Calvin K. Koo
Lawyer
Calvin Koo counsels financial technology and Web3 clients in high-stakes international litigation and investigations. This includes leading global dispute resolution campaigns that require highly coordinated multi-jurisdictional activity. For claim monetization cases, his strategies synthesize tracing digital assets on blockchains and advocating in courtrooms around the world to maximize recovery value. He also applies similar techniques on behalf of victims of fraud to recover cryptocurrency or traditional assets, as well as secure significant damages.
Mr. Koo additionally represents clients, including ultra-high-net-worth individuals, pursuing offensive and defensive strategies related to cross-border government enforcement matters and regulatory enforcement actions. He advises clients throughout Asia in sensitive international investigations by government and regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; the U.S. Department of Justice; the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption; and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.
Mr. Koo is admitted in Hong Kong as a Solicitor Advocate and in New York. Before joining Kobre & Kim, he practiced at Winston & Strawn LLP, where he represented corporations and their executives in white-collar investigations, class-action securities disputes, bankruptcy and other related litigation.
Admissions
- Solicitor, Hong Kong
- Solicitor Advocate, Hong Kong Higher Rights of Audience
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Education
- Northwestern University, BA
- Boston University School of Law, JD
Languages
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Select Engagements
- Sydney Johnson and Calvin Koo with Coindesk: The SEC's Retreat From Crypto Enforcement May Invite More Private Lawsuits
- Calvin Koo Joins Hong Kong Digital Finance Association’s “Future Stablecoin Summit: Risks and Opportunities with Stablecoin Adoption”
- Calvin Koo Explores Future of Web 3.0 Technology at Hong Kong Conference
- Calvin Koo Featured on GAR Academy Course ‘Fundamentals of International Arbitration’
- CFAAR Hong Kong Presents Seminar on “Guardrails to a Global Digital Asset Hub”
- Andrew Stafford KC, Calvin Koo, Timothy de Swardt Examine Crypto Recovery in the UK, BVI, Hong Kong and U.S.
- Calvin Koo on the Rise of Cross-Border Crypto Scams in DL News
- Calvin Koo Unpacks Crypto Trends into 2023 in Fintelekt and ABA Webinar
- Calvin Koo Lays Out Roadmap for Recovering Stolen Digital Assets in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Lawyer
- Calvin Koo on Hong Kong’s Changing Landscape in Cryptocurrency Regulation and Recovery
- Andrew Stafford KC, Timothy de Swardt, Melisa Ortes González, Calvin Koo on Crypto Jurisprudence in Common Law Jurisdictions
- Calvin Koo Discusses Blockchain Technology and Arbitration in 6th CARTAL Conference on International Arbitration
- Vasu Muthyala and Calvin Koo Join Webinar on the Cryptocurrency Legal Landscape in Asia
- Lara Levinson and Calvin Koo on the Intersection of Anti-Money Laundering and Digital Assets
- Calvin Koo Discusses Arbitrations Involving Cryptocurrency and NFTs
- Calvin Koo to Moderate ALB Panel on Risk Management for Asian Businesses in a Post-Pandemic World
- Calvin Koo Speaks With Financial Times on the Risks of HNWIs Allocating Investments into Digital Currency
- Calvin Koo Pens Article in Wealth Briefing Asia on the Legal Risks for Asia-Pacific Investors Interested in Bitcoin
- Wade Weems and Calvin Koo Look at the First Few Months of Hong Kong’s National Security Law in China Business Review
- Kobre & Kim Lawyers Examine the Latest Asset Tracing Trends in BVI, Hong Kong and South Korea
- Calvin Koo on Hong Kong Courts’ Use of Long-Standing Legal Tools to Cutting-Edge Technologies
- Calvin Koo and Vasu Muthyala Speak on Advising Financial Institutions and Managing Internal Investigations
- Investing in India? Vasu Muthyala Explains the Risks in Regulation Asia
- Kobre & Kim Analyzes the Landscape of Asset Recovery in Hong Kong
- Global Crisis Management For Targets of Large-Scale Crypto Fraud
- Traders Can Stand Up to Investigations from Regulators and Exchanges
- Lessons from LBRY: Standing Up to Regulatory Oversight
- Companies and Individuals in Greater China Can Protect Themselves from U.S. Sanctions Overreach
- Preparing for Politically Motivated Criminal Enforcement Against Companies and Individuals in Asia
- Cross-Border Kobre & Kim Team Succeeds in Recovering Stolen Crypto Assets Worth Over US $400 Million
- Navigating the Impact of Potential UK Secondary Sanctions on Chinese Companies
- Investors Should Be Mindful of New Aggressive South Korean Crypto Regulation and Enforcement
- Managing Risks Amid New Opportunities in Africa’s Extractive Industries
- Crypto Parties Can Stand Up to Regulatory Overreach
- Immediate Global Crisis Management Essential For Targets of Large-Scale Crypto Fraud
- Successfully Fighting a Spoofing or Market Manipulation Subpoena from the DOJ or the CFTC
- Traders Should Stop Running from Risk in CFTC Investigations
Professional & Community Involvement
- American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Member
- American Bar Association, Section of International Law, Member
- Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Network (Hong Kong Chapter), Co-Founder
- FinTech Association of Hong Kong, Member
- Fintelekt Advisory Services, Empaneled Trainer
- Northwestern University Alumni Association, Hong Kong Chapter, Member, Board of Directors
Publications & Presentations
- Co-Author, "The SEC's Retreat From Crypto Enforcement May Invite More Private Lawsuits" (CoinDesk, March 2025)
- Co-chair, “Web3 Global Counsel Roundtable” (Consensus side event, February 2025)
- Panelist, “Future Stablecoin Summit: Risks and Opportunities with Stablecoin Adoption” (Digital Finance Association of Hong Kong, February 2025)
- Featured Presenter, "2024 Crypto Review & Outlook for 2025” (Fintelekt Webinar, February 2025)
- Panel Moderator, “Building a Healthy Web3 Ecosystem: Professional Perspectives on the Present and Future” (Web 3.0 Summit, April 2024)
- Panelist, "Asset Tracing, Monetization and Recovery" (Global Arbitration Review Academy, Fundamentals of International Arbitration, July 2023)
- Author, "Recovering Stolen Digital Assets In Hong Kong: A Roadmap" (Hong Kong Lawyer, November 2022)
- Co-author, "Social Tokens and Reputational Risk" (Family Office Global, September 2022)
- Panelist, “Blockchain Technology and Arbitration” (CARTAL Conference on International Arbitration, April 2022)
- Co-author, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Has the Sheriff Finally Ridden into Town?” (Commercial Dispute Resolution - Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery, March 2022)
- Trainer, “Virtual Workshop on Crypto: Understanding Legal Risks, Identifying Red Flag Indicators and Developing Practical Guidance for Financial Institutions” (Fintelekt Academy, March 2022)
- Presenter, “Crypto’s Evolution: Enforcement Risks, Asset Recovery and Best Practices” (Fintelekt Advisory Services and Asian Bankers Association webinar, December 2021)
- Panelist, "AML’s Potential Intersection with Cryptocurrency and NFTs: Digital Asset Tracing and Recovery" (AML/CTF Annual Summit Philippines, November 2021)
- Panelist, "Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and NFTs (“CBNFT”) – what do they mean for arbitration practitioners?" (Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre Conference 2021, November 2021)
- Panel Moderator, “Managing Cross-border Enforcement Risks and Investigations” (Practical Law ALB Hong Kong In-House Legal Summit, September 2021)
- Contributor, "Bitcoin and the Wealthy" (Financial Times, June 2021)
- Author, "Bitcoin: Legal Risks For Asia-Based Investors And Advisors" (Wealth Briefing Asia, March 2021)
- Author, "The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same: Hong Kong Courts Adapt to the World of Bitcoin and iPhones" (Hong Kong Lawyer, April 2020)
- Contributing author, The Asset Tracing and Recovery Review - 3rd through 8th Editions (Law Business Research, 2015-2020)
- Author, "AA & EA v. The SFC, and the Challenges that Remain for Subjects of Global Investigations." (The Hong Kong Lawyer, April 2019)
- Co-author, "Enforcement of Foreign Judgments - Hong Kong" (Getting the Deal Through, 2017)
- Co-author, "India Rising — Tread Cautiously" (Regulation Asia, March 2016)
- Author, “Preserving Investment Value Through Judgment Enforcement" (Real Estate Finance Intelligence, May 2013)
Credentials
Admissions
- Solicitor, Hong Kong
- Solicitor Advocate, Hong Kong Higher Rights of Audience
- New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Education
- Northwestern University, BA
- Boston University School of Law, JD
Languages
- Chinese (Mandarin)
Engagements
News
- Sydney Johnson and Calvin Koo with Coindesk: The SEC's Retreat From Crypto Enforcement May Invite More Private Lawsuits
- Calvin Koo Joins Hong Kong Digital Finance Association’s “Future Stablecoin Summit: Risks and Opportunities with Stablecoin Adoption”
- Calvin Koo Explores Future of Web 3.0 Technology at Hong Kong Conference
- Calvin Koo Featured on GAR Academy Course ‘Fundamentals of International Arbitration’
- CFAAR Hong Kong Presents Seminar on “Guardrails to a Global Digital Asset Hub”
- Andrew Stafford KC, Calvin Koo, Timothy de Swardt Examine Crypto Recovery in the UK, BVI, Hong Kong and U.S.
- Calvin Koo on the Rise of Cross-Border Crypto Scams in DL News
- Calvin Koo Unpacks Crypto Trends into 2023 in Fintelekt and ABA Webinar
- Calvin Koo Lays Out Roadmap for Recovering Stolen Digital Assets in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Lawyer
- Calvin Koo on Hong Kong’s Changing Landscape in Cryptocurrency Regulation and Recovery
- Andrew Stafford KC, Timothy de Swardt, Melisa Ortes González, Calvin Koo on Crypto Jurisprudence in Common Law Jurisdictions
- Calvin Koo Discusses Blockchain Technology and Arbitration in 6th CARTAL Conference on International Arbitration
- Vasu Muthyala and Calvin Koo Join Webinar on the Cryptocurrency Legal Landscape in Asia
- Lara Levinson and Calvin Koo on the Intersection of Anti-Money Laundering and Digital Assets
- Calvin Koo Discusses Arbitrations Involving Cryptocurrency and NFTs
- Calvin Koo to Moderate ALB Panel on Risk Management for Asian Businesses in a Post-Pandemic World
- Calvin Koo Speaks With Financial Times on the Risks of HNWIs Allocating Investments into Digital Currency
- Calvin Koo Pens Article in Wealth Briefing Asia on the Legal Risks for Asia-Pacific Investors Interested in Bitcoin
- Wade Weems and Calvin Koo Look at the First Few Months of Hong Kong’s National Security Law in China Business Review
- Kobre & Kim Lawyers Examine the Latest Asset Tracing Trends in BVI, Hong Kong and South Korea
- Calvin Koo on Hong Kong Courts’ Use of Long-Standing Legal Tools to Cutting-Edge Technologies
- Calvin Koo and Vasu Muthyala Speak on Advising Financial Institutions and Managing Internal Investigations
- Investing in India? Vasu Muthyala Explains the Risks in Regulation Asia
- Kobre & Kim Analyzes the Landscape of Asset Recovery in Hong Kong
- Global Crisis Management For Targets of Large-Scale Crypto Fraud
- Traders Can Stand Up to Investigations from Regulators and Exchanges
- Lessons from LBRY: Standing Up to Regulatory Oversight
- Companies and Individuals in Greater China Can Protect Themselves from U.S. Sanctions Overreach
- Preparing for Politically Motivated Criminal Enforcement Against Companies and Individuals in Asia
- Cross-Border Kobre & Kim Team Succeeds in Recovering Stolen Crypto Assets Worth Over US $400 Million
- Navigating the Impact of Potential UK Secondary Sanctions on Chinese Companies
- Investors Should Be Mindful of New Aggressive South Korean Crypto Regulation and Enforcement
- Managing Risks Amid New Opportunities in Africa’s Extractive Industries
- Crypto Parties Can Stand Up to Regulatory Overreach
- Immediate Global Crisis Management Essential For Targets of Large-Scale Crypto Fraud
- Successfully Fighting a Spoofing or Market Manipulation Subpoena from the DOJ or the CFTC
- Traders Should Stop Running from Risk in CFTC Investigations
Professional & Community Involvement
- American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Member
- American Bar Association, Section of International Law, Member
- Crypto Fraud and Asset Recovery Network (Hong Kong Chapter), Co-Founder
- FinTech Association of Hong Kong, Member
- Fintelekt Advisory Services, Empaneled Trainer
- Northwestern University Alumni Association, Hong Kong Chapter, Member, Board of Directors
Publications & Presentations
- Co-Author, "The SEC's Retreat From Crypto Enforcement May Invite More Private Lawsuits" (CoinDesk, March 2025)
- Co-chair, “Web3 Global Counsel Roundtable” (Consensus side event, February 2025)
- Panelist, “Future Stablecoin Summit: Risks and Opportunities with Stablecoin Adoption” (Digital Finance Association of Hong Kong, February 2025)
- Featured Presenter, "2024 Crypto Review & Outlook for 2025” (Fintelekt Webinar, February 2025)
- Panel Moderator, “Building a Healthy Web3 Ecosystem: Professional Perspectives on the Present and Future” (Web 3.0 Summit, April 2024)
- Panelist, "Asset Tracing, Monetization and Recovery" (Global Arbitration Review Academy, Fundamentals of International Arbitration, July 2023)
- Author, "Recovering Stolen Digital Assets In Hong Kong: A Roadmap" (Hong Kong Lawyer, November 2022)
- Co-author, "Social Tokens and Reputational Risk" (Family Office Global, September 2022)
- Panelist, “Blockchain Technology and Arbitration” (CARTAL Conference on International Arbitration, April 2022)
- Co-author, “Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Has the Sheriff Finally Ridden into Town?” (Commercial Dispute Resolution - Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery, March 2022)
- Trainer, “Virtual Workshop on Crypto: Understanding Legal Risks, Identifying Red Flag Indicators and Developing Practical Guidance for Financial Institutions” (Fintelekt Academy, March 2022)
- Presenter, “Crypto’s Evolution: Enforcement Risks, Asset Recovery and Best Practices” (Fintelekt Advisory Services and Asian Bankers Association webinar, December 2021)
- Panelist, "AML’s Potential Intersection with Cryptocurrency and NFTs: Digital Asset Tracing and Recovery" (AML/CTF Annual Summit Philippines, November 2021)
- Panelist, "Cryptocurrency, Blockchain and NFTs (“CBNFT”) – what do they mean for arbitration practitioners?" (Young Singapore International Arbitration Centre Conference 2021, November 2021)
- Panel Moderator, “Managing Cross-border Enforcement Risks and Investigations” (Practical Law ALB Hong Kong In-House Legal Summit, September 2021)
- Contributor, "Bitcoin and the Wealthy" (Financial Times, June 2021)
- Author, "Bitcoin: Legal Risks For Asia-Based Investors And Advisors" (Wealth Briefing Asia, March 2021)
- Author, "The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same: Hong Kong Courts Adapt to the World of Bitcoin and iPhones" (Hong Kong Lawyer, April 2020)
- Contributing author, The Asset Tracing and Recovery Review - 3rd through 8th Editions (Law Business Research, 2015-2020)
- Author, "AA & EA v. The SFC, and the Challenges that Remain for Subjects of Global Investigations." (The Hong Kong Lawyer, April 2019)
- Co-author, "Enforcement of Foreign Judgments - Hong Kong" (Getting the Deal Through, 2017)
- Co-author, "India Rising — Tread Cautiously" (Regulation Asia, March 2016)
- Author, “Preserving Investment Value Through Judgment Enforcement" (Real Estate Finance Intelligence, May 2013)