#20 - Michael Bacina & Harrison Dell - Crypto tax law in the Caymans, debanking woes & paper straws

Join us in Episode 20 of the Independent Reserve Podcast featuring superstar tax lawyer Harrison Dell and our very own Web3 royalty, Michael Bucina. In this insightful discussion, Harry discusses his recent relocation to Brisbane and the burgeoning crypto scene there, while Michael Bacina shares his experiences in the Cayman Islands, including his transition to a boutique Web3 law firm. We cover the unique legal landscapes of the Cayman Islands, the challenges and opportunities in crypto law, and the implications of recent regulatory changes in the US under the Trump administration. Dive deep into the niche yet expanding world of crypto legalities and the strategic importance of assembling a specialized team in this complex field. Whether you're curious about the local crypto scenes in Australia or the financial legalities in international waters, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Brought to you by Independent Reserve00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:32 Catching Up with Harrison and Mike01:02 Nextlaw and Web3 Legal Focus01:50 Brisbane's Crypto Scene05:03 Cayman Islands Move and Legal Insights06:28 US Crypto Regulations and Challenges16:57 Operation Chokepoint and Legal Battles22:45 Debanking Issues in Australia38:59 Crypto Industry Engagement with Politicians39:54 Navigating Tax Certainty with the ATO40:59 Regulatory Engagement and Industry Bodies41:49 The Importance of Local Political Engagement44:54 Challenges with U.S. Tax Systems46:34 Life and Work in the Cayman Islands56:44 The Growing Demand for Tax Lawyers57:34 The Role of AI in Tax Law01:01:07 The Importance of Problem Solving in Legal Practice01:05:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans