Unrivalled expertise in Australia, leading policy and regulation worldwide
King & Wood Mallesons has extensive experience in implementing blockchain technologies for large multinational companies, bringing innovative projects to life in Australia and overseas. We take a leading role in the development, adoption and application of blockchain technology. We also advise government and industry (domestically and internationally) on the use, risks, impact and creation of blockchain applications.
We truly understand why a business wants to use this technology, how they intend on using it and how to identify and manage risks at all stages of the technology lifecycle.
Industry know-how
The digital economy industry is dynamic and it’s important to keep abreast of fintech trends and regulatory developments. As a pioneer law firm in the fintech space, clients benefit from our extensive work with market participants as well as with regulators on the next wave of regulations.
We advise on every aspect of the digital economy sector, from the development of new trading platforms to bespoke new products. We have considerable experience, including advising on:
- Virtual assets and token issuance, including payment / utility tokens, security tokens (digital bonds and shares), stablecoins, CBDCs and non-fungible tokens
- Trading platforms and market conduct
- Payment technologies
- Digital platforms, including SVFs, rules-based OTC desks and regulated exchanges
- Custody solutions
- Data privacy (including GDPR), digital transformation and algorithmic design
- Regulatory treatment of digital assets.
Our experience
- Open banking: continuing work with the government, regulators and market participants in implementing the recommendations of the review which KWM partner Scott Farrell led for the government on the appropriate model for an “open banking” and Consumer Data Right regime in Australia.
- New payments platform: advising NPP Australia Limited (NPPA) on the implementation and development of a once-in-a-generation project to build fundamental financial infrastructure for Australia.
- CommChain: advising a new blockchain commodities supply chain business on the issues that may arise in creating a blockchain based system for supply chains and the most appropriate structure for this supply chain.
- Australian National Blockchain: working alongside IBM, Data61 and Herbert Smith Freehills to create a platform for large enterprise to manage contracts and create new digital smart contracts.
- International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) smart contracts: advising ISDA on implementing smart contracts into global derivatives framework.
KWM is the only Tier 1 ranked firm by Chambers and Partners in FinTech Legal in our key jurisdictions.
