Practice Areas
Steven is a Partner in the Financial Services and Fintech Team at Piper Alderman and Head of the Blockchain Group. He advises on commercial, regulatory and disputes matters relating to emerging technologies, focusing on blockchain and digital assets. He has over 16 years’ experience as a regulatory and litigation specialist, and startup founder. Steven is co-author of Blockchain and the Law in Australia published by Lexis Nexis.
Steven advises on commercial contracts, corporate law, disputes, financial services and cryptocurrency regulation, regulatory investigations and enforcement, AML/CTF and sanctions issues. He has advised on regulatory investigations involving ASIC, the DOJ, CFTC, MAS, HKMA, SFC and the FCA. He has also acted on litigation before the UK Supreme Court as well as the Hong Kong and Australian Courts.
Publications
Steven publishes 'Blockchain Bites' weekly on the Piper Alderman website. This regular series has enabled his clients to stay informed and take advantage of emerging opportunities. This publication also won the Modaq award for Spring 2025 thought leadership, which is an award recognising the most read publications per author.
In June 2025, 'Law of Code: Blockchain and the Law in Australia' was launched, authored by Steven Pettigrove and Michael Bacina and published by LexisNexis. This textbook was the first of its kind in Australia to comprehensively explore the intersection of blockchain technology and the law. The publication has been well received and was named a finalist for Excellence in Education at The Blockies in December 2025, Australia’s leading blockchain industry awards.
Expert in these Jurisdictions
Steven is admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia, Hong Kong and England & Wales and practices in Victoria, Australia.