Since the ICO boom in 2017, governments around the world began settling on different approaches to regulating the crypto industry. Many legislatures and regulators proactively drafted new laws, regulations, guidance and frameworks for the crypto industry. Others used investigatory authorities and enforcement actions to regulate the industry. We expect that governments around the world will remain active for the foreseeable future as cryptoassets become more mainstream.
Baker McKenzieâs new guide, Crypto around the World, presents cryptoasset regulations across various jurisdictions. The guide follows a questionnaire format, with twenty questions focused on:
- Laws or provisions transposing the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (5MLD) with regard to crypto/virtual assets
- Regulations on crypto/virtual asset providers and related businesses
- Protection for investors of crypto/virtual assets (e.g., consumer law, advertising, financial compensation scheme, and others)
- Regulation of initial coin offerings (ICOs)
- Relevant tax provisions
- Relevant financial services regulatory/licensing regimes
- Other important and specific rules and provisions
Key contacts for cryptoasset expertise at Baker McKenzie are found at the end of the guide.