Once again our good friends at Reed Smith have assembled a comprehensive compendium of U.S. federal and state, as well as non-U.S., laws and developments impacting the blockchain and virtual currency ecosystem. Even one year later, the evolving regulatory climate remains complex and, at times, uncertain. Even more government agencies have claimed jurisdiction over activities using blockchain technology. Recent events and their potential scope globally have prompted regulators worldwide, including central banks, to consider these issues with increased urgency
Many of the companies in the blockchain space are trying to solve for a problem – whether it be for digital identity, the efficient distribution of loans and payments, or better tracking supply channels, to name a few. Often, they are technologists who may not be thinking of the intricacies of regulation in the industry. Or, they may be business veterans who are acutely aware of the pitfalls of legal and compliance requirements and need a go-to firm to advise them on the do’s and don’ts currently affecting their intended industry. While innovators are blazing new trails, many areas of law continue to remain unclear and companies must make sensible judgments in achieving compliance. Having a strong understanding of the legal landscape - as well as history of how we got here - is key to building a successful company in the blockchain sector.