Digital Economy

Blockchain and virtual assets

Unrivalled expertise in Australia, leading policy and regulation worldwide

Mallesons has extensive experience in implementing blockchain technologies for large multinational companies, bringing innovative projects to life in Australia and overseas. We take a leading role in the development, adoption and application of blockchain technology. We also advise government and industry (domestically and internationally) on the use, risks, impact and creation of blockchain applications. 

We truly understand why a business wants to use this technology, how they intend on using it and how to identify and manage risks at all stages of the technology lifecycle.

Industry know-how

The digital economy industry is dynamic and it’s important to keep abreast of fintech trends and regulatory developments. As a pioneer law firm in the fintech space, clients benefit from our extensive work with market participants as well as with regulators on the next wave of regulations.

We advise on every aspect of the digital economy sector, from the development of new trading platforms to bespoke new products. We have considerable experience, including advising on:

  • Virtual assets and token issuance, including payment / utility tokens, security tokens (digital bonds and shares), stablecoins, CBDCs and non-fungible tokens
  • Trading platforms and market conduct
  • Payment technologies
  • Digital platforms, including SVFs, rules-based OTC desks and regulated exchanges
  • Custody solutions
  • Data privacy (including GDPR), digital transformation and algorithmic design
  • Regulatory treatment of digital assets.

Our experience

  • Open banking: continuing work with the government, regulators and market participants in implementing the recommendations of the review which Mallesons partner Scott Farrell led for the government on the appropriate model for an “open banking” and Consumer Data Right regime in Australia.
  • New payments platform: advising NPP Australia Limited (NPPA) on the implementation and development of a once-in-a-generation project to build fundamental financial infrastructure for Australia.
  • CommChain: advising a new blockchain commodities supply chain business on the issues that may arise in creating a blockchain based system for supply chains and the most appropriate structure for this supply chain.
  • Australian National Blockchain: working alongside IBM, Data61 and Herbert Smith Freehills to create a platform for large enterprise to manage contracts and create new digital smart contracts.
  • International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) smart contracts: advising ISDA on implementing smart contracts into global derivatives framework.

Mallesons is the only Tier 1 ranked firm by Chambers and Partners in FinTech Legal in our key jurisdictions. 

Mallesons Digital Future Summit

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Hear from our legal experts, the regulators and business leaders on the future of digitisation and regulation of AI, cyber, competition and digital assets.

Our Expertise in Digital Economy
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Industry Recognition
  • Band 1, Fintech
    Chambers and Partners Australia 2025
  • Band 1, Financial Services Regulation
    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025
  • Excellence in Fintech Support Services Award
    Fintech Australia 2024 Finnies
Data & Tech: Navigating a connected world

Guiding you through the complexities of the digital landscape.

Latest Thinking

Insight

Widening the net: consultation on licensing of payment service providers commences (with a stablecoins ‘kicker’)

On 9 October 2025, Treasury commenced consultation on exposure draft legislation (ED) that sets the structural foundations of the new Australian financial services (AFS) licensing framework for payment service providers (PSPs). Consultation is open until 6 November 2025.

10 October 2025

Insight

ASIC issues draft guidance on digital assets

ASIC’s proposed updates reflect the regulator’s evolving interpretation of how the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) applies to crypto- and digital assets since INFO 225 was last updated in October 2021.

05 December 2024

Insight

Crypto Regulatory Resources

The digital asset sector moves at breakneck speed, making it important to follow all key regulatory, market and industry updates as they occur.

04 December 2024

Latest News

Deals

Advising Australia Post on its first blockchain-enabled digital stamp collectible

We are pleased to have advised Australia Post on the development of its first blockchain-enabled digital stamp collectible, DigiStamps.

11 March 2026

Our Experts in Blockchain and virtual assets

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