This is your go-to resource
for Bitcoin, Crypto, and Web3 entrepreneurs and investors.
Dive into the legal intricacies and seize the opportunities in the UAE’s thriving virtual assets landscape.
Irina Heaver is the leading Bitcoin and crypto lawyer based in the UAE and Switzerland, recognized globally for her extensive experience and technical expertise.
She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Monash University and a Master of Laws degree in International Taxation and Energy Laws from Melbourne University, with advanced specializations in AI and blockchain technologies.
Following a successful career in the oil and gas sector—where she advised on projects and transactions exceeding USD 500 billion, established joint ventures with Mubadala and other sovereign wealth funds, and litigated against the DOJ and SEC—Irina founded the UAE’s first legal consultancy focused exclusively on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in 2016.
As the first lawyer in the Middle East to advise Bitcoin and crypto founders, as well as governments and regulators on this emerging technology, she has since advised over 250 Bitcoin, crypto, and Web3 projects across 60 jurisdictions, establishing herself as an industry-leading legal professional.
Irina has played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape for emerging technologies. She has contributed to the development of cryptocurrency-specific laws and regulations for various governments and regulators throughout Asia and the Middle East, and drafted specific laws.
In 2018, Irina co-founded a crypto exchange in the Middle East, headquartered in Dubai. Having raised a multi-million dollar round and obtaining the earliest crypto exchange licenses from two different Financial Regulators, she exited this startup in 2020.
With over 20 years of legal, compliance, and regulatory experience, Irina continues to guide entrepreneurs through compliant venture launches, capital formation, and growth. Her extensive network across the Middle East and Europe, coupled with her unparalleled legal expertise, positions her as a highly respected authority in the industry.
Irina Heaver is a renowned international keynote speaker and moderator who has shared her insights at over 200 leading industry events worldwide since 2016. She has energized audiences across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia with her infectious blend of passion and humor, tailoring each keynote to resonate with her listeners.
Her thought leadership extends to esteemed publications; her insights have been featured on platforms like CoinDesk, Coin Bureau, and Cointelegraph. Irina is also an official contributor to Forbes Digital Assets, where she writes on crypto and Web3 laws and regulations.
As a moderator, Irina ensures panel discussions are engaging and dynamic, fostering an environment where every panel member feels empowered to share their unique views and opinions. Her skillful facilitation keeps conversations lively and insightful.
She has been recognized as a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Blockchain Entrepreneurs of the Year (2020), the Middle East’s Most Impactful Person of the Year (2021) in Crypto and Blockchain, and Leading Compliance Expert (2024).
Irina’s passion for the industry not only keeps audiences thoroughly engrossed but also inspires them, leaving a lasting impact at every event she attends.
This is a personal website for Irina Heaver.
All opinions expressed here are her own and not those of the law firms she is associated with.
Regarding social media impersonations: Be cautious of social media impersonators. The only authentic social media accounts of Irina Heaver are those listed on this site. Anyone who approaches you on social media pretending to be Irina Heaver is a scammer attempting to deceive you for financial gain.
Irina will never DM you first, ask you to invest in anything, or suggest any ‘investment’ opportunities.
Seriously! It’s disheartening to hear about people falling for scams because a fake imposter Instagram or Twitter account direct messaged them with an investment opportunity. Be vigilant and cautious!
