Cryptocurrency has revolutionised how we store, use, and invest money, and has even challenged traditional legal definitions of “property”. Ultimately, though, cryptocurrency has been recognised as property and therefore forms part of your estate when you die - provided that those administering your estate can access it. If your loved ones don’t have access to your wallets or know how your holdings are structured, your digital wealth could simply vanish. 

The U.S. Senate’s recent approval of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act has sent shockwaves through the crypto world, with social media buzzing about a $260 billion market now legitimised under a federal framework. Touted as the most pro-crypto move from the U.S. in over a decade, this legislation aims to end the regulatory grey zone, giving the green light to heavyweights like Tether, Circle and PayPal to operate at scale. As UK lawyers, we have a close eye on financial innovation and we’re cautiously impressed, but not without reservations. Is this a game-changer that restores U.S. competitiveness, or a half-baked compromise that leaves glaring flaws unresolved?

The United Kingdom’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation is at a pivotal juncture. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent proposal to permit retail access to crypto Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs) marks a significant departure from its historically cautious stance. As lawyers and advocates for cryptocurrency, we see this as an encouraging step toward embracing digital assets, yet the persistent ban on retail crypto derivatives trading remains a frustrating barrier. This article explores the nature of crypto ETNs, the FCA’s softening position, and the possibility of a future relaxation of the derivatives ban, offering a perspective that champions innovation while acknowledging regulatory realities.

CARF, effective from 1 January 2026, requires UK-based crypto service providers, termed Reporting Cryptoasset Service Providers (RCASPs), to collect and report user details and transaction data to HMRC. This includes names, addresses, tax identification numbers, wallet addresses, and specifics such as token types, quantities, and GBP values. The framework aims to ensure taxes, such as capital gains or income from crypto activities, are properly reported. Reports for 2026 are due by 31 May 2027, with fines up to £300 per user for inaccurate or incomplete reporting.

On 2 May 2025, the European Union announced the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), a transformative measure poised to reshape cryptocurrency oversight by 1 July 2027. This regulation, designed to combat financial crime, introduces rigorous controls on digital assets, including a prohibition on anonymous crypto accounts and privacy-focussed cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Zcash, alongside mandatory identity verification for transactions exceeding €1,000. For those engaged in cross-border finance, the AMLR’s implications demand thorough analysis. This article examines the regulation’s core provisions, evaluates its wider consequences, and assesses its reception and challenges.

On 29 April 2025, the UK government unveiled its draft crypto regulations, a landmark step towards positioning the UK as a global hub for digital assets. Led by HM Treasury and enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), these rules target stablecoins, cryptocurrency exchanges, and related services, aiming to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability. With 12% of UK adults now owning or having owned crypto, up from 4% in 2021, these regulations address a growing market and rising fraud concerns. Here we take an in-depth look at the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities and Miscellaneous Provisions) (Cryptoassets) Order 2025 and its possible implications.

Pump.fun, a platform for creating Solana memecoins, is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that accuses it of dealing in “unregistered security memecoins,” which allegedly generated nearly $500 million in revenue for the company. The lawsuit was initiated by Diego Aguilar in a federal court in New York on 30 January 2025.

As the landscape of state privacy regulations continues to develop in the U.S., businesses must be ready for substantial changes set to take effect in January 2025. New laws from Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota and Maryland, will introduce important consumer rights, heightened data protection requirements, and increased transparency obligations. With approximately 150 million Americans — about 43% of the U.S. population — covered by these laws, understanding their implications is vital for organisations to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

In an increasingly digital world, data protection has become a paramount concern for businesses globally. The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and its UK counterpart, the UK GDPR, set stringent standards for how personal data should be handled. One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of GDPR is the scope of its application, specifically regarding who is subject to its provisions and the circumstances under which they can be enforced. It is crucial for businesses to understand that these regulations apply not only within the EU and the UK but also to organisations based outside these territories. If your business serves or collects data from consumers in the EU or the UK, compliance with these regulations is not optional; it is a legal obligation.

Whilst most people are familiar with the idea of copyright, we often encounter inquiries from those who are uncertain about the specifics and the true nature of copyright itself, particularly in the context of their website. 

A shareholders' agreement is a private contract made between the shareholders of a company, governing various matters related to the management of the company and share ownership. Shareholder agreements are not mandatory under English law (unlike articles of association), but are frequently used in private companies to proactively address issues which could lead to potential disputes and costly conflicts later on.

Ofcom, the regulatory authority responsible for online safety in the UK, has unveiled significant updates concerning the UK Online Safety Act (OSA). These updates highlight crucial compliance deadlines for businesses and outline primary areas of enforcement for the upcoming phases.