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Michael Bacina

Partner

Michael Bacina
Partner

Sydney

+61 2 9253 3815

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Profile

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.

Expertise

Services

Blockchain

Anti-money Laundering & Corruption

Capital Markets & Capital Raisings

Commercial Contracts

Commercial Disputes

Corporate & Commercial

Cyber Security

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

FinTech

Funds Management

International

Privacy & Data Protection

Private Equity & Venture Capital

Regulatory Compliance & Investigations

Sectors

Financial Services

IT & Telecommunications

Recognition

Michael Bacina is recognised as being “one of the thought leaders in the FinTech space.” Bacina is renowned for his expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrency and often advises on issues around tokenisation. He recently acted for Avestix on the establishment of its accelerator hub as well as its asset tokenisation strategy and corporate structuring. “Given his experience in computer science,” say commentators, “he is able to explain complex and foreign ideas to legal practitioners in a way that is digestible.”
Chambers Professional Advisors: FinTech Legal Australia, 2020 edition

“I’ve worked with a few law firms over the years and Michael Bacina has to be one of the most engaging partners that I have ever come across. Michael’s enthusiasm and subject matter knowledge are second to none. It’s always a pleasure working with him, you know exactly what to expect and he always goes the extra mile.”
Client Testimony: Dougal Hawkes, Advisory Director – The Cyber Advisory Practice

‘Michael Bacina was instrumental in driving our business forward. He had key relationships with everyone involved.’
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific: Australia – Fintech and Financial services regulatory – 2024 edition

‘Michael Bacina and his team have been exceptionally fruitful to deal with. The commercial work that they do is very thorough. We have come to them with some very complicated matters dealing with very cutting edge subject matter, and they are very fast to understand our needs and show a deep comprehension of the particulars and consequences.’
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific: Australia – Fintech and Financial services regulatory – 2023 edition

Accolades

  • Fintech Expert of the Year, Leaders in Law – 2022 Global Awards
  • Blockchain Policy Maker or Influencer of the Year: Michael Bacina
  • Chambers and Partners, FinTech Guide 2020 to 2023 – Band 1 for FinTech Legal in Australia
  • 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
  • The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Recommended for Financial services regulatory – since 2022 edition
  • The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Recommended for Data Protection – since 2023 edition


Recent deals and media coverage

Memberships

  • Board Member, Canadian Australia Chamber of Commerce
  • Blockchain Australia
  • Member of the Law Society’s 2024 Taskforce on Artificial Intelligence

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