Nakamoto Legal: looking ever forward
Nakamoto Legal is a forward-thinking boutique law firm headquartered in Australasia, specialising in the intersection of law and cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping finance. Our team comprises seasoned, tech-savvy legal professionals, innovative legal engineers, and visionary partners who craft bespoke legal strategies for advancements in blockchain, DeFi, AI, and beyond. With unparalleled expertise in both legal and technical realms, we guide our clients through the intricate regulatory landscape, empowering them not just to survive but to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of emerging technologies.
Our Team
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Josh Hunt
Partner
Josh Hunt brings a wealth of experience to Nakamoto Legal, specialising in corporate advisory, M&A, fintech, and cryptocurrencies. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Josh has guided numerous high-profile acquisitions, IPOs, and fundraisings, particularly in the mining, energy, and emerging digital asset sectors. His deep expertise and strategic insight make him a valuable asset for navigating complex corporate transactions and fintech innovations.
Eli Bernstein
Partner
Eli Bernstein is a fintech lawyer with strong background in commercial and regulatory financial law. With expertise in finance, technology, and innovation, Eli has a proven track record in advising startups and established companies in fintech, cryptocurrency, and blockchain. His extensive experience includes roles in financial planning, corporate finance, and strategic advisory across various sectors.
Chris Elias
Partner
Chris Elias leads a global team of expert lawyers, specializing in Web3, fintech, and emerging technologies. He has guided over 150 startups from idea to scale-up in areas such as NFTs, crypto exchanges, DeFi, CeFi, payments, and DApps. As a licensed lawyer in Australia with international experience, Chris delivers practical, globally aligned legal solutions. Having founded and exited his own startup, Chris brings firsthand entrepreneurial knowledge and offers actionable advice to help startups realize their innovative visions.
Sibel Kaan
Special Counsel
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Sibel Kaan is a seasoned Special Counsel with 18 years of experience specializing in financial markets and regulatory compliance. She has worked with top Australian banks and corporates, advising on banking, finance, and regulatory matters, including OTC derivatives and financial services licensing. Sibel's expertise extends to anti-money laundering compliance and dealings with key regulators like ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC, and AFCA. She has also held senior compliance roles, notably leading large-scale remediation projects at Westpac.
Fintech, crypto and web3
As digital payments, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology reshape the financial landscape, businesses face increasingly complex legal and regulatory challenges. Our expert team combines specialized technical knowledge and business expertise with a multidisciplinary approach to help clients navigate all facets of fintech, crypto, and Web3 innovations.
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We provide comprehensive legal services across areas such as digital payments, intellectual property, blockchain development, mining, and energy, ensuring secure and effective solutions. Whether it's advising on cryptocurrency compliance, safeguarding intellectual assets, or preparing businesses for the future of digital currency, we deliver tailored strategies to meet the evolving demands of this rapidly growing sector.
Investments, Capital Markets, and Funds
We provide comprehensive services tailored to the unique challenges faced by startups. Our expertise includes advising on critical areas such as business formation, regulatory compliance, and strategic growth planning. We guide startups through complex legal processes, helping them develop best practices for protecting their innovations and ensuring they are set up for long-term success.
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We also offer strategic guidance on investments, financing, and capital raising, ensuring startups are well-positioned to secure funding and manage financial operations effectively as they scale. Our team is here to help you build a strong legal foundation to support both your business and financial growth.
Data Privacy and IP
In today’s digital landscape, data privacy and intellectual property (IP) protection are critical to your business's success and security. Our team of specialized lawyers offers tailored solutions to navigate the complexities of both data security and IP management, ensuring your assets are safeguarded in the face of emerging technologies and global challenges.
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We provide comprehensive legal support focused on protecting your sensitive data and intellectual assets. For startups, we offer guidance on identifying and securing IP, implementing best practices for data protection, and developing strategies to monetize innovations while mitigating the risks of infringement and cyber threats. Our approach ensures that your business is prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world.
Fractional General Counsel
Our team seamlessly integrates with your organisation to provide comprehensive corporate and commercial legal services tailored to Web3, AI, and emerging technology companies. From entity formation to contract negotiation and dispute resolution, we provide the expertise you need to align legal strategies with your business goals.
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Whether you need part-time or ongoing legal oversight, we provide a cost-effective solution tailored to your evolving needs.Our Fractional General Counsel service gives you the legal expertise and strategic guidance you need—without the overhead of a full-time, in-house legal team. We’re here to help you navigate legal complexities while staying focused on innovation and growth.