RCEP - Australia

Hall & Wilcox

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Praised as ‘a stand out in the field of emerging technology, specifically blockchain’, Hall & Wilcox’s Melbourne office is a popular destination for fintech companies looking to set up their Australian operations. The unit is also known for its far-reaching financial services contentious and non-contentious regulation advice. Practice co-head Harry New‘s regulatory expertise covers advice on the Corporations Act and the National Consumer Protection Act. Fellow co-head John Bassilios is embedded in fintech and blockchain and is additionally well placed to advise on the establishment and development of financial products. Eugene Chen is well versed in anti-money laundering legislation, and Hamish McNair assists clients with their responses to regulatory investigations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Hall and Wilcox stand out in the field of emerging technology, specifically blockchain. The firm is regularly supporting the industry and is at the forefront from a knowledge perspective.’

  • ‘John Bassilios is a standout partner. His diligence and attention to detail are excellent.’

  • ‘A very solid team with good technical and commercial understanding.’

  • ‘John Bassilios has a very good understanding of the crypto space.’

Key clients

  • Hope Housing Fund Management
  • Fidira
  • IBA Group
  • Sire Custodians
  • Plenti Group
  • Mezfi Pty Ltd
  • Whitebit Australia Pty Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised Islamic Bank Australia (IBA) on becoming the first Islamic bank licensed in Australia. The bank has been granted its restricted ADI licence, and will operate as a fintech.
  • Advised Fidira on the establishment of a digital currency exchange which onboards clients through the purchase of a gift card through retail outlets and online stores.
  • Acted for Plenti in establishing a new investment market for its unique peer-to-peer retail lending platform.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners

John  Bassilios

John Bassilios

Hall & Wilcox

John has broad experience in financial services, funds management, blockchain, corporate and commercial law, with a particular emphasis on funds management related matters. John is one of Australia's leading Fintech and Blockchain/crypto lawyers and is a Director on the board of Blockchain Australia. John has acted for a wide range of financial services providers (both start-ups and established industry providers), including retail and wholesale fund managers, investment advisers, financial planners, stockbrokers, IDPS operators, managed discretionary account providers and consumer credit providers. He has advised financial services providers on all aspects of managed investments schemes, AFSL and ACL licensing, disclosure requirements, and ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Harry New, John Bassilios

Other key lawyers

Eugene Chen, Hamish Mcnair