Howard Kennedy LLP

This Practice Note on crypto and digital assets for dispute resolution lawyers identifies the common characteristics of cryptoassets, their initial development via the Bitcoin White Paper, how cryptography works, the distinction between public and private keys, the concepts of nodes and mining (including proof of work and proof of stake), explains blockchain, identifies different types of digital asset, explains how crypto exchanges typically work and the emergence of regulatory obligations in this area.

This Practice Note on civil recovery of misappropriated cryptoassets identifies the potential methods for seeking recovery as well as explaining the difficulties, both legal and technical, in so doing given the nature of cryptoassets and the ease with which fraudsters may engage technical tools to avoid detection of the misappropriated assets. It includes reference to following and tracing of cryptoassets in the recovery process as well as interim relief in civil recovery of cryptoassets and the relevance of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 provisions with regard to civil recovery of cryptoassets.