Cryptocurrency is always in the headlines, and consumer use of it is becoming increasingly mainstream. But the law is yet to grapple extensively with cryptocurrency and the blockchain technology that underpins it.
By way of in person seminar and webinar on 23 June 2022, Michael May and Salwa Marsh provided a basic introduction to what cryptocurrencies are and how they work, and to tentatively explore some of the key legal issues that arise in respect of them.
It introduced
- Key concepts like blockchain technology, cryptography, public/private keys, decentralisation, proof-of-work and proof-of-stake mining, exchanges, and ‘smart contracts’
- Various types of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Central Bank Digital Currencies, (so-called) ‘stable coins’ and NFTs
The legal issues considered were
- Regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges, KYC and money laundering issues
- Developing uses of cryptocurrencies for things like lending (decentralised finance or DeFi) and capital raising
The video and podcast recording, as well as the PowerPoint presentation used and transcript are published here.
