Asim Arshad

Posted on: August 8th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I am a dedicated Commercial Disputes lawyer with a particular specialism in the emerging cryptoasset sector.

I have diverse experience within commercial litigation, encompassing areas such as breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, shareholder disputes, franchise disputes, product liability claims and debt recovery.

Working closely with our Sports division, I have acted for a number of high profile clients in the world of sports and entertainment where the disputes often possess a delicate and confidential nature. Understanding the unique challenges and privacy concerns that come with such cases, I prioritise discretion and confidentiality, ensuring that the interests and reputations of my clients are safeguarded.

My expertise is further complemented by a familiarity with prominent arbitration institutions. I have adeptly represented clients in arbitral proceedings under the rules of institutions such as the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS).

As the nascent cryptoasset sector has matured, I have developed a particular focus and specialism in providing legal services and advice to clients operating in the crypto and digital asset sector. From cryptoasset regulation and compliance advice to dispute resolution, my blend of traditional commercial litigation expertise, forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of digital assets, blockchain and the unique challenges and environment in which industry participants operate, positions me as a trusted legal advisor to many in the sector.

Notably among these is my work with one of the largest NFT projects on the Cardano blockchain. In addition, I have acted as a trusted crypto lawyer to one of the industry’s leading mining platforms and have advised various token issuing entities as well as a tier 1 exchange, further solidifying my reputation as a trusted legal advisor in this growing sector.

I am dedicated to delivering innovative, robust, and cost-effective legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client, and I take pride in being a trusted advisor in both traditional and emerging sectors.

Experience highlights 

  • Successfully defended a UK-based individual against attempts by a U.S. crypto lender, which had filed for bankruptcy, to recover payments made during the preference period.
  • Advised a token-issuing entity and a play-to-earn (P2E) platform on a broad range of regulatory considerations, including navigating the FCA token classification guidelines, including a thorough analysis of token characteristics to determine appropriate regulatory treatment, and provided strategic advice to mitigate regulatory risks.
  • Provided strategic advice and guidance to a token issuing entity on structuring the token issuance to comply with applicable regulations. Also advised on related issues such as anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, financial promotion rules, and the preparation of legal documentation to support the token’s launch and ongoing operations.
  • Acted for an individual who had lost in excess of £1m in cryptoassets as a result of a sophisticated investment scam, utilising innovative legal strategies and remedies to trace and recover stolen funds.
  • Assisted multiple clients in navigating the complexities of using cryptoassets for substantial purchases, including property purchases.
  • Collaborated with a European law firm to assist their client to annul a tax decision issued by relevant tax authority, which had requested in excess of €1m by way of tax liability on cryptoassets not yet withdrawn from a platform.
  • Represented a number of clients in recovering substantial sums which had previously been deemed ‘irretrievable’ by centralised exchanges due to erroneous transfers.
  • Advised a global exchange through evolving regulatory and compliance requirements to operate within the UK market.
  • Represented several token-issuing entities in negotiations with major crypto exchanges for the listing of their tokens. Advising on listing requirements, disclosure obligations, and drafted listing agreements that protecting interests while meeting the compliance standards of the exchanges.
  • Advised clients on the formation and governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), including the structuring of legal entities and the drafting of governance frameworks to ensure transparent and fair decision-making processes.
  • Instructed as part of a multi-jurisdictional legal team on the creation and structuring of cryptoasset investment funds targeted at institutional clients.
  • Acted for clients in significant commercial agreements where cryptoassets formed a substantial part of the transaction value, providing strategic guidance on the valuation and transfer of cryptoassets, due diligence to assess cryptoasset portfolios, and negotiating terms that aligned with the parties obligations and risk profiles.
  • Acted for crypto businesses and individuals in disputes relating to compensation schemes tied to cryptoasset valuations, token generation events and token rewards.
  • Advised a range of traditional businesses, including retail businesses, on integrating cryptoassets as a form of payment within their business models. Developed strategies to mitigate risks associated with volatility, fraud, and regulatory scrutiny, while ensuring seamless implementation and alignment with business objectives.”

Ricardo Geada

Posted on: May 2nd, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens as a Director to head up the Regulatory Solutions department.  I have over 16 years’ legal experience in dispute resolution (in-house and private practice) with a particular focus on regulatory and compliance when it comes to cannabis-related businesses as well as the cryptoassets and the blockchain industry. 

I am regularly instructed by global cannabis companies in either the CBD wellness sector or medicinal cannabis sector (CBPMs).  These instructions range from advising on aspects of regulation in the UK, EU, Asia and beyond regarding the legality of vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids); cosmetics; food products and supplements; and medicinal cannabis products.  I often advise clients looking to obtain a Home Office licence such as a controlled drugs licence or cultivation licence. 

I have also developed an interest and practice regarding cryptoassets, blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Often assisting as a trusted crypto lawyer, I have assisted businesses operating in or seeking to enter this ever-growing space. I help my clients navigate the complex and novel legal issues of digital assets whether it be a business looking to set up an exchange or issue a token.

Due to the nature of the above sectors and the legal nuances involved, I regularly work closely with other legal departments such as Corporate & Commercial, Employment and Dispute Resolution to ensure my clients benefit from a full suite of legal services specifically tailored to their immediate business needs and future objectives.

My in-house and international experience makes me commercially incisive and instrumental to my clients when handling their legal and strategic requirements both in the UK and abroad.  I am regularly described by my clients as a pragmatic, strategic and solution-focused business partner.

Experience highlights 

  • Advising clients in respect of regulation in the UK, EU and abroad (over 15 countries covered) regarding the legality of:
    1. Vaping products (e-cigarettes and e-liquids)
    2. Cosmetics 
    3. Medicinal cannabis products
    4. Food supplements
    5. Food products

Some of the Regulations covered: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Consumer Products and Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (guidance given by the UK Regulator – Medicines & Health products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”), EU Cosmetics Regulations (EC – No. 1223/2009), The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (including the Tobacco Products Directive) and General Product Safety Regulations 2005

  • Advising and assisting clients with their CBD novel foods applications (NFA) and/or linked NFA with the Food Standards Agency
  • Conducting marking reviews of clients’ CBD product lines and websites making sure they adhere to relevant regulations depending on the type of product in question
  • Review and advising clients in relation to certificates of analysis (CoAs) in respect of the levels of THC contained within the specified product, ensuring such levels are within the permitted amounts as set out by the laws and regulations of those countries the client intends to export to
  • Advising clients in respect of product seizures by border force agencies. Successfully getting products released and also obtaining damages for a client where their product line had been destroyed by UK Border Force
  • Advising clients in respect of controlled drug licences
  • Advising clients in respect of industrial hemp cultivation applications in the UK and assisting with the applications process