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Michael advises companies dealing with Digital Law: the intersection of cutting-edge technology, automation and innovation.  As a former software developer, Michael has a rare combination of technical, regulatory and legal skills which he leverages to assist his clients.

Michael works with Fintech, Regtech, Blockchain, digital asset projects from enterprise level deployments bringing technology to existing business models, scale-ups, start-up ventures, cryptocurrency payment providers, crypto-asset exchanges, RegTech, InsurTech, PropTech and compliance for other technology deployments.

Since founding and exiting a successful IT business in the early 2000s, Michael has maintained an active involvement in software development.  He is knowledgeable in the workings of (and legal issues surrounding) digital currencies and digital assets, blockchain projects, smart contract issues 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 in front and back-end advice. Michael delivers targeted advice for the whole of life software, start-up (including fundraising) 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 and technology matters and is a sought-after speaker on regulatory issues facing smart contract, Blockchain and technology adoption, appearing both internationally (New York, San Francisco and Singapore) and in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane) and recently appearing before the Australian Senate Inquiry into FinTech and RegTech.  He has been ranked Band 1 in FinTech by the prestigious Chambers & Partners since 2019 and serves on the Board of Blockchain Australia and the Board of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Chris McLean is an accomplished legal and business executive with a diverse background in law, science, and IT. As the Chief Operating Officer of Piper Alderman, one of Australia’s leading law firms, Chris is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and driving strategic initiatives.

Prior to joining Piper Alderman, Chris held various leadership roles in the legal and consulting industries, including as a Regional Director of Operations for an international law firm and as the Managing Director of a carbon and energy consulting company. He has also worked in knowledge management and IT roles at various organizations and has practiced as a lawyer.

Chris’s unique combination of legal expertise and business acumen has made him a sought-after advisor and thought leader in the legal industry. He is passionate about using technology and innovation to improve the delivery of legal services and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence at Piper Alderman.