Adam Garetson

Adam Garetson stands as a prominent partner at Gowling WLG's Toronto office, where his expertise significantly benefits the Blockchain & Smart Contracts and Technology Industry groups. With a rich background that seamlessly merges the finance and technology sectors of Canada, Adam is the go-to advisor for businesses, both public and private, aiming to demystify the complexities associated with blockchain technology and digital assets. His counsel is crucial for clients engaging in strategic corporate and financing ventures, navigating both the domestic and international landscapes, and ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Before his tenure at Gowling WLG, Adam's career was marked by significant leadership roles within the digital asset sector, including positions as general counsel, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary for a leading Canadian company in digital asset infrastructure, a cryptocurrency marketplace, and a decentralized finance platform. Furthermore, he held the title of president, director, and "ultimate designate person" (UDP) for a Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) registered crypto-asset trading platform, where he played a pivotal role in achieving Toronto Stock Exchange listings, capital raises, mergers, acquisitions, and managing corporate governance among other responsibilities.

Adam's experience extends to a tenure as director and senior counsel at one of Canada's premier global financial institutions, where he led initiatives on blockchain and smart contract applications within the Capital Markets division. Additionally, he provided corporate and securities law advice at another major national law firm in Toronto, aiding a wide array of clients including underwriters, broker-dealers, and financial institutions with public offerings, IPOs, and various other financial transactions.

Recognized as a thought leader, Adam is actively involved in discussions with regulators and political figures concerning blockchain and digital assets. His engagements include interactions with the Canadian Department of Finance, Members of Federal Parliament, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). His expertise has led him to speak publicly on these subjects, serve as an expert witness to the Federal Government House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology, and share his knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Ontario's Faculty of Law.

Adam's extensive experience and proactive engagement in the blockchain and digital asset sectors position him as a key figure for clients looking to overcome legal and regulatory challenges and make strategic decisions in this rapidly evolving field.

His areas of practice include Technology, Blockchain & Smart Contracts, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Corporate Commercial, highlighting his diverse expertise. Adam's legal career began with his call to the Ontario bar in 2011, following his education at the University of Manitoba where he earned a JD, and the University of Waterloo, where he received a BA (Hons.).