As from 23rd April 2021, all crypto and blockchain businesses in Ireland classified as Virtual Asset Service Providers will need to complete the Central Bank of Ireland registration process. This will apply to entities providing the following services: exchange between virtual assets and fiat currencies; exchange between one or more forms of virtual assets; transfer […]

The EU’s Regulation of Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) will have significant regulatory implications for any firm operating, or planning to operate, in the European crypto/digital asset space. In the latest Funds Ireland MiniCon Podcast, our head of crytpo and blockchain, Andrew Tzialli, discusses all things MiCA with host Daniel Lawlor, including regulatory requirements, timing, costs […]

In this episode of the Funds Ireland MiniCon (FIMC) Podcast, host Daniel Lawlor and our head of crypto and blockchain, Andrew Tzialli, discuss the realities for firms in the crypto and digital assets space who are interested in obtaining (or by virtue of their services, require) authorisation from the financial regulator.     This podcast […]

The European Central Bank (ECB) has recently published its opinion and suggested amendments, on the draft EU legislation for crypto-assets (MICA). Whilst welcoming a harmonised EU framework, there was a recognition from the ECB that aspects of the draft legislation required revision. The opinion was notable for its comments around the definition of “crypto-assets” and […]

Introduction The need for clarification of the legislative landscape governing cryptocurrency is one of the world’s worst kept secrets. Bitcoin in particular recently earned its place on a global platform by exceeding a $1trillion market cap and investors (and recently converted cynics) suddenly find it very difficult to ignore the potential for returns. It is […]

As published in The Sunday Times, 24 January 2021. Article by Graeme Lennox. As the value of the world’s most famous digital currency soars amid economic uncertainty, Graeme Lennox asks if now is a good time to invest in cryptocurrencies. Featuring head of our cryptocurrency and blockchain group, Andrew Tzialli. It has been called “digital […]

Andrew Tzialli is a partner in the Corporate team and head of the firm’s Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Group. Andrew’s practice primarily involves working on corporate transactions, including private equity and venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate re-structuring, corporate finance and banking. Many of the transactional matters Andrew works on are for clients that are […]

Article co-written by Andrew Tzialli, Corporate M&A Group and Head of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain at Philip Lee, and Daniel Lawlor, Managing Director, Aquest. As it stands, numerous activities regarding the supply, purchase, and exchange of cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets often fall within the regulatory “cracks” across the EU. Whilst there is an acceptance that certain crypto-asset […]

As published in The Irish Independent, August 29 2020. OneCoin garnered billions in investment before its leader disappeared. Tanya Sweeney writes about the hunt for the ‘Missing Cryptoqueen’, featuring head of our cryptocurrency and blockchain group, Andrew Tzialli. Article available here.