Total Access Japan Event: Cryptocurrencies and ICOs

Orrick's Total Access Japan Event Series provides entrepreneurs business, tactical, and legal education through complimentary panels and seminars and networking events. The next event will take place on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

In January 2018, the collective market capitalization of cryptocurrencies topped $700 billion according to the NY Times. Direct participation by investors in Japan, the US, and the EU in cryptocurrencies is significant. Advocates and investors initially promoted cryptocurrencies as a payment-facilitation alternative to traditional currencies such as the dollar and the euro. More recently, initial coin offerings (ICO) have filled media headlines. Over the past year, a substantial number of companies have issued various crypto-currencies, known as initial coin offerings, or ICO's, to raise often substantial amounts of money for funding the development of new goods and services. Orrick's global Blockchain Working Group believes that blockchains and associated cryptocurrencies and ICO innovations have the potential to be a significant disruptive force. As investments into cryptocurrencies and ICOs explode in volume, securities regulators around the world are responding by exercising their regulatory authority to require market participants to comply with new and existing securities and digital currency laws. 

During the 90 minute session, Orrick Blockchain Working Group members Christopher Austin, Jacqui Hatfield, Yuko Ino and David Case will speak on regulatory developments in Japan, the UK and the US and assess potential opportunities and risks when launching an ICO. 

Topics

• Overview – Market and Technology
• Recent Developments in Regulations in Japan, the UK and the U.S.
• Launching an ICO – Risks and Opportunities

There will be time set aside for questions and answers.

Date & Time: Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Orrick Tokyo Offices (Map)
Speakers:
Christopher Austin, Partner, New York Office
Jacqui Hatfield, Partner, London Office
David Case, Partner, Tokyo Office
Yuko Ino, Partner, Tokyo Office
Language: English (no simultaneous interpretation)
Registration: RSVP by Friday, February 16
Fee: Free of charge