Tag Archives: SEC

SEC Wins Case Against Kik and Adds Precedent for Digital Assets

By Adam Gale, Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala and Jonathan A. Forman on October 12, 2020 Posted in Securities & Exchange Commission

On Sept. 30, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) motion for sum mary judgment against Kik Interactive Inc. (Kik) and denied Kik’s cross-motion for summary judgment. As we previously reported, the SEC challenged Kik’s compliance with the federal securities laws in … Continue Reading

Crypto Study Published, Bahamas To Launch CBDC, New Ethereum Solutions Announced, ATS Settlement Process Approved, SEC Defeats Kik, Singapore Exchange Hacked

By Robert A. Musiala, Jordan R. Silversmith and Joanna F. Wasick on October 2, 2020 Posted in Cryptocurrency, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Cryptoasset Study Published, Bahamas Launches CBDC, Zcash Service Announced • Ethereum Enterprise Solutions Announced, US Air Force Expands Blockchain Initiative • SEC Approves Digital Asset Settlement Process, Crypto Brokerage Registers in Canada • Court Rules in Favor of SEC in Kik Case, SEC Settles with Two More ICO Issuers • CFTC … 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

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

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

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

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

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

Token Litigation Cases Reach Milestones, Stablecoins and CBDCs Gain Attention, CFTC Approves Guidelines for ‘Actual Delivery’ of Virtual Currency

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala, Simone O. Otenaike and Jordan R. Silversmith on March 27, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, Blockchain, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Telegram, Kik and Tezos Cases Reach Milestones in Blockchain Token Litigation • Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies Gain Attention • CFTC Approves Guidelines for Delivery of Virtual Currencies, Web Browser Integrates Cryptocurrency Trading Telegram, Kik and Tezos Cases Reach Milestones in Blockchain Token Litigation By Teresa Goody Guillén and Robert … Continue Reading

New US Exchange Launches, India Court Rules in Favor of Crypto Exchanges, OFAC Adds 20 Bitcoin Addresses, DOJ Charges Chinese Nationals for Crypto Money Laundering

By Robert A. Musiala, Veronica Reynolds, Jordan R. Silversmith and Teresa Goody Guillén on March 6, 2020 Posted in Bitcoin, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Exchanges Expand in US and Gibraltar; India Supreme Court Ruling Favors Industry • Crypto Custody Report Published, Power Plant Installs Mining Operation • 20 Bitcoin Addresses Added to OFAC List, DOJ Charges Detail $100 Million Crypto Hack • SEC Charges Actor Steven Seagal With Unlawful Touting of a Digital Asset Offering … Continue Reading

Making Sense of the Telegram Case

By Teresa Goody Guillén, Robert A. Musiala and Veronica Reynolds on February 27, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, Securities & Exchange Commission

Multiple Parties Weigh In as the Courts Consider Whether a Blockchain Token Is a Security Overview of the Telegram Case Telegram, a global messaging platform, was founded by Russian brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov in 2013.[1] The platform is popular among cryptocurrency enthusiasts because of its libertarian roots, emphasis on privacy[2] and its group-chat feature, … Continue Reading

Blockchain 50 Published, Exchanges Expand Services, Enforcement Actions by SEC, CFTC and International Tax Authorities, Hacks Drive Losses

By Joanna F. Wasick, Jordan R. Silversmith and Brian P. Bartish on February 21, 2020 Posted in Enforcement, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Forbes Publishes Blockchain 50, Cryptocurrency Exchanges Expand Services • SEC Settles Charges Involving ICO, CFTC Takes Action Against Crypto Investment Firm • Dutch Tax Authorities Make Arrests, IRS Summit to Address Cryptocurrencies • Manipulation, Hacks and System Errors Lead to Losses for Cryptocurrency Users and Exchanges Forbes Publishes Blockchain 50, Cryptocurrency … Continue Reading

SEC Commissioner Peirce Unveils ‘Token Safe Harbor Proposal’

By Teresa Goody Guillén and Robert A. Musiala on February 13, 2020 Posted in Securities & Exchange Commission

On Feb. 6, during a speech at the International Blockchain Congress in Chicago, SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce unveiled a proposed “safe harbor” that would seek to provide an exemption from the registration requirements of the federal securities laws for blockchain tokens that meet certain criteria. Before discussing the details of her proposed safe harbor, … Continue Reading

Foreign Regulators Issue Approvals and Guidance, SEC Enforcement Continues, Blockchain Trade Groups File Amicus Briefs, Reports Detail Terrorist Financing Risks

By Veronica Reynolds, Joanna F. Wasick, Teresa Goody Guillén and Simone O. Otenaike on January 24, 2020 Posted in Blockchain, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • New Approvals From European and Thai Regulators, Canada and WEF Publish Guidance • SEC Targets ICOs, IRS Updates Crypto FAQs, UK Tax Agency Seeks Blockchain Analytics Tool • Chamber of Digital Commerce and Blockchain Association Weigh In on SEC v. Telegram • Reports Address Cryptocurrency Terrorist Financing Risks New Approvals From … Continue Reading

Invoices Paid on Ethereum, FINRA Application Approved, SEC/ICO Enforcement, Industry Launches Compliance Initiative

By Robert A. Musiala, Brian P. Bartish, Veronica Reynolds and Jonathan D. Blattmachr on October 4, 2019 Posted in ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Smart Contracts Deployed by Icelandic Retailer, Blockchain for Sneakers and DHS • Cryptocurrency Service Providers Target Mainstream Investors, FINRA Application Approved • SEC, DOJ and State Agency Enforcement Actions for ICOs and Crypto Fraud Schemes • Regulatory Problems and Solutions in the Cryptocurrency and Digital Asset Arena Smart Contracts Deployed by … Continue Reading

Interbank Settlement Initiative and Crypto Payment Solutions Expand, SEC and International Enforcement Actions Continue

By Robert A. Musiala, Marc Powers and Joanna F. Wasick on September 20, 2019 Posted in Cryptocurrency, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Blockchain Developments in Interbank Settlement, Capital Markets, Cryptocurrency Payments • Multiple SEC Enforcement Actions, New Treasury Sanctions, More Crypto-Mining Malware Detected • International Crypto Developments: Tax, FATF Compliance, Enforcement Actions Blockchain Developments in Interbank Settlement, Capital Markets, Cryptocurrency Payments By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. According to reports this week, a major … Continue Reading

Blockchain Developments: Energy Grids, Automobiles, Stablecoins, International Regulations, SEC Enforcement

By Simone O. Otenaike, Jonathan D. Blattmachr, Robert A. Musiala and Joanna F. Wasick on September 6, 2019 Posted in Blockchain, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • Blockchain Developments for Energy Grids, Automobiles, Enterprise Protocols • International Developments in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Regulation • NY DFS Approves Gold-Backed Stablecoin, Financial Institutions Pursue Blockchain Pilots • SEC Settles Charges, Treasury Hears Testimony, Cryptojacking Report Released Blockchain Developments for Energy Grids, Automobiles, Enterprise Protocols By: Simone O. Otenaike Earlier this … Continue Reading

Blockchain Applications Advance for Healthcare and Payments, CFTC Prioritizes Cryptocurrencies, QuadrigaCX Saga Continues

By Brian P. Bartish, Robert A. Musiala, Simone O. Otenaike and Joanna F. Wasick on February 15, 2019 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

In this issue: • Blockchain Initiatives in Healthcare and Other Industries Target Data Integrity, Speed and Analytics • Blockchain Payment Systems Announced by Major Banks and Online Payment Processors • Forthcoming SEC Guidance Confirmed, Initiatives Continue at Banks and Cryptocurrency Exchanges • CFTC Makes Cryptocurrency a Priority, Foreign Agencies Take Enforcement Action • QuadrigaCX Saga … Continue Reading

Blockchain for NASA and IoT, Developments in Crypto Products and Payments, Cryptocurrency Exchange Hacked

By Diana Stern, Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Jordan R. Silversmith, Simone O. Otenaike, Roger M. Brown and Nicholas C. Mowbray on January 18, 2019 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement

In this issue: • The Blockchain Effect: NASA, IoT, Supply Chain and State Initiatives • Blockchain Announcements From Traditional Financial Institutions and Emerging Platforms • Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Payment Providers Announce New Products • Cryptocurrency Exchange Hacked, Crypto-Malware and Wallet Vulnerabilities Exposed • International Regulators Target Cryptocurrency Exchanges, ICOs and Tax Compliance • Tax Analysis: … Continue Reading

New Blockchain Products, an FBI Raid, the $11 Billion Bitcoin Case, Hackers Strike With a 51 Percent Attack and Crypto Tax Analysis

By Simone O. Otenaike, Robert A. Musiala, Joanna F. Wasick, Roger M. Brown, Heather K. P. Fincher and Nicholas C. Mowbray on January 11, 2019 Posted in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Enforcement, Tax

In this issue: • New Cryptocurrency Financial Products and Platforms Announced • An FBI Raid, the $11 Billion Bitcoin Case, and Other Enforcement and Regulatory Actions in the U.S. and Abroad • Hackers Strike With 51 Percent Attack and Crypto-Mining Malware • Tax Analysis: Token Taxonomy Act Would Allow Tax-Free Exchanges of Virtual Currencies • … Continue Reading

Blockchain Developments: Government and Transport Sector Solutions, Legislation, Payment Applications and Global Enforcement Actions

By Diana Stern, Simone O. Otenaike, Jonathan D. Blattmachr, Joanna F. Wasick, Marc Powers, Roger M. Brown and Heather K. P. Fincher on December 14, 2018 Posted in Enforcement, Enterprise, Global, Government, Tax

In this issue: • Blockchain Transport Applications, Public Sector Initiatives, Protocol and Market Developments • Capital Markets Initiatives Continue as US Congress Issues New Research and Two New Bills • Blockchain Payments Networks Evolve, New Cryptocurrency Exchange Lands in US • SEC Achieves Settlements, FATF Evaluates UK, Regulator Actions in Denmark and New Zealand • Tax Analysis: Securitized Tokens Backed … Continue Reading

Ohio Accepting Bitcoin for Taxes, Multiple SEC and Financial Crime Developments, New Blockchain Capital Markets and Enterprise Initiatives

By Roger M. Brown, Heather K. P. Fincher, John Busch, Robert A. Musiala, Diana Stern and Jordan R. Silversmith on November 30, 2018 Posted in Cryptocurrency, ICOs

In this issue: • Satisfying Tax and Other Liabilities With Cryptocurrency • New SEC ICO Enforcement and Developments on Unregistered Securities, Fraud, Promotions and the Howey Test • International Crypto Crime Developments, OFAC Lists Bitcoin Addresses, Cyberattacks and Fraud Schemes Uncovered • Cryptocurrencies Continue to Permeate Capital Markets as Blockchain Permeates Settlement Systems • Blockchain … Continue Reading

Blockchain Developments: Bitcoin ATMs, Token Listings, Voting Pilots, Shipping Competition, Global Enforcement, Tax and More

By Joanna F. Wasick, Jonathan D. Blattmachr, Diana Stern, Simone O. Otenaike, Roger M. Brown and Heather K. P. Fincher on November 9, 2018 Posted in Banking, Bitcoin, Blockchain, ICOs

In this issue: • NY DFS Grants License to Bitcoin ATM Operator, Exchanges Make Announcements • Capital Markets Developments in Regulatory Guidance, Value of ICO Offerings and Banking • Blockchain Pilots for Voting and Supply Chain, Global Shipping Business Network Challenges TradeLens • Multiple Enforcement Actions in US and Abroad Seek to Quell Blockchain Industry … Continue Reading

SEC Launches FinHub, FATF Publishes Guidance, Futures and Stablecoin Markets Mature

By Taylor Thompson, Jonathan D. Blattmachr and Joanna F. Wasick on October 26, 2018 Posted in Capital Markets Offerings, ICOs, Securities & Exchange Commission

In this issue: • SEC Launches FinHub, FATF Revises Cryptocurrency Guidance • Capital Markets Developments in Futures, Stablecoins, Custody, ICOs • Blockchain Enterprise Developments for Gold, Ports, BaaS and Developers SEC Launches FinHub, FATF Revises Cryptocurrency Guidance By: Taylor Thompson On Oct. 18, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the creation of the Strategic … Continue Reading