Author: admin

Cryptocurrency

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We offer comprehensive and customised legal services to cryptocurrency exchanges in the incorporation and operation of their cryptocurrency exchanges (including both centralised and decentralised exchanges). We regularly advise local and international cryptocurrency exchanges on a wide range of matters, such as company structure, operational concerns, business and legal risks, day-to-day management, and general taxation advices.

 

Our firm is experienced in advising both individual and institutional clients on a wide range of cryptocurrency related matters, ranging from trading, blocktrade, to crypto mining.

 

In relation to trading, we assist clients on the structuring of transactions, sale and purchase of cryptocurrency, implementation of commercial contracts, and advise on the related commercial risks. We provide escrow services, and advise and guide clients through blocktrade so as to minimize the associated risks. We also provide professional advisory services in the structuring of cryptocurrency mining business and the associated tax issues.

Articles & Publications

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Guest Speaker

 

Interviews 

14 Mar 2019    [Henry Yu & Associates] Founding Partner Mr. Henry Yu being interviewed by Hong Kong’s Press

15 Feb 2019     [Henry Yu & Associates] Founding Partner Mr. Henry Yu being interviewed

Publications

13 Nov 2019      [Henry Yu & Associates] SFC Position Paper on Regulation of Virtual Asset Trading Platforms

09 Sept 2019     [L & Y Law Office, in association with Henry Yu & Associates] The Legal and Economical Consideration on the Guideline of Building Shenzhen into a Socialist Demonstration Area

09 Apr 2019     [Henry Yu & Associates] News re SFC Statement on Security Token Offerings

15 Nov 2018     [Henry Yu & Associates] News re SFC Conceptual Framework for Crypto-Exchanges

Articles

24 October 2019  [China] China’s President Xi Urges Accelerated Blockchain Technology Adoption

19 October 2019  [Global] G20 kicks off debate to regulate ‘stablecoins’ in hit to Facebook’s Libra

18 October 2019  [Global] G7 Working Group on Stablecoins: Investigating the impact of global stablecoins

18 October 2019  [Global] Regulatory issues of stablecoins

11 October 2019  [US] CFTC says cryptocurrency ether is a commodity, and ether futures are next

11 October 2019  [Thailand] Thailand’s First Regulated ICO Portal Targets $98M Token Offering

04 October 2019  [Hong Kong] Terms and Conditions for Licensed Corporations which Manage Portfolios that Invest in Virtual Assets

02 October 2019  [Japan]  Six Major Japanese Brokerages Form Security Token Offering Association

24 September 2019  [China] China has no timetable to launch digital currency: central bank governor

19 September 2019  [North Korea] North Korea Is Building Its Own Bitcoin

12 September 2019  [France] France says it ‘cannot authorize’ Facebook’s libra project on European soil

11 September 2019  [Switzerland] FINMA publishes ‘stable coin’ guidelines

3 September 2019  [Global] HSBC processes first blockchain letter of credit using Chinese yuan

14 September 2019  [US] Trump Executive Order Banning A Cryptocurrency Could Mutate Into Far-Reaching Law

2 September 2019  [Europe] Money and private currencies: reflections on Libra

29 August 2019  [Europe] In search for stability in crypto-assets: are stablecoins the solution?

27 August 2019  [Europe] US SEC Chairman Says the Rules Won’t Change for Cryptocurrencies

19 August 2019  [Global]  BitMEX to Block Users in Hong Kong, Bermuda and Seychelles

12 August 2019  [China] China’s PBOC Says Its Own Cryptocurrency Is ‘Close’ to Release

12 August 2019  [New Zealand] New Zealand Rules Receiving Income in Bitcoin Is Legal, Taxable

7 August 2019   [EU] Understanding the crypto-asset phenomenon, its risks and measurement issues

31 July 2019   [UK] Guidance on Cryptoassets

30 July 2019  [US] Facebook Libra Might Never Launch, Company Concedes in SEC Disclosure

20 July 2019   [EU] Indian Minister: No Official Ban on Cryptocurrencies in India Yet

19 July 2019   [Hong Kong] Stored Value Facility Sector: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report

19 July 2019   [Thailand] Bank of Thailand ready to discuss Libra with Facebook, but concerned with security

12 July 2019   [England] Bank of England Governor on Libra as a Solution to Financial Problems

11 July 2019   [US] Props Launches the First SEC-Approved Crypto Token for Consumers

11 July 2019   [Canada] Canada: Crypto Exchanges Must Register With Financial Watchdog Next June

10 July 2019   [Canada] SEC Clears Blockstack to Hold First Regulated Token Offering

9 July 2019   [US] Joint Staff Statement on Broker-Dealer Custody of Digital Asset Securities

2 July 2019   [US] Committee Democrats Call on Facebook to Halt Cryptocurrency Plans

29 June 2019   [Singapore] Singapore’s Open Digital Token Offering Embrace: Context & Consequences

25 June 2019   [France] Facebook’s Libra must obey anti-money laundering rules: French central banker

20 June 2019   [Brazil] Brazil Requires Crypto Exchanges to Report on User Transactions to Authorities

19 June 2019   [Russia] Russia to Adopt Crypto Legislation Within Two Weeks: Deputy Finance Minister

19 June 2019   [Russia] Russia Will Not Legalize Facebook’s Cryptocurrency, Official Says

19 June 2019   [US] Senate Banking Committee Sets Hearing on Facebook’s Crypto for July 16

18 June 2019   [France] French Minister of Economy to Ask for Guarantees from Facebook In Regards to Its Forthcoming Coin

18 June 2019   [US] Chair of House Financial Services Committee Requests Halt on Facebook’s Crypto Project

13 June 2019   [Hong Kong] Major Hong Kong Property Firm to Seek Regulatory Approval for Tokenized Real Estate

7 June 2019    [Canada] Canada: Vancouver Mayor Suggests Ban on Bitcoin ATMs

7 June 2019    [Australia] Australia to Crack Down on Crypto Tax Avoidance Schemes

7 June 2019    [India] Reserve Bank of India Denies Involvement in Draft Bill to Ban Cryptocurrencies

4 June 2019    [US] The FBI Is Looking for QuadrigaCX Victims

4 June 2019    [US] SEC Charges Issuer With Conducting $100 Million Unregistered ICO

3 June 2019    [US] SEC’s Crypto Savvy Surprises Blockchain Insiders at DC Forum

31 May 2019    [US] SEC’s Hinman Says Some ICOs May Be Eligible for ‘No-Action’ Relief

31 May 2019    [Hong Kong] Coin offering fraud feared

29 May 2019    [Egypt] Egypt Lifts Ban, Will Allow Licensed Cryptocurrency Companies

25 May 2019    [Singapore] iSTOX admitted into MAS fintech sandbox

24 May 2019    [US] Montana Passes Bill to Exempt Utility Tokens From Securities Laws

23 May 2019    [Japan] Japan Scrutinizing Crypto Exchanges Ahead of G20 Summit

23 May 2019    [US] SEC Sues Alleged Perpetrator of Fraudulent Pyramid Scheme Promising Investors Cryptocurrency Riches

21 May 2019    [US] SEC Obtains Emergency Order Halting Alleged Diamond-Related ICO Scheme Targeting Hundreds of Investors

21 May 2019    [Australia] Australian Government Employee Charged With Mining Crypto at Work

20 May 2019    [US] The Looming SEC IEO Fintech Smackdown

20 May 2019    [Venezuela] Venezuela Tries to Avoid US Sanctions By Trading In Rubles and Crypto

17 May 2019    [Bahamas] Bahamas Securities Regulator Proposes Rules for Token Sales

16 May 2019    [US] New York Court Grants Bitfinex’s Motion to Modify Injunction

14 May 2019    [US] SEC Again Delays Decision on Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Approval

25 April 2019    [US] Guidance Note to the Public Regarding Cryptocurrency Scams

16 April 2019    [US] SEC Suspends Trading in Securities of Crypto Exchange Bitcoin Generation

16 April 2019    [US] Attorney General James Announces Court Order Against “Crypto” Currency Company Under Investigation For Fraud

16 April 2019    [France] France to ask EU partners to adopt its cryptocurrency regulation

13 April 2019    [Global] IMF and World Bank explore crypto merits with blockchain project

11 April 2019    [Mauritius] Mauritius Financial Regulator Issues Guidelines on Security Token Offerings

11 April 2019    [Bermuda] Bermuda Ministry of Finance Approves Velocity Ledger ICO

9 April 2019    [Michigan] Michigan House of Representatives Votes to Include Cryptocurrencies in Criminal Laws

9 April 2019    [China] China wants to ban bitcoin mining

5 April 2019    [Taiwan] FSC cautious over securities token laws

4 April 2019    [South Korea] South Korean Officials Consider Revision of Existing Crypto Regulations

3 April 2019    [Hong Kong] Regulation of virtual asset investment activities

3 April 2019    [US] Framework for “Investment Contract” Analysis of Digital Assets

3 April 2019    [US] SEC Issues First ‘No-Action’ Letter Clearing ICO to Sell Tokens in US

3 April 2019    [China] Chinese Regulator Approved First 197 Blockchain Firms, Including Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu

1 April 2019    [Pakistan] Pakistan Introduces Crypto Regulation

28 March 2019    [Hong Kong] Statement on Security Token Offerings

27 March 2019   [Hong Kong] Granting of virtual banking licences

23 Mar 2019    [US] IRS reminds taxpayers to report virtual currency transactions

20 Mar 2019    [Switzerland] Swiss Parliament Votes in Favor of Crypto Regulations

20 Mar 2019    [Canada] Québécois Regulator Calls for Investors in Non-Compliant Blockchain Firm to Come Forward

19 Mar 2019    [US] US SEC Solicits Feedback on Crypto Assets and Custody Rules

19 Mar 2019    [Japan] Japan clamps down on margin cryptocurrency trading

18 Mar 2019    [US] Colorado: Bipartisan Bill Proposes Study of Blockchain in Agriculture

16 Mar 2019    [US] SEC’s Crypto Czar: Stablecoins might be violating securities laws

15 Mar 2019    [US] SEC Staff to Hold Fintech Forum to Discuss Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets

15 Mar 2019    [Japan] Japan court hands Mt. Gox founder 2-1/2 years suspended sentence: Kyodo

15 Mar 2019    [EU] European Central Bank Says Bitcoin Is Not Money And That It Is Their Right To Devaluate Currency

15 Mar 2019    [Singapore] Singapore International Commercial Court finds Quoine Exchange liable for reversing seven Bitcoin trades

14 Mar 2019    [Canada] Canadian Securities Regulators Consult on Regulatory Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms (Joint CSA/IIROC Consultation Paper 21-402 Proposed Framework for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms)

14 Mar 2019    [Korea] All 12 South Korean Cryptocurrency Exchanges Approved, New Money to Come

14 Mar 2019    [Thailand] Thailand’s SEC Authorise Their First ICO Portal

12 Mar 2019    [US] SEC Chief Jay Clayton’s Original Letter of Response to Congress regarding Cryptocurrency and Ethereum

12 Mar 2019    [US] SEC Chief Confirms Analysis that Ethereum isn’t a Security 

12 Mar 2019    [Russia] Russian Central Bank Will Put Onerous Limits on Retail Crypto Investors

11 Mar 2019    [Malta] MFSA appoints partner to help cryptocurrency asset checks

11 Mar 2019    [Brazil] Seized bank funds to be returned to Brazilian crypto exchange

09 Mar 2019    [France] French Finance Head: Privacy Cryptos Should Be Banned

09 Mar 2019    [Germany] German Financial Regulator Issues Paper on Blockchain Securities Regulation

07 Mar 2019    [South Korea] South Korea Establishes Special Task Force to Prevent Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes

07 Mar 2019    [Singapore] Keynote Remarks by Ravi Menon, Managing Director, Monetary Authority of Singapore at CordaDay Singapore 2019

05 Mar 2019    [Canada]  Court Gives QuadrigaCX 45-Day Extension in Search for Crypto Millions

04 Mar 2019    [Canada] FBI Probing Bitcoin Exchange Quadriga Over Missing $136 Million, Source Alleges

01 Mar 2019    [US] California new bill will allow cannabis businesses pay tax with stablecoins

01 Mar 2019    [Thailand] Thai SEC Bans Three Cryptocurrencies from ICO Investment, Trading Pairs

01 Mar 2019    [Russia] Putin Sets July 1 Deadline For Crypto Regulation — Russia To Become A Crypto Hub?

28 Feb 2019    [Hong Kong] Hong Kong Entrepreneur Who ‘Made It Rain’ from High-Rise Arrested for Crypto Mining Fraud

27 Feb 2019    [Russia] Russian Supreme Court amends law to deem crypto theft criminal

26 Feb 2019    [Bahrain] Bahrain Central Bank Releases First Crypto Exchange to Graduate Its Regulatory Sandbox

25 Feb 2019    [India] Supreme Court of India Puts 4-Week Deadline on Release of Crypto Regulation by Government

25 Feb 2019    [Bahrain] Bahrain’s Central Bank Issues New Cryptocurrency Regulation

24 Feb 2019    [Russia] Russia to Regulate Crypto While Launching its Own Oil-Backed Cryptocurrency

24 Feb 2019    [US] ICO Promoter Settles SEC Enforcement Action for No Fine After Self-Reporting Potential Securities Law Violations

23 Feb 2019    [South Korea] Korea Bitcoin ETF Approval Depends on US SEC Decision, Admits Stock Exchange Official

22 Feb 2019    [Brazil] Brazil’s Ministry of Justice Reveals It’s ‘Studying’ Bitcoin Over Potential Use in Crime

22 Feb 2019    [Global] FATF Public Statement – Mitigating Risks from Virtual Assets

22 Feb 2019    [Thailand] Thai Parliament Approves Amendments Allowing Issuance of Tokenized Securities

22 Feb 2019    [EU] ESMA Examines EU Regulatory Framework for Crypto Assets and ICOs

21 Feb 2019    [Cyprus] Cyprus SEC calls for the adoption of EU AML laws for crypto

21 Feb 2019    [Germany] German Securities Regulator BaFin Approves Tokenized Bonds By Bitbond

20 Feb 2019    [Bahrain] A Tiny Gulf Nation Is Opening Its Doors to Crypto

19 Feb 2019    [Canada] Judge Appoints Law Firms to Represent QuadrigaCX Customers

19 Feb 2019    [Global] Legal Guidelines for Smart Derivatives Contracts: The ISDA Master Agreement

18 Feb 2019    [Indonesia] Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Regulator Releases Regulation for Crypto Futures Market

18 Feb 2019    [Australia] Blockchain technology used by South Australian Government to conduct election

18 Feb 2019    [US] SEC and CFTC Set to Collaborate To Regulate Bitcoin ETFs and Other Investment Products

8 Feb 2019    [United Arab Emirates] MoF, IMF to discuss development of future of Blockchain and digital assets at World Government Summit

8 Feb 2019    [Mauritius] Mauritius Regulators to Approve Digital Asset Custodian Licensing Framework

7 Feb 2019    [Switzerland] Swiss Stock Exchange to Launch its own Security Token This Year

7 Feb 2019    [US] Texas Watchdog Strikes 16 Crypto Scams with Enforcement Orders

1 Feb 2019    [Australia] Cryptocurrency looks for respectability as more than 200 exchanges registered

1 Feb 2019    [Australia] Australian government consults on ICOs

31 Jan 2019     [UK] Cryptocurrency Liquidity Provider B2C2 OTC Receives FCA Authorisation

31 Jan 2019     [Korea] South Korea Will Maintain ICO Ban After Finding Token Projects Broke Rules

30 Jan 2019    [Global] Legal Guidelines for Smart Derivatives Contracts: Introduction

25 Jan 2019     [Taiwan] FSC Planning to Release Rules for Securities Tokens

25 Jan 2019     [Italy] Italy’s Senate Moves to Set Legal Foundation for Blockchain Timestamps

24 Jan 2019     [Singapore] MAS halts Securities Token Offering for Regulatory Breach

23 Jan 2019     [UK] UK Financial Conduct Authority Issues Consultation on Cryptoasset Guidance

17 Jan 2019      [China] The Chinese National Internet Information Office (CNIIO) issued “Blockchain Information Services”, which will go in force February 15th, 2019

1 Jan 2019    [Switzerland] Federal Council adopts implementing provisions for fintech authorisation

28 Dec 2018     [India] India May Legalize Cryptos But Under ‘Strong’ Rules: Report

21 Dec 2018     [US] US Lawmakers Seek Sanctions Against Iran’s Cryptocurrency Efforts

20 Dec 2018    [Hong Kong] Insurance Authority authorizes first virtual insurer under Fast Track

18 Dec 2018     [Bermuda] Digital Asset Custody Code of Practice

17 Dec 2018     [EU] Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to Explore Digital Currency Issuance Options

14 Dec 2018     [EU] EU Parliament Calls for Action on Blockchain Adoption in Trade

14 Dec 2018     [Switzerland] Federal Council wants to further improve framework conditions for blockchain/DLT

14 Dec 2018     [US] US Government Issues Advice Over Bitcoin Bomb Threat Emails

14 Dec 2018     [US] SEC’s Crypto Czar Signals Some Flexibility on Token Offerings

11 Dec 2018     [US] CFTC Seeks Public Comments on Crypto-asset Mechanics and Markets

07 Dec 2018     [US] US Congressmen Introduce Two Bills to Prevent Crypto Price Manipulation

07 Dec 2018     [US] SEC Fines Crypto Fund $50K and Issues Cease-and-Desist

07 Dec 2018     [Venezuela] Venezuela to Sell Oil for Petro Cryptocurrency in 2019, Says Maduro

03 Dec 2018     [Singapore] Monetary Authority of Singapore Unveils Updated Regulations for Cryptocurrency ICO

30 Nov 2018     [Hong Kong] Hong Kong to license 1st online-only insurer in fintech push

29 Nov 2018     [US] SEC Fines Floyd Mayweather, DJ Khaled for ICO Promotions

22 Nov 2018     [EU] Major Banks Sign Up for New EU Commission Blockchain App Association

21 Nov 2018     [US] Four More ICOs Hit with Cease-and-Desists by Colorado Securities Regulator

19 Nov 2018     [Hong Kong] RE: SFC STATEMENT ON REGULATORY STANDARDS FOR LICENSED CORPORATIONS MANAGING VIRTUAL ASSET PORTFOLIOS

16 Nov 2018     [US] SEC’s Statement on Digital Asset Securities Issuance and Trading

14 Nov 2018     [Global] Central banks should look at issuing digital currency, says IMF’s Christine Lagarde

9 Nov 2018     [Venezuela] Venezuela to Present Petro at OPEC as the ‘Digital Currency for Oil’

8 Nov 2018     [US] SEC Charges EtherDelta Founder Over ‘Unregistered Securities Exchange’

6 Nov 2018     [US] Blockchain and the GDPR: Solutions for a responsible use of the blockchain in the context of personal data

5 Nov 2018     [China] China’s Central Bank Moves to Restrict Free Crypto Giveaways

5 Nov 2018     [US] SEC Official Says ‘Plain English’ Guidance On ICOs Is Coming

4 Nov 2018     [US] SEC says it Shut Down More Than a Dozen Illegal ICOs in the Past Year

1 Nov 2018     [Hong Kong] SFC sets out new regulatory approach for virtual assets

22 Oct 2018     [US] SEC Suspends Trading in Company for Making False Cryptocurrency-Related Claims about SEC Regulation and Registration

9 Sept 2018     [Germany] BaFinPerspectives Issue 1

28 Sept 2018    [Mongolia] Mongolia: Central Bank Gives Permission to Issue First Digital Currency

27 Sept 2018     [Hong Kong] Bitmain By the Numbers: An Inside Look at a Bitcoin Mining Empire

13 Sept 2018     [India] Indian Central Bank Argues Cryptos ‘Not Valid’ as Currency in Court Battle

11 Sept 2018     [Oceania] IMF Advises Against Crypto as Legal Tender in Marshall Islands Report

11 Sept 2018     [US] SEC Hits Crypto Asset Fund and ‘ICO Superstore’ With Penalties

11 Sept 2018     [US] US Judge Rules ICO Frauds Fall Under Securities Law

7 Sept 2018     [China] China’s Supreme Court Rules That Blockchain Can Legally Authenticate Evidence

27 Aug 2018     [India] New RBI unit to track blockchain and AI

24 Aug 2018     [Singapore] MAS and SGX partner Anquan, Deloitte and Nasdaq to harness blockchain technology for settlement of tokenised assets

9 Aug 2018     [Thailand] 20 Thai Crypto Exchanges Have Applied for New Digital Assets Licenses

8 Aug 2018     [Global] Regulators Plan ‘Global Sandbox’ for Fintech Including Blockchain

3 Aug 2018     [Global] G20 Crypto Regulations Could Unleash Real Blockchain Change

31 July 2018     [US] OCC Begins Accepting National Bank Charter Applications From Financial Technology Companies

18 July 2018     [UK] Letter from the Governor of the Bank of England to the Chair on digital currencies

17 July 2018     [US] Coinbase Says It Won Approval for Trio of Acquisitions

28 June 2018    [US] US Judge Says Boxer-Backed ICO Token Is a Security

22 June 2018    [US] Bitcoin Just Got a Shoutout in a New US Supreme Court Opinion

21 June 2018   [Hong Kong] Beware of Representations Using the Description “Bank”

19 June 2018    [France] Five Takeaways From Macron’s Plan to Revamp French Business

14 June 2018    [US] SEC Official Pushes Back on Claims Ether Is a Security

14 June 2018    [Thailand] Thailand’s SEC Expects to Approve 5 ICOs This Month

14 June 2018    [US] Digital Asset Transactions: When Howey Met Gary (Plastic)

1 June 2018      [Hong Kong] Circular to intermediaries on compliance with notification requirements

24 May 2018    [Singapore] MAS warns Digital Token Exchanges and ICO Issuer

23 May 2018    [China] China Prosecutes 98 Over Alleged $2 Billion OneCoin Pyramid Scheme

22 May 2018    [Singapore] Consultation Paper on Review of the Recognised Market Operators Regime

22 May 2018    [UK] Bank of England’s written submission on digital currencies

22 May 2018    [UK] Financial Conduct Authority’s written submission on digital currencies

22 May 2018    [UK] Eversheds Sutherland’s written submission on digital currencies

22 May 2018    [US] South Carolina Sanctions Startup Over Unregistered Token Sales

22 May 2018    [US] Bitcoin Brokerage Denies Tezos ICO Involvement in Court Filing

21 May 2018    [US] CFTC Staff Issues Advisory for Virtual Currency Products

23 Apr 2018    [Mongolia] Central bank approves Regulation on Digital Currency

19 Apr 2018    [Macau] Macau issues cryptocurrency crime warning after link to former triad boss emerges

13 Apr 2018    [Kenya] Kenya’s Central Bank Chief Warns Again On Crypto Risks

11 Apr 2018    [Taiwan] Taiwan Moves to Capture Bitcoin Under Money Laundering Laws

11 Apr 2018    [UK] Bank of England Eyes Private Blockchain Oversight

10 Apr 2018    [Global] GST Treatment of Virtual Currencies

4 Apr 2018     [Hong Kong] SFC eyes instant messaging schemes

19 Mar 2018    [Hong Kong] SFC’s regulatory action halts ICO to Hong Kong public

19 Mar 2018    [US] ICOs Iced: A 12-Month Freeze on US Token Trading May Just Be Beginning

16 Mar 2018    [China] Gov’t-Affiliated Investment Association In China To Launch Blockchain ‘Center’

14 Mar 2018    [US] SEC Probes Cryptoasset Hedge Funds as Regulators Ramp up ICO Scrutiny

13 Mar 2018    [South Korea] Initial Coin Offering Ban in South Korea Could Soon Have an End

13 Mar 2018    [China] China is Working Toward National Blockchain Standards

9 Mar 2018    [China] Cash Might Die but No Hurry to Develop Digital Currency: China Central Bank Chief

8 Mar 2018    [Japan] Japan’s Finance Watchdog Suspends Two Crypto Exchanges

7 Mar 2018    [US] Statement on Potentially Unlawful Online Platforms for Trading Digital Assets

16 Feb 2018    [Switzerland] FINMA ICO Guidelines

15 Feb 2018    [Malaysia] Public Are Deciding Crypto’s Future In Malaysia

12 Feb 2018    [EU] EU regulators warn consumers cryptocurrencies are ‘highly risky’ and unsuitable for investment

9 Feb 2018    [Hong Kong] SFC warns of cryptocurrency risks

6 Feb 2018    [Hong Kong] Guideline on Authorization of Virtual Banks

6 Feb 2018    [US] Testimony on “Virtual Currencies: The Oversight Role of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission”

6 Feb 2018    [US] Written Testimony of Commodity Futures Trading Commission

5 Feb 2018    [China] China to stamp out cryptocurrency trading completely with ban on foreign platforms

1 Feb 2018    [India] India Just Caused the Price of Bitcoin to Slide Again

31 Jan 2018    [Korea] South Korea says it has no plans to shut down cryptocurrency trading

23 Jan 2018    [Korea] Financial Measures To Curb Speculation In Cryptocurrency Trading

18 Jan 2018    [US] Staff Letter: Engaging on Fund Innovation and Cryptocurrency-related Holdings

16 Jan 2018    [China] PBOC official says China’s centralized virtual currency trade needs to end: source

15 Jan 2018    [France] France declares war on the cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple – could tough new stance lead to a ban?

15 Jan 2018    [China] China Escalates Crackdown on Cryptocurrency Trading

2 Jan 2018    [Korea] South Korea Sets Date for Anonymous Crypto Trading Ban: Report

21 Dec 2017    [US] FINRA Warns Investors: Don’t Fall for Cryptocurrency-Related Stock Scams

19 Dec 2018    [Singapore] MAS cautions against investments in cryptocurrencies

11 Dec 2017    [US] Statement on Cryptocurrencies and Initial Coin Offerings

11 Dec 2017    [Hong Kong] Circular to Licensed Corporations and Registered Institutions on Bitcoin futures contracts and cryptocurrency-related investment products

1 Dec 2017    [US] Feds shut down allegedly fraudulent cryptocurrency offering (Plexcorps case)

30 Nov 2017    [US] Fed’s Quarles warns that digital currencies like bitcoin pose ‘serious financial stability issues’ as they grow

21 Nov 2017    [Singapore] MAS Launches Second Consultation on New Regulatory Framework for Payments

15 Nov 2017    [Singapore] Monetary Authority of Singapore Issues Guidelines on ICOs

13 Nov 2017    [EU] ESMA Highlights ICO Risks for Investors and Firms

14 Nov 2017    [Singapore] A Guide to Digital Token Offerings

9 Nov 2017    [Germany] Consumer warning: the risks of initial coin offerings

1 Nov 2017    [US] Investor Alert: Celebrity Endorsements

1 Nov 2017    [US] Statement on Potentially Unlawful Promotion of Initial Coin Offerings and Other Investments

30 Oct 2017    [Vietnam] Information related to the use of virtual currency

27 Oct 2017    [Singapore] Singapore mulls putting ICOs in regulatory sandbox

26 Oct 2017    [Hong Kong] SFC warns on coin offers

26 Oct 2017    [France] The AMF Publishes a Discussion Paper on Initial Coin Offerings and Initiates Its UNICORN Programme

14 Oct 2017    [India] India’s Central Bank is ‘Working’ on Bitcoin Regulation: Official

11 Oct 2017    [Russia] Putin Asks Russia’s Central Bank to Stand Down Over Cryptocurrency Ban

10 Oct 2017    [Taiwan] Challenging China: Taiwan Supports Mainstream Adoption of ICOs and Bitcoin

10 Oct 2017    [Ukraine] Ukraine Proposes Law to Completely Legalize Cryptocurrency Transactions

9 Oct 2017    [Abu Dhabi] Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority Provides Token Offering, Virtual Currency Guidance

6 Oct 2017    [UK] UK Central Bank Unveils Blockchain Data Privacy Pilot

6 Oct 2017    [Singapore] Singapore’s Central Bank Plans to Regulate Bitcoin Payments

6 Oct 2017    [Taiwan] Taiwan Follows Bitcoin-Friendly Japan, Avoids China & Korea ICO Bans

5 Oct 2017    [Malaysia] Malaysia’s Central Bank Is Considering a Cryptocurrency Ban

4 Oct 2017    [Hong Kong] Potential Delisting of Tokens Pending Compliance Review

29 Sep 2017    [Switzerland] FINMA Guidance 04/2017 – Regulatory treatment of initial coin offerings

30 Sep 2017    [Hong Kong] Hong Kong fast developing as a cryptocurrency centre

29 Sep 2017    [US] SEC Exposes Two Initial Coin Offerings Purportedly Backed by Real Estate and Diamonds

29 Sep 2017    [Japan] Japan Issues Licenses for 11 Bitcoin Exchanges

29 Sep 2017    [Hong Kong] Circular to announce the SFC Regulatory Sandbox

29 Sep 2017    [Switzerland] FINMA Is Investigating ICO Procedures

27 Sep 2017    [Macau] Alert to Risks of Virtual Commodities and Tokens

21 Sep 2017    [Hong Kong] HKMA Chief Warns Of Money Laundering Risks Associated With Bitcoin And Digital Currencies

14 Sep 2017    [Thailand] SEC Thailand’s Viewpoint on ICO

13 Sep 2017    [Dubai] DFSA Issues General Investor Statement on Cryptocurrencies

12 Sep 2017    [UK] Consumer warning about the risks of Initial Coin Offerings

7 Sep 2017    [Malaysia] Media Statement on Initial Coin Offerings

5 Sep 2017    [Hong Kong] SFC issues statement on initial coin offerings

4 Sep 2017    [China] Bitcoin Tumbles as PBOC Declares Initial Coin Offerings Illegal

24 Aug 2017    [Canada] CSA Notice of Cryptocurrency Offerings

10 Aug 2017    [Singapore] Singapore tells Consumers to Exercise Due Diligence on Initial Coin Offerings

1 Aug 2017    [Singapore] MAS clarifies regulatory position on the offer of digital tokens in Singapore

8 May 2017    [Gibraltar] Gibraltar Finance – Proposals for a DLT Regulatory Framework

Mar 2016    [EU] Virtual Currencies Challenges Following Their Introduction

17 Sep 2015    [US] CFTC Orders Bitcoin Options Trading Platform Operator and its CEO to Cease Illegally Offering Bitcoin Options and to Cease Operating a Facility for Trading or Processing of Swaps without Registering

6 Feb 2015    [US] New York SAPA’s BitLicense Regulatory Framework

29 Oct 2014    [US] FinCEN Issues New Rulings Covering Virtual Currency Exchanges and Payment Processors

4 Jul 2014    [EU] EBA Opinion on ‘virtual currencies’

      

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Fintech and Techfin Licensing

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Due to the novel nature of Fintech and Techfin, a business may face legal and regulatory uncertainties. At L&Y we are committed to navigating our clients though the legal and regulatory landscape by leveraging our expertise and experience with the relevant Hong Kong financial regulations. We offer consultancy services for application for various licences in Hong Kong, including but not limited to the Money Services Operators Licence (“MSO”), the Money Lenders Licence (“MLO”), the Stored Value Facilities Licence (“SVF”), Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 2 (dealing in futures contracts), Type 4 (advising on securities), Type 5 (advising on futures contracts), Type 6 (advising on corporate finance), Type 9 (asset management) and Type 10 (providing credit rating services) license, and The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”) Virtual Bank License. We also advise clients on the applicability of the relevant securities, futures, anti-money laundering (“AML”)/ counter terrorism financing and data privacy legislation and regulations.

Smart Contracts

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Smart contracts are software implementations of legal contracts.  They enhance the efficiency of the contracting process, a streamlined logistics chain and provide a superior level of security. As part of our commitment to innovation, L&Y is proud to offer smart contract legal services to our clients, we have partnered with well renowned developers to deliver legally enforceable customised smart contracts governed by Hong Kong law. We also assist clients in the implementation of cloud system in their businesses in compliance with personal data privacy laws in Hong Kong.

Initial Coin Offerings

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Initial Coin Offering, Token Sale or Coin sales (“ICO”) is an innovative new way of raising capital for project based ventures. Hong Kong is becoming a strong ICO hub due to its regulatory systems, business friendly tax system, robust corporate services industry and its proximity to the Chinese cryptocurrency market. L&Y was one of the law firms advising the very first public ICO in Hong Kong on a wide variety of issues including regulatory advisory (e.g. whether the token sale would be considered as a collective investment scheme (“CIS”)), marketing, strategy and technology advisory. L&Y works closely with the client’s team to ensure all aspects of the ICO are catered for in a diligent manner.  We believe that our passion for innovation motivates us to deliver considerable added value for our clients and their ICO projects.

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We are experienced in handling legal matters relating to Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT) and innovative business, including P2P lending, encrypted currency and blockchain. Furthermore, we provide one-stop service to clients and advise on data protection, intellectual property and know-how protection, application for licenses, and liaising with relevant regulatory bodies.

 

Technology Management

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Blockchain technologies are rich in innovation and ideas that can generate considerable value for our clients. At L&Y, we advise our clients on the intellectual property and technology management strategies to assist our clients in deriving the maximum value from their intellectual property.  Our team possesses expertise in Blockchain intellectual property practice, we offer advisory services on patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs etc. in addition to services covering the prosecution, acquisition, licensing and enforcement of intellectual property.

 

In addition, our firm provides legal advice on artificial intelligence (“AI”) related matters. We advise clients on the intellectual property, assignment, and transfer of AI, and the discussion of such technology in compliance with security laws and other related laws in Hong Kong, and also assist clients in the implementation of AI into businesses in a legal and secure manner.

Corporate and Business

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We offer comprehensive and tailor-made legal services to industrial and service sectors on a wide range of matters such as setting up of trust, advising on trust structure, manufacturing, distribution, sale and purchase of goods, franchise, marketing, licensing, employment contract, employee benefits, and competition law.

We also assist clients in the setting up of funds (including fiat funds and crypto funds), and provide advice on such structure and associated tax issues.

Insurance & Regulatory

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We provide a broad range of customised legal services to financial and insurance institutions, including but not limited to application for licenses, sales team management, and insurance products compliance.

Securities & Futures

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We offer comprehensive assistance to financial service companies in establishing companies and acquiring relevant licenses in Hong Kong. We advise clients on their investment services and investment products in accordance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance, Listing Rules and other relevant regulations. Furthermore, as Hong Kong SAR becomes an important financial hub for investment funds in Asia, we also place heavy emphasis to provide compliance services and relevant advices to investment funds and fund managers.