Michael Bacina
Partner, Piper Alderman


Michael is a Partner in Piper Alderman’s Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Group based in Sydney.
The cryptocurrency and Blockchain space presents unique challenges merging cutting edge technology and a challenging regulatory space as rapid development and adoption of this exciting technology occurs.

Our Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Group has advised a significant number of the top ten token sales in Australia during 2017 and 2018 including CanYa (Australia’s 2nd largest ICO for 2017), Loki (3rd largest ICO in 2018 thus far), Invox, Adbit, Liven and Legaler.

Since founding and exiting a successful IT start-up in the early 2000s, Michael has maintained an active involvement in information technology. He is knowledgeable in the workings of, and legal issues surrounding, virtual currencies/crypto-currencies, crypto-tokens, blockchain and smart contracts.

This technical knowledge coupled with a highly commercial approach enables Michael to add real value to his client’s businesses. Michael delivers targeted advice for the whole token sale process, including securities analysis and negotiation of commercial agreements including shareholder, advisor, supply, and software development agreements.

Michael regularly published on cryptocurrency and Blockchain matters and presents on Smart Contracts and regulatory issues facing Blockchain businesses both internationally (New York, San Francisco and Singapore) and in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane). He is an active member of both the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce and Blockchain Australia.

Michael’s team also provides a retainer based agile counsel service for businesses who value a pro-active approach to their legal needs. This service includes a considered review of the business plans for the coming year, review, negotiation and deployment of commercial documents, regular strategic advisory meetings as well as early stage dispute resolution.