Our cryptocurrency law firm offers specialised legal solutions in blockchain and cryptocurrency and extends beyond traditional legal advice, encompassing a deep understanding of the technological and business implications of blockchain and digital assets.
Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Disputes & Litigation
Our Expertise in Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Law
Using a unique and comprehensive approach, our litigation lawyers have helped clients ranging from startups and investors to exchanges and digital asset mining operations both locally in Singapore and internationally, positioning our cryptocurrency law firm as a leader in this space.
Our expertise is not limited to traditional legal services. We integrate our practice with cutting-edge knowledge in Intellectual Property, Data Protection, Privacy, and Cybersecurity, offering a holistic solution that addresses all aspects of our clients’ business needs in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.
Criteria for Cryptocurrency Case Acceptance
Due to the high volume of inquiries and the specialised nature of this legal area, our law firm typically engages in cases where the disputed amount exceeds USD$200,000. This criterion ensures that we allocate our resources and expertise to cases with substantial impact and complexity.
For potential clients whose cases involve amounts less than $200,000, we can potentially assist in directing individuals towards pro bono services or other resources that may be more suited to their needs. We remain committed to ensuring that everyone impacted by cryptocurrency disputes has access to appropriate legal advice and support, regardless of the case size.
This approach allows our litigation lawyers to maintain a focus on high-stake cryptocurrency and blockchain litigation, leveraging our extensive legal experience and deep understanding of the digital asset landscape to represent our clients effectively in complex and significant cases.
World-Class Cryptocurrency Litigation Team
Working alongside technical experts to fully grasp the nuances of blockchain applications, our litigation lawyers excel at identifying potential legal challenges early to mitigate risks effectively. This synergy ensures comprehensive legal strategies tailored to the rapidly evolving crypto space.
- Navigating complex regulatory landscapes
- Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), Security Token Offerings (STOs), and Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs)
- Advising legal aspects of implementing blockchain technology
- Establishment and operation of compliant cryptocurrency exchanges
- Drafting and reviewing self-executing contracts with legal enforceability
- Cryptocurrency transactions dispute resolution
Our Expertise Includes
Our law firm can advise on all aspects and stages of arbitration, from drafting complex clauses and reviewing them to advising on the type and seat of arbitration, tribunal formation, arbitral procedure and enforcement of arbitral awards.
Breach of Contract in Cryptocurrency Transactions
Intellectual Property Disputes in the Cryptocurrency Sphere
Investigating Hacking and Theft of Digital Assets
Tracing, Preservation, and Recovery of Digital Tokens
Claims for Recovery of Stolen Assets/Tokens
Recovering Assets from Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Account Freezes and KYC (Know Your Customer) Issues
Exchange Disputes
Theft and Unauthorized Asset Transfer Cases
Resources & Guides: Cryptocurrency
Examining Singapore’s High Court Judgment On The Valuation Of Cryptocurrency As Damages
January 9, 2025(ChannelNewsAsia Article Interview) Why Wasn’t Ong Beng Seng Charged With Iswaran? Lawyers Weigh in
February 1, 2024(The Straits Times Article Interview) Resolving disputes between customers and suppliers on non-delivery of products/services
October 26, 2023What is the CAD
June 25, 2021What is Corruption
June 25, 2021The CAD and Offences Under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act
June 25, 2021Cryptocurrency Scams
June 25, 2021Challenges in Cryptocurrency Litigation
Cryptocurrency litigation presents unique challenges that set it apart from traditional legal disputes. These require a specialised approach, combining complex legal expertise with an understanding of the technological and regulatory landscape of digital currencies.
Due to the self-regulating nature of cryptocurrencies and the use of smart contracts that are programmed to execute automatically, litigation often involves several distinct challenges. This aspect can sometimes complicate the process of aligning disputes with the applicable jurisdictions, which is why having an experienced lawyer is vital.
Identifying and notifying all parties involved in a legal dispute is a fundamental step in litigation. The ability to hold cryptocurrencies anonymously or operate within a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) can obscure identities and complicate this process. The decentralised structure of these entities often raises questions regarding the appropriate jurisdiction for filing legal actions.
Lastly, the relatively recent emergence of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology means that there is often a need to educate the courts about these advanced concepts.
Nicolas Tang
Bar Admissions
Singapore (2002) | England and Wales (2006) | New York (2009) | Hong Kong (2009)
Nicolas is an Arbitrator at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC) and Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). In the mediation arena, he is a Specialist Mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), an Accredited Mediator at the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI), an Accredited Mediator at the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) and a Mediation Advocate at the International Mediation Institute (IMI) in the Netherlands.
Nicolas received his pupillage training from Davinder Singh SC in 2001. He commenced practice in 2002 in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team of Drew & Napier and has since practised at international law firms Allen & Overy (Singapore office), Sidley Austin (Hong Kong office) and Baker McKenzie (Singapore and Indonesia offices).
His main areas of practice are civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, employment law, criminal law, defamation, mergers and acquisitions and corporate and compliance.
He also has experience as in-house counsel in supply chain management, employee disputes, subcontractor issues and compliance work arising from serving at US MNC Flex, where he was responsible for contractual, compliance and litigation matters at all Singapore, Indonesian and Malaysian sites.
Throughout his career, he has advised on multi-jurisdictional disputes and corporate transactions involving clients and adverse parties from Australia, Bahrain, Bali, Bangladesh, Beijing, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Czech Republic, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Guangzhou, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jakarta, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Las Vegas, Lebanon, London, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Silicon Valley, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Korea, Surabaya, Taiwan ROC, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tokyo, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam.
Professional Qualifications
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2020)
- Mediation Advocate, International Mediation Institute (2020)
- Level 1 Accredited Mediator, Singapore International Mediation Institute (2020)
- Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, University of New South Wales (CiArb) (2019)
- Strategic Conflict Management for Professionals (Modules 1 and 2), Singapore Mediation Centre (2018)
- Diploma in Singapore Law, National University of Singapore (2001)
- LL.B. (Hons, 2:1), University of Nottingham (2000)
Arbitration Experience
- Singapore company in contractual dispute against UK company in relation to a Taiwanese project
- Singapore individual in an SIAC arbitration against one of Singapore’s casinos in defence of claims for breach of employment obligations
- Singapore company and Singapore individuals in three concurrent SIAC arbitrations against a Singapore company in defence of claims for misrepresentation, breach of contract and breach of employment obligations, including resisting consolidation of the said three arbitrations
- Foreign telecommunications company in a SIAC arbitration against a Singapore company for claims of breach of a joint venture agreement and minority oppression in relation to the construction of telecommunications infrastructure in a Southeast Asian country
- Singapore individual in SIAC arbitration proceedings against a US fitness franchise chain
- Hong Kong clothing company in SIAC arbitration proceedings against a US-branded apparel company and a Bermuda supply chain manager
- Italian company in relation to HKIAC proceedings in Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocurrency Law
How does Singapore regulate cryptocurrency and blockchain transactions?
Singapore has progressive but strict cryptocurrency regulations under the Payment Services Act (PSA) and Securities and Futures Act (SFA). The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulates digital payment token services, and compliance failures can lead to litigation. Our law firm possesses the expertise to navigate these regulations, ensuring your business remains compliant and protected.
What legal recourse does a company have if a cryptocurrency transaction is fraudulent?
Legal options include civil lawsuits for fraud, breach of contract, or unjust enrichment, as well as reporting the matter to authorities like the Singapore Police Force or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). A skilled corporate lawyer with crypto litigation expertise will be able to navigate these complex legal pathways and secure restitution.
Can a company sue an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) project for misrepresentation?
Yes, if an ICO project misrepresents token value or project viability or fails to deliver the promised utility, the company may pursue fraud, breach of contract, or securities law violations. In these cases, it may be recommended to consult a cryptocurrency law firm that possesses deep expertise in navigating the complexities of digital asset litigation.
How can a company recover lost crypto assets from a breached contract?
Our cryptocurrency litigation lawyers can assess your case and build a robust strategy with options including:
- Civil litigation (suing the responsible party for damages).
- Asset tracing to locate and recover digital assets.
- Blockchain forensics to identify fraudulent transactions.
How does international jurisdiction affect cryptocurrency disputes?
Due to the cross-border nature of crypto transactions, jurisdictional complexities arise. Courts assess the location of contract signing, breach occurrence, and applicable regulatory frameworks. Our cryptocurrency law and international arbitration firm has experience in handling international crypto disputes, providing clarity and strategic guidance.
What types of disputes typically arise in cryptocurrency litigation?
Crypto-related disputes can involve fraudulent transactions, smart contract failures, regulatory violations, disputes over token ownership, exchange hacks, and ICO misrepresentations. Engaging a dedicated litigation lawyer is vital to effectively address these diverse legal challenges.
Our Locations
Reach out to us, and our team of lawyers will try our best to assist you in any way we can.
Singapore
Farallon Law Corporation
21 Collyer Quay #01-01
Singapore 049320
