EthereumZuri.ch 2024

Regulatory considerations and challenges in DeFi.
04-07, 11:30–12:30 (Europe/Zurich), Merge Stage

Regulatory landscape and hurdles within the decentralized finance sector in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with a particular focus on the implications of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. On-chain zkKYC infrastructure solution for DeFi (https://albus.finance)


As a Swiss lawyer and Head of Blockchain Practice, I would like to delve into the regulatory landscape and hurdles within the decentralized finance sector in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with a particular focus on the implications of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. On-chain zkKYC infrastructure solution for DeFi (https://albus.finance)

Ms. Janina Pietrowska advises entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups and large corporations in Swiss and Liechtenstein law specializing notably in financial market law, capital market law and corporate law with focus on IT, fintech, blockchain, tokenization, crypto, SDG and impact investing projects. With over 10 years background in international consultancy, Ms. Pietrowska used to advise for years a diverse array of international investors, primarily from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein in CIS countries with all activities in regard to their subsidiaries, branches, joint ventures and M&A deals in the amount up to 150 Million Euro.

As one of the pioneering figures in supporting blockchain projects in Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 2017, Ms. Pietrowska has successfully structured over 100 web3 projects across various sectors worldwide at various stages with major focus on tokenization of real world assets like real estate, commodities, diamonds, physical and digital art.

Noteworthy projects between 2017 and 2023 include the resolution of corporate conflicts for a blockchain start-up in Switzerland and Liechtenstein amounting to CHF 30 million, structuring a security token offering in Switzerland and the EU valued at CHF 10 million for a crypto mining company, as well as the structuring of green bonds up to EUR 11 million. Her legal expertise also encompassed assisting with UK real estate tokenization valued at up to EUR 5 million and Cyprus real estate tokenization amounting to EUR 140 million.

Janina is dedicated to providing compliant and helpful legal solutions, nurturing long-term relationships with the clients based on mutual trust and clear project budgets.

Janina also serves as non-executive Board Member in various companies.

Janina is an active participant in prestigious events such as the Blockchain Leadership Summit, Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference, Axess Think Tank, WEF Davos, the St. Moritz Institutional Investors Summit, delivering over 30 presentations.

Additionally, she regularly contributes to publications for Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guide and Legal500 Country Comparative Guides. Ms. Pietrowska is also a member of the Crypto Valley Association Regulatory and Asset Tokenization Paper Working Group.