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
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
Recent deals and media coverage
- The Blockies: Meet Australia’s award-winning blockchain stars – Finder, 24 July 2019
- What’s a blockchain? A lawyer’s guide: Part one – Lawyers Weekly, 25 June 2019
- What’s a blockchain? A lawyer’s guide: Part two – Lawyers Weekly, 9 July 2019
- Libra — a lawyer’s guide to blockchain: Part three – Lawyers Weekly, 16 July 2019
- Podcast: Blockchain’s role in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing – Lawyers Weekly, 25 January 2019
- Top firms act as fintech start-up sells fast – Australasian Lawyer, 23 January 2019
- LegalMeets Podcast Episode 24 – Michael Bacina
- DIY super funds getting into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies – Brisbane Times, 11 November 2018
- Piper Alderman to adopt new payment structure – Lawyers Weekly, 13 September 2018
- Piper Alderman adopts Paid By Coins for Cryptocurrency payments – Australian FinTech, 12 September 2018
- Grant Thornton support of Lakeba’s Future Hub consortium to help accelerate Blockchain Growth – Australian FinTech, 29 August 2018
- Pipers to bolster blockchain efficiencies with ‘future-focused’ partnership – Lawyers Weekly, 8 August 2018
- Podcast: Blockchain, cryptocurrency and changing client expectations – Lawyers Weekly, 27 July 2018
- Demand for blockchain-competent lawyers on the rise – Lawyers Weekly – 27 June 2018
- Why one of Australia’s oldest law firms is now accepting Bitcoin payments – Australasian Lawyer, 1 February 2018
- Piper Alderman has become the first major Australian law firm to accept bitcoin payments – The Advertiser and Adelaide Now (online) – 17 January 2018
- National firm appoints new partner – Lawyers Weekly, 12 January 2017
Memberships
- Board Member, Canadian Australia Chamber of Commerce
- Blockchain Australia
Insights
22 January 2021
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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