Archives: Cryptocurrency

NFT Initiatives Launch Across Markets; US Banking Regulators Address Crypto; DOJ and Congress Target Crypto Fraud; FBI Cites Risks as DeFi Hacks Continue

In this issue: • NFT Initiatives Launch in Ticket Sales, Social Media and College Football• US Banking Regulators Publish DeFi Analysis, Address Crypto in Speeches• DOJ Targets Crypto Fraud, House Subcommittee Addresses Consumer Risks• FBI Cites DeFi Hacking Threats as Hacks Continue; Reports Identify ISIS NFT NFT Initiatives Launch in Ticket Sales, Social Media and … Continue Reading

Top 5 Digital Asset Litigation and Investigation Trends of 2022

By George Stamboulidis and Christina Gotsis on August 29, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

Digital assets have pushed courts to adapt traditional litigation procedures to provide relief to defrauded plaintiffs. Government agencies have also ramped up enforcement efforts while increasing agency coordination, broadening investigative scopes and using special tools to root out digital asset fraud. Cryptocurrency and digital assets have kept the courts and regulators busy as digital assets … Continue Reading

The Tax Man Is Back: IRS Issues First John Doe Summons in 2022 to Major Crypto Platform, Seeking Treasure Trove of Information on Tax Noncompliance

By Carlos Ortiz, Nicholas C. Mowbray, Christina Gotsis and Kayley Sullivan on August 22, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Tax

After going for more than a year without using one of its most powerful weapons, a John Doe summons, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reverted to the use of this tool in its much-publicized efforts to investigate, find, and prosecute those who fail to report virtual currency transactions and those who facilitate not reporting. … Continue Reading

New York State Department of Financial Services Publishes First Crypto Industry Consent Order

By Robert A. Musiala, Shade Quailey and Joanna F. Wasick on August 18, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On August 1, 2022, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS” or “Department”) issued a Consent Order, imposing a $30 million fine on Robinhood Crypto, LLC (“Robinhood”), a trading platform that allows customers to trade in cryptocurrency, for allegedly failing to comply with New York anti-money laundering (“AML”) and cybersecurity regulations. In addition … Continue Reading

USPTO to Address NFTs; Treasury Dept. Publishes Digital Asset Fact Sheet; Financial Regulators Address Digital Assets; Crypto Enforcement Continues

By Christina Gotsis, Shade Quailey, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on July 15, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • CryptoPunk Sold for $2.6M, USPTO to Address NFTs, Court Approves NFT Service• Treasury Dept. Publishes Digital Asset Policy Fact Sheet, Seeks Public Comment• Multiple Financial Regulatory Bodies Publish Reports on Digital Assets• Crypto Enforcement Targets Interest Products, Unlicensed Money Transmission… Continue Reading

Financial and Crypto Firms Explore Integration; NFT Market Expands; FATF/Basel Publish Crypto Guidance; DOJ/CFTC Bring Crypto Actions; DeFi Hacks Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Keith R. Murphy, Lauren Bass, Joanna F. Wasick, Christina Gotsis and Alex Karambelas on July 8, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFT

In this issue: Financial Firm Launches Crypto Group, MakerDAO Votes to Integrate with Bank NFT Market Continues to Expand with Brand Activations and Infringement Suit FATF and Basel Committee Publish New Guidance on Cryptocurrencies DOJ, CFTC Bring Multiple Enforcement Actions Against Crypto Fraud Schemes North Korean Lazarus Group Suspected in Recent DeFi Hack Financial Firm … Continue Reading

New Stablecoins, Cryptocurrency Products and NFT Initiatives Launch; Ukraine Sells Donated NFT; SEC and OSC Bring Crypto Enforcement Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds and Alex Karambelas on June 24, 2022 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFT, NFTs

In this issue: • New Fiat-Pegged Stablecoins Launch, BIS Publishes New Findings on CBDCs• Traditional Financial Firms and Startups Launch New Cryptocurrency Products• NFT Ecosystem Expands; Ukrainian Government Sells NFT for Over $100,000• Canadian and US Securities Regulators Continue Crypto Enforcement Actions New Fiat-Pegged Stablecoins Launch, BIS Publishes New Findings on CBDCs By Jordan R. … Continue Reading

Proposed Federal Crypto Legislation Supported by Digital Asset Ecosystem; Consumer Advocacy Groups Balk

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Kevin Edgar, Veronica Reynolds, Nicholas C. Mowbray, Michelle Tanney and Alex Karambelas on June 15, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On June 7, Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 4356, the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (Lummis-Gillibrand Bill). If enacted, the legislation would create a regulatory framework for federal oversight of digital assets. In a jointly authored blog post published in conjunction with the introduced bill, Senators Lummis and Gillibrand warned that … Continue Reading

The IRS’s ‘Operation Hidden Treasure’: What it Means for Crypto Holders

By Nicholas C. Mowbray on April 18, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In a recent article on Decrypt, Counsel Nicholas Mowbray discusses the IRS’s recently launched “Operation Hidden Treasure,” and how it could affect holders of cryptocurrency. Click here to read the original article on Decrypt.… Continue Reading

Money Laundering Concerns Prompt EU Parliament to Approve Privacy-Reducing Crypto Rules

By Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick and Melinda L. McLellan on April 6, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On March 31, 2022, two European Parliament committees – the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (the “Committees”) – voted in favor of new rules (the “Rules”) that would change the way cryptocurrency transactions are treated by the European Union (EU) and would require that … Continue Reading

Executive Order Launches Comprehensive US Policy and Action Plan for Digital Assets

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds, Kevin Edgar, Jonathan A. Forman and Adam Gale on March 17, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

On March 9, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Executive Order on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets (EO) and the White House released a corresponding fact sheet summarizing related key policy objectives. As discussed in more detail here, this is a landmark moment for the U.S. cryptocurrency market. … Continue Reading

Executive Order Addresses Digital Assets; Banks and Restaurants Launch Crypto Initiatives; FinCEN Issues Alert; SEC, CFTC and DOJ Bring Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Alex Karambelas, Veronica Reynolds, Keith R. Murphy, Joanna F. Wasick and Lauren Bass on March 11, 2022 Posted in Cryptocurrency, FinTech, Government, Securities & Exchange Commission, Uncategorized

In this issue: President Biden Issues Executive Order Addressing Digital Assets Banks Join USDF ‘Stablecoin’ Consortium, Pursue Crypto Custody Offerings U.S. Restaurants Adopt Crypto; Swiss City Calls Crypto ‘De Facto’ Legal Tender Cryptocurrency Sanctions Compliance Activity Spikes Following Russian Actions SEC, CFTC and DOJ Bring Charges Alleging Cryptocurrency Fraud Schemes President Biden Issues Executive Order … Continue Reading

New Crypto Products Launch; Market Reports Published; Treasury Dept. Addresses Crypto Tax; Crypto Enforcement Actions and Threats Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Nicholas C. Mowbray, Alex Karambelas, Lauren Bass and Keith R. Murphy on February 18, 2022 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity, Enforcement, FinTech, NFT, NFTs, Stablecoin

In This Issue: •Reports Address Crypto M&A and Metaverse, New Crypto Products Launch •Treasury Dept. Letter Addresses Crypto Tax; Reports Address Crypto Risks •US, UK and Canadian Law Enforcement Take Aim at Cryptographic Assets •Counterfeits, Wash Trading and Bots: Crypto Market Threats Continue •Chainalysis Previews 2022 Cryptocurrency Crime Report Findings… Continue Reading

U.S. Bank Acquires Blockchain Infrastructure; SEC Approves Blockchain-Based Exchange; FTC Warns on Crypto Scams; NFT Threats, Crypto Hacks Reported

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Jordan R. Silversmith, Lauren Bass, Joanna F. Wasick and Keith R. Murphy on February 4, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • U.S. Bank Seeks to Launch Stablecoin; New Crypto Payments Data Released • U.S. Bank Seeks to Launch Stablecoin; New Crypto Payments Data Released • FTC Warns of Crypto Scams, IRS Offers Staking Settlement; MAS Bans ATMs • Reports Address NFT Platform Exploits, Wash Trading and Money Laundering • SEC Scrutinizes Crypto … Continue Reading

Crypto Payments Firms Make Moves; NFT and Blockchain Supply Chain Projects Launch; Central Bank Addresses CBDCs; SEC and DOJ Bring Crypto Actions

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Keith R. Murphy, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on January 28, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Securities & Exchange Commission, Supply Chain

In this issue: • Crypto Payments Consortium Sells Assets; Other Crypto Firms Make Moves • New NFT Projects Launch in Art, Music, Fashion, Sports and Social Media • Firms Launch Blockchain Supply Chain Initiatives in Pharma and Liquor Products • U.S. Central Bank Addresses CBDCs; Congressman Proposes Crypto Action • SEC Scrutinizes Crypto Interest Accounts … Continue Reading

US Banks Launch New Stablecoin; NFT Markets Expand; OCC Promotes Stablecoin Regulation; Blockchain Networks Evolve; Exchange Hacked for $34M

By Robert A. Musiala, Keith R. Murphy, Lauren Bass, Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on January 21, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs, Stablecoin

In this issue: • US Banks Launch New Stablecoin, Data Shows Increasing Interest in Crypto • With New Acquisitions and Partnerships, NFT Marketplaces Continue to Expand • Acting Comptroller of the Currency Promotes Stablecoin Regulation • Blockchain Networks Implement Scaling and Operational Initiatives • Major Cryptocurrency Exchange Hacked for $34M, Customers Reimbursed US Banks Launch … Continue Reading

NFT Initiatives Launch, Congress Writes to CFTC on Crypto, SEC Charges ICO Fraud Scheme, GAO Addresses Crypto ATMs, Reports Address Crypto Threats

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Joanna F. Wasick and Veronica Reynolds on January 14, 2022 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs, NFTs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • From Music to Marketplaces: NFT Use Cases Continue to Expand • Congress Writes CFTC on Crypto, Firms Make DeFi and Crypto Derivative Moves • SEC Charges ICO Fraud Scheme, GAO Recommends Crypto ATM Regulation • New Reports Provide Data on 2021 Cryptocurrency Criminal Activities From Music to Marketplaces: NFT Use Cases … Continue Reading

Banks to Use Blockchain for FX; Avalanche Adds USDC; NFT Boom Continues; Regulators Address Crypto Ads, Derivatives; Reports Address Crypto Threats

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Lauren Bass and Keith R. Murphy on December 17, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, NFTs

• Banks to Use Blockchain for FX Settlement, Avalanche Network Adds USDC • From Auctions to Venture Capital, NFTs Continue to Generate Millions • IMF Calls for Crypto Regs, UK Bans Ads, ISDA Addresses Crypto Derivatives • Cryptocurrency Exchange Hacked for $77M; Reports Discuss Crypto Threats Banks to Use Blockchain for FX Settlement, Avalanche Network … Continue Reading

US Financial Services Firms Announce Crypto Initiatives; Crypto Firms Pursue LATAM Market; Products Launch in DAOs, NFTs; Exchange Hacked for $200M

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick and Lauren Bass on December 10, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, FinTech, NFTs

• Multiple US Financial Services Firms Announce Cryptocurrency Initiatives • Crypto Firms Pursue LATAM Market, Launch Cold Storage and DAO Products • New NFT Initiatives by Beer Co., Crypto Exchange; NFT Market Report Published • Crypto Exchange Hacked for $200M, Lawsuit Targets Crypto Malware Botnet Multiple US Financial Services Firms Announce Cryptocurrency Initiatives By Robert … Continue Reading

Financial Firms Plan Decentralized Exchange, Launch Digital Bond; NFTs Launch in Sports, Fashion; Blockchain Tracing Solutions Launch; OCC Clarifies Crypto Guidance for Banks

By Robert A. Musiala, Kayley Sullivan, Keith R. Murphy, Lauren Bass and Joanna F. Wasick on December 3, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, NFTs

• US and Swiss Financial Firms Announce Decentralized Exchange, Digital Bond • Sports and Fashion NFTs Launch; Food Delivery Service Adds Bitcoin Rewards • Blockchain Solutions Track Data for Carbon Footprints, Medical Supplies, Wine • OCC Letter Clarifies Crypto Guidance for Banks, IRS Reports Crypto Seizures US and Swiss Financial Firms Announce Decentralized Exchange, Digital … Continue Reading

The Four Areas Online Merchants and E-Commerce Companies Must Know About Cryptocurrency

By Jeewon Serrato and Robert A. Musiala on December 2, 2021 Posted in Cryptocurrency

Partner Jeewon Serrato and Counsel Rob Musiala discuss what online merchants and e-commerce companies should know about cryptocurrency. Questions & Comments: jserrato@bakerlaw.com, rmusiala@bakerlaw.com Listen to the episode. Subscribe to BakerHosts Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | iHeartRadio | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn Download Episode Transcript… Continue Reading

Crypto Initiatives Launch; Bitcoin Upgrade Activated; Reports Address DeFi, Tether; SEC Rejects Bitcoin ETF; DOJ to Sell $56M in Crypto Fraud Proceeds

By Robert A. Musiala, Lauren Bass, Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick and Keith R. Murphy on November 19, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, Uncategorized

• Raising Municipal Funds and Rewarding Loyalty: New Cryptocurrency Use Cases • Bitcoin’s Taproot Upgrade Activated to Improve Network Security • Reports Address DeFi Security, Tether Distribution and Liquidity • SEC Rejects Proposal for Spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund • US and Canadian Authorities Pursue Fraud Schemes, Recover Stolen Crypto Raising Municipal Funds and Rewarding … Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Products Launch; SEC Addresses DeFi, Targets DAO Tokens; OFAC Adds Crypto Exchange to SDN List; Crypto Fraud Schemes Revealed

By Robert A. Musiala, Kayley Sullivan, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds and Keith R. Murphy on November 12, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Cybersecurity, Enforcement, Securities & Exchange Commission

• New Crypto Payment Products Launch, Report Cites Exchange Consolidation • SEC Commissioner Publishes Article Addressing DeFi Risks and Regulation • OFAC Adds Crypto Exchange and Cryptocurrency Addresses to OFAC SDN List • Enforcement Agencies Target DAO Offering and Fraudulent Crypto Companies • New Cryptocurrency Fraud Schemes Revealed, DeFi Protocol Hacked New Crypto Payment Products … Continue Reading

Financial Firms Integrate Crypto Offerings; Congressmen Address Bitcoin ETFs; NFT Boom Continues; Agencies Seek Crypto Oversight; Crypto Hacker Indicted

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick, Lauren Bass, Keith R. Murphy and Elyssa S. Kates on November 5, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Government, NFT, NFTs, Securities & Exchange Commission

• Traditional Financial Firms Integrate Crypto Services, CBDC Reports Published • Congressmen Advocate for Bitcoin Spot ETFs, Australia Issues Crypto ETP Regs • Sports Franchises and Music Platforms Continue to Embrace NFTs • Government Agencies Argue for Increased Oversight of Cryptocurrency Markets • DOJ Charges Cryptocurrency Hacker, Decentralized Exchange Hacked for $139M Traditional Financial Firms … Continue Reading