So Saito

Practice Areas

So Saito currently advises a wide spectrum of Web3 businesses and initiatives, including crypto exchanges, DeFi, DAO, DePIN, stablecoins, NFTs, ICO/IEO, and security tokens. He also serves as a legal advisor, officer, or secretariat to several major industry associations, such as the Japan Blockchain Association, Japan Metaverse Association, Japan Virtual Currency Exchange Business Association, Japan STO Association, and Japan FinTech Association.

His work in the FinTech and digital-assets space has been recognized by legal directories including Chambers Asia-Pacific, Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, and Best Lawyers.

In addition to his advisory work, he regularly contributes articles and commentary on legal and regulatory developments in Web3 and digital finance, available at: https://innovationlaw.jp/en/articles/.

Career

So Saito, admitted in both Japan and New York, is the founder and representative attorney of So & Sato Law Offices, a boutique firm focused on Web3, FinTech, startups, and emerging technologies.

Before establishing his own practice, he spent 16 years at Nishimura & Asahi, one of Japan’s largest law firms, where he became a partner. His work covered a broad range of finance matters, including securitization, investment funds, and derivatives, as well as dispute resolution and arbitration.

Publications

2021/10 “Textbook of NFT” Asahi Shimbun Publications

2022/12 “Metaverse & NFT” Impress Corporation

2024/11 "The New NFT Textbook" Asahi Shimbun Publications

Languages Spoken

Japanese, English

Education