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Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC]

Bipartisan’s Crypto Alarm Rises as Illicit Activities Soar

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At the recent congressional hearing, crypto and illicit finance regulations gained bipartisan momentum. Titled “Crypto Crime in Context Part II,” the House Financial Services Committee explored methods to combat the misuse of digital assets by bad actors.

Both Democrats and Republicans are now focusing on anti-money laundering (AML) measures, signaling a shift towards tighter regulations. Representative French Hill initiated discussions around Senator Elizabeth Warren’s proposed bill, highlighting the need to subject miners and validators to Bank Secrecy Act requirements. However, Michael Mosier, a former U.S. Treasury official, pointed out the limitations of such measures, emphasizing the lack of identifiable customers.

Representative Warren Davidson echoed concerns about law enforcement’s tools in pursuing digital asset-related crimes, reflecting a broader call for enhanced capabilities. Meanwhile, Representative Stephen Lynch criticized lax AML standards within the industry, citing Coinbase’s recent $50 million fine for compliance failures.

The hearing illuminated the challenges of regulating the crypto sphere while emphasizing the urgency of establishing robust frameworks to combat illicit activities. As legislators continue to navigate this complex landscape, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on balancing innovation with accountability in the realm of digital assets.

Crypto Fraud Epidemic Revealed

Gary Gensler, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, didn’t mince words in his recent Squawk Box interview, lambasting the rampant fraud and manipulation in the digital asset space. He pointed to a string of bankruptcies, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue.

Former SEC Chief of Internet Enforcement, John Reed Stark, echoed Gensler’s concerns, challenging narratives downplaying crypto-related offenses. Stark argued that crypto has become a haven for criminals, far surpassing traditional finance in terms of criminal activity, as reported by TWJ.

Alison Jimenez, an AML expert, reinforced these views, cautioning against false comparisons between fiat and crypto crimes. She emphasized the need for a nuanced understanding of virtual assets-related crimes, stressing that addressing systemic vulnerabilities and regulatory gaps is crucial.

As regulators grapple with the complexities of the crypto landscape, voices like Gensler’s, Stark’s, and Jimenez’s provide valuable insights, urging for a balanced approach rooted in empirical evidence and expert analysis.

Crypto Crackdown: SEC Ramps Up Enforcement in Fiscal Year 2023

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stepped up its enforcement efforts in the cryptocurrency space, filing 784 enforcement actions and obtaining nearly $5 billion in financial remediation orders in fiscal year 2023. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting the SEC’s growing focus on protecting investors from crypto-related fraud and misconduct.

A major focus of the SEC’s enforcement actions has been on fraudulent crypto schemes. The agency has filed charges against several high-profile individuals and companies, including Terraform Labs, its founder Do Kwon, and FTX CEO Samuel Bankman-Fried. These cases allege that the defendants engaged in deceptive practices to raise billions of dollars from investors.

Crypto Lending and Staking Under Scrutiny

The SEC has also taken action against companies for offering unregistered digital asset securities. This includes lending and staking programs, as well as non-fungible token (NFT) offerings. The agency has charged several companies, including Genesis/Gemini, Celsius, Kraken, Nexo, Impact Theory LLC, and Stoner Cats 2 LLC, for failing to register their offerings with the SEC.

The SEC has also cracked down on influencers who have illegally touted digital asset securities without disclosing their compensation. In fiscal year 2023, the agency charged several celebrities, including NBA Hall of Famer Paul Pierce and media personality Kim Kardashian, for promoting crypto investments without the required disclosures.

In addition, the SEC has continued to focus on cybersecurity issues in the crypto industry. The agency charged broker-dealer Virtu for allegedly failing to properly protect sensitive customer information, and it settled charges against software company Blackbaud Inc. for misleading disclosures about a ransomware attack.

Overall, the SEC’s fiscal year 2023 enforcement results send a clear message that the agency is committed to protecting investors in the crypto space. The agency’s actions are likely to have a significant impact on the industry, as companies and individuals will need to take steps to comply with SEC regulations.

Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval Imminent: Cantor Fitzgerald’s Bold Call

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The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with excitement as a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) draws closer to reality. Cantor Fitzgerald, a renowned financial services firm, has made a bold prediction that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is nearing approval for a slate of applications from asset managers seeking to launch a spot bitcoin ETF. This news, as reported by Bloomberg, has sent ripples through the digital asset market, as the implications of such approval are significant.

The SEC’s historical reluctance to give the green light for a spot bitcoin ETF is rooted in concerns about potential market manipulation on offshore platforms. To address this, asset managers have proposed comprehensive surveillance-sharing agreements with regulated markets of substantial size. This approach aims to mollify the regulators’ concerns, making it more likely for the SEC to grant approval.

Cantor Fitzgerald’s analysts, Josh Siegler and Will Carlson, believe that approval of a spot bitcoin ETF would be a game-changing short-term catalyst for the cryptocurrency’s price. They assert that it would mark a pivotal moment in bitcoin’s journey towards long-term adoption and legitimization.

SEC’s Bitcoin Concerns Eased by BlackRock-Coinbase Initiative

The SEC’s previous rejections of similar proposals were based on worries about insufficient information sharing among exchanges, which could potentially open the door to market manipulation. However, BlackRock, one of the major players in the asset management industry, has taken a different approach. They submitted their proposal in June, showcasing a collaboration with Coinbase, a well-established cryptocurrency exchange, to detect and address market irregularities. This innovative approach could potentially alleviate the SEC’s concerns and pave the way for approval.

The mere anticipation of a spot BTC ETF approval has had a palpable impact on the cryptocurrency’s price, with bitcoin surging to around $35,000 earlier this month. This underlines the market’s belief in the significance of such a development.

In conclusion, the impending approval of a spot bitcoin ETF is a milestone that could reshape the cryptocurrency landscape. With the commitment to addressing regulatory concerns and increasing confidence from financial services firms like Cantor Fitzgerald, the crypto community eagerly awaits this potential watershed moment.

Ripple’s Bold Stand: Backing SEC Dissent on LBRY Injustice

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Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, and the XRP community, have recently thrown their support behind SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce in her dissenting stance against what they perceive as “injustice” in the LBRY lawsuit. This move underscores the mounting concerns over regulatory actions and their implications for the cryptocurrency industry.

Alderoty expressed his gratitude to Commissioner Peirce for her vocal dissent and suggested that in cases of perceived injustices in non-fraud cases, it may be necessary to deviate from standard protocols. He even proposed the submission of an amicus brief, a legal document filed by non-parties in a case to provide information or insights, as a potential avenue for addressing these concerns more promptly.

Commissioner Peirce’s dissenting statement, issued on October 27, highlighted the SEC’s increasing number of enforcement actions against cryptocurrency exchanges, including Ripple, LBRY, Kraken, Binance, and Coinbase. She expressed particular unease with the LBRY lawsuit but was constrained in discussing it further due to ongoing litigation.

In July, LBRY, a blockchain-based file-sharing and payment network, was found to have violated Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, leading to its permanent ban from engaging in unregistered cryptocurrency securities offerings involving its native token. Despite initial attempts to appeal the SEC’s judgment, LBRY eventually succumbed to the regulatory pressure, leading to its closure.

Notably, the XRP community had rallied behind LBRY during its legal battle, but with the SEC’s victory, the platform’s decision to shut down was driven by financial constraints and mounting regulatory pressures.

Ripple and XRP Community Multiply Against SEC’s Lawsuits

Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton echoed Alderoty’s sentiment and suggested that it might be time to submit an amicus brief to express insider knowledge and concerns in a court of law. Deaton, who had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the SEC’s actions against Ripple, emphasized the importance of a collective response to regulatory actions that have severe implications for the cryptocurrency industry.

In conclusion, the ripple effect of regulatory actions in the cryptocurrency space continues to resonate, prompting stakeholders like Stuart Alderoty, Commissioner Peirce, and John Deaton to question the fairness and consequences of such actions, and explore new avenues for addressing perceived injustices in the evolving legal landscape of digital assets.

SEC’s XRP Battle with Musk and Cuban: Shocking Legal Showdown

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Elon Musk and Mark Cuban, two influential figures in the investment world, have joined forces to challenge the prosecutorial tactics of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a joint amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court. This move is in support of plaintiff George Jarkesy, who argues that the commission’s practice of conducting juryless prosecutions infringes upon the seventh amendment of the United States Constitution.

One of the key issues addressed in the amicus brief is the internal appointment of administrative judges by the SEC to preside over cases. Musk and Cuban contend that the current structure of administrative proceedings results in unequal outcomes for defendants facing the commission charges. This is a significant concern, as the commission plays a pivotal role in regulating various aspects of the financial markets, including securities fraud and market manipulation.

Notably, the motivation behind Musk and Cuban’s involvement in this legal battle is amplified by their own interactions with the commission. Elon Musk has faced legal action from the commission on multiple occasions, making him no stranger to regulatory disputes. The commission is currently seeking his testimony in relation to his acquisition of Twitter, now known as X.

In their amicus brief, the billionaire duo argues that the commission’s insistence on administrative proceedings, when federal court juries are readily available, contradicts the commission’s mission and ultimately harms the very investors and markets it is meant to protect. This critique highlights the potential repercussions of the commission’s current approach to prosecution.

Amid Regulatory Clash, SEC’s XRP Troubles Multiply

The implications of this legal challenge extend beyond traditional financial markets. If the Supreme Court rules against the commission’s ability to employ administrative proceedings, it could provide a lifeline to crypto platforms facing regulatory scrutiny. Over the past few months, the commission has faced several setbacks in lawsuits involving cryptocurrency firms, such as the favorable outcome for Ripple Labs regarding the classification of XRP and Grayscale’s success in converting its Bitcoin trust into a spot Bitcoin ETF.

The call to eliminate administrative judges and proceedings has far-reaching consequences, affecting market participants across various ecosystems. It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will respond to this challenge, but the outcome could reshape the regulatory landscape for securities and the crypto industry.

Bitcoin ETF: Explosive Surge as GBTC’s Discount Shrinks to 15.87%

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The Bitcoin ETF’s rise has led to a narrowing discount for Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). As of October 13, GBTC’s discount to Bitcoin’s net asset value (NAV) stands at 15.87%, drawing attention from investors and analysts. Some believe this reflects the market’s anticipation of SEC approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The discount to NAV is a key metric, signaling how far a mutual fund or ETF is trading below its actual net asset value. In this case, GBTC’s discount began to decrease significantly when financial giants like BlackRock filed applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs back in June. From a steep 44% on June 15, the discount had already fallen to 26.7% by July 5, and this trend has persisted ever since.

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GBTC’s Discount to NAV chart over the last 12 months.

This narrowing discount is reminiscent of the situation in December 2021 when Bitcoin was soaring to its all-time high of $69,000. According to CoinGecko, GBTC’s discount was at a similar level then. It suggests that the market may be pricing in the possibility of spot Bitcoin ETF approval by year’s end.

SEC’s Grayscale Decision Fuels Bitcoin ETF Confidence

Oliver Velez, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, shares this sentiment and believes that the market is actively factoring in the SEC’s approval. On the other hand, cryptocurrency investor Lyle Pratt expects GBTC’s discount to continue dwindling in the coming weeks as spot Bitcoin ETFs draw closer to regulatory approval.

Recent reports have indicated that the SEC is unlikely to appeal the Grayscale decision made on October 13. This development has prompted Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart to assert that spot Bitcoin ETF approvals now appear to be a “done deal.” Grayscale itself confirmed on October 15 that the SEC’s 45-day period to seek a rehearing had elapsed, signaling that the court would soon issue its “final mandate.”

Grayscale is ready to convert GBTC into an ETF upon SEC approval, and they eagerly await the green light to proceed. In light of these developments, the prospect of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States is drawing closer to becoming a reality, and the narrowing discount on GBTC could be a testament to the growing optimism among investors regarding this pivotal development in the cryptocurrency market.

Coinbase’s Uphill Battle: 5 Key Numbers in SEC Lawsuit Saga

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Coinbase’s co-founder, Brian Armstrong, recently emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to its mission, regardless of market fluctuations. In his statement, he stressed that progress in the crypto space is a long-term endeavor marked by ups and downs. Coinbase’s resilience and determination, he believes, will ultimately lead to success.

However, the crypto exchange is currently facing legal challenges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused Coinbase of operating as an unregistered exchange, broker, and clearing agency. This case has triggered a broader debate regarding the regulatory treatment of digital assets.

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has weighed in on this issue, supporting the SEC’s position in an amicus brief filed in a New York district court. NASAA argues that digital assets should not be treated as “somehow special” and calls for Coinbase to be held to the same regulatory standards as other market participants.

In their argument, NASAA references the Howey Test, a 1946 Supreme Court case, and suggests that the SEC’s position that certain digital assets are subject to securities laws is well within the bounds of established law.

Furthermore, NASAA dismisses claims that the “major questions doctrine,” which requires clear congressional authorization for decisions of national significance, should apply to the crypto industry. They argue that digital assets lack the economic and political significance that would warrant such a doctrine, primarily serving as speculative assets.

NASAA’s Coinbase Support for Investor Protection

While lawmakers have introduced various bills to regulate the crypto industry, none have yet become law. NASAA’s stance underscores the need for clear regulatory guidance and the importance of enforcing existing laws, rather than relying on new legislation.

NASAA’s role as an advocate for investor protection is evident in their support of the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase. As they represent state and provincial securities regulators in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, their mission is to safeguard investors from fraud and abuse, a role they take seriously in the evolving and complex world of cryptocurrencies.

As the legal battle between Coinbase and the SEC unfolds, the outcome will undoubtedly have broader implications for the crypto industry and its regulatory landscape. Coinbase’s persistence in the face of these challenges echoes Brian Armstrong’s commitment to long-term progress, emphasizing that determination and adherence to the law will ultimately pay off.

XRP Thrilling 8% Hike After SEC’s Appeal Flops

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In a major twist for XRP, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has faced a setback in its ongoing legal battle against Ripple Labs and its cryptocurrency. District court judge Analisa Torres recently rejected the SEC’s appeal to challenge the earlier ruling that XRP is not a security. This decision triggered an immediate 8% surge in XRP’s value, solidifying its prominence among the top 100 assets, where it now contributes to almost a quarter of all discussions.

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Source: CourtListener

Judge Torres’ decision was based on the SEC’s failure to demonstrate that there were controlling legal questions or substantial grounds for differences of opinion regarding the matter. While this ruling represents a setback for the SEC, it’s important to note that it isn’t an outright victory for Ripple either. A trial has been scheduled for April 23, 2024, to address the remaining issues in this complex case.

XRP Ruling: Retail Sales Not Securities

The legal battle began when Judge Torres, on July 13, partially sided with Ripple by ruling that XRP’s retail sales did not fit the legal definition of a security. However, the court did find Ripple guilty of violating securities laws by directly selling XRP tokens to institutional investors. This nuanced decision prompted the SEC to file an appeal, arguing that there were substantial differences of opinion regarding the applicable laws.

The denial of the SEC’s appeal represents a win for Ripple and the broader cryptocurrency community. It reaffirms the notion that XRP, at least in the eyes of the court, is not a security. This clarification provides greater regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, which has long sought guidance on the classification of digital assets.

While the legal battle is far from over, the recent development has injected renewed optimism into XRP investors and enthusiasts. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrencies in the United States and beyond. As the trial date approaches, the cryptocurrency world will be closely watching, anticipating the final resolution of this high-stakes legal battle.

Ripple Roars: CEO’s Defiant Victory Over SEC Bullying

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Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, recently celebrated what he views as a pivotal moment not just for his company, but for the entire cryptocurrency industry. The focal point of this triumph was Ripple’s partial victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a candid conversation at a Messari panel, Garlinghouse did not mince words when describing the SEC’s tactics as bullying rather than lawful pursuit.

He stressed the importance of standing up against such heavy-handed tactics, likening it to confronting a bully in the schoolyard. Garlinghouse commended industry leaders like Grayscale and Coinbase for their unwavering resistance, acknowledging that not many had the conviction or resources to do so. Highlighting the impact of resilience against overreach, he declared,

“When you stand up to them, they are losing.”

Garlinghouse also recounted how, when Ripple faced legal action in December 2020, some in the industry believed that Ripple and XRP were distinct due to their decentralized nature. However, the firm maintained that it was an attack on the entire crypto space. He noted that this perspective has gradually gained traction within the industry.

Ripple’s “Freight Train” Moment: Judge’s Verdict

Ripple’s standoff with the SEC resulted in a significant, albeit partial, victory. The court ruled that XRP tokens affiliated with Ripple did not qualify as investment contracts, prompting major exchanges to relist the cryptocurrency. Garlinghouse viewed this ruling as a resounding triumph, emphasizing that the SEC had lost on all fronts in terms of what they aimed to achieve. He compared it to a “freight train” dismantling Chairman Gensler’s argument that nearly all cryptocurrencies, excluding Bitcoin, should be classified as securities.

Garlinghouse pointed out,

“Now, we clearly have a federal judge saying XRP is not a security.”

In conclusion, Brad Garlinghouse’s perspective on Ripple’s legal battle against the SEC sheds light on a broader issue within the cryptocurrency industry: the need to stand up against regulatory overreach. The firm’s victory, as he sees it, not only vindicates his company but also sets a precedent for others in the crypto space to resist bullying tactics and assert their rights. It remains to be seen how this landmark ruling will influence future regulatory discussions surrounding cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Industry’s Future Hangs on Gensler’s Senate Testimony

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In the realm of crypto, despite a series of recent legal setbacks, Gary Gensler, Chair of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, remains resolute that the SEC should be the primary regulator. Gensler’s unwavering commitment will come into focus as he readies himself to speak before the Senate Banking Committee on September 12.

In the past two months, the SEC faced significant setbacks, with defeats against crypto industry giants Grayscale and Ripple, both seen as substantial blows to the regulatory body. However, Gensler is not deterred and intends to emphasize his belief that digital assets are, indeed, securities that should fall under the SEC’s purview.

The Senate hearing’s primary focus is the SEC’s oversight in specific matters related to the crypto industry. In his prepared testimony, Gensler draws parallels between the current crypto landscape and the unregulated chaos of the 1920s before the federal securities laws were established. He argues that widespread noncompliance with securities laws has led to numerous issues in the crypto markets.

Continuing his consistent stance, Gensler asserts that the Howey test, a legal benchmark for determining whether an asset qualifies as a security, is met by the vast majority of virtual tokens. He firmly states, “The vast majority of crypto tokens likely meet the investment contract test.” This viewpoint naturally leads to his conclusion that most digital asset intermediaries must also adhere to securities laws.

Grayscale Saga: SEC’s Second Crypto Defeat Raises Questions

The SEC’s first major legal defeat came on July 13 when Judge Analisa Torres partially ruled in favor of Ripple, stating that the sale of XRP tokens to retail consumers did not violate federal securities laws. Although the SEC is pursuing an appeal, this decision is expected to be cited by other crypto companies facing lawsuits from the regulator.

The SEC’s second major loss occurred on August 29 when a judge declared the SEC’s rejection of Grayscale’s request to convert its Bitcoin Trust into a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund as “arbitrary and capricious.” These high-profile losses have encouraged blockchain-based payments network LBRY to file an appeal against its own securities law violation ruling, signaling its commitment to fight the SEC’s decision rather than winding down.

Gensler’s steadfast determination to assert the SEC’s regulatory authority over the digital asset industry remains undeterred, despite recent legal defeats. As the crypto industry and regulators continue to grapple with defining and regulating digital assets, the upcoming Senate Banking Committee hearing promises to be a crucial moment in shaping the future of crypto regulation in the United States.