Do I need a lawyer for a token launch?
Bringing counsel in early can save time and avoid expensive changes later. We help clients think through token structure, securities, commodities, and money transmission issues, distribution, governance, offshore entities, commercial agreements, and the regulatory framework around a launch.
Is my token or digital asset a security or commodity?
That depends on the asset, how it is structured and distributed, how the project operates, and the surrounding facts. We regularly advise blockchain and crypto companies on securities and commodities law and help them structure products with those risks in mind.
Can you help structure a token launch or token offering?
Yes. We advise on token structure, issuance and distribution, governance, securities and commodities issues, offshore token entities, and the agreements surrounding a launch. We look at the structure as a whole, not just one regulatory question.
What is the SEC’s “innovation exemption” for tokenized stocks, and can you help us use it?
In September 2026, the SEC issued a temporary, five-year exemption that opens a path for onchain trading of tokenized U.S. exchange-listed stocks. Qualifying trading platforms do not have to register as national securities exchanges, and qualifying liquidity providers do not have to register as dealers. The exemption comes with significant conditions, including limits on eligible securities and trading volumes, issuer notification requirements, trading restrictions, and disclosure and reporting obligations. Even so, it is an important development for the digital asset ecosystem. We advise trading platforms, liquidity providers, issuers, and other market participants on whether and how to rely on the exemption, structuring their businesses and operations to meet its conditions, and engaging with the SEC as the framework evolves.
Should my blockchain or crypto company use an offshore entity?
It depends. We have structured digital-asset businesses across multiple jurisdictions and can help determine whether an offshore token entity makes sense, how it should relate to U.S. operations, and what regulatory and governance issues the structure creates.
What licenses does my fintech or crypto company need?
It depends on what the business does, where it operates, and who its customers and counterparties are. A fintech or crypto business may need state licenses, such as money transmitter, lending, or virtual currency licenses, and requirements vary significantly from state to state. We have advised on federal and 50-state regulatory requirements and represented financial-services clients through licensing and regulatory matters. We can identify what applies and develop a practical licensing strategy.
Do I need money transmitter licenses for my crypto or fintech business?
Money transmission is regulated federally through FinCEN and separately by nearly every state, each with its own definitions and exemptions. Whether you need licenses depends on the product, how money or digital assets move, your company’s role in the transaction, and where you operate. We help determine whether licensing, an exemption, or a bank or licensed-partner structure is the right path, and we support multistate license applications when licensing is required.
Can you advise on SEC and CFTC compliance for crypto and digital assets?
Yes. We advise fintech, blockchain, and crypto companies on federal securities and commodities laws and how they apply to tokens, products, trading activity, transactions, counterparties, and changing business models. Our lawyers also have experience in Washington and relationships with leading lobbying and government-relations firms. When a client wants to engage on policy or regulatory developments, we can help develop the strategy and work alongside those teams, as we have for other clients.
Can you review or negotiate a market-maker or liquidity-provider agreement?
Yes. We have negotiated market-maker, liquidity-provider, counterparty, platform, and strategic partnership agreements for digital-asset and trading businesses. We understand both the commercial terms and the regulatory issues behind them.
Can Pacific Street serve as ongoing counsel to a fintech, blockchain, or crypto company?
Yes. This is a core part of our practice. We advise companies across product, regulatory, licensing, compliance, commercial, financing, and corporate matters, and we get to know the business over time. We’re comfortable working where your team works, including Telegram, Slack, and email.
How quickly can I get an answer from a crypto or fintech lawyer?
Often the same day. We know these businesses and the regulatory landscape, so we can usually identify what matters and help you make a decision quickly. When an issue requires deeper analysis, we’ll tell you upfront.
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