Overview
Blockchain and cryptocurrency technology continues to disrupt the modern economy, and the impact of the recent accelerated digitalization among companies will be felt as this technology becomes more utilized in day-to-day transactions. With advice and consulting on the full range of blockchain and digital asset issues, we can help you gain a competitive advantage in this burgeoning space.
Manatt’s team uses its distinct and deep-rooted understanding of this cutting-edge technology to represent emerging and growth-stage companies at the forefront of the financial services industry’s digital transformation, as well as traditional financial and technology companies seeking to enter the fintech space. Our strengths and national platform enable us to work across many disciplines—including financial services, corporate and finance, M&A, digital and technology, and privacy and data security. As nationally recognized leaders in , we are relied upon by our clients to be trusted advisors to anticipate and meet the challenges in this evolving industry.
What we do
Taking a multidisciplinary approach, we offer a broad range of services, from regulatory advice to compliance programs to dealmaking to representation in enforcement actions and litigation. Our established relationships with regulatory agencies across the country, including the New York Department of Financial Services and California’s Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, we regularly advise on best practices and enforcement issues, including responding to investigations.
Our team stands ready to employ our deep bench of professionals, who will tailor legal solutions to align with your specific business objectives. Our service offerings include:
- Decentralized finance (DeFi)
- NFT drops and resales
- Regulatory compliance
- Token distributions
- Platform development and launch
- Venture financing and SAFE arrangements
- Fund formation, compensation and advisory arrangements
- Fund portfolio investments
- Intellectual property protection, enforcement and litigation
- Securities offerings and IPOs
- Broker-dealer regulatory advice
- State and federal enforcement issues
- Lender and money transmitter licenses
- BitLicense registration
- Money services business/money transmitter compliance
- Taxation issues and onshore/offshore geolocation
- Advertising, brand, influencer and sponsorship agreements
Who we work with
Our team serves as outside general counsel to dozens of leading blockchain and cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms, as well as companies investing in the space.
Select clients include:
- Blockchain Finance (BlockFi)
- Centrifuge, Inc.
- Compound Labs
- Davoa Capital
- DRW Holdings
- GMO-Z.com Trust LLC
- ICON Foundation
- Kraken
- Market Rebellion/Voyager Digital
Experience
- Centrifuge, Inc., an open, decentralized operating system aimed at connecting the global financial supply chain, with creating and structuring a blockchain syndicate investment company for both domestic and foreign investors.
- GMO-Z.com Trust Company Inc. before the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) in its application for a trust charter to operate as a limited liability trust company under New York Banking Law
- Kraken, a San Francisco-based digital assets exchange, in its approval of being the first digital asset company in U.S. history to receive a bank charter recognized under state law, and will be the first regulated, U.S. bank to provide comprehensive deposit-taking, custody and fiduciary services for digital assets.
- Market Rebellion, a financial education company, in negotiating a joint venture with cryptocurrency broker Voyager Digital Ltd. to enable crypto asset trading and in other regulatory advice.
- A cryptocurrency trader in seeking restitution from a trading platform and in connection with various investigations of third parties by the Department of Justice.
Clients
Blockchain Finance (BlockFi)
Centrifuge, Inc.
Compound Labs
Davoa Capital
DRW Holdings
GMO-Z.com Trust LLC
Kraken
Market Rebellion/Voyager Digital
Related Practices
Consumer Financial Services
Corporate and Finance
Financial Services Litigation and Enforcement
Financial Services Transactions
Fintech
Manatt Financial Services
Metaverse
