CFAAR Launch Event

CFAAR is a network of professionals comprising lawyers, barristers, forensic accountants, corporate intelligence and asset recovery professionals. Its purpose is to develop and share best practice in the sphere of crypto dispute resolution.

The launch event was held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) on the evening of 12 October. Approximately 150 lawyers, barristers, and asset recovery practitioners from over 90 different firms, chambers, and other organisations attended.  The number of attendees was a relief as over 220 had accepted – far beyond the capacity of the venue – and so there was some concern about having to turn people away on the night!

The highlight of the evening was an address by Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, who had chaired the UK Jurisdictional Taskforce that concluded crypto assets could be considered property under English law. Sir Geoffrey spoke of how English common law is extremely well situated to adapt and deal with the legal implications of emerging blockchain-based technologies. He expressed his conviction that blockchain technology will very soon find its way into all aspects of our daily lives and encouraged lawyers to engage with it, thereby helping to ensure that England and Wales remains a jurisdiction of choice for parties worldwide.

Sir Geoffrey's address was followed by a panel discussion featuring individuals from some of the CFAAR founder member firms and chambers, followed by networking drinks. There was then an afterparty with drinks in the neighbouring Paternoster Square. The event was a huge success, and was even described by one attendee as the 'event of the year' (which comment was absolutely not the result of an anonymous payment of Bitcoin)!")