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About
Mikhail Uspenskiy is a Russian counsel specialising in the legal regulation of digital currencies, stablecoins and blockchain technologies. Member of the State Duma Expert Council on cryptocurrency regulation and deputy chair of the digital commission of the Moscow branch of the Russian Bar Association. Over twenty years of legal practice, with the last decade focused on digital assets.
Pioneer projects in the digital sphere
First in Russia to contribute bitcoin to the charter capital of a limited liability company. First Russian crypto borrower to secure a bank loan collateralised by blockchain tokens. Successfully challenged a prosecutor's attempt to block a cryptocurrency website. Advised on the first ICO under Russian law and a DeFi project that obtained three crypto-finance licences in the EU. Co-author of valuation guidance on crypto market value for a self-regulatory organisation of appraisers, and of a bitcoin–rouble cross-rate methodology.
Research and lawmaking
Researcher under a Russian Science Foundation grant on digital settlement instruments; leading a fundamental study of bitcoin's civil-law nature, including analysis under Indian law and common-law precedent. Academic supervisor of Russia's first graduate thesis on digital rights and cryptocurrency. Co-author of amendments to draft digital-currency legislation and participant in State Duma parliamentary hearings.
Rankings
Repeatedly recommended by Best Lawyers in three practice areas: tax, litigation and IT law. Individual Chambers recommendations; mentions in Legal 500 EMEA.
Discuss a matter
Direct contact — Telegram @uspenskiy101. Draft-law and practice briefings — channel @uspenskiy100.
Contacts