--- title: "Digital Assets" id: "4486" type: "expertise" slug: "digital-assets" published_at: "2026-02-20T16:54:50+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-28T09:34:22+00:00" url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/digital-assets/" markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/digital-assets.md" excerpt: "Structuring, developing, and securing your digital assets The regulatory framework governing cryptoassets is undergoing a profound overhaul. MiCA and DORA have redefined operating conditions, introducing mandatory licensing, enhanced prudential compliance, and operational resilience requirements. Stablecoin issuers, trading platforms, digital asset..." taxonomy_language: - "English" taxonomy_post_translations: - "pll_699891da3e2e4" taxonomy_tax_expertise: - "Digital Assets" taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise: - "Regulatory" --- ## Structuring, developing, and securing your digital assets The regulatory framework governing cryptoassets is undergoing a profound overhaul. MiCA and DORA have redefined operating conditions, introducing mandatory licensing, enhanced prudential compliance, and operational resilience requirements. Stablecoin issuers, trading platforms, digital asset service providers (PSAN), specialized funds, payment institutions, and fintech companies must now navigate new obligations and national authorities with differing regulatory approaches. We advise across the entire lifecycle, including obtaining PSAN or CASP licenses, structuring custody infrastructures, conducting fundraising rounds, negotiating strategic partnerships, deploying AML/CFT frameworks, and managing regulatory disputes and investigations. Each engagement anticipates regulatory developments and unlocks critical situations. This cross-disciplinary expertise, spanning regulation, compliance, and litigation, secures your positions, supports complex projects, and builds sustainable strategies amid the uncertainty of a sector still in the process of normalization. ## *our*Capabilities ### (01) Digital Assets Designing a cryptoasset trading platform, issuing a euro-denominated stablecoin, structuring a crypto investment fund, or tokenizing assets all require regulatory analysis from the outset. We classify assets (EMT, ART, and others) and determine the operator’s legal status, map regulatory obligations based on asset type and geographic scope, and prepare the required deliverables, including white papers, DORA policies, and AMF or ACPR licensing files. For international players, we implement MiCA passporting, coordinate multi-jurisdictional authorizations, and structure ICOs, STOs, and financial NFTs. ### (02) Blockchain Tokenizing fund units, tracking assets through distributed ledgers, or deploying a private blockchain involves structurally significant legal choices. We assess token qualification under securities law and MiCA, draft smart contracts in coordination with technical teams, and conduct due diligence covering consensus protocols, network access, and GDPR compliance. For market infrastructures, we validate regulatory frameworks with prudential authorities. This approach applies both to major institutions modernizing post-trade systems and to sector-focused startups. ### (03) Compliance, Investigations, and Litigation To preserve operational continuity while restoring regulatory trust, we intervene at three levels. In compliance, we design AML/CFT programs incorporating the Travel Rule, sanctions regimes, and enhanced due diligence, and we structure market abuse detection and DORA incident reporting. During investigations and audits by the AMF, ACPR, or the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office, we assist clients in their interactions with authorities and prepare their defense. In litigation, we represent platforms, issuers, and funds before regulators and courts, challenge administrative measures, and negotiate settlement agreements. ### (04) Transaction Structuring and Dispute Resolution Acquiring a licensed PSAN platform, raising capital through security tokens, restructuring after a cyber incident, or merging two funds involves M&A, financial law, and crisis management expertise. We design the legal architecture, negotiate shareholder agreements incorporating crypto governance features such as on-chain voting and token-based rights, draft MiCA prospectuses, and manage closings. In due diligence, we audit infrastructures, cybersecurity, and compliance frameworks. In disputes, we handle hacks, custody failures, and insolvency proceedings. Tailored warranty and indemnity mechanisms secure each transaction. ### (05) Regulatory Monitoring, Innovation, and Policy Influence Anticipating MiCA Level 2 measures issued by ESMA and the EBA, assessing the impact of the Transfer of Funds Regulation, and aligning policies with regulatory guidelines are integral to our work. We produce legal analyses, train executive committees, and support in-house legal teams. For innovative projects involving DeFi, financial NFTs, DAOs, staking, or lending, we design exploratory structures and engage in dialogue with French and European authorities. ### (06) Crypto-Enabled Finance Forming partnerships between banks and crypto platforms, integrating stablecoin payments into marketplaces, structuring indexed savings products, or enabling insurers to invest under Solvency II all require coordination between banking regulation and MiCA. We draft contractual frameworks covering risk allocation, custody, and KYC, validate AML/CFT flows and segregation mechanisms, and design architectures defining licensing boundaries. We also advise on hybrid products, including crypto ETFs, structured funds, and derivatives, ensuring compliance with marketing and investor disclosure rules. ### (07) Deployment and New Markets Launching a wholesale CBDC for interbank settlements, deploying an NFT marketplace with fractionalization, or establishing a DAO to govern a DeFi protocol — each requires a tailored legal framework. We assess each asset, identify regulatory gray areas, and propose structures that minimize recharacterization risk. For DeFi projects, we design on-chain governance frameworks and draft smart contracts. For CBDCs, we advise central banks and infrastructures, integrating sovereignty considerations and international standards. Organizations gain agility while preserving legal certainty. Collective excellence at the service of the *highest standards.* Team [Mahasti Razavi ( Managing Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/mahasti-razavi/) [Pierre-Olivier Ally ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/pierre-olivier-ally/) [Louis Degeorges ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/louis-degeorges/) [Eden Gall ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/eden-gall/) [Maxime Legourd ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/maxime-legourd/) [Candice Dupin ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/candice-dupin/) [Benjamin Fontani ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/benjamin-fontani/) Précédent Suivant ## Contact Us ## *Latest* News [18/06/26 Press release 1 min August Debouzy Establishes Dedicated Crypto-Assets and Blockchain Offering](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/press-release/august-debouzy-establishes-dedicated-crypto-assets-and-blockchain-offering/) 01 01 Précédent Suivant [Find our latest news](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/le-hub/) News ## *FAQ* ### (01) How does the MiCA Regulation transform the regulatory framework for digital assets and crypto-assets in Europe? Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA), fully applicable since 30 December 2024, establishes for the first time a unified legal framework across all 27 member states. It covers the issuance of crypto-assets (asset-referenced tokens, e-money tokens, other crypto-assets), the provision of services by authorized providers (CASPs) and market abuse prevention. In France, providers registered under the PSAN status (PACTE Act) have a transitional period until 1 July 2026 to obtain MiCA authorization, failing which they must cease operations. ### (02) How should you structure a digital asset transaction (token issuance, fundraising, tokenization)? Token issuances (ICOs, STOs), real-world asset tokenization and crypto-asset fundraising require precise legal structuring: regulatory classification of the token (utility token, security token, stablecoin), drafting MiCA-compliant white papers, structuring investment vehicles and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations (financial law, tax, AML/CFT). We support issuers, platforms and investors in designing and executing these transactions, integrating contractual, regulatory and tax dimensions to secure each stage of the project. ### (03) How should you manage compliance, investigations and disputes involving crypto-assets? Increased supervision by the AMF, ACPR and European authorities (ESMA, EBA) exposes crypto-asset market participants to investigations, administrative sanctions and criminal proceedings for non-compliance. We defend clients in proceedings related to unauthorized operations, AML/CFT breaches, investor disclosure failures and crypto-asset market abuse. Upstream, we structure compliance programs to anticipate inspections and limit regulatory and criminal risk exposure. ### (04) How can you anticipate regulatory developments and deploy a blockchain project in new markets? The regulatory environment for digital assets is evolving rapidly: MiCA revisions, DLT pilot regime, divergent national frameworks outside the EU (Switzerland, UK, Singapore, UAE). We provide continuous regulatory monitoring and support clients in the international deployment of their projects: jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction regulatory analysis, local entity structuring, licence applications and coordination with supervisory authorities. We also participate in public consultations and the regulatory process to advance our clients’ interests with regulators. ### (05) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for digital assets and crypto-assets? Exchanges, token issuers, crypto funds, DeFi protocols, tokenization players and institutional investors entrust us with structuring and defending their projects. Our team combines financial law, digital law, tax and white-collar crime expertise to cover the full spectrum: from MiCA authorization to dispute management, from transaction structuring to regulatory dialogue. We operate at the intersection of law and technology to enable our clients to innovate within a secure framework.