I specialize in advising on Web3/blockchain & other dynamic intersections of finance and data.
Over the past decade, my primary focus has been orchestrating the legal structuring of projects in the Web3/blockchain space. It typically begins with an immersive workshop, collaboratively navigating the legal landscape alongside developers, tax advisors, and auditors. Recently, the integration of AI tools has become a focal point, drawing considerable attention.
My advisory is anchored in classical finance structures, seamlessly merging with extensive experience in crypto finance. From asset-based and asset-backed deals to acquisition and project finance, and structuring as well as documenting initial coin offerings, exchange offerings, NFTs, e-securities, and incentive models - I navigate this landscape within the bounds of financial and the increasing data economy regulations. My expertise extends to a profound understanding of tax implications and the ever-expanding anti-money laundering regulations. Every mandate I handle involves cross-border intricacies.
My strength lies in a holistic approach, ensuring that every legal facet is considered. When necessary, I tap into my extensive network of seasoned colleagues, whether it's for legal areas beyond my personal focus or expertise from different jurisdictions.
I have a track record of guiding clients through the intricate legal landscape of web3 and blockchain projects, bringing a wealth of experience to the table:
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Structuring diverse token offerings and services: I have navigated the legal complexities of various token models with a view to compliance and adherence to best practices.
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Crafting robust corporate structures: From traditional modelst o DAOs, I assist clients establishing the optimal legal foundation for their projects, considering governance, regulatory requirements, and long-term sustainability.
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Unravelling regulatory frameworks: I guided through the evolving regulatory landscape for web3, ensuring clients understand the legal prerequisites, including licensing requirements and disclosure obligations.
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Bridging the gap with tax and accounting advisors: I seamlessly collaborate with clients' (existing or to be recommended) tax and accounting professionals, ensuring that tax and accounting considerations are duly taken into account.
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Staying ahead of the data economy regulations curve: I factor in the complexities of data privacy regulations like GDPR and latest data economy regulation like P2B, Data Act / Data Governance Act and AI Act, ensuring that clients are aware of the latest legal frameworks.
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I understand the complexities of bringing your web3/blockchain project to life. Following structuring your web3/blockchain project, I leverage my extensive experience to guide you through the steps of the legal implementation process:
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Drafting and negotiating tailored legal documentation: token sale arrangements, terms of service, and other comprehensive legal agreements – I have been drafting a wide range of arrangements documenting projects at hand.
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Conducting meticulous legal reviews: I have reviewed a wide range of token offerings and crypto services within the token economy, analysing compliance with relevant regulations and best practices. This includes review of websites, social media posts and other BD material.
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Founding diverse corporate entities: From traditional corporations to innovative DAOs, I guide you through the foundation of the legal entity that aligns best with your project's governance model, regulatory considerations, and long-term vision.
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Fostering collaboration with your trusted advisors: While I do not offer tax or accounting services, I actively facilitate communication and collaboration with your (existing or to be recommended) tax and accounting professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to your project.
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Carrying out enquiries with responsible supervisory authorities: I will recommend (formal or informal) inquiries with responsible supervisory authorities where necessary and guide you through this process.
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I bring a wealth of experience to the table, having advised on a broad spectrum of traditional financing and debt capital market transactions as well as securitization deals:
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Various traditional financings: I have assisted clients with various corporate financing transactions like:
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Akquisition & Project Financings: mainly in M&A or Real Estate context, often by bank consortia, splitting the financing in tranches.
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Turn around and growth funding: typically extensively secured, partly revolving or with multiple loan tranches.
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Startup & Venture Fundings.
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Diverse Corporate Bond Issuances: I have advised on various corporate bond structures, including bearer, registered, and convertible bonds, encompassing:
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Private Placements: Facilitating private placements with customized collateralization structures.
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Public Offerings: Guiding clients through public bond offerings, including prospectus preparation and representation in dealings with supervisory authorities, selling and paying agents.
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Structured Covered Bonds Series: I have navigated a bank client throught the whole process of structuring a „Pfandbrief-style“ civil law based strcutured covered bond series, including obtaining a AAA Moody’s rating, documenting and negotiating all required agreements and the prospectus, obtaining BaFin approval.
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Securitization Experience: I have deep expertise in advising originators on securitization transactions, i.a.:
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€210 million consumer loan securitization.
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€150 million car lease and rental receivables securitization.
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€175 million lease securitization.
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various securitizations of trade receivables through conduit programs, including those involving prior pooling from multiple jurisdictions.
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Seeking Diverse Talent for Your (Supervisory) Board? Here I am.
I offer a unique blend of legal, financial, and technological expertise, ideally suited to enhance the diversity and capabilities of your board.
As a highly regarded web3/AI specialist lawyer with extensive experience, I possess:
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Proven Board Leadership: I have served as a director on multiple boards since 2017, including currently chairing the thinkBLOCKtank (www.thinkblocktank.org).
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Deep Industry Knowledge: My legal expertise covers web3, AI, and emerging technologies, while my financial and technological understanding empowers me to contribute meaningfully to strategic decision-making.
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Passion for Collaborative Governance: I thrive in board settings, fostering open communication and constructive collaboration to drive organizational success.
I am available for non-executive (supervisory) board roles – reach out to diversify your board.
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Holistic Approach to Counselling
Here are tailored legal workshops
Navigate the complexities of legal compliance within the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies. Proactively address crucial legal considerations from the earliest stages, empowering you to make informed, strategic decisions that streamline the path of your project.
KEY BENEFITS
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Mitigate risks and ensure compliance: Gain a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks relevant to your project, minimizing potential roadblocks and liabilities.
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Optimize resource allocation: Save valuable time and money by anticipating legal requirements early in the development process.
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Experience the power of knowledge: Harness the power of Web3 and AI with confidence factoring in complex legal implications.
Invest in a strategic advantage and empower your project with a comprehensive workshop or flexible online webinar. Contact me to design a customized training.
Book a Workshop
This workshop intends to clarify the legal categorization of any token integral to your project, according to German banking law (crypto asset pursuant to Kreditwesengesetz, KWG) and EU-wide Market in Crypto-Asset Regulation (MiCAR), Market in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) or E-money Directive, as applicable. We will delve into the prerequisites for a token issuance and assess whether the project encompasses services beyond the mere issuance of tokens that might be subject to authorisation. Gain insights into potential restrictions that may be applicable to your project and what legal documentation is needed.
Empower your project with legal certainty from the outset. Contact me to explore bespoke workshop options tailored to your unique needs.
This workshop is designed to empower your web3 project with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) landscape. It equips you with:
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MiCAR Classification: We analyze your project's token structure to determine its classification under MiCAR.
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Issuance and Service Requirements: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and regulatory obligations surrounding both issuing and servicing crypto-assets within the context of MiCAR.
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Authority Landscape: I guide you through the relevant supervisory authorities responsible for MiCAR compliance, ensuring you understand the regulatory ecosystem.
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Timelines and Grandfathering Rules: Obtain clarity on crucial deadlines and potential grandfathering provisions that may apply to your project.
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Reverse Solicitation Considerations: If applicable, we delve into the complexities of serving the EU market from non-EU countries, addressing any potential "reverse solicitation" restrictions.
Invest in proactive legal guidance and certainty for your web3 project. Contact me to explore bespoke workshop options tailored to your unique needs.
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Ready to unlock the transformative potential of AI while navigating its legal complexities?
This workshop offers a comprehensive journey into the world of AI law. Gain insights in:
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Regulatory Landscape: Delve into the intricacies of the AI Act, data protection regulations, liability frameworks, contract law,– all critical aspects for successful AI implementation.
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Contractual Landscape: Learn about IP limitations, contract law and liability frameworks – how contractual arrangements may influence your AI implementation.
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Navigate Ethical Challenges: Explore the evolving ethical landscape of AI, equipping yourself to make responsible and ethical decisions in your projects.
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Build your AI Compliance: Based on your intended AI use, build your compliance strategy including assessment, training, AI policy and standard operating procedures.
Confidently navigate the legal hurdles in the AI landscape. Contact me to explore bespoke workshop options tailored to your specific needs.
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Ready to embark on your entrepreneurial adventure but unsure of the legal intricacies? This interactive workshop, led by a seasoned lawyer, empowers aspiring and established founders like you to navigate the legal landscape. Gain insights into:
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Foundational Building Blocks: Explore the various legal structures for forming a company or partnership, including the corresponding responsibilities and liability considerations. We may even delve into the possibilities of DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) setups!
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Global Operations: Understand the legal implications of operating your business across borders, whether with a formally established (i.a. overseas) presence or a geographically dispersed team. Learn how to navigate the complexities of working across multiple jurisdictions.
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Collaborative Structures: Discover the consequences of using alternatives to formal companies, such as profit-sharing arrangements. I will guide you through potential pitfalls like accidental formation of civil law partnerships and risks associated with pseudo self-employment.
Empower your project with legal certainty from the outset. Contact me to explore bespoke workshop options tailored to your specific founding story.
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Legal Advisory
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