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Michael Bacina

Partner

Michael Bacina
Partner

Sydney

+61 2 9253 3815

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Michael is a Partner in Piper Alderman’s Blockchain Group based in Sydney.

The Blockchain space presents unique challenges merging cutting edge technology and a challenging regulatory space as rapid development and adoption of this exciting technology occurs.  As a former developer, Michael has a rare combination of technical, regulatory and legal skills which he leverages to assist his clients

As Initial Coin Offerings rose to prominence in 2017, Piper Alderman was on the forefront, advising a significant number of the top ten ICO offerings.  As the space has matured, Piper Alderman continues to advise projects on structuring security offerings and other tokenization deployments within existing businesses. We now assist a range of Blockchain projects from enterprise level deployments to start-up ventures, exchanges, RegTech and compliance businesses.

Since founding and exiting a successful start-up in the early 2000s, Michael has maintained an active involvement in software development.  He is knowledgeable in the workings of (and legal issues surrounding) virtual currencies and cryptocurrencies, blockchain projects, smart contract deployments as well as FinTech and RegTech projects.

This technical knowledge coupled with a highly commercial approach enables Michael to add real value to his client’s business. Michael delivers targeted advice for the whole of life software, start-up and project lifecycle including design and analysis, commercial contracts including shareholder, advisory, supply and software agreements, financial services regulation including project analysis, compliance as well as fundraising documentation and ongoing support.

Michael regularly publishes on technology and Blockchain matters and is a sought after speaker in relation to legal issues facing smart contract and Blockchain adoption both internationally (New York, San Francisco and Singapore) and in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane).

Expertise

Services

Anti-money Laundering & Corruption

Blockchain

Capital Markets & Capital Raisings

Commercial Contracts

Commercial Disputes

Corporate & Commercial

Cyber Security

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

FinTech

Funds Management

Privacy

Private Equity & Venture Capital

Regulatory Compliance & Investigations

Strata & Community Title

Sectors

Financial Services

IT & Telecommunications

Recognition

Michael Bacina of Piper Alderman has built an excellent reputation for his expertise in blockchain, including cryptocurrencies, tokens and smart contracting. He has extensive experience in advising startup companies on structuring and regulatory issues relating to ICOs. One client states that “he has a technology background and, as a lawyer, he understands the details. We don’t have to translate for him. What I find best about him is that he is very sharp and quick, commercially savvy and provides fundamentally invaluable perspectives on structuring that goes beyond the purely legal.”
Chambers and Partners: Global FinTech Guide, 2019 edition

Accolades

  • Blockchain Policy Maker or Influencer of the Year: Michael Bacina
  • Chambers and Partners, Professional Advisers: FinTech Guide 2019 – Band 1 for Legal in Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies in Australia
  • The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Recommended for Corporate and M&A – 2019 edition

Recent deals and media coverage

Memberships

  • Board Member, Canadian Australia Chamber of Commerce
  • Blockchain Australia

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