Navigating Virtual Currencies and Blockchain Regulation

Welcome to the new world of digital currency regulation. Digital currency is unique for many reasons – the primary is that it doesn’t have a physical equivalent in the real world. It’s completely electronic, supported by blockchain data. Virtual currency isn’t issued by a bank or a public authority and no government controls it or decides if there should be more or less of it. However, it is accepted as a means of payment by some groups and can be transferred, stored or traded electronically and has the other characteristics of traditional money.

In an era of digital innovation and financial disruption, the legal landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace. Join us as we delve into the captivating realm of virtual currencies and blockchain regulation. Explore the future of finance and boost your legal expertise in this rapidly evolving field.

Learn from the best! Don’t miss this outstanding program on digital currency regulation with a panel of practitioners who were in the highest levels of government from the White House to FINRA! They are:

William B. Mack, Esq. – Former Principal Counsel for Enforcement at FINRA. Before FINRA, he was the Director of the Executive Secretariat in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. William also served as a Deputy Associate Counsel at the White House, advising primarily on appointments and investigations.

Hailey Lennon, Esq. – Contributor to Forbes and Bitcoin Magazine. Prior to joining Brown Rudnick, Hailey was regulatory counsel at leading cryptocurrency platforms Coinbase and bitFlyer. At Coinbase, she helped oversee regulatory relationships with the SEC, CFTC, OFAC and state regulators. At bitFlyer, helped the company’s expansion into the United States, obtaining money transmitter licenses for 33 states, as well as the coveted New York BitLicense. She oversaw bitFlyer’s Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) program, including internal policies and procedures, training, audits, and required reporting. She also managed meetings with FinCEN, DEA and other regulatory agencies, as well as the company’s strategy with respect to CFTC and SEC.

Hermine Wong, Esq. - Hermine has her own practice advising disruptive tech startups on their regulatory and political strategies. She also teaches at UC Berkeley School of Law on crypto and web3. She previously built and led the Policy team Coinbase. Before Coinbase, she spent a decade in public service as an attorney at the SEC, the White House, the State Department.

David P. O’Brien, Esq. is an Attorney Advisor with the Office of the General Counsel, D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. He has private sector, education and government experience. David’s specialties include securities, banking, commercial law, litigation, litigation management, and risk management. 

Program Agenda:

• 9:00 - Welcome and Introductions
• 9:05 - Virtual Currencies and Blockchain Overview
• 9:30 - Recent Crypto Litigation Developments
  Gain invaluable insights into the fascinating legal battle surrounding Ripple and delve into the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) oversight role and the riveting debate on whether digital coins constitute investment products or commodities. In this session, you will explore the groundbreaking Ripple decision and discover its far-reaching implications and:
  • Acquire a comprehensive understanding of SEC regulations in the context of virtual currencies
  • Evaluate the legal distinction between investment products and commodities
  • Review the Ripple case and its significance in the legal landscape
  • SEC oversight: differentiating investment products from commodities
  • The Ripple Decision Unveiled
• 10:15 - Break
• 10:25 - Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
  Explore the legislative landscape concerning virtual currencies and issues surrounding cryptocurrency adoption and its impact on society. Get an overview of the legal framework governing virtual currencies in New Jersey, including the intriguing intersection between digital assets and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). You will walk away from this session:
  • Being familiar with New Jersey's current and proposed regulations for virtual currencies;
  • Knowing the legal challenges and opportunities in New Jersey; and
  • Understanding the implications of UCC provisions on digital assets.
• 11:10 - Explaining Various Types of Stablecoins: Unlocking the Future of Finance
  Uncover the exciting world of digital currencies as central banks experiment with innovative financial solutions. Analyze the Federal Reserve's creation and use of digital currencies and discover the potential use cases for these transformative technologies. Gain a deep understanding of why central banks are venturing into this digital realm and the potential consequences of being left behind. Our expert faculty will help you:
  • Boost your knowledge of central bank initiatives with digital currencies
  • Improve awareness of the use cases and implications of central bank-issued digital currencies
  • Identify and understand the risks and opportunities associated with the future of finance
  • Use of/ramifications of substitute banking products
  • Examining recent bankruptcies and causes
  • Industry outlook: what to expect next
• 11:50 - Q&A and Wrap Up
• 12:00 - Adjourn