Blockchain dispute resolution: a better alternative for the decentralised world?

Reading Time: 5 minutesWith the recent judgment by the Singapore International Commercial Court on the wrongful reversal of Bitcoin and Ethereum trades by a centralised exchange operator[1], we are beginning to see blockchain technology slowly creeping into traditional dispute resolution. That dispute, however, was only capable of being adjudicated through traditional legal means because the relevant transactions occurred […]

Indonesia Legal Alert: A Regulatory Pole Vault for the Indonesian Crypto-Industry

Reading Time: 2 minutesFebruary 2019 was a tumultuous month for the Indonesian crypto-industry with the introduction of regulations that impose staggering thresholds for minimum capital and closing balance requirements among other stringent qualifying criteria for Crypto Asset Exchanges, Custodians, Clearing Agencies and Traders. The regulatory rationale advanced by Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Authority, “Bappebti” is that in […]

[Infographic] A Guide to Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

Reading Time: 1 minutesWhat are the differences between an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and an Initial Coin Offering (ICO)? Have a question about ICOs? If you have any questions relating to legal issues surrounding ICOs and would like to speak a lawyer, you can request a Quick Consult with WanHsi Yeong or lawyers with similar expertise for a transparent, flat fee of […]

close up of a bitcoin (initial coin offering and digital token sales)
A Guide to Initial Coin Offerings (Part 2 of 3)

Reading Time: 6 minutesIn the first of my 3-part series on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), I touched on the characteristics, types, risks, benefits and examples of ICOs. In this second part, I will be covering the current regulation of ICOs in various jurisdictions. By and large, most financial regulatory authorities around the world have stated that initial coin […]

Smart contracts - can code ever be law_ashurst_asia_law_network
Smart contracts – can code ever be law?

Reading Time: 16 minutesWe live in an age of disruption – and the legal industry is not immune. “Smart contracts” has been receiving particular attention, with its potential to bring about both efficiencies in legal work… and also new kinds of legal challenges. What are smart contracts and what can they achieve? We take a closer look at […]

cash-coins-money-Guide to ICOs
A Guide to Initial Coin Offerings (Part 1 of 3)

Reading Time: 9 minutesThis is a three part series on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). In this series, lawyer Wanhsi Yeong will cover: An introduction to Initial Coin Offerings Overview of the current regulation of Initial Coin Offerings in various jurisdictions Framework of Initial Coin Offerings In the first part of this series, WanHsi explains the characteristics, types, risks, […]

close up of a bitcoin (initial coin offering and digital token sales)
So you want to conduct an initial coin offering (ICO) or digital token sale?

Reading Time: 16 minutesIntroduction So you are a tech startup who want to raise funds. You figure that instead of incurring debt, issuing equity, entering into convertible loan agreements (CLA), you will conduct an initial coin offering (ICO) or digital token sale. Not least because the amounts of money which have been raised by recent ICOs are huge. […]

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Cryptocurrency regulation – now and the future

Reading Time: 9 minutesA burgeoning popularity of cryptocurrency Widespread usage of the Internet has resulted in the emergence of various new technologies which have altered the way society functions, affecting both human relationships and commerce. In our previous article, we had discussed financial technology – also known as fintech. Recently, there has been a lot of news regarding […]

Startups — How to work with lawyers at each stage of funding

Reading Time: 6 minutesStartups need to adjust how they work with lawyers as they grow, scale and expand. How can lawyers help startups meet their changing legal needs? Lawyers Ronald JJ Wong (Associate Director, Covenant Chambers LLC) and Patrick Dahm (Consultant, Samuel Seow Law Corporation) educated startups and shared crucial tips on how startups can work with lawyers […]

3 Major Risks When You Transact or Invest in a Crypto-currency Like Bitcoin

Reading Time: 14 minutesWhat is Bitcoin? How would the law characterise Bitcoin? Is it legal property? What are the plausible private law issues relating to Bitcoin? This article offers some thoughts addressing these questions. TechCrunch today reported that one bitcoin is now worth more than one ounce of gold for the first time ever. Amid all the sudden […]