Blog

This article explores the concepts of crowdfunding, tokenisation and REITs, focussing on their distinctive attributes and major advantages/disadvantages. Introduction Conventional fundraising and governance has undergone a sea change over the past many decades. Starting from 1960s, REITs gained prominence as the vehicle to provide access to an otherwise illiquid market – real estate. With time,Read more

In the recent years, Singapore has emerged as a global hub in technologies such as cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Simultaneously, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has been taking steps to actively regulate cryptocurrency business in Singapore. In this piece, we look at the Singapore government’s attitude towards cryptocurrency businesses, the new cryptocurrency regulation and licensing regime,Read more

This post explores how different states in the United States have recognised blockchain and related technologies in their laws. Introduction We are well past the stage of countries pondering whether to integrate blockchain and related technologies into their laws. Many countries have; and most of those who have not are exploring the best ways toRead more

Should we start worrying about news of a ‘cabinet note’ proposing a crypto ban in India? What is a cabinet note? How soon will this cabinet note turn into a law? Can the ban be introduced as a money bill or in the upcoming monsoon session of the Parliament? A. Introduction: In November 2017, anRead more

Central banks across the world have started exploring Central Bank Digital Currency (“CBDC”). In a recent survey by the Bank of International Settlements[1], 80% of the 66 banks surveyed were engaged in research and pilot projects related to CBDC, including Canada,[2] USA[3] and Singapore[4]. In fact, as of May, 2020 China has started testing itsRead more

Anirudh Rastogi, Managing Partner at Ikigai Law was in conversation with Mriganka Pattnaik, CEO at Merkle Science on a webinar on 11 May 2020. Merkle, a Singapore-based company, is a pioneer in blockchain forensics and due diligence tools used by law enforcement agencies, regulators, crypto-exchanges, banks and funds to monitor and mitigate AML/CFT risk. TheRead more

Cryptocurrencies, or digital currencies secured using encryption techniques, have seized the imagination of a motley crew of anti-capitalists, financial experts and computer scientists. At the same time, cryptocurrencies operate outside the purview of central banks and have created a regulatory conundrum for governments. Regulation of this digital currency in Africa has been varied, with someRead more

On 6th April 2018, an RBI circular prohibited all entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in Virtual Currencies (“VCs”) or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with or settling VCs. Such services include maintaining accounts, registering, trading, settling, clearing, giving loans against virtual tokens, accepting them as collateral, opening accountsRead more

The nearly two-year long challenge by Indian cryptocurrency users, traders and exchanges, against the April 6, 2018 RBI circular[1], which cut off such users’ access to the formal economy has come to a close. On Tuesday, 28 January 2020 arguments in the writ petition challenging the circular before the Supreme Court were concluded and theRead more

This is the first in a series of blog posts on blockchain governance. This blog explains what blockchain governance is and lays the groundwork for deeper study. Let’s begin with an example to understand the need for governance structures for blockchain solutions. Suppose an electricity transmission company supplies electricity to your house in New Delhi,Read more