135: A Blockchain Legal Pioneer on the State of DeFi and Crypto

On this episode of Silicon Valley Insider, Keith Koo’s guest is Jacob Farber, Co-Founder and Partner of Ouroboros, LLP. 

Jacob is an early pioneer in legal matters regarding blockchain and cryptocurrency having worked with dozens of clients on token sales and white papers before becoming the R3 blockchain consortium’s general counsel.

Keith and Jacob discuss the current state of blockchain, cryptocurrency and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) and how like the early the days of cryptocurrency, it can be like the “wild west”. There are some breakthrough projects on the horizon but also cautions potential investors to do their due diligence in understanding what they are getting into.

DeFi is currently at the forefront of people’s minds with valuations gaining momentum that is similar to cryptocurrencies a few years back. Jacob also points out that the “killer app” of blockchain has still not yet happened but that it could happen in the near future. Find out whether DeFi is going be like “groundhog day” with regards to the early days of cryptocurrency.

On this week’s Cyber-Tip, Keith discusses targeted victims of a spear-phishing attacks at an elite cyber security conference and what you should do to safeguard your accounts.

On the Pivot, Keith and Jacob discuss the future of blockchain as a technology and what some of the most exciting use cases are.

More about Jacob Farber:

Jacob Farber is the co-founder of Ouroboros LLP, a blockchain- and fintech-focused law firm and strategic consultancy. Jacob represents clients on matters relating to blockchain and cryptocurrency law and regulation, technology and IP transactions and licensing,

M&A, and financial services regulatory matters. Since 2012, Jacob has been at the forefront of the legal and regulatory frameworks related to cryptocurrency and blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT), and is recognized as a leading legal thinker in the space. Jacob has represented clients before numerous national and international financial services regulators where he has helped to shape the evolving regulatory frameworks. 

Jacob works with clients, from startups to major global companies, in a wide variety of technology-centric transactional and counseling matters: complex tech transactions, commercial contracting, M&A, general corporate matters, internet and e-commerce agreements, intellectual property licensing, technology and software acquisition, licensing and strategic procurement.

As one of the first attorneys working with blockchain and virtual-currency innovators, Jacob has earned a reputation as an authority on emerging trends and enforcement. He has been a featured speaker at Money 20/20, the National Forum on Emerging Payment Systems,

the American Bankers Association Annual Meeting and numerous other financially focused forums.  

More on Ouroboros, LLP:

https://o-llp.com/

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