Archives: Cryptocurrency

Crypto Payment Products Show Gains, Blockchain Initiatives Announced for COVID-19 Data, Regulators Consider Blockchain Issues, Ethereum Classic Suffers 51% Attack

In this issue: • Announcements Provide Details on New Cryptocurrency Payment Products • Blockchain Use in COVID-19 Data, Food, Beverage Bottles and Wine Supply Chains • Regulators Consider Blockchain Issues in Tax, Banking, Securities and State Services • DOJ Targets Hackers and Darknet Vendors, Ethereum Classic Suffers “51% Attack” Announcements Provide Details on New Cryptocurrency … Continue Reading

Crypto-Focused Bank Achieves Approval in Wyoming, US HHS Implements Blockchain, NY Challenge to OCC Fintech Charter Continues, ICO Issuer Charged in Fraud Scheme

By Marc Powers, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on July 31, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, ICOs

In this issue: • Crypto-Focused Bank Approved in Wyoming, Initiatives Advance in Foreign Markets • US HHS Implements Blockchain; Clothing, Food and Shipping Platforms Expand • NY Challenges OCC Fintech Charter in 2nd Circuit, Fintech Report Covers First Half of 2020 • ICO Issuer Charged With Fraud in US, Chinese Police Arrest 27 for PlusToken … Continue Reading

New Crypto Services Address Custody, Payment Cards and ATS’s, OCC Says Banks Can Custody Crypto, DOJ Charges Bitcoin ATM Operator and Crypto Fraudster

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on July 24, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Reports Detail New Plans for Crypto Custody Services, Payment Cards and ATS Platforms • OCC Says Banks Can Custody Crypto, IRS and UK/FCA Act on Crypto Initiatives • DOJ Charges Bitcoin ATM Operator/Crypto Fraudster, Canada Exchange Settles Charges Reports Detail New Plans for Crypto Custody Services, Payment Cards and ATS Platforms … Continue Reading

Blockchain Payments Reports Published, Coffee and Shipping Industries Adopt Blockchain, SEC and CFTC Charge Blockchain App, Bitcoin Used in Social Media Hack

By Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on July 17, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Monetary Authority of Singapore and World Bank Publish Blockchain Payments Reports • U.S. Coffee Brand and Foreign Shipping Ports Initiate Blockchain Solutions • SEC/CFTC Charge Blockchain App, DOJ Charges Allege Crypto Fraud Related to PPP • Hackers Use Bitcoin in Social Media Fraud, Research Highlights Crypto Threats Monetary Authority of Singapore … Continue Reading

New York Appellate Court Confirms Attorney General’s Broad Investigative Powers into the Cryptocurrency Industry

By Jonathan A. Forman, Teresa Goody Guillén and Robert A. Musiala on July 15, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On July 9, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of New York, First Department (First Department) issued a significant decision in James v. iFinex that confirmed the broad authority of the New York State Attorney General (NYAG) to investigate potential fraud. The decision is significant because it is the first appellate decision to apply … Continue Reading

Blockchain Solutions Announced, U.S. Fund Announces Digital Securities, FATF Issues Crypto Reports, U.S. Court Addresses Bitcoin Privacy, Enforcement Actions Continue

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick and Veronica Reynolds on July 10, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • Blockchain Solutions Announced in Auto, Shipping, Medical and Aid Sectors • Fund Issuing Digital Securities Obtains SEC Registration, Bitcoin ETP Lists on Xetra • FATF Issues Crypto Reports, U.S. Court Addresses Bitcoin Transaction Privacy • Crypto Enforcement Actions Continue by SEC, CFTC, State and Foreign Agencies Blockchain Solutions Announced in Auto, … Continue Reading

Canada’s Largest Cryptocurrency Exchange Found to Have Operated Like a Ponzi Scheme

By Teresa Goody Guillén and Michelle Tanney on June 30, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On June 11, 2020 the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), one of Canada’s provincial securities regulators, issued a report finding that QuadrigaCX (Quadriga), which went into bankruptcy a few months after founder and CEO Gerald Cotten was reported to have died in India, “was an old-fashioned fraud wrapped in modern technology.”[1] The report, dated April 2020, … Continue Reading

Blockchain Food Tracing Initiatives Add Members, Report Addresses Central Bank Digital Currencies, NY DFS Publishes Crypto Guidance, Enforcement Actions Continue

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on June 26, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Seafood Association, Restaurant Chain Announce Blockchain Supply Chain Partnerships • Sweden Report Addresses Central Bank Digital Currencies, Fintech Firms Explore Crypto • NY DFS and UK FCA Publish Crypto Guidance, Firms Announce Compliance Initiatives • U.S. and Foreign Agencies Take Enforcement Actions, Crypto Threat Reports Published Seafood Association, Restaurant Chain Announce … Continue Reading

U.S. Air Force Explores Blockchain, Global Blockchain Survey Published, Crypto Debit Card Launches, Compliance Initiatives Announced, Quadriga CX Report Published

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Teresa Goody Guillén on June 18, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • U.S. and Australia Explore Blockchain Solutions, Global Blockchain Survey Published • U.S. Cryptocurrency Debit Card Launches, Gaming Firm Announces Token Initiative • SEC and Industry Promote Regulatory Compliance Solutions for Blockchain Market • OSC Issues Report Finding QuadrigaCX Operated Like a Ponzi Scheme U.S. and Australia Explore Blockchain Solutions, Global Blockchain … Continue Reading

Blockchain Identity Solutions Advance, Federal Reserve and Financial Regulators Address Blockchain, Crypto Institutional Survey Published, US and Foreign Enforcement Actions

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Joanna F. Wasick, Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala and Teresa Goody Guillén on June 12, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Fish Producer Joins Food Trust, Blockchain Identity Solutions Advance in UK and US • Federal Reserve, CFI, OCC and NY DFS Address Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies • Institutional Cryptocurrency Survey Published, Bitcoin ETP Seeks to Launch in Germany • Accounting Firms and Government Agencies Seek to Acquire Blockchain Analytics Tools • U.S. … Continue Reading

Tezos and ATB Cryptocurrency Class Action Cases Provide Guidance on Different Factors Driving Settlements Against ICO Issuers for Securities Laws Registration Violations

By Marc Powers and Joanna F. Wasick on June 4, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On April 30, 2020, a federal court in San Francisco preliminarily approved a $25 million class action settlement against the Swiss-based Tezos Foundation, its Californian founders, and other domestic and foreign firms directly involved in the 2017 initial coin offering (ICO) of its token, XTZ. The Tezos offering was conducted on a worldwide basis to … Continue Reading

Cryptocurrency Trading Firms Expand Services Through Acquisitions, Regulatory Approvals and Investments, SEC Charges ICO Issuer, Crypto Malware Attack Detected

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on May 29, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs

In this issue: • U.S. Crypto Trading Firms Make Acquisitions Targeted at “Prime Brokerage” Services • FINRA Approves Blockchain ATS, Institutional Crypto Trading Firm Expands Reach • SEC Announces Charges and Consent Order Against Issuer of $25.5 Million ICO • Major Crypto Mining Malware Attack Detected U.S. Crypto Trading Firms Make Acquisitions Targeted at “Prime … Continue Reading

Crypto Payment Products Target Foreign Markets, Blockchain Enterprise Solutions Launch, Private Lawsuits Target Crypto Firms, Major Mining Malware Attack Detected

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Robert A. Musiala and Teresa Goody Guillén on May 22, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Payments Evolve: USD Stablecoin Accounts for Latin America and Crypto Debit Cards • Blockchain Initiatives Launch for Food Supply Chain and Intercompany Transactions • Crypto Trade Group Meets With SEC, FinCEN Director Addresses Cryptocurrencies • Private Litigants Continue to Target Major Blockchain Industry Companies • Reports Detail Major Crypto-Mining Malware Attack, … Continue Reading

Bitcoin Fund Completes Offering, Major US Bank Opens Accounts for Crypto Exchanges, DOD Awards Blockchain R&D Contract, IRS Enlists Crypto Contractors

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on May 15, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Bitcoin Fund Completes Offering, Ether Futures Launch, Crypto Funds Report Published • Major US Bank Opens Accounts for Crypto Exchanges, Trade Finance Solution Expands • Seafood Value Chains and DOD Data Integrity: Blockchain Enterprise Developments • Telegram Cancels TON Blockchain, IRS Enlists Contractors to Evaluate Crypto Taxes Bitcoin Fund Completes Offering, … Continue Reading

FDA Blockchain Report Released, Crypto Fund Launched, Blockchain Trading Platforms Developed, Crypto Payment Firms Make Announcements, Bitcoin Mining Map Published

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Marc Powers on May 8, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • FDA DSCSA Blockchain Pilot Report Released, Consortium Formed for Energy Grids • New Crypto Funds, Crypto Broker-Dealer Applications, Blockchain Securities Clearing • Libra Association Hires CEO, Crypto Payments Firms Report Growth and Gain Licenses • Bitcoin Network Difficulty Increases Prior to ‘Halving,’ Bitcoin Mining Map Published FDA DSCSA Blockchain Pilot Report … Continue Reading

Digital Asset Platforms Evolve, Token Models Confront Complexities, WEF Issues Blockchain Toolkit, Foreign Crypto Crimes Uncovered, AML Solution Launched

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Marc Powers, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on May 1, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Platforms

In this issue: • Digital Asset Marketplaces Evolve in US, Japan and Switzerland • Blockchain Token Models Confront Legal Complexities in US Filings and Court Cases • WEF Issues Blockchain Toolkit, New Enterprise Solutions Announced • Foreign Police Uncover Crypto Crimes, Analytics Firm Launches AML Solution for Banks • Tether Mints 160 Million USDT as … Continue Reading

CFTC Approves Bitcoin Futures, Crypto Initiatives Launch, Blockchain Traceability and Energy Solutions Deployed, South Africa and Singapore Issue Regulations

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on April 24, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • CFTC Approves Bitcoin Futures and Prosecutes Fraud, Amicus Brief Filed in Kik Case • Emerging Blockchain Payment and Crypto Custody Solutions Announce New Milestones • Blockchain Solutions Deployed in Egg Traceability, Energy Trading and Mobility Services • South Africa and Singapore Issue New Cryptocurrency Policies and Regulatory Guidance CFTC Approves Bitcoin … Continue Reading

Bitcoin and Blockchain Products Launch in Financial Products and Data Management, Reports Address Crypto Regulatory Risks, Agencies Warn Against New Scams and Hacks

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Jordan R. Silversmith on April 17, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Bitcoin and Blockchain Financial Products Launch in Public Funds, Commodities, Debit Cards and Mining “Hash Contracts” • New Initiatives Leverage Blockchain for Records Management and Data Provenance • Reports Address Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities Involving Crypto Assets • FBI and Philippines SEC Issue Crypto Scam Warnings, New Hacking Methods Reported Bitcoin … Continue Reading

Court Applies Single Scheme Theory To Grant the SEC’s Preliminary Injunction in Telegram Cryptocurrency Case

By John Harrington, John Gherlein, Teresa Goody Guillén, Jonathan A. Forman, Adam Gale and Robert A. Musiala on April 2, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

On March 24, Judge P. Kevin Castel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) motion for a preliminary injunction in the closely followed Telegram case. The preliminary injunction continues to prevent the delivery by Telegram Group Inc. and TON Issuer (collectively, Telegram) of … Continue Reading

Multiple Blockchain Enterprise and Crypto Payment Initiatives Announced, New Crypto AML Rules in Canada and Singapore, DOJ Enforcement Continues

By Simone O. Otenaike, Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on March 20, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Blockchain Traceability Developments for Automobile, Pharma and Art Industries • Blockchain Identity and Privacy Solution Developments, Ethereum Used to Avoid Censors • Blockchain Payment Initiatives Introduced in India, Latin America, Thailand and US • New Cryptocurrency Anti-Money Laundering Rules Announced in Canada and Singapore • DOJ Prosecutes Crypto Crimes, Analysis of … Continue Reading

New Blockchain Enterprise Initiatives in US, New Blockchain and Crypto Regulations in South Korea and France, Enforcement Actions Continue in US, Japan and Australia

By Simone O. Otenaike, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on March 13, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Supply Chain

In this issue: • New Enterprise Initiatives for Ethereum, Hyperledger, Aviation and Clothing • New Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Regulations in South Korea and France • Cryptocurrency Enforcement Actions in U.S., Japan and Australia New Enterprise Initiatives for Ethereum, Hyperledger, Aviation and Clothing By: Simone O. Otenaike Last week, one of the world’s largest technology firms, … Continue Reading

Cryptocurrencies: Forensic Techniques to Meet the Challenge of New Fraud and Corruption Risks

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Veronica Reynolds on March 10, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency

Over the past 11 years, cryptocurrencies have slowly but steadily become more integrated with the mainstream financial system. Like any new technology, cryptocurrencies usher in advantages as well as risks. And as with any new technology, criminals and threat actors are often among the earliest adopters as they attempt to exploit those advantages and risks. … Continue Reading

Blockchain Supply Chain Pilots Expand, Securities Settlement Platform Goes Live, OCC Enters Into Consent Order With NY Bank for Crypto Violations

By Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on February 28, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

In this issue: • Interest in Blockchain-Based Supply-Chain Initiatives Continues to Swell • Blockchain Securities Settlement Platform Goes Live, Crypto Payment Solutions Expand • NY Bank Enters Consent Order for Crypto AML Violations as Crypto Threats Continue Interest in Blockchain-Based Supply-Chain Initiatives Continues to Swell By: Veronica Reynolds Interest in blockchain-based supply-chain initiatives continues to … Continue Reading

Navy Awards Blockchain Contract, Crypto Loyalty Programs Advance, Australia Releases Blockchain Strategy, US Warns on Crypto AML and Continues Enforcement

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Jordan R. Silversmith on February 14, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • Blockchain Enterprise Applications Continue to Emerge Across Industries • Crypto Loyalty Rewards, Custody and Stablecoin Initiatives; Equity Swap on Blockchain • Anti-Money Laundering a Global Concern; Australia Releases Blockchain Road Map • Enforcement Agencies Prosecute Crypto Fraud Schemes and Dark Market Actors Blockchain Enterprise Applications Continue to Emerge Across Industries By: … Continue Reading