Jonathan Galea Joins Cahill‘s london Office as Counsel in Digital Assets Practice

London – Cahill announced on March 13, 2025, the addition of Jonathan Galea to its London office. Galea joins as counsel within the firm’s Digital Assets and Emerging Technology practice, known as CahillNXT. This move signifies Cahill’s continued commitment to expanding its expertise in the rapidly evolving field of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Galea’s extensive background in the crypto asset sector, spanning a dozen years, positions him as a key asset to the firm’s global capabilities.

Galea’s arrival underscores the growing importance of specialized legal expertise in the digital asset space. As regulatory landscapes evolve and the adoption of cryptocurrencies increases, firms like Cahill are strategically expanding their teams to meet the complex needs of their clients.

A Crypto-Native Lawyer with Deep European Roots

Jonathan Galea is recognized as one of the first crypto-native lawyers practicing in Europe. His deep involvement in the crypto asset sector for the past twelve years has made him a strong advocate for Bitcoin adoption and open finance. Galea’s client base includes major crypto exchanges, prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, and stablecoin issuers, reflecting his broad expertise across the digital asset ecosystem.

His experience extends to advising top stablecoin issuers on navigating the complexities of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). He has also assisted numerous high-profile crypto exchanges in obtaining regulatory licenses in malta and Liechtenstein, ensuring their compliance with relevant frameworks.

leadership Perspectives on Galea’s Appointment

lewis Rinaudo Cohen, Co-Chair of CahillNXT, emphasized the firm’s global commitment to emerging technologies, stating:

I have known Jonathan and respected his work for many years.he is one of the very top lawyers in the crypto space in Europe. Jonathan’s arrival underscores the global commitment that we have to major emerging technologies at CahillNXT.
Lewis Rinaudo Cohen, Co-Chair of CahillNXT

cohen further noted that expanding the CahillNXT practice in London will enhance the firm’s ability to assist clients worldwide with their most elegant legal needs related to crypto assets and blockchain technology.

Samson A. Enzer, also Co-Chair of CahillNXT, highlighted Galea’s passion for bitcoin and other crypto assets, adding:

Jonathan has a passion for the use and adoption of Bitcoin and other crypto assets and believes strongly that providing effective legal advice to clients requires a deep understanding of the nuances of the issues at stake. His ability to break down the barriers between law and technology in this area will truly help differentiate us in the field, and I am delighted to have him on our team.
Samson A. Enzer, Co-Chair of cahillnxt

Extensive Policy and Regulatory Experience

Galea’s expertise extends beyond legal practice to include critically crucial work in policy and legal drafting. He co-authored Malta’s pioneering Virtual Financial assets framework and has consulted numerous regulatory entities across multiple jurisdictions. These include the European Banking Authority,the Malta Financial Services Authority,the Financial Intelligence & analysis Unit (Malta),and the Financial Services Agency in Japan.

His contributions to regulatory frameworks demonstrate a commitment to fostering responsible innovation within the crypto asset space, bridging the gap between technological advancements and legal compliance.

Galea’s enthusiasm for joining Cahill

Jonathan Galea expressed his enthusiasm for joining Cahill, stating:

Cahill has shown a level of commitment to being leaders in the crypto asset space that is not seen at many firms. I am excited to bring my crypto native experience in the EU and elsewhere to Cahill and to work alongside Lewis, Sam, and the rest of their outstanding team.
Jonathan Galea

galea’s decision to join Cahill reflects the firm’s growing reputation as a leader in providing legal services to the digital asset industry.

Academic and Speaking Engagements

In addition to his legal and policy work, Jonathan Galea is a frequent speaker and has served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta. There, he taught about the history of crypto assets and the taxonomy of crypto projects. He received both his LL.D. and LL.B. from the University of Malta, solidifying his academic foundation in law.

conclusion

The addition of Jonathan Galea to Cahill’s London office marks a significant step in the firm’s expansion of its Digital Assets and Emerging Technology practice. His extensive experience, deep understanding of the crypto asset landscape, and contributions to regulatory frameworks position him as a valuable asset to Cahill and its clients. As the digital asset industry continues to evolve, Galea’s expertise will play a crucial role in navigating the complex legal and regulatory challenges that lie ahead.

Crypto Law’s Rising Star: Jonathan Galea’s Impact on the Digital Asset Landscape

Is the legal world finally catching up with the breakneck speed of technological innovation in the cryptocurrency space? The recent appointment of Jonathan Galea suggests it might be.

Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma,Leading Legal Expert in Fintech and Blockchain

world-Today-News: Dr. Sharma, Jonathan Galea’s move to Cahill’s London office as counsel in their Digital Assets and Emerging Technology practice is making waves. what makes this appointment so critically critically important for the future of legal services in the crypto industry?

dr. Sharma: Mr.Galea’s appointment is indeed a watershed moment. It reflects a critical shift in the legal profession’s approach to digital assets. For too long, the legal framework lagged behind the rapid evolution of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This often left businesses operating in a regulatory gray area, hindering innovation and investment. Galea’s deep expertise, notably his experience in shaping regulatory frameworks like Malta’s Virtual Financial Assets framework, is invaluable. His experience bridging the gap between technology and law is precisely what the industry needs—someone who understands not just the legal intricacies but also the underlying technology. It signals to the global community that Cahill is serious about providing top-tier legal counsel in this complex surroundings.

World-Today-News: Galea’s described as a “crypto-native lawyer.” What does that term actually mean,and why is this expertise crucial in today’s market?

Dr. Sharma: “Crypto-native” signifies someone who has grown up alongside the advancement of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. They haven’t just studied the technology; they’ve lived and breathed it, understanding its nuances, its potential, and its limitations from the ground up. This isn’t simply about legal knowledge, it’s about possessing genuine technological fluency. Think of it like the difference between a lawyer advising on conventional finance who uses spreadsheets versus one who is fluent in coding and algorithm analysis. This understanding allows for more effective counsel, more innovative solutions to emerging challenges, and the development of tailored strategies, better aligned with the unique complexities of the decentralized world.

World-Today-News: His work advising stablecoin issuers on navigating MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is frequently mentioned. Can you elaborate on the challenges involved in complying with this evolving regulatory landscape?

Dr. sharma: MiCA represents a pivotal step in the European Union’s effort to regulate crypto assets. Though,navigating its complexities is challenging. The regulatory environment is still evolving, so staying ahead of emerging guidelines is crucial. Complying with MiCA involves understanding and applying principles governing market abuse, disclosure, anti-money laundering (AML), and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, all within the context of a fast-moving technological environment. Stablecoin issuers face especially intense scrutiny due to the perceived risk of their peg fluctuations against fiat currencies. Galea’s deep understanding of these regulations places him at an advantage when it comes to advising clients on navigating the regulatory maze.

World-Today-News: Beyond compliance, what are some of the core legal areas where expertise like Mr. galea’s is most sought after—for both established players and startups?

Dr.Sharma: There’s a significant need for legal expertise in several key areas:

• Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications (dApps): Advising on the legal implications of smart contract code and the liability of developers and users.
• Securities Token Offerings (STOs) and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs): Navigating complex regulatory issues related to security laws and investor protection within the cryptocurrency domain.
• Data Privacy and Security: Helping clients comply with regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection regulation) in the context of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency transactions.
• Cross-border Transactions and Tax Implications: Navigating the international aspects of crypto transactions, including tax implications which differs vastly across jurisdictions.
• Intellectual Property Rights: Protecting intellectual property associated with blockchain projects, including software, algorithms and creative works.

World-Today-News: What advice would you give to businesses operating in the digital asset space looking to navigate the legal complexities?

Dr. Sharma: Prioritizing proactive legal counsel is paramount. Engaging experienced lawyers specializing in digital assets early in the project’s lifecycle is crucial. Don’t wait for problems to arise, rather make legal compliance a core component of your business strategy from the start. It’s also essential to keep abreast of evolving regulations and best practices. Stay informed, educate your team, and partner with legal professionals who understand the unique technological and regulatory challenges. This proactive approach will mitigate risks, improve efficiency, and nurture a sustainable and successful enterprise.

World-Today-News: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for shedding light on this crucial development in the crypto legal landscape. This insightful discussion clarifies the significance of Mr. Galea’s arrival and the growing importance of specialized expertise in this field.

Closing Thoughts: Jonathan Galea’s move to Cahill underscores a critical juncture for legal services within the cryptocurrency sector. The demand for expertise like his will only grow as the industry matures and increasingly sophisticated legal frameworks emerge.We encourage readers to share their thoughts and questions in the comments below or on social media using #cryptolaw and #DigitalAssets.