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 in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and serves on the Board of Blockchain Australia and the Board of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Expertise
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 and his team go above and beyond to deliver the best advice and executes well. Piper Alderman demonstrates exemplary service and conduct in the legal field.’
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific: Australia – Financial services regulatory – 2022 edition
Accolades
- Blockchain Policy Maker or Influencer of the Year: Michael Bacina
- Chambers and Partners, FinTech Guide 2021 – Band 1 for FinTech Legal in Australia
- Chambers and Partners, FinTech Guide 2020 – 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 – 2022 edition
Recent deals and media coverage
- Treasury’s crypto plans will supercharge investment, experts say – Australian Financial Review, 8 December 2021 (paywall)
- NFT market sees ‘ innovative’ dealmaking, but also a ‘lack of standardisation and transparency’ – Lawyers Weekly, 11 November 2021
- Australian inquiry calls for new crypto regulatory framework – Capital.com, 20 October 2021
- Australian government should shift focus from ‘Wild West’ crypto narrative, says Blockchain Australia CEO – Stockhead, 11 August 2021
- L’Australie en retard dans le domaine de la crypto: A qui la faute? – Cointribune, 10 August 2021
- Blockchain Australia says gov’t still dismissing industry as a ‘wild west’ – CoinTelegraph, 9 August 2021
- Industry body asks government to shake the idea of Blockchain being the ‘wild west’ – ZDNet, 9 August, 2021
- What kind of new regulation can help Australia become a global crypto hub? – Forkast, 29 June 2021
- Chamberlains latest firm to accept crypto payments – LawyersWeekly, 20 June 2021
- Trading bitcoin without protection: Crypto exchanges in regulatory hole – The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 May 2021
- A brief outline of legal issues around NFTs – Lawyers Weekly, 26 May 2021
- Digital Strategy 2030 (p.52) – Federal Government of Australia, 15 May 2021
- National firm cements blockchain-based legal agreement in AusLaw first – Lawyers Weekly, 5 May 2021
- Cryptocurrency is the future – and Australia is living in the dark ages – The New Daily, 3 May 2021
- Australia’s Hidden Blockchain Crowd Emerges – The Australian Financial Review, 26 April 2021
- Aussie law firm executes blockchain-based payment guarantee – ZDNet, 25 April 2021
- Piper Alderman executes Australia’s first Blockchain-based legal agreement. – Australasian Lawyer, 24 April
- National firm cements blockchain-based legal agreement in AusLaw first – Lawyers Weekly, 23 April 2021
- Piper Alderman first law firm to sign blockchain-based legal agreement – The Australian Business Review, 23 April 2021
- Piper Alderman executes Blockchain-based legal contract in Aussie First – IT News, 23 April 2021
- Piper Alderman first law firm to sign Blockchain-based legal agreement – The Australian, 23 April 2021
- National firm cements Blockchain-based legal agreement in AusLaw first – Lawyers Weekly, 22 April 2021
- Coinbase spotlights Australia’s Blockchain brain drain – The Australian Financial Review, 15 April 2021
- Hurry up! Pressure on RBA over digital currencies – The Australian Financial Review, 24 February 2021
- Government Blockchain plan ‘lacks vision’ – The Australian Financial Review, 10 February 2021
- Access denied: Banks seem prone to cryptophobia despite growing adoption – CoinTelegraph, 21 January 2021
Memberships
- Board Member, Canadian Australia Chamber of Commerce
- Blockchain Australia
Insights
01 July 2022
Blockchain Bites: A$DC used in Carbon Credit purchase; Three Arrows to be liquidated in BVI;...
Read More24 June 2022
Blockchain Bites: Celsius freezes transactions; Binance sued over Luna/UST meltdown; Ontario fines two exchanges for...
Read More17 June 2022
Blockchain Bites: SEC probing BNB sale; 75% of US retailers looking to accept crypto; Staked...
Read More10 June 2022
Blockchain Bites: JPMorgan tokenizes collateral settlements; MetaMask making scam recovery simpler; DAO Wrapper Whitepaper Review
Read More27 May 2022
Blockchain Bites: A16Z releases State of Crypto Report; Labor urged to continue crypto reforms; US...
Read More24 May 2022
Blockchain Bites: Inside Google’s Web3 team; China’s new blockchain network; USD$7B fund staying the crypto...
Read More12 May 2022
Blockchain Bites: US SEC doubles down enforcement team for crypto; AUSTRAC issues crypto guides; California...
Read More05 May 2022
Blockchain Bites: No monkey business: Bored Ape Yacht Club hacked; Crypto Bahamas: Insights and Innovation...
Read More22 April 2022
Blockchain Bites: The Mainstreaming of Crypto: Quotes from the AFR Crypto Summit
Read More12 April 2022
Blockchain Bites: A fiduciary duty by any other name would smell just as sweet: Tulip...
Read More12 April 2022
Blockchain Bites: Blockchain Week Keynote Speaker Focus: Sam Bankman-Fried; Blockchain Week Keynote Speaker Focus: Senator...
Read More12 April 2022
Blockchain Bites: IP rights in NFTs: What can be done with CryptoPunks and Bored Apes?;...
Read More29 March 2022
Blockchain Bites: President Biden orders US agencies to report on crypto; US DOJ seizes $28M...
Read More25 March 2022
Blockchain Bites: ANZ leads the way with A$DC – the world’s first stablecoin minted by...
Read More08 March 2022
Blockchain Bites: FBI Forms Crack Team to Target Crypto Crime; First DAO-n: $4bn sought to...
Read More23 February 2022
Blockchain Bites: BlockFi blocked from offering interest products to US customers; NFL hands out NFTs...
Read More16 February 2022
Blockchain Bites: KPMG Canada Collects Crypto in Treasury; Blockchain Traceability Leads to Bust of Criminals...
Read More08 February 2022
Blockchain Bites: LeBron James jamming blockchain knowledge out to the next generation; DAO Regulation Roundtable;...
Read More31 January 2022
Blockchain Bites: US Federal Reserve releases CBDC insight; Libra’s lament? Diem to die? Stablecoins slain?...
Read More24 January 2022
Blockchain Bites:NYC restaurant plans exclusive NFT membership;Australian Senate Crypto Report – Recommendation 7: The tax...
Read More17 January 2022
Blockchain Bites: Crypto crime at all time high! Crypto crime never lower! What’s going on?!;...
Read More21 December 2021
Lexology Getting the Deal Through – Cryptoassests & Blockchain Australia, 2022 Edition
Read More16 December 2021
Blockchain Bites: Chainalysis releases 2021 NFT Market Report; FTX Releases Key Principles for Market Regulators
Read More01 December 2021
Blockchain Bites: Mastercard sets off to launch crypto-linked cards in the Asia Pacific; Australian Senate...
Read More29 November 2021
Blockchain Bites: ASIC sets a positive trajectory for an Australian Bitcoin ETF; CBA creates crypto...
Read More08 November 2021
Blockchain Bites: AU Senate Crypto Report – Recommendation 1: Licensing for DCEs, Recommendation 2 –...
Read More02 November 2021
Blockchain Bites: DAO company structure on the agenda; What Australia can learn from Wyoming’s DAO...
Read More01 November 2021
A clear regulatory framework for the digital assets sector in Australia: Bragg Report released
Read More26 October 2021
Blockchain Bites: Blockchain Global under external administration;The Glass Suit – Dolce & Gabbana go digital,...
Read More12 October 2021
Blockchain Bites: Australian DCEs take flight with overseas licensing!; Australia universities dominate ranks in global...
Read More07 October 2021
Blockchain Bites: The Senator for Blockchain?;US Federal Reserve Chairman Hints at CBDC Action; China’s Crypto...
Read More27 September 2021
Blockchain Bites: Stablecoins as securities? Gensler continues to “crack down” on crypto without clear reason;...
Read More17 September 2021
Blockchain Bites: RBA hiring for CBDC; Sotheby NFT Auction Generates USD$26 Million;Judge Not Cutting Ripple...
Read More15 September 2021
Blockchain Bites:BTC Markets Electrifies Banking with Volt;AFR: Australian regulators yet to understand digital assets;SEC Targets...
Read More09 September 2021
Blockchain Bites: AU: Cryptocurrency is here for good; Visa ‘plugs in’ to the NFT market...
Read More07 September 2021
Blockchain Bites: Corporate governance remains online a little longer;Chainalysis Report Shows Ransomware as Fastest Growing...
Read More25 August 2021
Blockchain Bites: AUSTRAC guidance for DCEs: review red flag indicators; SEC Chairman proposes to lock...
Read More23 August 2021
Blockchain Bites: CoinJar launches first Australian crypto-linked card with Mastercard; Proposed ‘Crypto Bill’ aims to...
Read More12 August 2021
Blockchain Bites: Deustche Bank: Digital Currencies may dominate by 2030; Amazon to accept Bitcoin as...
Read More30 July 2021
Blockchain Bites: Careful consideration required before engaging celebrity endorsements or “finfluencers”; Senator Bragg beckons: ‘Ask...
Read More26 July 2021
Blockchain Bites: Australian Govt funded Blockchain Pilots announced; Unnamed employee sprung stealing from liquidated exchange...
Read More23 July 2021
Blockchain Bites: Time for a safe harbor?; Central Banks continuing to progress CBDCs internationally with...
Read More09 July 2021
Blockchain Bites: $181m to fund Australia’s future of finance and digital assets; Crypto-asset ETPs?; COALA...
Read More05 July 2021
Blockchain Bites: AUSTRAC’s online overhaul: the suggestion box is now open; El Salvador Opposition shake...
Read More23 June 2021
Blockchain Bites: Aussie blockchain company Civic Ledger recognised by World Economic Forum; Banking for DeFi...
Read More17 June 2021
Blockchain Bites: US Regulators Divided on Defi Regulation; Colonial Pipeline ransomware recovered; El Salvador promotes...
Read More08 June 2021
Blockchain Bites: Apple recruits to explore alternative payments; DCEs call for regulation in the wake...
Read More03 June 2021
Blockchain Bites: AUSTRAC guidance for Digital Currency Exchanges; Paypal Permits Digital Currency Withdrawals; Gamestop’s NFT...
Read More27 May 2021
Blockchain Bites: AU Senate Committee to tackle ‘debanking’; AU Blockchain Week events live on YouTube;...
Read More19 May 2021
Blockchain Bites: Sotheby’s accepts digital currency for physical work; Microsoft Excel adopts BTC as Currency;...
Read More12 May 2021
Blockchain Bites: Aus Senate Technology Committee 2nd Interim Report; Five US CBDC pilots to take...
Read More04 May 2021
Blockchain Bites: Mastercard expedites CBDC exploration; WeWork welcomes digital currencies for payments in and out;...
Read More27 April 2021
Blockchain Bites: Piper Alderman: First Law Firm to use Blockchain-Based Payment Guarantee; Blockchain Week: Panel...
Read More19 April 2021
Blockchain Bites: Blockchain Week starts today!; Building the Decentralised Future; A Conversation with Kain Warwick;...
Read More09 April 2021
Blockchain Bites: PayPal launches Crypto Checkout; Coinbase’s $6.5M fine for misleading customers; Fine art meets...
Read More30 March 2021
Blockchain Bites: AU issues $3M grants to prove blockchain potential; Brazilian BTC ETF brings bourse...
Read More25 March 2021
Blockchain Bites: Agony of ACX Exchange users continues; Ripple – built for a CBDC?; Non-Fungible...
Read More24 March 2021
Blockchain Bites: Australia as a Technology and Finance Hub; BTC Markets ISO 27001 certified; Roll...
Read More19 March 2021
Blockchain Bites: Crypto crime concentrated in 270 connected wallets; New technology not immune to the...
Read More10 March 2021
Blockchain Bites: EU Central Bank demands more controls over stable coins; Looking towards green bitcoin;...
Read More17 February 2021
Blockchain Bites: Singapore driving digital documents forward; Central Bank of Nigeria: banks should not engage...
Read More05 February 2021
Blockchain Bites: Ripple’s defence in SEC prosecution; Visa values digital currency; AUSTRAC DCE Roundtable; Craig...
Read More29 January 2021
Blockchain Bites: Digital currencies cruise into the Davos World Economic Forum discussion; Bolstering eSafety with...
Read More22 January 2021
Blockchain Bites: French Central Bank completes CBDC pilot using digital euro; Creditors offered 90% of...
Read More15 January 2021
Blockchain Bites: Aussie press muses Bitcoin as a gold replacement; US SEC out to make...
Read More04 December 2020
Blockchain Bites: Banks rival for custody of digital asset keys; Saudi and UAE Central banks...
Read More27 November 2020
Blockchain Bites: $8M stolen from Aussie Hedge fund; China pushing CBDCs; Gaming Blockchain Boost; Hong...
Read More20 November 2020
Blockchain Bites: Brazilian CBDC, Uncle Sam seizes a Billion in Bitcoin; Big trouble for Bigatton,...
Read More10 November 2020
Blockchain Bites: Attorney-General’s Office review into the Privacy Act; Verification of U.S. Election coverage by...
Read More23 October 2020
Blockchain Bites: Paypal launching crypto services, Financial Stability Board reports, FinCEN fines for crypto mixers...
Read More16 October 2020
Blockchain Bites: Government reports galore, Federal Budget FinTech focus, and regulator crackdowns
Read More28 August 2020
Blockchain Bites: Ripple required to rebrand PayID, media misstatements on Bitcoin, Reserve Bank confirms CBDC...
Read More14 August 2020
Blockchain Bites: Australian sentenced for Ripple theft, SEC enforcement action against Boon.Tech, New York greenlist...
Read More07 August 2020
Blockchain Bites: Bitcoin as money in Australian Courts, Seeking certainty in proof-of-stake tax, Binance launches...
Read More24 July 2020
Blockchain Bites: Mastercard expands digital asset partnerships, UK Treasury consults on crypto promotion, and US...
Read More23 July 2020
UK Treasury proposes plan to protect retail investors from digital asset promotions
Read More14 July 2020
Blockchain Bites: National Blockchain Roadmap Working Groups, FATF reports on stablecoins, more SEC settlements, and...
Read More07 July 2020
Blockchain Bites: Bank of Canada CBDC analysis, ASX delays CHESS replacement, Digital assets on the...
Read More12 June 2020
Security Token liquidity: Are we there yet? Are we there yet? When are we going...
Read More28 May 2020
Litigation likely as Steemit saga continues, with stakeholders’ Steem “stolen”
Read More06 May 2020
Blockchain Bites: US Congress considers virtual voting, class action launched against Block.one, VISA patents digital...
Read More03 May 2020
Blockchain Bites: Telegram blockchain discontinued, Personal Token Sales on a Roll, NZ High Court finds...
Read More20 April 2020
Blockchain Bites: NZ High Court finds that digital assets are property, The Bitcoin Fund’s 3...
Read More17 April 2020
A digital currency fund’s 3 year journey to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Read More30 March 2020
Blockchain Bites: Free Webinar on Coronavirus, RBA cash survey, COVID-19 project delays, Digital Dollar &...
Read More24 March 2020
Lexology Getting the Deal Through – Cryptoassests & Blockchain Australia, 2020 Edition
Read More13 March 2020
Blockchain Bites: Bank of England publishes CBDC discussion paper, Blockchain Professionals meetup goes virtual, China...
Read More06 March 2020
Blockchain Bites: Supreme Court of India reverse digital currency banking ban, Lloyds launches digital currency...
Read More28 February 2020
Blockchain Bites: Central Bank Digital Currency developments growing around the world, France and Austria combine...
Read More21 February 2020
Blockchain Bites: UK High Court makes landmark decision on digital assets, Japan considers a CBDC,...
Read More14 February 2020
Blockchain Bites: The Australian Parliament expand ASIC’s regulatory sandbox, US Federal Reserve ruminates CBDC, SEC...
Read More07 February 2020
Blockchain Bites: The Australian Blockchain Roadmap is released, Decentralised Finance (DeFi) continues to grow, APRA...
Read More06 February 2020
Swimming in regulatory uncertainty: DeFi and the “no loss” lottery PoolTogether
Read More31 January 2020
Blockchain Bites: Chainalysis release new criminals in crypto report, IBM secure patent for ‘self-aware’ token,...
Read More24 January 2020
Blockchain Bites: US reintroduce new crypto tax bill, Australia misses out on global CBDC working...
Read More17 January 2020
Blockchain Bites: US Treasury trial blockchain, AMLD5 comes into effect in EU, NBA Star takes...
Read More10 January 2020
Blockchain Bites: Blockchain Community Rallies to support Bushfire Fundraising, RBA continues to research CBDC, Qatar...
Read More20 December 2019
Blockchain Bites: Chinese courts using blockchain, South Africa enact crypto capital controls, France approve first...
Read More17 December 2019
Blockchain Bites: IRS deploys new crypto tax form, China ramps up blockchain integration, Ukraine approve...
Read More09 December 2019
Blockchain Bites: Canadian Walmart branches into blockchain, France test trial digital currency, Germany passes breakthrough...
Read More02 December 2019
Blockchain Bites: US Court files another lawsuit against Bitfinex and Tether, China cracks down on...
Read More22 November 2019
Blockchain Bites: Libra growing stronger, UK Taskforce releases Legal Statement on Cryptoassets, UAE crafts crypto...
Read More15 November 2019
Blockchain Bites: IRS: “dozens” of crypto tax evaders identified, Coca-Cola Blockchain and the Royal Bank...
Read More08 November 2019
Blockchain Bites: Libra, Her Majesty gets tax on crypto and digital identity updates
Read More28 October 2019
Blockchain Bites: Zuckerberg grilled, Australian Senate Committee Issues Paper, ASX CHESS Replacement
Read More14 October 2019
Blockchain Bites: Perth Mint tokenizing gold, Tether and Bitfinex Class Action Lawsuit
Read More07 October 2019
Blockchain Bites: Cuban Criticism, Crypto Rating Council formed, NBA disallows contract tokenization
Read More01 February 2019
Regulating STOs and Token Offerings: Australian Treasury seeks submissions
Read More29 September 2017
ASIC Guidance on cryptocurrency token sales: a ban or sensible regulation?
Read More27 July 2017