Instant Insights ›

Cryptocurrency Moves into the Mainstream

Bitcoin and blockchain are no longer tech-nerd abstractions. Digital currency is becoming a significant part of doing business these days, as the law plays catch-up to regulate it. In this Instant Insights, we look at the impact that cryptocurrency is having on the legal marketplace and the practice of law.

Analysis

JPMorgan’s New Digital Currency: Will Benefits Outweigh Risks?

Frank Ready | February 21, 2019

JPMorgan has created a prototype of a digital coin that will make it faster for clients to transfer money. But these coins could also require the bank to pay even closer attention to cybersecurity and new regulations.

News

Slaughters and Cravath Team Up for First Time to Offer Blockchain Guidance

Andrew Messios | February 25, 2019

Despite having a well-known and long-standing relationship, the two firms had previously never published research together.
Cryptocurrency Could Solve Cannabis Industry Conundrum, California Proposal Says

Cheryl Miller | February 25, 2019

California legislators this week introduced a bill that would require the state starting in 2020 to accept 'stablecoins.'
Analysis

Florida Appeal Court Ruling in Money Transmitter Case Highlights Changing Cryptocurrency Law

MP McQueen | February 06, 2019

A recent ruling by the Third District Court of Appeal in Florida highlights how laws have been evolving around the treatment of cryptocurrencies, prominent blockchain/digital currency lawyers say.
News

As JP Morgan Ventures Into Cryptocurrency, a Blockchain General Counsel Spells Out What It Means

MP McQueen | February 21, 2019

It’s the first move by a U.S. bank—the nation’s largest at more than $2.6 trillion in assets—and is likely to make a significant impact on banking, cryptocurrency and the economy, he said.

Commentary

Is There a Trilemma Associated with Using Blockchain to Protect Trade Secrets?

Gino Cheng and Wakako Inaba, Winston & Strawn | February 05, 2019

In the quest for security, decentralization, and scalability, only two of the three requirements can be achieved simultaneously. Is the compromise on the third requirement something that a cautious company can live with?
Court Rules Bitcoin Qualifies as Money in Case of First Impression

Zach Schlein | January 31, 2019

The appellate court's opinion could open the door for cracking down on unregulated Bitcoin trading.