Politics, Legal & Regulation

February 13, 2023 @ 1:47 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

As more of the crypto ecosystem adopts proof of stake over the more energy-intensive proof of work protocol, crypto users around the world are “being introduced to the benefits of ‘staking,” according to an update from Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN). Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase,… Read More

February 13, 2023 @ 12:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The new digital identity framework would provide EU citizens “with digital access to key public services across EU borders,” according to Members of European Parliament (MEPs). The Industry, Research and Energy Committee adopted its position “on the proposed update of the European digital identity framework… Read More

February 13, 2023 @ 11:47 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Paxos, the regulated blockchain and tokenization infrastructure platform, announced it will end its relationship with Binance “for the branded stablecoin BUSD.” Effective February 21, Paxos will “cease issuance of new BUSD tokens as directed by and working in close coordination with the New York Department… Read More

February 13, 2023 @ 10:21 am By JD Alois  |  

The SEC’s takedown of Kraken’s staking service continues to generate after-shocks as the digital asset industry ponders its ability to provide services to US customers. Kraken paid a $30 million penalty to make the issue go away without admitting or denying any guilt regarding the… Read More

February 10, 2023 @ 6:32 pm By JD Alois  |  

Representative Bill Huizenga, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, part of the House Financial Services Committee, has sent a letter to SEC Chair Gary Gensler demanding he hand over documents surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried and the collapse of the crypto exchange. The letter… Read More

February 10, 2023 @ 9:47 am By JD Alois  |  

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has shared her thoughts on the enforcement action taken against Kraken. The crypto exchange agreed to pay a $30 million penalty pertaining to its staking service. The ability for US clients to earn a return on parked Proof of Stake digital… Read More

February 10, 2023 @ 9:25 am By JD Alois  |  

  SEC Chair Gary Gensler received some face time this morning on CNBC in the wake of the Commission’s enforcement action taken against crypto exchange Kraken. The platform was compelled to pay a $30 million penalty for its staking service offered to US investors. Staking… Read More

February 10, 2023 @ 8:44 am By Omar Faridi  |  

  Digital asset firm Kraken’s settlement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has left many wondering what this means for the industry’s future. Fireblocks’ Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Jason Allegrante and Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA)’s Executive Director Alison Mangiero have the… Read More

February 10, 2023 @ 8:38 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Bitso, the cryptocurrency-powered financial services company in Latin America, has released the regulatory principles that “guide its operations and its strategic decisions in adherence with the highest industry standards.” At a time when the crypto industry is facing unparalleled doubt and scrutiny due to both… Read More

February 9, 2023 @ 4:53 pm By JD Alois  |  

Shares in Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), the only publicly traded crypto exchange in the US, tanked today – perhaps reacting to the SEC’s enforcement action taken against rival crypto exchange Kraken. In a complaint revealed today, the SEC claimed that crypto staking, or staking as a service,… Read More

February 9, 2023 @ 4:06 pm By JD Alois  |  

Following industry rumblings anticipating the move, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against crypto exchange Kraken in regard to their staking service. Kraken has settled the charges by the SEC without admitting or denying the allegations and paying a $30 million penalty…. Read More

February 9, 2023 @ 9:46 am By JD Alois  |  

Brian Armstrong, CEO and founder of Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), took to Twitter yesterday to share his belief that crypto staking is doomed as regulators – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – will soon kill off the popular method of generating revenue for parked crypto. Currently,… Read More

February 9, 2023 @ 9:02 am By Omar Faridi  |  

A senior board member at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has asked for a coordinated regulatory response in order to limit the incursions of Big tech companies such as Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) into financial services. The senior office argued that… Read More

February 8, 2023 @ 3:25 pm By JD Alois  |  

This morning, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, part of the House Financial Services Committee, held a hearing on the definition of an accredited investor. This definition is utilized to determine who may participate in certain private securities offerings, mostly Reg D 506c/b. Broadly, the definition… Read More

February 7, 2023 @ 3:40 pm By JD Alois  |  

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), along with the SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), have published an Investor Alert cautioning individuals on Self Directed Individual Retirement Account (IRAs) that enable investors to select assets that may be… Read More

February 7, 2023 @ 12:34 pm By JD Alois  |  

HM Treasury and the Bank of England have announced a new consultation on the possibility of a digital pound. According to a joint statement, The consultation is being launched as the UK government wants to ensure the public has access to “safe money” while supporting… Read More

February 6, 2023 @ 10:00 pm By JD Alois  |  

Doug Ellenoff, the managing partner of Ellenoff, Grossman, and Schole (EGS) – a Manhattan-based law firm, has been a supporter of innovation in financial services for many years now. A staunch proponent of the JOBS Act of 2012 before it became law, Ellenoff is a… Read More

February 6, 2023 @ 7:00 pm By JD Alois  |  

Genesis Global Holdco, LLC says that it has reached an “agreement in principle” with Digital Currency Group (DCG) and the ad hoc groups of creditors of Genesis Global Capital, LLC, which holds or represents more than $2 billion in claims, according to a note from… Read More

February 6, 2023 @ 4:25 pm By JD Alois  |  

Last week, it was reported that DealMaker had filed a lawsuit against Issuance, claiming that Issuance had utilized a relationship between the two firms to gain access to intellectual property to launch a similar service. DealMaker is a tech-enabled platform that helps firms raise money… Read More

February 6, 2023 @ 12:33 pm By JD Alois  |  

The House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy, part of the Financial Services Committee, will discuss banking and the need to improve the regulatory environment in light of emerging technology. The hearing, Revamping and Revitalizing Banking in the 21st Century, will review ways regulation… Read More