In this episode of ‘Tech Talks’, Bermuda’s Jerome Wilson and George McCallum are joined by Erkin Atakhanov, Managing Partner at PKF Antares in Bermuda, to discuss the critical role of auditors under the Digital Assets Business Act (DABA), where appointing an auditor is a legal requirement. Given the technical and often complex nature of digital asset and fintech businesses, auditors must have a clear understanding of each company’s processes, systems, and compliance structure to assess which processes and controls should be audited.

The conversation covers how different business models—validators, custodians (such as wallets and exchanges), and payment processors—require distinct audit approaches. The trio also address the challenge of jurisdictional ambiguity, stressing the importance of aligning internal operations with local laws even when geographic boundaries aren’t clear. As fintech businesses and blockchains may not have set jurisdictional boundaries, having an experienced auditor who understands the digital assets landscape is essential.

If you’re considering establishing a digital assets business in Bermuda or want to learn more about the audit process, connect with Jerome, George, or Erkin for further guidance.

Click here to access all our Bermuda Shorts episodes.

About Appleby

Appleby is one of the world’s leading international law firms. Our global teams of legal specialists advise public and private companies, financial institutions and private individuals. We are a full service law firm providing comprehensive, expert advice and services across corporate, dispute resolution, property, regulatory, and private client and trusts practice areas. We have offices in ten highly regarded, well-regulated global locations, operating in nine and practising the laws of eight jurisdictions. Our office locations include the key international jurisdictions of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, as well as the international financial centres of Hong Kong and Shanghai...

In our latest episode of our “Tech Talks” podcast, technology law specialists Partner Jerome Wilson, Senior Associate George McCallum, and Associate Karim Creary delve into the dynamic global fintech landscape, with a spotlight on Bermuda’s Digital Assets Business Act (DABA).

They recap key insights from two industry gatherings — Bermuda’s Digital Finance Forum and the global Consensus conference — before exploring current trends in the Bermuda market and offering a forward-looking perspective for the next 12 to 18 months.

Discussion highlights include Bermuda’s clear and consistent regulatory framework, which continues to attract sophisticated market participants; the jurisdiction’s ease of doing business under DABA; and the growing convergence of industries like insurance and digital assets — a trend that is narrowing the gap between traditional and decentralized finance — as a result of Bermuda’s flexible and forward-thinking regulatory approach.

Be sure to connect with our tech team to explore how your business can thrive in Bermuda’s well-regulated digital assets environment.

About Appleby

Appleby is one of the world’s leading international law firms. Our global teams of legal specialists advise public and private companies, financial institutions and private individuals. We are a full service law firm providing comprehensive, expert advice and services across corporate, dispute resolution, property, regulatory, and private client and trusts practice areas. We have offices in ten highly regarded, well-regulated global locations, operating in nine and practising the laws of eight jurisdictions. Our office locations include the key international jurisdictions of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, as well as the international financial centres of Hong Kong and Shanghai...

Jerome Wilson, Partner and Head of Appleby’s Technology & Innovation practice in Bermuda provides an update on the jurisdiction’s thriving Fintech sector. Jerome covers three main points - the growth of the digital assets business in Bermuda; the evolution of the industry; and why Bermuda and its many strengths, including Bermuda’s gold standard regulatory regime, solution-oriented regulator, progressive application process, and sophisticated business ecosystem – all contributing to the caliber of clients drawn to Bermuda.

About Appleby

Appleby is one of the world’s leading international law firms. Our global teams of legal specialists advise public and private companies, financial institutions and private individuals. We are a full service law firm providing comprehensive, expert advice and services across corporate, dispute resolution, property, regulatory, and private client and trusts practice areas. We have offices in ten highly regarded, well-regulated global locations, operating in nine and practising the laws of eight jurisdictions. Our office locations include the key international jurisdictions of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, as well as the international financial centres of Hong Kong and Shanghai...