This periodic bulletin is designed to help companies identify important legal developments governing the use and acceptance of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and digital assets.
While the use cases for blockchain technology are vast, this bulletin focuses on uses of blockchain and smart contracts in the financial services sector. With respect to digital assets, we have organized our approach to this topic by discussing them in terms of traditional asset type or function (although the types and functions may overlap) – that is, digital assets as:
In addition to reporting on the law and regulation governing blockchain, smart contracts, and digital assets, this bulletin will discuss the legal developments supporting the infrastructure and ecosystems that enable the use and acceptance of these new technologies.
SEC staff concludes protocol staking activities on proof-of-stake networks are not securities
On May 29, 2025, the Division of Corporation Finance of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement clarifying its views on the application of federal securities laws to certain proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain protocol staking activities. The statement specifically addresses the federal regulatory treatment of staking activities for crypto assets that are integral to the operation and security of public, permissionless PoS networks, referred to as “Covered Crypto Assets.” Read more.
Digital Transformation – The never-ending journey. Digital transformation is more than a trend – it’s a continuous journey. Our Tech Index 2024 looks at the rise of blockchain to the advancements in AI and the potential of quantum computing – the evolution never stops. Organizations are encouraged to adapt and lead the way in this ever-changing landscape. Mark O’Conor, Paul Allen, and Chloe Forster take a deep dive into digital transformation.
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Digital Digest addresses the growing challenges faced by the UK commercial and financial sector due to the increasing number of laws, regulations, and market practices affecting the digital and crypto industry.
