Mayer Brown
Invited
 

April 7, 2023
 
 

Digital Assets Download – The Opposite of “FUD”: Despite the recent challenges in the digital assets sector, optimism and opportunity continue to describe the projects we are seeing in the market. This edition of the Digital Assets Download features “10 Key Questions” answered by Mayer Brown’s Chris Chapman where he highlights some positives that have come out of recent market events. We also feature part 2 of a series on the treatment of crypto assets in US bankruptcies. And, lastly, if you have no idea why FUD is a bad thing, check out our “Lingo” for this edition.

For the Uninitiated: Digital Assets Download is a curated mix of insights and headlines that provide a Layer 3 Legal Perspective™ on the digital assets multiverse—created by Mayer Brown’s global Digital Assets, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency group. (Check out all of our previous editions of the Digital Assets Download.)

Sharing: You can share this edition of the Digital Assets Download via LinkedIn and Twitter.

 
 
 
Brief
 

Perspectives and insights from Mayer Brown lawyers and other thought leaders that touch on digital assets, decentralized finance, cryptocurrencies and related fields.

The Economy: Ten Key Questions on Crypto

As part of Mayer Brown’s mini Q&A series focused on the UK economy, host Amy Jacks asks Chris Chapman ten key questions on crypto.

VARA's New Regulations for Virtual Assets in Dubai

On March 2022, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (“VARA”) was established by Law No. 4 of 2022, in the Emirate of Dubai, to regulate all activities related to the virtual assets sector throughout the Emirate, including special development zones and free zones but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”). On February 7, 2023, VARA issued its Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations 2023 (the “Regulations”) applicable to all virtual assets service providers. VARA is an independent regulator for virtual assets, and regulated virtual assets include cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and non-fungible tokens ("NFTs"). This Legal Update looks at the regulations, license requirements and associated rulebooks. 

The Crypto Conundrum: Difficulties in Valuing Cryptocurrency Assets Held in Exchange Custody: Part Two

Part One of this two-part article reviewed custodially held crypto assets as part of the bankruptcy estate. This second installment discusses intrinsic value as a proper valuation method for crypto assets held in exchange custody, factors to consider when calculating the intrinsic value of custodially held crypto assets, and risk-mitigation approaches to preserve asset value.

Welcome to Springboard

Springboard is Mayer Brown’s new resource for emerging companies and venture capital and other financial investors. You’ll find Mayer Brown insights and tools tailored for emerging companies and their investors—from initial structuring, capital-raising alternatives and employee benefits information to IP and cyber updates.

 

 
 
 
Brief
Brief
 

Selected events for deeper dives into different parts of the digital assets and DeFi world.

Navigating US Agency Subpoenas: Tips for a Fintech’s First Time

A diverse array of federal regulators—including the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”)—have been actively looking into the fintech industry under the Biden Administration, and that scrutiny has only increased in light of recent high-profile corporate failures. Because one of the first steps in any investigation is to send a subpoena, fintech industry professionals should know what to expect and how to navigate the early stages of a government probe. Join Mayer Brown partners Rich Rosenfeld, Ori Lev, and Chris Leach—veterans of the SEC, CFPB, and FTC, respectively—as they discuss the process and key things to keep in mind, including how to tell if you are a target, best practices for your internal team, and what your board and employees need to know.

 
 
 
Brief
 

For those new to the digital assets and DeFi world, each edition of the Digital Assets Download will highlight a different term to help you be a part of the conversation.

FUD – “Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt”

While this concept and acronym were originally not specific to the digital assets sector, it has been adopted and used widely by many participants and commentators in crypto markets. Especially in light of recent events in crypto markets, FUD can be used to describe negative information about a cryptocurrency or bearish public sentiment about crypto markets in general. FUD can also reference public commentary by crypto skeptics.
 
 
 

Writings on the Wall, Translating ‘Crypto’ Terms with Mayer Brown

From Airdrop to Wrapped Token, our illustrated glossary, “Writings on the Wall, Translating Securities with Mayer Brown,” has been updated with additional digital assets and cryptocurrency terms. Check out our “featured” list for the crypto terms and the full list of terms.
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How can we better serve as your oracle to the digital assets world? We’d love to hear from you. 

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