Tag Archives: cryptocurrency

Crypto Exchanges Launch Initiatives, NFT Hype Continues, Token Safe Harbor Proposal Updated, Digital Euro Study Published, Hacked Bitcoin is On the Move

By Keith R. Murphy, Veronica Reynolds, Teresa Goody Guillén, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on April 16, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Cryptocurrency Exchanges Forge New Paths, Bitcoin ETF Applications Continue • MLB Gets In on NFT Hype, Chinese Alliance Seeks to Bring NFTs to Streamers • Token Safe Harbor Proposal Updated, IRS Memo Addresses Bitcoin Hard Fork • ECB Publishes Survey on Digital Euro, Study Addresses Bitcoin Electricity Usage • Judgment Entered … Continue Reading

NFT Sales Launch, Fintech Firms Launch Crypto Initiatives, NY DFS Approves Crypto Firms, CFTC and IRS Target Crypto Crimes, DeFi Project Hacked

By Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala, Keith R. Murphy and Joanna F. Wasick on March 12, 2021 Posted in Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • NFTs Make Headlines, Global Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Unit • Cryptocurrency Payment Options Expand Across the Globe • Cryptocurrency Firms Achieve NY DFS Approvals, IRS Launches Crypto Initiative • CFTC Action Targets Crypto Market Manipulation, DeFi Hacked for $31 Million NFTs Make Headlines, Global Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Unit By: Veronica … Continue Reading

Crypto Financial Products Announced, MIT Seeks to Improve Bitcoin Codebase, SEC Addresses Digital Assets, DeFi Hacks Continue, Crypto Theft Data Published

By Keith R. Murphy, Joanna F. Wasick and Teresa Goody Guillén on March 5, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Crypto Firms Launch New Services, MIT Seeks to Improve Bitcoin Codebase • Institutional Cryptocurrency Investment Products Advance, New Data Published • SEC Focuses on Digital Assets, DeFi Hacked, Crypto Theft Data Published Crypto Firms Launch New Services, MIT Seeks to Improve Bitcoin Codebase By Keith R. Murphy A San Francisco-based cryptocurrency … Continue Reading

Bahamas CBDC Prepaid Card, Ether Investment Products and Travel Rule Solutions Launch, Crypto Enforcement Settlements by OFAC and NYAG

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick and Keith R. Murphy on February 26, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Bahamas CBDC Integrates with Prepaid Card, Bitcoin Donation Data Published • Ether Investment Products Launch, New Publications Detail Crypto Adoption • Travel Rule Solutions Launch, DeFi Market Dissolves Following SEC Inquiry • Federal and State Agencies Pursue Multiple Cryptocurrency Offenders Bahamas CBDC Integrates with Prepaid Card, Bitcoin Donation Data Published By: … Continue Reading

Podcast: BakerHostetler Blockchain University: Beyond Cryptocurrency – Non-Financial Use Cases for Blockchain

By Robert A. Musiala and Veronica Reynolds on February 3, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

The fourth episode in the series provides an overview of how Blockchain is being used today in non-financial applications. Topics discussed include using blockchain in various sectors, including the food supply and pharmaceutical industries, maritime shipping, the cobalt supply chain, self-sovereign identity, credentialing and records management. Questions & Comments: rmusiala@bakerlaw.com, vreynolds@bakerlaw.com Listen to the episode. Subscribe to … Continue Reading

FinCEN Proposed Rule Halted, Exchanges and Banks Expand Crypto Products, SEC Brings Action Against Token Issuer, Crypto Threat Reports Published

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Veronica Reynolds and Robert A. Musiala on January 22, 2021 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Exchanges and Banks Expand Cryptocurrency Services and Products • FinCEN Proposed Rule Halted, Banks and Crypto Exchanges Adjust Policies • SEC Brings Action Against SAFT and Token Issuer, Related Statement Published • Reports Provide Details on Criminal Activities Involving Cryptocurrencies Exchanges and Banks Expand Cryptocurrency Services and Products By: Jordan R. … Continue Reading

Crypto Trust to Become Bank, FinCEN Comment Period Extended, Navy Awards Blockchain Contract, Dark Market Seized, Illicit Exchange Owner Sentenced

By Veronica Reynolds, Jordan R. Silversmith, Robert A. Musiala and Teresa Goody Guillén on January 15, 2021 Posted in Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • Crypto Trust to Convert to Bank, FinCEN Extends New Rule Comment Period • Bitcoin Firms List on Public Markets, Japan Diverges from SEC on XRP Status • Navy Contracts for Blockchain Solution, SSI Report and Market Data Published • Enforcement Actions Target Dark Web Market and Illicit Crypto Exchange Crypto Trust … Continue Reading

NY DFS Approves New Stablecoin Co., Blockchain Data Solutions Announced, New Cryptocurrency Regulatory and Enforcement Actions in U.S. and Abroad

By Jordan R. Silversmith, Teresa Goody Guillén, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on January 8, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • NY DFS Approves New Stablecoin Company, Crypto Financial Products Continue Growth • Blockchain Used To Enhance Auto Geofencing and Combat Whiskey Fraud • US Financial Regulators Continue Crypto-Focused Regulatory Proposals • OFAC Settles With Crypto Custodian; Enforcement Actions in UK, Italy, Iran NY DFS Approves New Stablecoin Company, Crypto Financial Products … Continue Reading

FinCEN Proposes New Crypto Record-Keeping Rules; SEC and CFTC Issue Digital Asset Guidance; SEC Closes 2020 With Multiple Enforcement Actions Against Blockchain Firms

By Robert A. Musiala on January 5, 2021 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • FinCEN Proposed Rule Creates New Cryptocurrency Record-Keeping Requirements • SEC Issues Statement on Digital Asset Custody, CFTC Issues Digital Assets Primer • SEC Closes 2020 With Multiple Blockchain Industry Enforcement Actions FinCEN Proposed Rule Creates New Cryptocurrency Record-Keeping Requirements By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. On Dec. 18, 2020, the Financial Crimes … Continue Reading

Traditional and Crypto Firms Across Globe Launch New Initiatives, UN Designs Blockchain Land Registry, Privacy Wallets Spark Debate, Crypto Enforcement Continues

By Veronica Reynolds, Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Marc Powers and Teresa Goody Guillén on December 11, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Tax

In this issue: • Cryptocurrency Firms and Legacy Financial Instituadingtions Worldwide Make Crypto Moves • Traditional and Crypto Firms Partner to Launch Tokenized Stocks and Other Products • UN Designs Blockchain Land Registry; Solutions Address Supply Chain, Energy Efficiency • Crypto Privacy Wallets Spark Debate, Blockstack Says STX Will Shed Security Status • U.S. and … Continue Reading

US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman Islands Announces VASP Regulations, Enterprise Developments in Telecom and Transport, DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin

By Joanna F. Wasick, Robert A. Musiala and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 6, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List in Canada • Blockchain Developments in Telecommunications, Transportation and Digital Identity • DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin from Silk Road, DOJ and CFTC Prosecute Crypto Fraud US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List … Continue Reading

Major U.S. Firm Offers Cryptocurrency Services, Blockchain Solutions Launch Across Industries, CFTC Issues Crypto Guidance, FinCEN Fines Tumbler Service

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén and Joanna F. Wasick on October 23, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Supply Chain

In this issue: • Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption Grows • Blockchain Supply Chain, Copyright and Satellite Comms Solutions Launch • CFTC Guidance Addresses Crypto Deposits, Travel Rule White Paper Published • Arrests Target Criminal Network Using Crypto, FinCEN Fines Tumbler Operator Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption … Continue Reading

U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank; Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management; Multiple Enforcement Actions by Treasury, SEC, DOJ and CFTC

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Marc Powers on September 18, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • U.S. Crypto Exchange Approved as Wyoming Bank, MSB Regulations to be Simplified • Auto, Mining and Financial Firms Integrate Blockchain for Data Management • OFAC, DOJ, IRS and FATF Take Various Actions Against Cryptocurrency Crimes • SEC Charges ICO Issuers, DOJ and CFTC Charge Defendants in Crypto Fraud Schemes • DOJ, … Continue Reading

IRS Addresses Crypto Micropayments, Blockchain Shipping Platforms Expand, DOJ Ties North Korea Crypto Hacks to Chinese Traders, FBI Thwarts Plot Involving Bitcoin Bribe

By Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Jordan R. Silversmith on September 4, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In This Issue: • IRS Addresses Taxing Crypto Received in Microtasks, Swiss Enable Crypto Payments • Blockchain Shipping Platforms TradeLens and ShipChain Expand Networks • North Korean Crypto Hacks Laundered by Chinese; Crypto Compliance Tools Launch • FBI Thwarts Plot Tied to Bitcoin Bribe, Ethereum Classic Suffers 51% Attack IRS Addresses Taxing Crypto Received in … Continue Reading

IPO Using ERC20 Tokens Approved, Report Details APAC Bitcoin Trading Data, Quorum Is Sold/Acquired, Blockchain Initiatives for Coffee and NASA, Crypto Crimes Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds and Joanna F. Wasick on August 28, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Blockchain Used in IPO and ATS, Bitcoin Fund Announced, APAC Trade Data Published • Quorum Acquisition Announced, Blockchain Initiatives Launch for Coffee and NASA • Crypto Crimes Continue in Ransomware, Fraud, Wash Trading and Tax Evasion Schemes Blockchain Used in IPO and ATS, Bitcoin Fund Announced, APAC Trade Data Published By: … Continue Reading

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

By Robert A. Musiala, Teresa Goody Guillén, Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith on August 7, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Food Supply Chain

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

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

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

Solutions Announced in Pharma, Energy and Food Industries, Digital Dollar Project Launches, France Approves Second ICO, Major Crypto AML Report Published

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith, Teresa Goody Guillén and Marc Powers on June 5, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, ICOs

In this issue: • Blockchain Solutions Launch in Pharma, Energy and Food Industries • Digital Dollar Project Launches, Cryptocurrency Focused Bank Receives Investment • French Regulator Approves ICO, New Token Standards Body Launches • DOJ and SEC Continue Prosecuting Crypto Crimes, CipherTrace Issues AML Report Blockchain Solutions Launch in Pharma, Energy and Food Industries By: … 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