Politics, Legal & Regulation

Policy and regulations impacting innovations in Finance.

Comments on SEC’s New Rules on Private Fund Advisors

Yesterday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a new set of regulations for Private Fund Advisers. The new rules will require private fund advisers to provide investors with more information and sets a higher bar on compliance. Below, are several perspectives on the new rules… Read More

Crypto Fraud – SEC Charges Former New Jersey State Correctional Police Officer

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged former New Jersey State Correctional Police Officer John A. DeSalvo with fraud in relation to the offering of the “Blazer Token,” which the SEC believes is a “crypto asset security.” At the same time, the US Attorney’s… Read More

Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Posts Report on Crypto Risk and Emerging Markets

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a paper entitled Financial Stability Risks from Cryptoassets in Emerging Market Economies (EME). As one may surmise, the report addresses the risk of crypto and the impact on traditional financial services, including bank disintermediation. The research was… Read More

SEC Approves New Rules for Private Fund Advisors

In an open meeting of the Commission today, the SEC approved new rules to regulate private fund advisors. The SEC said that the new rules are designed to “protect private fund investors by increasing transparency, competition, and efficiency in the private funds market.” SEC Chairman… Read More

“Fintech Investment Advisor” Titan Target of SEC Enforcement Action, Pays Penalty to Settle Charges

The SEC has charged Titan Global Capital Management, described as a “Fintech investment advisor,” with touting hypothetical performance that was misleading. Titan has settled the allegations without admitting or denying the SEC’s claims. The firm has paid a small penalty of $192,454 in disgorgement as… Read More

UK’s FCA Outlines Expectations for Crypto-Asset Firms Complying with Travel Rule

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is setting out their expectations for crypto-asset businesses that need “to comply with a change in money laundering legislation legislated by government in July 2022.” From 1 September 2023, crypto-asset businesses in the UK will be “required to collect,… Read More

UK’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) Seeks Views on APP Fraud Reimbursement Limit

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has launched two consultations in the lead up “to the implementation of its new authorised push payment (APP) fraud reimbursement requirements. ” In June, the PSR set out its final position on “tackling APP fraud, which will mean the vast… Read More

Investment Crowdfunding: AOIP Asks FINRA to Update Reg A+ to Improve Capital Formation

The Association of Online Investment Platforms (AOIP) provides feedback on FINRA’s request for input on improving capital formation. This past May, FINRA announced a request for comment on how FINRA rules may impact capital formation. The goal was to look for ways to increase efficiency… Read More

FTC Charges Experian with “Spamming” Clients Who Signed Up for Accounts with Marketing Emails They Couldn’t Opt Out Of

The Federal Trade Commission will require Experian Consumer Services, which offers consumers access to their Experian credit information, “to pay $650,000 to settle charges it sent consumers unsolicited email without offering them a way to opt out of such messages, as required under the CAN-SPAM… Read More

Paypal Hits Pause on Crypto Services in UK, Plans Resumption in 2024 After Complying with New Regulations

PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) says it will be halting UK-based crypto sales until next year. Payments firm PayPal recently revealed that it will not be allowing UK clients to purchase cryptocurrencies via its platform from October 2023, as the company works on adhering to new regulatory guidelines for… Read More

Prometheum Comments on CCP Affiliation Question from House Financial Services Committee Republicans

Yesterday, Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee revealed a letter sent to both the Chair of the SEC, Gary Gensler, and the President of FINRA, Robert Cook. The letter was addressing the relationship with Prometheum, a broker-dealer that aims to provide digital asset services…. Read More

Coinbase Approved for Regulated Crypto Futures in the US

Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) has secured regulatory approval from the National Futures Association (NFA) to operate a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM).  This will enable it to provide access to crypto futures trading for eligible customers. The NFA is a Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) designated self-regulatory organization…. Read More

Binance.US Files Motion for Protective Order in SEC Action: “A Fishing Expedition”

BAM Trading Services Inc. and BAM Management US Holdings Inc. have filed a motion for a protective order in the ongoing legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). BAM is the corporate name for Binance.US. This past June, the SEC filed charges against… Read More

Digital Assets: Chair of House Financial Services Sends Letter to SEC, FINRA Questioning Prometheum Relationship, Says Investor Has Ties to CCP

The Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, Representative Patrick McHenry, along with other Committee Republicans, have sent a letter to the Chair of the SEC, Gary Gensler, as well as the FINRA President Robert Cook, questioning the relationship with Prometheum and the approval for… Read More

Singapore Reveals Regulatory Framework for Stablecoins

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has revealed the regulatory framework for compliant stablecoins. Singapore is the top Fintech hub in Asia. MAS is a key collaborator in enabling Fintech innovation. In 2022, MAS kicked off a public consultation on stablecoins, asset-backed digital assets typically… Read More

Bankrupt Cryptocurrency Lender Celsius Submits its Bankruptcy Plan for Creditor Vote

Crypto-asset lender Celsius Network on Monday (August 14, 2023) received a US bankruptcy judge’s permission to obtain creditor approval for its ongoing bankruptcy plan, which is presenting a proposal to exit Chapter 11 as a another business entity that would be owned by the firm’s… Read More

UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Finds Fund Managers’ Value Assessments Significantly Improved

Following a review of fund managers’ value assessments, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has found “that while many firms have better practices in place, some still require improvement.” In 2017, the FCA published its Asset Management Market Study, which “found evidence of weak demand-side… Read More

Saudi Arabia: SAMA Licenses Consumer Finance Firm, Approves Insurtech Rules, Shares Other Updates

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) licensed “Loan” to provide consumer microfinance solutions through financial technology. With Loan, there are now six authorized companies “offering consumer microfinance solutions in Saudi Arabia.” This decision reflects SAMA‘s endeavor “to support the finance sector, increase efficiency of financial transactions,… Read More

CFTC Files Complaint Against Fundsz Alleging Crypto Fraud

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has filed charges against four individuals as well as an unincorporated entity called Fundsz. The complaint charges them with fraudulent solicitation from clients to purportedly trade in cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Filed in District Court in Florida, the following… Read More

American Fintech Council CEO Welcomes Fed Novel Activities Announcement, Says More is Required

While the US Federal Reserve’s recent announcement of a Novel Activities Supervision Program is a step in the right direction, the work is far from over, the leader of the American Fintech Council believes. The Novel Activities Supervision Program is designed to enhance the oversight… Read More

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