Politics, Legal & Regulation

August 3, 2024 @ 4:53 pm By Tony Zerucha  |  

Forensic Risk Alliance, an independent forensic consultancy specializing in regulatory investigations, compliance and disputes, has named US-based cryptocurrency specialist Thomas Hyun as a director in the firm’s global Cryptocurrency Investigations and Compliance practice. Hyun brings years of experience building and leading anti-money laundering (AML) compliance… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 12:46 pm By JD Alois  |  

The House Financial Services Committee Republicans have posted a report on ESG entitled, “The Failure of ESG: An Examination of Environmental, Social and Governance Factors in the American Boardroom and Needed Reforms.” In recent years, ESG has infiltrated corporate America as well as the political… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 12:20 pm By JD Alois  |  

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) says National Competent Authorities (NCAs) – or member state regulators – must remain vigilant in regard to crypto markets as MiCA goes into force. The “Opinion” posted by ESMA states that “in order for MiCA to deliver on… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 10:45 am By JD Alois  |  

Yesterday, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN)announced Q2 earnings results which were delivered during a challenging time for markets as economic concerns rise. Coinbase reported a rise in second-quarter revenue as trading volumes at the crypto exchange recovered due to improved market sentiment. While top-line revenues beat estimates, shares… Read More

August 2, 2024 @ 8:36 am By Omar Faridi  |  

IRS-Criminal Investigation, the US Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the Attorney General’s Office in Frankfurt, reportedly seized the domain for online crypto wallet Cryptonator for allegedly failing to have “appropriate”… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 11:35 am By JD Alois  |  

The European Artificial Intelligence Act  (EU AI Act) goes into force today. The EU legislation aims to regulate services that leverage AI. The goal is to enable the development of the technology while protecting consumers and businesses. The legal framework applies to both public and… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 9:57 am By JD Alois  |  

The Bank of England, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), has voted 5 to 4 to cut the benchmark Bank Rate by 0.25% to 5%. The disennters preferred to hold rates steady for now. The decision to cut rates follows the decision by the US Federal Reserve… Read More

August 1, 2024 @ 9:20 am By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged the founder and former CEO of Get Together, an erstwhile social media firm, with fraud in regard to a securities offering. The startup, known as IRL, was founded by Abraham Shafi who apparently raised over $170 million… Read More

July 31, 2024 @ 2:43 pm By JD Alois  |  

The US Federal Reserve has held rates steady, holding off on rate cuts that many anticipate this coming fall. While Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said they had made much progress on their goal of inflation of 2% and full employment, the Federal Open Market Committee… Read More

July 31, 2024 @ 1:06 pm By JD Alois  |  

Recently, the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee (SBCFAC) issued a recommendation to the Commission to adjust the threshold when issuers using the Reg CF securities exemption are required to provide reviewed financials. The formal letter told the Commission the hurdle should be moved… Read More

July 31, 2024 @ 10:31 am By JD Alois  |  

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against the founder of BitClout, alleging securities fraud. Nader Al-Naji (aka Diamondhands) is said to have raised over $257 million in a scheme for the sale of unregistered securities – the token BTCLT. Simultaneously, criminal charges… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 4:05 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may be withdrawing its charges against third-party crypto tokens like Solana’s SOL as well as Polygon’s MATIC. These digital tokens have been part of the regulator’s lengthy case against crypto exchange Binance, Breaking: #Solana $SOL is no longer… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 1:30 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Biden Administration has sought to undermine the digital asset industry. Leading the anti-crypto charge has been Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As President Joe Biden has recently exited the Presidential campaign, this may lead to a change in policy posture for the current… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 11:25 am By JD Alois  |  

Digital asset firms have vocally supported the candidacy of former President Donald Trump. The Biden Administration has long been hostile towards crypto, with SEC Chairman Gary Gensler leading the charge of undermining this sector of Fintech, choosing to regulate crypto by enforcement. This means that… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 10:53 am By JD Alois  |  

The Bank of England has posted a Discussion Paper on the payments ecosystem. The Paper looks to review innovations in payments and how they can impact the Bank’s monetary and financial stability objectives while bringing opportunities and improvements. The Paper outlines the Bank’s current plans,… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 10:28 am By JD Alois  |  

Deeptech Labs will be partnering with British Business Investments to funnel £10 million in funding to deep tech firms in the UK as part of the Regional Angels Programme. British Business Investments, a wholly-owned commercial subsidiary of the British Business Bank. The mission is to… Read More

July 30, 2024 @ 9:19 am By JD Alois  |  

As the UK pushes aims to improve its financial services market, including Fintechs, the Bank of England and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), have announced a new Cost Benefit Analysis Panel (CBA Panel). This new Panel will proffer advice on the impact of new rules or… Read More

July 29, 2024 @ 11:29 pm By Michael Wong  |  

The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have issued a joint statement highlighting potential risks associated with banks’ partnerships with third parties, particularly Fintech firms. The regulators aim to underscore the importance of effective risk… Read More

July 29, 2024 @ 11:22 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, alongside international antitrust enforcers and the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, issued a statement affirming a commitment “to protecting competition across the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem to ensure effective competition that provides fair and honest treatment for both consumers and… Read More

July 29, 2024 @ 3:12 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry, has named Kim Betz as the new staff director for the Committee. McHenry issued a statement indicating Betz has been a close confident and top advisor during his tenure as the Chair. “Her deep experience… Read More