Digital Assets and Blockchain

Futuristic digital blockchain background.

Distributed ledger technologies including blockchain and other digital assets are reshaping the global business landscape and the potential of cryptoassets 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 its fingers 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 cryptoassets 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 cryptoassets 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.

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Matthew T. Burgoyne

Partner, Corporate

Calgary

Laure Fouin

Partner, Corporate

Montréal

Simon Hodgett

Partner, Technology

Toronto

Elizabeth Sale

Partner, Financial Services

Toronto

Lawrence E. Ritchie

Partner, Litigation

Toronto

Andrew W. Aziz

Partner, Corporate

Toronto

  • Bitvo Inc.

    Bitvo Inc. in its sale of all of its client accounts to Bitbuy Technologies Inc.

  • Blockstream

    Blockstream in its raising of US$125 million to develop their crypto mining services

  • Bitvo Inc.

    Bitvo Inc. in its proposed acquisition by FTX Trading

  • VirgoCX

    VirgoCX in connection with Virgo Group’s $10 million Series A financing round

  • Round13 Capital

    Round13 Capital in the formation of its new VC Fund

  • Ledn

    Ledn in its US$30 million Series A financing round

  • Simply Digital Technologies Inc. (COB CoinSmart)

    A leading Canadian crypto asset exchange, on its Canadian regulatory strategy and pending reverse-take over of Mesa Exploration Corp.

  • Ether Capital

    Ether Capital in its offering of units and concurrent private placement

  • Purpose Bitcoin ETF and Purpose Ether ETF

    Advised on the launch of the first bitcoin and Ether ETFs in the world

  • Wealthsimple Digital Assets

    Advised on the launch of the first digital asset trading platform in Canada to be registered as a restricted dealer under provincial securities and derivatives laws

  • 3iQ Corp. and The Bitcoin Fund

    Successful hearing before the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and subsequent initial public offering of the first publicly-traded bitcoin investment fund in the world

  • Horizon Blockchain

    Horizon Blockchain in its US$5 million seed financing round

  • Venrock

    Venrock's US$15 million Series B investment in Dapper Labs

  • Ether Capital Corporation

    The dealers in connection with Ether Capital Corporation's private offering of subscription receipts and reverse take-over transaction

  • Paycase Financial Corp.

    Paycase Financial Corp. in its agreement with TMX’s Shorcan DCN to launch a new cryptocurrency brokerage service

  • 3iQ Corp.

    3iQ Corp. in connection with Canada’s first multiple digital currency investment fund

  • Venzee Inc.

    Venzee Inc. in connection with its going public transaction through the reverse takeover of a TSXV listed issuer renamed Venzee Technologies Inc.

  • Blockstream Corporation

    Blockstream Corporation in its $21 million seed round financing

  • Citizen Hex

    Citizen Hex in its Seed financing round

  • Blockstream Corporation

    Blockstream Corporation in its $55 million Series A Financing

  • Blockstream

    Blockstream in its US$210 million Series B financing round

  • Find More

  • Chambers Fintech: Canada’s Leading Lawyers in Fintech (Band 1)