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Cyber law: cryptoassets

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With digital currencies continuing to strengthen their foothold in the financial landscape, calls are increasing for a global response to regulate their use. Celso De Azevedo & Marc Samuels of 36 Commercial explore the most recent regulatory developments on both sides of the Atlantic
  • As cryptoassets begin to occupy a central position in the financial markets, there have been increasing moves to strengthen their (currently limited) regulation in the UK and US, in order to protect consumers and prevent illegal activity.

Bitcoin’s bull run over the past year has seen its value reach a new peak of US$60,000 per Bitcoin in March 2021. In February 2021, the aggregate value of the 18.6 million Bitcoin tokens currently in circulation surpassed US$1trn, representing approximately half of the entire cryptocurrency market value of US$2trn. In parallel, the global market has seen other cryptocurrency prices rise alongside the share prices of many cryptocurrency-related businesses.

In the US, financial giants have started embracing cryptocurrency in novel ways: Mastercard is integrating Bitcoin

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Harper James—Lottie Hugo

Commercial law firm announces appointment of corporate partner

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Carey Olsen—Patrick Ormond

Partner joins corporate and finance practice in British Virgin Islands

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Dawson Cornwell—Naomi Angell

Firm strengthens children department with adoption and surrogacy expert

NEWS
Serial sperm donor Robert Albon has lost his bid for a declaration of paternity, ‘on the ground that to grant it would manifestly be contrary to public policy’
The government is considering wholesale reform of consumer class actions—the ‘opt-out’ collective claims certified by the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT)
A ‘sophisticated suspected fraud’ may have taken place at PM Law involving the improper removal and misuse of about £39.5m of client funds, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has confirmed
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will invest in technology to catch tech-reliant fraudsters and handle voluminous case materials
Law firms enjoyed rapid growth in 2025, according to a Financial Benchmarking Survey, published by the Law Society last week
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