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02 December 2022 / David Jones , Evie Meleagros
Issue: 8005 / Categories: Features , Profession , Cyber , Technology , Property
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Cryptocurrencies: watch this space?

David Jones & Evie Meleagros consider the progress & challenges of cryptoasset cases in the courts of England & Wales
  • In the eyes of law, cryptocurrency has so far been treated as property. However, there are still issues when it comes to recovering or enforcing it, because it is intangible and decentralised.
  • Crypto-fraud has been on the rise in recent years and has been tricky for the courts to deal with, because while they are willing to adapt the framework to help victims, they are rarely able to get participation from defendants.

When it first started trading, the initial price for one Bitcoin was less than a dollar. At the time of writing, that price is just over $18,000 per unit having settled from a previous high of almost $50,000. The rise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been coupled with a rise in crypto-related crime, which has created the need for redress in the courts. Consequently, the demand for freezing orders and proprietary injunctions

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

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The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
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