Distributed ledger technologies including blockchain and other digital assets are reshaping the global business landscape and the potential of crypto assets is being felt across many sectors, ranging from financial services, capital markets, real estate, intellectual property, corporate transactions and much more.
Investor interest in digital assets has also risen dramatically as Bitcoin, Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies have emerged as an alternative asset class delivering extraordinary returns over the last decade. Recent developments, such as increased institutional participation, approval of the first publicly traded ETFs by Canadian securities regulators, and the popularity of stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) signals continued positive momentum for the sector.
While opportunities in this space are limitless, the risks are complex and constantly changing, even for well-established “cryptonatives”. Participants must navigate complex and evolving rules and regulations in Canada, which can be particularly challenging as the fast-paced nature of the digital asset landscape is outpacing the corresponding regulatory frameworks.
Having experienced legal counsel with a finger on the pulse of the digital asset ecosystem is crucial to navigating this evolving space.
Osler’s Digital Assets and Blockchain team advises early-stage and established digital asset clients, including trading and lending platforms, investment managers, software developers and institutional investors in the Canadian digital asset markets.
The regulatory treatment of crypto assets is also evolving, and we leverage our extensive network of industry experts, participation in industry associations and positive working relationships with governmental authorities to advocate for you and guide you on how to create, trade, hold and manage crypto assets in a manner that aligns with applicable law and current regulatory interpretations. We also advise on enforcement actions that can result from regulatory uncertainty. In the event that disputes arise, Osler’s leading litigation team has expertise in digital asset issues to assist clients in resolving contentious matters.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts is well-equipped to answer your questions surrounding the legal impacts of this technology and other digital assets. In particular, Osler advises market participants on:
- Cryptocurrency trading and investing
- Regulation of virtual currency dealers and crypto asset trading platforms
- Tokenized business models
- Cryptocurrency derivatives and related financial instruments
- Deployment of blockchain technology
- Enforcement investigations and proceedings and litigation
The depth of our advice and service draws on a multidisciplinary approach across Osler teams. Clients can access our extensive experience in FinTech, Emerging & High Growth Companies, Securities Regulatory, Financial Services Regulatory, Commercial/Technology, Litigation, Tax and Privacy.
Key Contacts
Chair
Partner, Corporate, Calgary
Latest Insights
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Osler Update December 11, 2023
Digital assets and blockchain: the year of maturation
In years past, a series of industry failures and a lack of regulatory certainty threatened to chill the digital asset space. In 2023, the story...
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Osler Update March 6, 2026
Project Samara: the first regulator-approved Canadian tokenized bond
Project Samara evaluates how tokenization and distributed ledger technology can support bond issuance and settlement.
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Blog January 27, 2026
Ontario court grants anti-suit injunction to enjoin foreign arbitration in ongoing crypto litigation
The court granted an anti-suit injunction preventing Binance from pursuing arbitration in Hong Kong related to an Ontario class action.
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Report December 4, 2025
Canadian and U.S. regulatory developments are reshaping market oversight
Navigating North American and global trends and policy directions.
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Stay up to date with our latest insights
SubscribeAwards and Recognition
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Canada’s Leading Lawyers in Fintech (Band 1).
—Chambers Fintech
Osler has tremendous experience in this space. We feel confident that they have seen almost every situation we encounter. Their counsel is always reasonable and logical.
In the Media
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Media Mentions January 28, 2026
Explainer: What are prediction markets? – Canadian Affairs
In a recent article in Canadian Affairs, Digital Assets and Blockchain Group Chair Matthew Burgoyne comments on the fragmented nature of regulatory...
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Media Mentions January 16, 2026
Will prediction markets ever become legal in Canada? – Casino.org
Matthew Burgoyne discusses how Canada’s securities regulatory regime might apply to predictive betting markets.
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Media Mentions January 10, 2026
Someone made big money betting on Maduro. What are prediction markets, and is it time they had tighter rules? – CBC News
Prediction markets, in which users place binary wagers on almost any kind of event, have become an increasingly popular way to make money. While...
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Media Mentions November 5, 2025
Federal budget 2025: Plan for stablecoin rules to usher in Canada’s ‘digital dollar era,’ advocates say –The Globe and Mail
While the federal government has promised to introduce a framework for legislation designed to regulate the issuance of stablecoins, Matt...
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