The numbers.
| Metric | Value | Period / verification |
|---|---|---|
| Founder crypto practice tenure | 10+ years (since 2015) | Verifiable via LinkedIn career history; Crypto News Australia "10 Best Crypto Lawyers in Australia" listing |
| Clients personally advised by founder | 1,000+ | Aggregated across cryptocurrency, exchange, tokenisation, NFT, DeFi, custody, payment-services and financial services matters |
| World's first cryptocurrency IPO | Advised | Public matter; details available on request |
| Insights articles published | 92+ | Live on this website; covering VARA, DFSA, FSRA, CBUAE, CMA, family office, M&A, offshore and cross-border |
| VARA Category 1 RWA verticals covered | 15 dedicated articles | Real estate, oil/gas, hydrogen, art, Pokemon cards, carbon, pre-IPO/PE, luxury, commodities, IP, diamonds/gemstones, aircraft/superyachts, private credit, infrastructure/airport slots |
| UAE Financial Services Licensing Tracker | 51 active licensees indexed | 49 VARA + 2 CBUAE PTSR. Updated monthly. Live tracker |
| Registered trademarks | 3 jurisdictions | Australia (AU 502021002157314), UAE (AE 502024000430164), WIPO Madrid (WO 500000001795448) |
| Parent firm heritage | 134 years | Cornwalls established Melbourne 1891 by Frank Cornwall and Harry Sugden; offices Melbourne / Sydney / Brisbane |
| International network memberships | ALFA International + Andersen Global | Via Cornwalls; verified on cornwalls.com.au/about-us |
| Languages served | English + 中文 + Arabic | Full bilingual EN/ZH website; Arabic via UAE-qualified team |
The categories of matter we've been instructed on.
In accordance with the UAE Code of Professional Conduct for Lawyers, specific client identities are held in confidence. The categories of matter Neo Legal has been instructed on include:
- Top-tier global virtual asset exchanges and derivatives platforms
- A leading Latin American digital asset exchange
- A major global Web3 venture builder with a portfolio of leading blockchain protocols and ecosystem investments
- A leading Asian retail cryptocurrency exchange
- A leading global online casino and sports-betting platform
- UAE-based digital asset and financial services groups
- UAE family offices and investment houses
- UAE-based fintech platforms
- Multi-strategy investment firms and DeFi-focused alternative investment managers
- Chinese, Malaysian and UAE-based ultra-high-net-worth principals (including billionaire individuals and family groups)
The founder.
Founder and Managing Partner Harly Zappino has practised in virtual assets and financial services since 2015. He has personally advised over 1,000 clients across cryptocurrency, exchanges, tokenisation, NFTs, DeFi, custody and payment services — including the world's first cryptocurrency IPO. Recognised as Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Finalist for Technology Partner of the Year (2022) and Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Finalist for Sports & Entertainment (2023). Founded Neo Legal in Melbourne (2021) and the UAE practice (2024).
The institutional structure.
Neo Legal's UAE practice is the UAE arm of Cornwalls, established in Melbourne in 1891 by Frank Cornwall and Harry Sugden. Cornwalls operates across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and is a member firm of ALFA International and Andersen Global. The combined Australian-UAE group structure provides integrated counsel under one roof — particularly relevant for cross-border tax structuring, M&A, family-office establishment, virtual asset licensing, and the UAE relocation of Australian and Chinese principals and businesses.
The trademark portfolio.
Neo Legal is a registered trademark in three jurisdictions. Each registration is publicly verifiable on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Brand Database:
- Australia — IP Australia filing 2021. WIPO ID: AU 502021002157314
- United Arab Emirates — filed 2024. WIPO ID: AE 502024000430164
- WIPO Madrid International Registration. WIPO ID: WO 500000001795448
Where to verify the claims on this page.
- Founding date: Crypto News Australia (10 Best Crypto Lawyers in Australia listing), Neo Legal's Australian website (neolegal.com.au), LinkedIn company page
- Cornwalls heritage: cornwalls.com.au/about-us
- Registered trademarks: WIPO Global Brand Database links above — click any to view the official record
- Insights and content: Live on the Insights page (92+ articles)
- UAE Financial Services Licensing Tracker: Live tool with 51 licensees indexed
- Harly Zappino's career history: Bio page + LinkedIn