Overview
Basil Gilbert Ogolla is the founder of MALI Consult, a leading tech-focused legal referral consultancy based in Nairobi, Kenya. Specializing in blockchain technology, fintech, and legal innovation, Basil's network and expertise span intellectual property, technology law, e-commerce, payments, fintech, data privacy, and compliance with complex regulatory frameworks.
Experience
Basil has a notable track record of working with international clients and contributing to significant projects that shape the future of the tech industry. Some of his key engagements include:
• Nexus Pay: Privacy Policy, Terms of Engagement, Partnership Agreements, Contract Reviews, and CMA Applications.
• Global Ledger: AMLCTF and regulatory compliance of blockchain and digital assets in Kenya.
• Sub-Distributor Negotiation: Official sub-distributor rights in Africa and the Middle East for Binarii Labs products through EA Capital.
• Sgnal: Insights on the Kenyan market, and enhancing innovation through blockchain.
• LexisNexis Risk Solutions: AML compliance strategies for Kenya.
• Item Banc: Regulatory guidance on digital assets and data protection in Kenya and Singapore for their information currency global parity valuation engine.
• ProSapient: Strategic insights for a client on the Green Data Centres Market in Africa.
• Eight Geeks @ Law: Strategic insights and legal information on the Kenyan legal market.
• Sound Systers: Entertainment law, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Bitcoin Nairobi: Trademark compliance and other intellectual property regarding the M-Bitcoin Wallet.
Recent Projects
- Africa Blockchain Institute: As an Expert Reviewer for Blockchain Legal Publications, Basil ensures the quality and accuracy of legal content related to blockchain technology.
- Web3Clubs Foundation: As an Associate and Legal Counsel, Basil ensures adherence to regulatory requirements and mitigated legal risks by providing comprehensive legal and compliance support, including handling applications for licenses, regulatory sandbox participation, and interactions with government agencies, resulting in smoother operations and enhanced regulatory compliance. He also identifies growth opportunities and refines adoption strategies by conducting market research and analysis, engaging potential partners to explore synergies, analysing market trends and the competitive landscape in the RWA Tokenization, DeFi, and Web3 space, resulting in areas for differentiation and strategic advantage.
- VASP Chamber of Commerce: Serving as a Policy Fellow, Basil's research currently focuses on the legality of delegation in blockchain governance, developing a robust legal framework for blockchain governance.
Past Positions
- Blockchain Association of Kenya (BAK): Contributed to drafting the initial Digital Assets Bill, engaging with key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive legislative framework for blockchain and digital assets in Kenya.
- E4E (Emerging Technology for Emerging Markets): Led a team as a Research Fellow in Data Governance, contributing to the UN's Common Agenda and developing a privacy and data protection policy framework for the Government of Rwanda’s blockchain strategy.
- Dentons - Hamilton Harrison & Mathews (HHM): Gained hands-on experience in corporate-commercial and litigation practices, including employment law, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and data protection.
- Centre for Intellectual Property and IT Law (CIPIT): Conducted research and authored content on data governance, blockchain, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
Education and Skills
Basil pursued an LLB degree at Strathmore University, Nairobi. His skills span legal research, writing, drafting, government affairs, tech policy, and project management.
Recognition
Basil's contributions to blockchain policy, access to justice, and entrepreneurship have been recognized regionally. He was honored as one of the 30 Most Influential Law Students in Eastern Africa in 2024 by Lawverse Magazine and Law & Behold, and as one of the 20 Exceptional & Outstanding Law Students in Africa in 2023 by Lawverse Magazine.
Awards
- Lawverse Magazine: Recognized as one of the 30 Most Influential Law Students in Eastern Africa (2024).
- Lawverse Magazine: Recognized as one of the 20 Exceptional & Outstanding Law Students in Africa (2023).
Contact
For legal referral consultancy services specializing in tech issues such as blockchain, intellectual property, and more, reach out to Basil Gilbert Ogolla through MALI Consult.
