Tika R. Basnet


LLB/PGDNL, BAR CERTIFIED - BAR COUNCIL OF BHUTAN
Thimphu, Bhutan | +97517661648 | mail@iambasnet.com

  1. Brief Background

    I am Tika R. Basnet, a lawyer from Thimphu, Bhutan, with a focus on foreign direct investment (FDI), corporate law, intellectual property, technology law, and data privacy regulations. I am fortunate to serve as the founder of Basnet Attorneys and Law, where my colleagues and I work diligently to provide legal guidance to both local businesses and multinational corporations navigating Bhutan's legal landscape. Over the years, I've had the privilege of assisting global law firms, investors, and businesses from numerous countries with matters ranging from corporate restructuring to market entry and investment in emerging technology sectors.

    My legal practice is grounded in Bhutanese law with certification from the Bar Council of Bhutan. I strive to maintain a thorough understanding of corporate governance, investment regulations, and financial laws to better serve our clients. Our firm aims to provide thoughtful legal counsel across various industries, including banking, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.

    I've been fortunate to gain some international perspective through an internship at White & Case LLP in Washington, DC, where I learned about global approaches to ransomware threats, data privacy laws, and cybersecurity regulations. This experience has been valuable in helping bridge international legal standards with Bhutan's regulatory environment when advising clients.

    I am deeply honored that some of my work has been acknowledged by His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Her Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, and the National Council of Bhutan. In my efforts to contribute to academic discourse, I've published research papers on topics including Hinduism and the Caste System in Bhutan, Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Bhutan, and the intersection of ICT, Law, and Sustainable Development in Bhutan.

    Prior to my current role, I co-founded Nubyul Law with two partners, where we focused on litigation, business consulting, and FDI advisory services. Throughout this journey, I've been fortunate to work with diverse businesses, from local startups to multinational companies operating across continents.

    Some of the services I've been able to provide include:

    • Conducted legal due diligence for high-value mergers and acquisitions in the energy and agriculture sectors for two MNCs on Bhutan.
    • Advised on regulatory compliance and strategic considerations for cryptocurrency transactions and blockchain-based businesses in Bhutan.
    • Provided legal guidance on licensing requirements for emerging technologies, including AI, fintech, and virtual asset services in Bhutan.
    • Assisted multinational corporations with cross-border contract negotiations and dispute resolution in Bhutan.
    • Facilitated the establishment of foreign direct investments (FDIs) and corporate structuring for international businesses in Bhutan.
    • Provided counsel on data privacy and regulatory inquiries involving law enforcement and global digital platforms in Bhutan.
    • Reviewed contracts for international technology and telecommunications companies entering new markets in Bhutan.
    • Assisted with corporate incorporation and compliance for businesses across various industries in Bhutan.

    Beyond my legal work, I'm also passionate about building bridges between technology and law. This led me to establish Weblaya Digital® ( https://weblaya.com), a digital solutions company, and The Global Law Lists.org® ( https://globallawlists.org), a platform connecting legal professionals worldwide. These ventures reflect my ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways to serve both the legal community and businesses at large.

    At Basnet Attorneys and Law, we strive for practical, effective legal solutions. We believe in combining careful legal analysis with a genuine understanding of Bhutan's business environment to provide meaningful counsel to those we serve.

    If I can be of assistance with matters related to foreign investment, corporate structuring, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, or technology law in Bhutan, I would be glad to help. Each client's needs are unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly.

    For consultations, please visit https://basnetl.comor reach out via basnet@basnetl.com.

  2. EDUCATION

    Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law, Paro, Bhutan

    July 2017 - July 2022

    Bachelor of Laws and Post Graduate Diploma in National Law (LLB/PGDNL)
    GPA: __ out of 11 (Cumulative)
    Activities: Research Assistant, Copy Editor for JSWLaw Review, Library Assistant, Student Representative: Media, Information, and Technology.

  3. EXPERIENCES

    Basnet Attorneys and Law - A Premier Law Firm in Bhutan 

    March 2023 - Present

    Founder and Attorney at Law, www.basnetl.com
    Basnet Attorneys and Law is a reputable and well-established full service law firm based in Thimphu, Bhutan. Specializing in litigation (legal representation in Bhutanese Courts), arbitration, legal, and business consulting especially in FDIs, our experienced Bhutanese Lawyers are committed to providing customized solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. With a strong focus on delivering high-quality services, we adeptly guide clients through the intricacies of the Bhutanese legal system both within Bhutan and internationally.

  4. The Global Law Lists.org

    December 2024 - Present

    Founder and Director at https://globallawlists.org
    Global Law Lists.org is a premier global directory connecting law firms, legal professionals, and job seekers. It offers comprehensive listings across 240+ countries, tailored membership plans, annual awards, a legal job directory, and insightful blogs. With user-friendly search functionality and clear brand guidelines, it ensures a seamless experience for firms and professionals worldwide.

  5. N* Law in Bhutan

    May 2023 - 2024

    Founder and Law Partner, (website redacted).
    N* Law is a law firm based in Thimphu, Bhutan specializing in litigation (legal representation in Bhutanese Courts), arbitration, legal, and business consulting.  

  6. Weblaya, A Web Platform, Thimphu, Bhutan

    July 2022 - Present

    Founder, www.weblaya.com
    Founded an all-in-one web platform for the Himalayas with social impact in mind. Weblaya.com is an all-in-one project management, customer management, learning management, and customer relationship management system platform for individuals and agencies.

  7. Adjunct Faculty for Corporate Law, Gedu College of Business Studies, Chhukha, Bhutan

    July - Dec 2023

    Taught Corporate Law to first-year students at GCBS. The course included Introduction to Corporate law, Companies Act of Bhutan, Incorporation, Management and AdminIstration of Companies,  Financing Companies, Amalgamation (Merger/Acquisition) of Companies, and Winding up of Companies.

  8. White & Case LLP, Washington DC, USA

    February - June 2022

    Legal Intern
    Researched Ransomware—types and their modus operandi; reviewed laws on Data Privacy and Cybersecurity; prepared legal compliance checklists including the California, Utah, Virginia, Colorado, and Connecticut’s privacy laws, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); attended due diligence calls and; drafted legal memoranda on types of vendors under California privacy laws.

  9. Name Redacted (FDI), Thimphu, Bhutan

    October 2021 - June 2022

    Legal Counsel
    Reviewed and modified its Detailed Project Report (DPR); researched special economic zones around the world; advised them on FDI Policy and Regulations; incorporated them as a Private Limited Company. 

  10. Social Enterprise Clinic, JSW Law, Paro, Bhutan 

    February 2020 - December 2021

    Student Legal Counsel
    Developed a business plan concept for Nazhoen Lamtoen, an entrepreneurial CSO in Bhutan working with Children in Conflict with Law (CICL); established a Farmers Group for the students of Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Paro to run an organic Community Supported Agriculture business; facilitated rebranding of the Bhutan Blossoms - it was formerly called Druk Metho - and secured the lease of community land. Conducted a successful consensus building among the community members to come to a unanimous agreement on the use of the profit; drafted bylaws (both in English and Dzongkha) for Road Maintenance in Drachhukha Community; incorporated Kingdom Essences - a local herbal medicine manufacturing business as a private ltd. company.

  11. The Royal Academy, Paro, Bhutan

    June - September 2020

    Research Intern
    Assisted in developing a new 21st-century curriculum “Bhutan Baccalaureate” for the school and the world.  

  12. Bhutan Sharing and Loving Youth, Thimphu, Bhutan

    December 2018 - June 2022

    Media Coordinator, Project Planner
    Grew BSLY page from 500 members to 6000 members; hosted motivational talks; drafted youth group bylaws; updated every event organized by BSLY; Initiated a fundraising campaign for an old couple living in Thimphu and raised Nu. 50,000. Initiated, provided legal advice, and successfully raised around Nu. 4.5 Million for a person in special need.

  13. SPECIAL REWARDS & RECOGNITION

    Recognized by His Majesty the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Her Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, and the National Council of Bhutan for the post “His Majesty’s Vision for Bhutan” available at https://iambasnet.com/blog/his-majestys-vision-for-bhutan 

  14. PUBLICATIONS


    Basnet, Tika Ram, Hinduism, and the Caste System in Bhutan (April 30, 2020). Bhutan Law Network / JSW Law Research Paper Series No. 20-03. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3295446.

    Basnet, Tika Ram, Tourism, and Cultural Heritage in Bhutan (April 30, 2020). Bhutan Law Network / JSW Law Research Paper Series No. 20-04. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3588974

    Basnet, Tika Ram, ICT, Law and Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development in Bhutan (October 20, 2021), Basnet’s Journey. A working paper available at https://iambasnet.com/blog/ict-law-and-sustainable-and-equitable-socio-economic-development-in-bhutan

    Basnet, Tika Ram, Does International Law allow Self-Defence in Cyberspace? (June 20, 2022), Basnet’s Journey. A working paper available at https://iambasnet.com/blog/does-international-law-allow--self-defence-in-cyberspace

    Basnet, Tika Ram, National Digital Identity System in Bhutan—Meeting Data Protection and Privacy Imperatives, (June 20, 2022), Basnet’s Journey. A working paper available at https://iambasnet.com/blog/national-digital-identity-system-in-bhutan---meeting-data-protection-and-privacy-imperatives

    Utah’s Consumer Privacy Act Published on White and Case Website and Lexology Pro. Check at https://www.whitecase.com/publications/alert/utah-consumer-privacy-act-utah-becomes-fourth-us-state-comprehensive-privacy-law (name in the end).