Partner Karie Akeelah recently attended the Resolve Conference in Abu Dhabi, held as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, where she gained valuable insights into two critical areas shaping the future of business and dispute resolution: the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation and disputes, and the entrepreneurial mindset driving innovation in the digital age.
The crypto regulatory challenge
The UAE currently has five regulators overseeing the crypto space (dual-tiered with Federal oversight and Emirate level regulators), yet these regulators are estimated to be 10-15 years behind the industry itself. When disputes eventually arise—typically five or so years after the underlying transactions—the gap between real-time technology developments and legal frameworks becomes even more pronounced. This creates a fundamental tension: can we rely on decentralised systems and code to govern crypto transactions, or do we need stringent regulatory oversight to establish behavioural standards? The industry's tendency to shift positions on this question reflects an immature environment, though this uncertainty is perhaps to be expected in such a nascent field.
The resulting uncertainty in crypto disputes about the governing law, applicable jurisdiction and liability present significant challenges for legal practitioners and the courts. As the conference emphasised, legal practitioners and judges need to educate themselves about crypto and emerging technologies to effectively navigate these disputes. The traditional legal frameworks we rely upon were simply not designed with blockchain technology and decentralised finance in mind.
For dispute resolution practitioners, this means staying ahead of the curve—understanding not just the legal principles, but the underlying technology that gives rise to these novel disputes. As crypto adoption accelerates in the UAE and globally, the volume and complexity of crypto-related disputes will only increase.
Lessons in innovation from former CEO & Co-founder of Netflix Marc Randolph
The conference also featured insights from Marc Randolph, former CEO and Co-founder of Netflix, who shared the principles that drove one of the most successful business transformations in modern history.
Randolph attributed Netflix's success fundamentally to its culture and people. The company famously implemented a culture with no formal policies for holidays, travel, or sick leave—instead trusting employees to use their common sense. This radical trust-based approach challenged conventional corporate wisdom but proved remarkably effective.
Central to Netflix's culture was "radical honesty"—saying exactly what you think. Randolph credited his honest relationship with former Co-founder Reed Hastings, particularly during difficult times, as crucial to the business' success, noting that the absence of ulterior motives built the foundation for effective decision-making.
Perhaps most striking was Randolph's advice to regularly ask yourself whether you are the right person for the next stage of your company's growth—a question that applies not just to team members but to founders themselves. This level of self-awareness and willingness to make difficult decisions separates successful ventures from those that plateau.
The AI disruption and the entrepreneurial mindset
Randolph observed that every business is currently being disrupted by AI, which is empowering young entrepreneurs to compete against established companies by eliminating many of the barriers that large corporations previously used to stifle competition.
His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: find a problem you love and try to fix it—you need that internal fire and excitement to solve problems. Those chasing fame and money are unlikely to succeed. Focus, discipline, and commitment remain the core tenets of entrepreneurship.
Bringing it together
The Resolve Conference highlighted the intersection of technological disruption, regulatory evolution, and timeless business principles. Whether navigating the complexities of crypto disputes or building innovative businesses, the themes are consistent: embrace change, commit to continuous learning, foster cultures of trust and honesty, and maintain focus on solving real problems.
For legal practitioners, the message is clear: we must educate ourselves about emerging technologies, adapt our frameworks to new realities, and bring the same entrepreneurial mindset to our practices that drives innovation in the industries we serve.
As the UAE continues to position itself at the forefront of technological innovation and dispute resolution, conferences like Resolve provide essential forums for exchanging ideas and preparing for the challenges ahead.
