Institutions

Case Studies

Sovereign Wealth Fund Navigates Digital Asset Integration

Challenge: A sovereign wealth fund needed to develop a comprehensive framework for digital asset exposure while navigating complex cross-jurisdictional regulatory requirements. They faced significant internal resistance and lacked technical expertise to evaluate opportunities properly.

Approach: A structured 8-month engagement that began with executive education followed by policy framework development. A dedicated digital asset committee was established with clear governance procedures, internal evaluation capabilities were built out, and a phased implementation roadmap was designed with explicit risk parameters.

Results: The fund successfully established a compliant $320M digital asset allocation across five protocol categories, became an active participant in two major governance systems, and developed in-house expertise that allowed them to evaluate opportunities independently. Their structured approach has since been referenced as a model by two other sovereign institutions.

Global Law Firm Establishes Digital Asset Practice

Challenge: A top-tier global law firm recognized the growing importance of digital assets but struggled to bridge internal knowledge gaps and coordinate expertise across practice areas. Their siloed approach was causing them to miss significant client opportunities.

Approach: A three-part strategy was implemented: (1) Developing a centralized knowledge repository and training program for partners and associates, (2) Creating standardized frameworks for common client scenarios, and (3) Establishing a cross-practice digital asset committee with clear business development objectives.

Results: Within 12 months, the firm secured seven major institutional clients for their digital asset practice, generating $4.3M in new revenue. They reduced their regulatory advisory timeline by 60%, allowing them to capture time-sensitive client opportunities. The firm is now recognized as a leading authority in two key jurisdictions, regularly receiving referrals from financial institutions.

DeFi Protocol Restructures for Regulatory Resilience

Challenge: A leading DeFi protocol with $800M TVL faced significant regulatory uncertainty across multiple jurisdictions. Their existing structure created potential liability for core contributors and limited their ability to establish institutional partnerships.

Approach: A comprehensive restructuring that distributed protocol functions across appropriate entities while maintaining operational efficiency. This included establishing a foundation for treasury management, creating a separate technical development entity, and implementing a phased decentralization roadmap for governance functions.

Results: The protocol successfully navigated regulatory inquiries in three jurisdictions without disruption to core operations. TVL increased by 215% within six months as institutional participants gained confidence in the protocol's governance and compliance frameworks. The foundation established strategic partnerships with two major financial institutions previously unwilling to engage due to structural concerns.

Asian Government Develops Pioneering Stablecoin Regulatory Framework

Challenge: A major Asian government needed to develop a comprehensive regulatory approach to stablecoins that would protect financial stability while fostering innovation. They faced competing internal perspectives, lacked technical understanding among key decision-makers, and were under pressure to respond to rapid market developments.

Approach: A six-month strategic advisory engagement that began with an educational workshop series for policymakers across central banking, securities regulation, and financial stability departments. A detailed comparative analysis of global regulatory approaches was conducted, risk assessment frameworks were developed specific to the local financial system, and technical working groups were created that included both public and private sector participants.

Results: The government successfully implemented a tiered regulatory framework for stablecoins that has been recognized as a model approach. Their framework established clear categories based on mechanism design and systemic importance, with proportionate oversight requirements. This approach has attracted significant institutional participation while effectively managing systemic risk concerns.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: What distinguishes your advisory approach from other digital asset consultants?

A: My advisory work integrates deep legal expertise from practicing at firms like Linklaters and Sidley Austin with hands-on experience building protocols and advising governments. This allows me to bridge traditional finance, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technology in ways purely technical or purely legal advisors cannot. I focus exclusively on strategic guidance rather than execution services, maintaining independence from implementation vendors.

Q: How do you typically structure advisory relationships?

A: I work with clients through two models: Strategic Advisory (monthly retainer with defined milestones) or Premium Partnership (comprehensive engagement for category leaders). Both models emphasize knowledge transfer and internal capability building rather than creating dependencies. Each engagement begins with a thorough needs assessment to ensure alignment with your specific challenges and objectives.

Q: What is your approach to confidentiality and client information?

A: Client confidentiality is paramount in my practice. I implement strict information compartmentalization between engagements and maintain rigorous security protocols for all client communications and documents. When working with multiple clients in adjacent spaces, I establish clear boundaries around information sharing and potential conflicts at the outset of each relationship.

Q: How do you stay current with the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape?

A: I maintain deep connections with protocol developers, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions globally. This includes regular participation in working groups, policy forums, and technical discussions across jurisdictions. Additionally, I allocate structured time for primary research, technical review, and hands-on testing of emerging protocols to ensure my guidance remains practically grounded rather than theoretical.