The Bitfury Group, the leading global full-service Blockchain technology company, in conjunction with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, issued a press release today that Steptoe will serve as the legal services partner of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC). Jason Weinstein was also listed as one of the 32 founding members of the GBBC, which was launched around the World Economic Forum 2017 Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. See the full press release below.

Steptoe joins the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)

WASHINGTON, DC– January 25, 2017 – The Bitfury Group, the leading global full-service Blockchain technology company, in conjunction with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, announces today that Steptoe will serve as a member and legal services partner of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC). The mission of the GBBC, which was launched last week in Davos around the World Economic Forum 2017 Annual Meeting, is to bring together the world’s leading businesses to educate on the latest innovations and advances in Blockchain technology and advocate for the technology’s global adoption. The GBBC will serve as a resource center, providing a forum for education and collaboration in the Blockchain space. The GBBC will assist companies by raising awareness of the potential of Blockchain technology and engaging businesses interested in embracing and promoting this innovative technology to grow and enhance their reach and abilities. Learn more at www.gbbcouncil.org.

Steptoe was one of the first law firms to establish a global, multidisciplinary Blockchain practice. The firm helped create and currently serves as counsel to the Blockchain Alliance—a coalition of over 60 Blockchain companies and law enforcement and regulatory agencies worldwide.  The Blockchain Alliance helps promote the growth of Blockchain technology through dialogue and engagement between industry and government.

As the legal services partner of the GBBC, Steptoe will bring its vast experience advising companies and other institutions on legal and regulatory issues involving Blockchain applications to benefit the GBBC and its members.  Steptoe’s role as the legal services partner will complement the previously announced role of Covington, as the GBBC’s government relations partner.

“We are very excited to add Steptoe to the GBBC team. As one of the world’s leading law firms on Blockchain technology, they have been integral in establishing the legal DNA of this industry.  Steptoe’s expertise will provide a tremendously valuable resource for GBBC members—and for any company or industry considering applications for Blockchain technology,” said Valery Vavilov, CEO of the Bitfury Group.

“Steptoe is proud to partner with the GBBC to educate companies around the world about the opportunities presented by Blockchain technology.  Much like the Internet, the Blockchain has the potential to revolutionize the way both companies and governments do business.  We look forward to working with the GBBC to help companies better understand Blockchain technology and learn how to implement this technology in the most efficient, secure manner in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations,” said Jason Weinstein, co-chair of Steptoe’s Blockchain and Digital Currency Group.

About The Bitfury Group

The Bitfury Group is the leading full service Blockchain technology company and one of the largest private infrastructure providers in the Blockchain ecosystem. The Bitfury Group develops and delivers both the software and the hardware solutions necessary for businesses, governments, organizations and individuals to securely move an asset across the Blockchain. The expertise of The Bitfury Group ensures successful, easy, fast, secure and cost effective connectivity to the Blockchain. The Bitfury Group is a global team of experts in technology, business, communications, security and civil society. The Bitfury Group believes the Blockchain can and will open new doors for global economic opportunity and prosperity, and its mission is to create and advance Blockchain applications that will further promote innovation and the advancement of the peer-to peer economy.

About Steptoe

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions.  The firm has more than 500 lawyers and other professionals in offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix and Washington.  For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.