Digital, Blockchain and Fintech

Ogier's dedicated Digital, Blockchain and Fintech team has been established specifically to assist clients operating or investing in businesses in the Fintech sector who want to take advantage of some of the benefits that come with using an offshore structure and clients who are implementing investment strategies and developing businesses involving cryptocurrencies, digital assets and blockchain technology or looking to invest in the sector.

We also assist clients who wish to establish foundations and structures that offer novel blockchain and distributed ledger products.

For businesses in the Fintech space, we can assist from day-one structuring, operational and regulatory matters to IP protection, through capital raising, transactional matters and corporate governance to exits by way of IPO, disposals or MBOs. Crucially, we also understand how important intellectual property is in this sector and can assist in this respect.

In the investment funds world, the evolution of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple and other blockchain-based currencies and digital assets is generating great interest from investment managers and investors who recognise that these new asset classes are capable of generating significant returns. The blockchain technology that underpins digital currency transactions has multiple applications in the investment fund sector whilst distributed ledger technology looks set to revolutionise many business sectors. We are witnessing a proliferation of blockchain service offerings and the development of decentralized business models and Ogier's Digital, Blockchain and Fintech team advises on all offshore aspects of these evolving structures, including Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

Members of our cross-jurisdictional team have significant experience with tech and digital start-ups, SMEs and multinational corporations. Moreover, we have advised clients in the cryptocurrency, digital asset and blockchain space since this sector first rose to prominence for investment managers.

We therefore understand the regulatory, legal and commercial issues that affect clients in this fast-paced industry and we know how to cut through the complexity to drive value to the investment managers, investment funds and Fintech businesses that we represent.

Services

Our services include

Investment Fund Services

structuring funds engaged in the sector including funds that:
- pursue cryptocurrency strategies
- hold digital currency positions
- engage in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
- invest in blockchain businesses
taking investments in digital currencies rather than fiat currencies
use of blockchain technology in fund services
use of smart contracts for investment documentation

Corporate Services

advising on ICOs
structuring businesses engaged in Fintech in a tax efficient manner
redomiciling existing businesses including operational aspects of personnel relocation, employment matters and obtaining premises
exploiting and protecting the value of vital intellectual property through registration, ownership and licensing, and advising where disputes arise, including infringement and passing off actions.
regulatory compliance such as obtaining the necessary licences and consents to operate in the chosen jurisdiction and handling immigration matters.
structuring and advising on debt and equity investments into the business, including joint venture and shareholder arrangements.
negotiating and finalising bank financing arrangements and business acquisitions and disposals.
drafting and advising on supply and purchase contracts, agreements for the development, licence and maintenance of software, terms and conditions of business, website development agreements and terms of use, privacy policies and other commercial contracts.
exit strategies including listing the business on a stock exchange.