Michael Titus, the Founding Principal and Managing Partner of TITUS.
Michael is a highly accomplished legal professional and practicing solicitor in Hong Kong. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Lehigh University and a Juris Doctor from the City University of Hong Kong, Michael brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business acumen to his practice.
Michael specializes in regulatory, cryptocurrency, and corporate law, possessing extensive experience across a diverse array of commercial legal practices. He demonstrates proficiency in M&A, business transactions, joint ventures, and digital assets. In civil litigation and dispute resolution, Michael handles cases in banking, breach of contract, negligence, commercial conspiracy, fraud, debt recovery, defamation, employment, family matters, injunctions, international trade, joint venture disputes, judicial review, landlord-tenant issues, shareholder disputes, professional negligence, restructuring, insolvency, sale of goods and services, trusts, arbitration, and mediation.
Michael has established himself as a leading authority in cryptocurrency and blockchain legal advisory, with extensive experience managing and advising on multiple high-profile digital asset projects. His expertise spans the complete regulatory lifecycle of cryptocurrency ventures, including stablecoin development, cross-border transactions, and licensing requirements across multiple jurisdictions. As a trusted advisor in the rapidly evolving digital asset space, Michael has guided major stablecoin projects pegged to the US Dollar, ensuring compliance with complex regulatory frameworks while navigating the intricate technical and legal challenges unique to blockchain-based financial instruments. His deep understanding of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contract implementations enables him to provide comprehensive legal guidance that bridges technical innovation with regulatory compliance. Michael’s cross-border transaction expertise is particularly valuable in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, where he has successfully structured compliant frameworks for international digital asset transfers, addressing anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, and securities regulations across multiple jurisdictions. His work encompasses both centralized and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, token issuances, and cryptocurrency exchange operations. In Hong Kong’s evolving regulatory landscape for virtual assets, Michael has been at the forefront of licensing applications and compliance strategies, helping clients navigate the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) requirements and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) guidelines. His international experience extends beyond Asia, allowing him to advise clients on global cryptocurrency compliance strategies, including interactions with regulatory bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
His expertise extends to employment law, investment funds, family and matrimonial matters, wills, probate, trusts, regulatory compliance, immigration, criminal law, and intellectual property. Michael’s deep understanding of these areas allows him to provide comprehensive legal guidance to clients facing complex challenges.
Prior to establishing TITUS, Michael practiced in Singapore, specializing in Mergers & Acquisitions and cross-border private equity transactions. This experience equipped him with a robust understanding of the dynamic nuances of international business. Under Michael’s transformative leadership, TITUS has reshaped the legal landscape in Hong Kong, thriving on technological advancements, particularly in fintech, blockchain, and cryptocurrency. The firm offers comprehensive services across Corporate and M&A, Financial Technology, Regulatory & Compliance, and more. With a diverse, seasoned team providing expert legal, regulatory, and commercial advice, TITUS serves a broad international clientele, including German and Japanese speakers. Michael has carved a niche for himself in the rapidly evolving fields of securities, futures, and distributed ledger technology. His deep understanding of the intricate regulations surrounding money transmission, securities laws, and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements has positioned him as a trusted advisor for token issuers, exchanges, wallet providers, and payment providers. For businesses seeking to integrate blockchain technology or launch cryptocurrency ventures, Michael offers invaluable guidance on regulatory risk assessment, compliance program development, and strategic legal positioning in this dynamic sector. His practical approach combines technical understanding with legal expertise, enabling clients to achieve their business objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance in the complex world of digital assets. With Michael at the helm, TITUS is committed to quality and efficiency, positioning itself as a leader in adapting to market changes and ensuring client success across various industries. His exceptional communication skills, combined with his legal expertise, enable him to effectively liaise with a diverse clientele across multiple jurisdictions, making him an invaluable asset to clients navigating the complex world of corporate and commercial law. Michael is fluent in English.
