side of the (bit)coin: the prudential treatment of crypto-assets

Much has been written on the topic of crypto-asset regulation from an issuer / intermediary perspective - is the crypto...

25/07/2018

Read time 3m

Blockchain

English law and smart contracts: primed and ready?

25/07/2018

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Decrypting blockchain: stepping back from crypto

29/05/2018

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Hong Kong Regulators take action against cryptocurrency exchanges

05/03/2018

Read time 1m

Blockchain

UK lawmakers' inquiry into digital currency seeks balance between protecting consumers and stifling innovation

23/02/2018

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Planning for the revolution | Is blockchain going to disrupt the property planning process?

01/02/2018

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Blockchain in the financial services sector: what's on the regulator's agenda?

03/01/2018

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Blockchain in finance: what are the most promising uses?

23/11/2017

Read time 7m

Blockchain and identity: a solution without a problem?

02/11/2017

Read time 3m

Initial Coin Offerings | the current state of a rapidly changing market

10/10/2017

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Blockchain and land registries: records of the future?

28/09/2017

Read time 4m

Initial Coin Offerings - the tension between innovation and regulation in Singapore

12/09/2017

Read time 2m

Initial Coin Offerings: the legal implications

12/09/2017

Read time 5m

Blockchain and invoice finance: an early benefit analysis

01/09/2017

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Can blockchain technology improve online gambling transparency?

01/09/2017

Read time 7m

Sing a song of blockchain: will it replace collecting societies?

01/09/2017

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Beyond Bitcoin: why blockchain matters to your business

11/08/2017

Read time 1m

Blockchain

An introduction to Blockchain: the key legal issues

11/08/2017

Read time 8m

Blockchain technology – an early regulatory assessment

17/02/2017

Read time 3m

Defending both creators and the public: will AI and the blockchain transform IP management?

13/09/2016

Read time 5m

Blockchain technologies

27/04/2016

Read time 2m

View all insights

Blockchain

Singapore's regulators set pace for blockchain and fintech 'ecosystem' advances

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is leading a regulatory race to put the city-state at the vanguard of digital change

17/10/2024

Read time 12m

Financial Services

New bill and case law clarify path forward for digital assets in the UK

Recognition of digital assets as personal property comes crucially as investors' court claims test the edges of the law

08/10/2024

Read time 5m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | 19 April 2024

UK authorised funds rules amends and tokenisation progress, and EU marketing, disclosure and investment rules updates

19/04/2024

Read time 3m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech, digital assets, payments and consumer credit | UK Regulatory Outlook February 2024

BoE and HM Treasury respond to consultation on case for digital pound | ESMA consults on draft guidelines under MiCA

28/02/2024

Read time 4m

IT and data

DORA – New EU cybersecurity law for Crypto

Crypto-assets are digital in their nature, but in many ways resemble traditional assets. In line with the EU's Regulation on...

31/01/2024

Read time 5m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech Digital Assets Payments Consumer Credit | UK Regulatory Outlook January 2024

Reforms to the financial promotions regime | Designation of critical third parties to the financial sector | Regulatory work on...

11/01/2024

Read time 8m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | December 2023

Greenwashing, SDR, sustainability finance framework, fund disclosure rules and more

12/12/2023

Read time 7m

Financial Services

International Funds Legal Update | 16 November 2023

Venture Capital Investment Compact, FSCS coverage for LTAFs, and funds tokenisation

16/11/2023

Read time 2m

Financial Services

New rules on marketing cryptoassets in the UK suffer teething issues

Regulator warns firms on compliance, flags common problems with crypto financial promotions, and issues guidance

03/11/2023

Read time 3m

Regulatory Outlook

Fintech, Digital Assets, Payments and Consumer Credit | UK Regulatory Outlook October 2023

New rules on marketing cryptoassets to UK consumers now in force | Payment service contract termination rule changes | FCA...

31/10/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

What is the impact of the recast EU Transfer of Funds Regulation on crypto-assets transfers?

The recast regulation extends the application of the Travel Rule to transfers of crypto-assets in a significant step in the...

26/10/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

What are the EU's white paper requirements in MiCAR and do they apply to Bitcoin?

The ground-breaking Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation will apply across the EU, but what will its impact be on established crypto-assets?

04/10/2023

Read time 12m

Sanctions, ownership and related issues

UK OFSI issues first 'disclosure notice' censuring sanctions breach

Decision provides guidance on compliance as Financial Conduct Authority issues its own sanctions-compliance findings

19/09/2023

Read time 4m

Commercial

Electronic Trade Documents Act paves way for digitalised trade in the UK

A new era of paperless international trade could enhance the UK economy by £1bn over the next decade, says government

12/09/2023

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Singapore’s central bank finalises regulatory approach to stablecoins

The regulations target issuers and intermediaries in Singapore and systemic stablecoin arrangement entities

31/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Cryptocurrency tokens: should they be treated as a 'security' based on manner of sale?

A Singapore view on XRP and LUNA-UST tokens following two US judgments on Securities and Exchange Commission cases

14/08/2023

Read time 8m

Financial Services

Singapore proposes regulation for digital payment token services

Asset segregation, lending and staking, and incentive restrictions are the main reforms raised in a recent MAS paper

07/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Exploring the EU MiCAR crypto-asset transfer service

The new EU rules specify 10 crypto-asset services and our MiCAR 'deep dive' series opens with a look at transfer...

07/08/2023

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Law Commission report positions UK as a centre for digital asset disputes

Long-awaited paper identifies the strength of English common law in addressing legal issues arising from digital assets

14/07/2023

Read time 5m

Blockchain

What are the implications of the EU Data Act for smart contract operators?

EU policymakers finalise long-anticipated new data rules that have far-reaching significance for smart contracts

07/07/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

Marketing cryptoassets in the UK? Prepare for new rules this autumn

The UK regulator has confirmed near-final rules governing how firms can promote cryptoassets from 8 October 2023

28/06/2023

Read time 4m

Tax

HMRC consults on proposals to change the tax treatment of lending and staking tokens in the UK

Changing the tax treatment of decentralised finance lending and staking of cryptoassets could bring welcome certainty for VC and PE...

15/06/2023

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Defending claims against crypto exchanges in English law: the surprising benefit of turning up

High Court decision raises hurdle for crypto-fraud victims when tracing into the pooled assets of 'bona fide' exchanges

24/05/2023

Read time 6m

Banking and finance

MiCAR – the final scope of a long expected (future-proof) framework at Union level for crypto

Is MiCAR fit for the digital age?

15/05/2023

Read time 16m

Banking and finance

EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation establishing regulatory framework is approved

Yesterday, the European Parliament approved the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, setting new game-changing rules for the cryptocurrency industry

21/04/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

UK government moves to regulate promotion of cryptoassets

Marketing of in-scope digital assets will be subject to restriction long familiar to wider financial services sector

30/03/2023

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Financial Conduct Authority lays down clear priorities for UK payments sector

UK financial services regulator warns of 'unacceptable risk' that some payments firms pose to customers and the financial system's stability

23/03/2023

Read time 4m

Financial Services

New rules on advertisements for virtual currencies in Belgium

Reforms coming into force in May will provide a new legal framework for cryptocurrency ads to protect Belgian consumers

21/03/2023

Read time 4m

Employment and pensions

Is there a role for cryptoassets in the future of employee remuneration in the UK?

As regulators contend with cryptoassets, their role as a form of remuneration may develop – though there are considerable legal...

23/02/2023

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Blockchain in Singapore 2023: where are we now?

Collaborative projects and regulatory developments in Singapore indicate an appetite for innovation in digital assets

17/02/2023

Read time 8m

Financial Services

UK government publishes consultation on future financial services regulation of cryptoassets

Consultation paper sets out preliminary thinking of FCA and Treasury

09/02/2023

Read time 2m

Future-proofing supply chains

How to protect against counterfeit goods in distressed supply chains

A clear and robust IP strategy can help to fight the recent proliferation of infringements across international trade

09/01/2023

Read time 6m

The Built Environment

A look ahead for UK real estate in 2023

The new year will be a busy one – including the implementation of new regimes for overseas ownership of UK...

06/01/2023

Read time 16m

Financial Services

Crypto crisis begs the question in the UK: brave new world, same old problems?

Volatility and failures that hark back to the credit crunch may drive crypto regulation to protect financial stability

08/12/2022

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: the way forward

What is needed to bring tokenisation mainstream? The final article in this series offers a route map for implementation

05/12/2022

Read time 8m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: what are the barriers?

To succeed, tokenisation must win investor trust and comply with land law's formalities and financial regulation's rigour

05/12/2022

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Tokenisation of real estate: an untapped opportunity

What is tokenisation and what significant potential benefits could it offer?

05/12/2022

Read time 5m

Financial Services

VC Focus | 10 digital token 'must knows' for international venture capital

What should VCs know about investing in tokens and what could safeguard the ability to invest in them in the...

08/11/2022

Read time 9m

Blockchain

What is the Ethereum 'Merge' and how will it make blockchain greener?

'The Merge' will significantly decarbonise the infrastructure for many blockchain applications, such as crypto assets, NFTs and DeFi systems

13/09/2022

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Law Commission launches digital assets consultation

UK businesses involved in crypto-token transactions have an opportunity to shape the future regulation of crypto-assets

26/08/2022

Read time 3m

Sanctions, ownership and related issues

New sanctions reporting obligation on crypto-asset exchanges and custodian wallet providers

New regulations increasing the obligations to report under the UK financial sanctions regime are likely to impose significant burdens on...

20/07/2022

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Political agreement reached on the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation

New regulatory framework for crypto expected to come into force in 2024 – with implications for issuers and service providers...

15/07/2022

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Should blockchain's decentralised autonomous organisations be regulated or unregulated?

Crypto 'community in action' clubs are raising legal issues around regulation, liability, tax optimisation and contract

07/07/2022

Read time 3m

Corporate

Crypto and blockchain in M&A: how to address issues around volatility, validity and valuation

The value of crypto-funded deals has doubled over the last couple of years, but there are specific challenges for parties...

30/06/2022

Read time 8m

Tech, Media and Comms

Blockchain in the metaverse: what international regulatory challenges lie ahead?

A metaverse unleashed by blockchain technology raises big questions for digital, financial and data regulators the world over

21/04/2022

Read time 7m

Financial Services

The EU steps up the debate on a proposed regime for crypto-asset markets

What are the objectives of the recently adopted MiCA text and how does it promote market competitiveness?

13/04/2022

Read time 7m

Blockchain

Retail central bank digital currencies: are they inevitable if the metaverse is inescapable?

What are the chief characteristics of CBDCs and their talking points in Singapore, Hong Kong, China and India?

03/03/2022

Read time 7m

Digitalisation

Not everyone's cup of NFT

Are NFTs a type of property and what fraud and security risks arise from their technical implementation?

11/02/2022

Read time 6m

Urban Dynamics

Future living: How proptech is transforming home buying

Increased technology usage since the pandemic began has fundamentally altered the residential transaction process

25/01/2022

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Law Commission concludes English law supports smart contracts

Businesses can take comfort that smart contract technology can create legally binding agreements, but should be aware of remaining areas...

18/01/2022

Read time 6m

Digitalisation

Digitalisation | Five legal and regulatory predictions for 2022

As another year gets underway, and digitalisation continues to transform businesses across all sectors, we offer five predictions for tech...

07/01/2022

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Singapore cautiously weighs up the future of blockchain

As the world gets to grips with blockchain, what regulatory and industry developments have come with its take up in...

05/01/2022

Read time 12m

Blockchain

Report on the UK's blockchain landscape confirms London as global hub

The Big Innovation Centre highlights the strength and breadth of UK's blockchain ecosystem in its new report

19/11/2021

Read time 3m

Blockchain

What are the legal issues around NFTs?

Our international blockchain, technology, data, intellectual property and finreg specialists discuss the legal issues raised by the growing commercial activity...

14/10/2021

Read time 6m

Tech, Media and Comms

Metaverse Report

A joint Osborne Clarke and Newzoo report on the games industry's early embrace of the metaverse and the legal issues...

12/10/2021

Read time 2m

Financial Services

Cryptoexchange ordered to reveal account holder information linked to multi-million cryptocurrency fraud

Decision confirms English courts' willingness to assist victims of crypto-asset fraud in recovering their property

31/08/2021

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Why not all blockchain has a heavy carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been making headlines recently. We explain what drives their energy consumption...

14/05/2021

Read time 4m

Employment and pensions

Can pension schemes invest in cryptocurrencies?

The recent increase in Bitcoin's price has renewed interest in cryptocurrencies, but what legal issues should trustees consider before investing?

07/05/2021

Read time 4m

Blockchain

UKJT consults on new Digital Dispute Resolution Rules for FinTechs

The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce (UKJT) has proposed a new, faster and more flexible approach to dispute resolution tailored for disputes...

25/03/2021

Read time 5m

Commercial

Cryptoassets case law homes in on location, location, location!

Slowly but surely the English courts are defining the legal status of cryptocurrencies by confirming the rights that go with...

25/02/2021

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Blockchain and its role in the fight against Covid

With the ability to provide a secure and reliable record of vaccine delivery, the technology is set to play a...

23/02/2021

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Importance of stablecoins in the future – which problems could stablecoins solve?

28/07/2020

Read time 1m

The Built Environment

Real estate and blockchain: the transformative potential

The ledger technology promises to transform the way that real estate projects are run, our Paris-based experts argue in an...

12/06/2020

Read time 3m

Digital transformation

World Economic Forum releases benchmark Blockchain Deployment Toolkit

15/05/2020

Read time 2m

Digital transformation

Cryptoassets and smart contracts | What is their legal status under English law?

Innovators and investors in blockchain-based business models can take comfort from a recent analysis that cryptoassets can be a form...

13/12/2019

Read time 10m

Blockchain

Blockchain and IoT: secure future or regulatory minefield?

18/10/2019

Read time 13m

Workforce Solutions

What are the key Digital Transformation issues for Recruitment and Workforce Solutions companies?

26/09/2019

Read time 3m

Financial Services

Retrospective: Blockchance

22/08/2019

Read time 1m

Tech, Media and Comms

Legal status of cryptoassets, distributed ledger technology and smart contracts| Consultation on what needs clarifying

29/05/2019

Read time 3m

Financial Services

FCA consultation on Cryptoassets brings welcome clarity on extent of regulatory perimeter

16/05/2019

Read time 5m

Financial Services

What will MLD5 mean for the regulation of Cryptoassets?

16/05/2019

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Will blockchain drive the evolution of cognitive supply chains?

13/05/2019

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Law Commission hits pause on smart contracts project, making way for LawTech Delivery Panel

The Law Society's LawTech Delivery Panel will be taking the lead role in investigating the role and regulation of smart...

01/04/2019

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Why blockchain matters to your business | Insights into the growth of private blockchains

15/03/2019

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Singapore Today – Payment Services Act: new Laws on cryptocurrencies and other digital payment tokens

The Payment Services Act (PSA) was passed by Parliament on 14 January 2019 and is projected to come into operation...

13/03/2019

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Blockchain and GDPR: beyond the right to be forgotten

In September 2018, the French data protection authority (CNIL) issued a report considering Blockchain technology from a personal data protection...

26/11/2018

Read time 5m

Tax

Taxation of cryptocurrencies in Europe: an overview

17/09/2018

Read time 9m

Blockchain

The Digital Revolution: Blockchain – the legal issues

Blockchain is already presenting new opportunities for businesses in a range of sectors - but how will it be regulated?

13/09/2018

Read time 1m

Blockchain

The Digital Revolution: How blockchain works

Blockchain is emerging as a candidate for one of the major disruptive technologies of our time – but what is...

22/08/2018

Read time 1m

Financial Services

The other side of the (bit)coin: the prudential treatment of crypto-assets

Much has been written on the topic of crypto-asset regulation from an issuer / intermediary perspective - is the crypto...

25/07/2018

Read time 3m

Blockchain

English law and smart contracts: primed and ready?

25/07/2018

Read time 3m

Blockchain

Decrypting blockchain: stepping back from crypto

29/05/2018

Read time 6m

Blockchain

Hong Kong Regulators take action against cryptocurrency exchanges

05/03/2018

Read time 1m

Blockchain

UK lawmakers' inquiry into digital currency seeks balance between protecting consumers and stifling innovation

23/02/2018

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Planning for the revolution | Is blockchain going to disrupt the property planning process?

01/02/2018

Read time 4m

Blockchain

Blockchain in the financial services sector: what's on the regulator's agenda?

03/01/2018

Read time 5m

Blockchain

Can blockchain technology improve online gambling transparency?

01/09/2017

Read time 7m

Sing a song of blockchain: will it replace collecting societies?

01/09/2017

Read time 2m

Blockchain

Beyond Bitcoin: why blockchain matters to your business

11/08/2017

Read time 1m

Blockchain

View all insights

Tanja Aschenbeck, LL.M. (San Francisco)

Partner, Fachanwältin für Steuerrecht, Germany

+49 221 5108 4104 Email Tanja Full biog

Mark Taylor

Partner, Head of Digitalisation, UK

+44 20 7105 7640 Email Mark Full biog

Xavier Pican

Partner, IP/ IT, France

+33 1 84 82 45 88 Email Xavier Full biog

Johannes de Jong

Co-Managing Partner, Lawyer, The Netherlands

+31 207 02 86 78 Email Johannes Full biog

Dr Tobias Rothkegel

Partner, Germany

+49 40 55436 4090 Email Tobias Full biog

Steve Wilson

Managing Partner, US

+1 917 545 3672 Email Steve Full biog

Benjamin Docquir

Partner, Belgium

+32 2 515 93 36 Email Benjamin Full biog

Rafael García del Poyo

Partner, Spain

+34 91 576 44 76 Email Rafael Full biog

Gianluigi Marino

Partner, Head of Digitalisation, Italy

+39 02 5413 1769 Email Gianluigi Full biog

Jan Herrmann

Counsel, Germany

+49 221 5108 4104 Email Jan Full biog

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