Frank downes

Frank Downes is a seasoned solicitor and innovative technologist with a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. With extensive experience spanning information technology, law, and accounting, Frank operates at the critical intersection of legal and technological disciplines. His expertise lies in leveraging automation technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver exceptional outcomes for organisations and their clients, ensuring adherence to all legal, regulatory, and compliance standards.

Cybersecurity

Frank provides comprehensive advisory services on establishing robust cybersecurity infrastructure and policies tailored to meet specific legal and regulatory requirements. His methodical approach ensures organisations effectively manage their cybersecurity obligations through:

• Identifying relevant legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements
• Assessing applicable information system (IS) cyber controls
• Mapping requirements to industry best practice IS controls
• Conducting technical reviews of existing IS cyber controls
• Identifying gaps and offering remediation strategies

Digital Assets

With a career rooted in digital innovation, including co-founding WinMail® - the world’s first Windows-architected email system in 1991 - Frank has consistently been at the forefront of digital asset management. He recognises that the value of digital assets is rapidly surpassing that of physical assets, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. His practice focuses on:

• Protecting, discovering, recovering, and managing digital assets for individuals and businesses
• Identifying and managing cyber and data-related risks aligned with clients’ values and commercial goals
• Collaborating with legal advisors on the technical and legal aspects of digital asset management
• Engaging with stakeholders such as asset owners, lawyers, accountants, and financial planners to develop integrated digital asset strategies.

Estates & Business Succession 

In the digital age, estate planning and administration have become increasingly complex and intertwined with information technology. Frank specialises in digital estate planning, ensuring the seamless transition of digital assets, including cryptocurrency holdings, to heirs and safeguarding key digital assets during business succession. His expertise includes:

• Comprehensive understanding of the technical foundations of digital assets
• Accessing and disposing of digital assets without compromising estate integrity
• Authoring “Digital Assets in Estate Planning” for LexisNexis Estate Planning
• Presenting to state and regional law societies and contributing to leading legal publications on cybersecurity, digital assets, and estate administration.

Co-Founder of WinMail®

Pioneered the first native Windows email system, establishing a dominant market presence in Australia and New Zealand.

Carbon Credits Trust

Founded and operated the trust to assist businesses in meeting emission targets and environmental goals, becoming the first registered participant on The Australian National Registry of Emissions Units (ANREU).

Environmental Restoration Project

Led the remediation of 1,700 acres of farmland, securing funding through commercial banks and government grants, and overseeing extensive on-ground restoration efforts.

IT/Corporate Liaison

Advised on the privatisation of English and Welsh water companies, ensuring compliance and corporate finance requirements were met for prospectus and public offer documents.

Rental Property Management Aggregation

Developed systems to streamline property contract management across multiple real estate agencies.

Professional Affiliations

Frank is an active committee member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Digital Assets Steering Committee. In this role, he collaborates with fellow committee members to create methodologies and practical guidelines that empower legal practitioners and other professionals to navigate the technical and legal complexities of various digital asset classes.