# Stephan Roberto > Stephan leads Ape Law’s technical work on tokenomics, smart contracts and DeFi. His background includes Bitcoin mining and investing since 2012. - Role: CTO & Co-Founder - Canonical profile: [https://ape.law/blog/authors/stephan-roberto](https://ape.law/blog/authors/stephan-roberto) - Updated: 2026-09-21 ## Background Stephan Roberto is CTO and Co-Founder of Ape Law. He has mined and invested in Bitcoin since 2012, and his background includes DeFi development and membership of DeveloperDAO. At Ape Law, Stephan handles technical questions about smart contracts and blockchain protocols, working alongside Victoria and Haider on the legal issues. He holds a BSc & BEng (Computer & Network Engineering). Alongside Ape Law, Stephan runs Scale Manual and Project Get Out. His work across these businesses brings a practical technology and operations perspective to the decisions a founder needs to make. ## Areas of focus - Blockchain systems - Tokenomics - DeFi architecture - Technical strategy ## Experience - CTO & Co-Founder of Ape Law - Bitcoin mining and investing since 2012 - DeFi development and DeveloperDAO membership - Runs Scale Manual and Project Get Out alongside Ape Law ## Published work - [How can I check if a crypto company is licensed in the UAE?](https://ape.law/blog/check-crypto-company-licensed-uae/index.md): Check the legal entity, regulator, permitted activities, status and official source before relying on a UAE crypto licence claim. - [ADGM License Cost in 2026: How FSRA Fees and Capital Requirements Are Actually Calculated](https://ape.law/blog/adgm-crypto-license/index.md): ADGM license cost in 2026: FSRA application fees, annual supervision fees and minimum capital requirements by category, plus the recurring costs. - [Token Vesting vs Equity Vesting for Web3 Founders: What Actually Changes](https://ape.law/blog/token-vesting-vs-equity-vesting/index.md): Token vesting and equity vesting are governed by different documents and behave differently. What changes between them, and why they need reconciling. - [Constructive Trust in Crypto Disputes: Recovering Pooled Funds When One Party Claims Sole Ownership](https://ape.law/blog/constructive-trust-crypto/index.md): Constructive trusts in UAE crypto disputes: DIFC, ADGM, and VARA compared. Case law, forensic tracing, litigation costs, and recovery strategies. - [Ape Law vs Traditional Law Firms: Why Web3 Companies in the UAE Choose a Crypto-Native Legal Firm](https://ape.law/blog/ape-law-vs-traditional-law-firms/index.md): Ape Law vs traditional law firms: 72-hour token legal opinions, in-house CTO, project-based billing, and VARA licensing in ~3 months. Why UAE Web3 companies choose a crypto-native legal firm over generalist practices. - [Crypto Dispute Resolution in the UAE: How ADGM, DIFC, and VARA Courts Handle Blockchain Legal Cases](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-dispute-resolution-uae/index.md): UAE-based legal counsel for global tokenization, crypto and Web3 projects. Structuring, licensing, compliance, RWA, funds, stablecoins and disputes. - [Crypto Settlement vs Litigation in the UAE: Which Path Should You Choose?](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-settlement-vs-litigation/index.md): Settlement or litigation for your UAE crypto dispute? Compare costs, timelines, enforcement options, and real case outcomes across VARA, DIFC, and ADGM courts. - [OTC Crypto Trading in Dubai: Legal Risks, Compliance Gaps, and Choosing the Right Legal Advisory Model](https://ape.law/blog/otc-crypto-trading-dubai-legal-advisory/index.md): UAE-based legal counsel for global tokenization, crypto and Web3 projects. Structuring, licensing, compliance, RWA, funds, stablecoins and disputes. - [What Does a Crypto Law Advisory Firm Actually Do? A Founder's Guide to Legal Services in the UAE](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-law-advisory-uae/index.md): What does a crypto law advisory firm actually do in the UAE? Real costs, timelines, and how to choose the right legal partner for VARA, ADGM, or DIFC licensing. - [TGE Disputes: Legal Remedies When Token Generation Events Go Wrong](https://ape.law/blog/tge-disputes-uae/index.md): Legal guide to resolving TGE disputes in the UAE: token classification, licensing, AML compliance, remedies, arbitration and prevention for founders and investors. - [What to Do When a Crypto Co-Founder Dispute Arises in UAE](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-cofounder-dispute-uae/index.md): Manage crypto co-founder disputes in the UAE: review shareholder agreements, IP, deadlock clauses, choose DIFC/ADGM or arbitration, and ensure VARA compliance. - [AI and Blockchain Compliance: UAE Regulations](https://ape.law/blog/ai-blockchain-compliance-uae/index.md): Overview of UAE AI and blockchain rules across VARA, ADGM and DIFC, covering AML/CFT, data protection, cybersecurity and governance requirements for VASPs. - [Crypto Tax Reporting Rules in UAE 2026: VARA, DIFC & CARF Compliance Guide](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-tax-reporting-rules-uae/index.md): UAE 2025 crypto tax reporting explained: who must report, VARA and DIFC rules, VAT exemptions, corporate tax, penalties, and CARF reporting timeline. - [How to Meet VARA Security Standards for VASPs: The Complete Compliance Guide](https://ape.law/blog/vara-security-standards-vasps/index.md): Practical checklist for VASPs to meet VARA cybersecurity and governance rules in Dubai, policies, risk assessments, MFA, audits, pen tests, and CISO oversight. - [Best Web3 & Crypto Law Firms in Dubai (2026): Technical Depth, Speed & Compliance](https://ape.law/blog/best-crypto-law-firms/index.md): Dubai's best Web3 law firms compared: Ape Law leads with in-house CTO, 72-hour turnarounds, and technical expertise vs traditional firms' 6-week timelines. - [Securities Tokenization in UAE: ADGM vs DIFC Complete Guide (2025)](https://ape.law/blog/securities-2025/index.md): Compare ADGM vs DIFC for securities tokenization in UAE. Quick decision framework, costs, licensing timelines & regulatory differences. Updated Nov 2025. - [ADGM vs DIFC vs VARA: Best Jurisdiction for Tokenizing Assets in UAE (2026)](https://ape.law/blog/tokenizing-adgm-difc-vara/index.md): ADGM vs DIFC vs VARA 2025: Complete UAE tokenization guide. Compare costs, timelines, requirements. DIFC's new sandbox, VARA ARVAs, real estate tokens. - [The $50K Mistake: How Crypto Lawyers Destroy Web3 Projects](https://ape.law/blog/web3-lawyer-mistake/index.md): How crypto lawyers waste $50K-$105K+ on wrong advice: Web2 thinking, unnecessary entities, and missed risks. The 4-question test to expose fake Web3 expertise. - [7 DeFi Legal Risks That Could Kill Your Protocol (And How to Not End Up in Jail)](https://ape.law/blog/defi-legal-risks/index.md): 7 DeFi legal risks that could lead to jail: Smart contract fails, AML violations, wrong licenses, and DAO liability. Practical compliance strategies for 2025. - [Singapore vs Cayman Islands: Crypto Fund Structure Benefits - Complete UAE Guide 2025](https://ape.law/blog/singapore-vs-cayman/index.md): Singapore vs Cayman Islands crypto fund comparison for UAE managers: Tax (17% vs 0%), VCC vs SPC structures, costs $150K-300K vs $80K-160K, decision guide. - [Top 8 Legal Considerations for Token Launches in the UAE](https://ape.law/blog/top-8-legal-token/index.md): Learn the 8 critical legal considerations for launching tokens in the UAE. From licensing to AML compliance, get your token launch right from day one. - [10 Best Regulated Crypto Exchanges in Abu Dhabi](https://ape.law/blog/crypto-exchanges-abu-dhabi/index.md): Discover the 10 best regulated crypto exchanges in Abu Dhabi. Compare features, security, and fees for trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more in the UAE. - [Is Crypto Trading Legal in UAE](https://ape.law/blog/is-crypto-trading-legal-in-uae/index.md): Yes, crypto trading is legal in UAE. Comprehensive guide to regulations, licensing, 9 expert tips, and 10 best trading strategies for Dubai crypto businesses.