sec
Telegram Agrees to Turn Over ICO Documents To SEC
Telegram has agreed to provide the SEC with ICO Documents.
Blockstack PBC Files Annual Report with SEC
Company releases most comprehensive report since the first-ever SEC qualification for its token offering last year
SEC Makes ICO Token Sales More Inclusive, Not Enough For SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce
The US SEC has modernized their definition of an 'accredited investor' to consider not just an individual’s wealth, but their education.
Former SEC Commissioner Says Incoming SEC Chair Gary Gensler Could Withdraw Lawsuit against Ripple
Gary Gensler, who has been tapped by President Joe Biden to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as chairman, is awaiting the Senate floor’s final vote.
Crypto Mom Hester Peirce Officially Sworn in as SEC Commissioner
Crypto Mom and blockchain forward SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has been sworn in for a second term at the US SEC.
Schedule for SEC Case against Ripple Approved by Court, Hearing for SEC Chair Nominee Gary Gensler Set for March
A management plan and a scheduling order for the SEC case against Ripple Labs has officially been approved by the court.
Former SEC Official Reveals why He Thinks Ripple Has a Good Chance of Winning SEC Lawsuit over XRP
Joseph Hall, a partner at Davis Polk law firm, thinks that Ripple has a good chance of winning the legal case the SEC has built against XRP cryptocurrency.
SEC Charges Crypto Project Unikrn $6.1M for ICO Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Unikrn for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering of its native token, UnikoinGold (UKG).
Trump Nominates SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce For Second Term
Crypto Mom, Hester Peirce has been nominated for a second term with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as one of its five commissioners, until 2025.
US SEC Rejects Bitwise Proposal to List Bitcoin ETF
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rejected a proposal filed by Bitwise Asset Management to list a Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF).
What Will Gary Gensler’s Confirmation to The Role of SEC Chair Mean for The Crypto Industry?
SEC chairman nominee Gary Gensler testified before the Senate Banking Committee as part of his confirmation hearing.
MoneyGram Puts Ripple Partnership on Hold Due to SEC Lawsuit
MoneyGram has announced that it will be temporarily suspending the use of XRP and taking a step back from its partnership with Ripple Labs, in light of the fintech firm's legal battle with the SEC.
US National Security at Risk Due to China’s Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
Block.one Settles with SEC to the Tune of $24 Million
Blacksburg startup Block.one has agreed to pay $24 million (HK$ 188 million) in fines to settle the allegations of unlawfully selling its ICO (initial coin offering) to US investors. The blockchain company had raised several billion dollars between 2017 and 2018 by selling its own digital currency.
US Court Indicts Alleged Lazarus Group Members in $250 Million Crypto Exchange Theft
Two Chinese nationals, Tian YinYin and Li Jiadong were sanctioned yesterday by the US Government yesterday for their alleged involvement in laundering stolen cryptocurrency from a 2018 cyberattack. The pair have been charged with stealing nearly $250 million in virtual assets and laundering the money through converting BTC to USD and Chinese Yuan as well as through iTunes gift cards.
US SEC Signs Contracts with Blockchain Analytics Firm Anchain.Ai to Monitor DeFi Sector
The US SEC has awarded contracts to monitor unwanted movements across the DeFi sector. The SEC has tapped Anchain.AI artificial intelligence and blockchain company to help the regulator to analyze and trace smart contracts with the technology.
Hong Kong IFEC Warns Against Trading on Illegal and Foreign Platforms for Virtual Assets
The investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), a public organisation under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), has issued a warning regarding the potential risks connected to unlicensed and foreign virtual asset trading platforms.
Grayscale Files with US SEC to Convert GBTC Into Bitcoin Spot ETF
Grayscale believes that if the SEC approves a futures-based ETF, the agency should be open to approve the physical based ETFs.
Gemini Is Giving Away 4,000 Ripple XRP Every Day at 3 pm EST
Gemini is hosting an XRP giveaway, dubbed the 'XRP Faucet,' from Aug 11-18, 2023. Eligible U.S. residents with verified accounts can participate daily.
Ripple Co-Founder Jed McCaleb Dumps 28 Million XRP Tokens amid SEC Lawsuit
Jed McCaleb, Ripple’s co-founder and its former Chief of Technology Officer, has seemingly resumed the sale of his XRP reserve, cashing out 28 million XRP.
Grayscale Will Dissolve XRP Trust In Reaction to SEC Lawsuit Against Ripple
Institutional-grade digital asset firm Grayscale will dissolve its XRP Trust as the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursues its lawsuit against Ripple
South Korean Watchdogs Request Interpol’s Red Notice against Do Kwon
The controversy surrounding Do Kwon’s whereabouts continues to grow, given that South Korean prosecutors asked Interpol to issue a red notice against the Terraform Labs’ founder.
Circle Denies Receiving 'Wells Notice' Over USDC
Circle's CSO refused SEC Wells notices for its USDC token.
Paxos Discusses BUSD Stablecoin With SEC Following Wells
Paxos CEO Charles Cascarilla said the business was "engaged in productive negotiations" with the SEC and will continue to communicate privately.
Commissioner Hester Peirce Agrees with Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Criticism of SEC
Commissioner Hester Peirce, affectionately knowns as ‘CryptoMom’, believes the SEC’s court victory over Telegram was inappropriately reached and has further stifled innovation for the United States.
Crypto Lawyers Dispute SEC Chief's Jurisdiction Claims
Lawyers for the cryptocurrency industry have challenged recent comments made by the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, in which he claimed that all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin fall under the agency's jurisdiction. The lawyers argue that the SEC must prove its case in court for each token individually before it can claim jurisdiction over them.
Vitalik Buterin Explores Ethereum Protocol Enhancement Strategies
Ethereum's co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, reflects on Ethereum's protocol enhancement strategies in a recent blog post, weighing the merits of a minimalistic approach versus enshrining more features into the core protocol to address various user needs and system efficiencies. The discussion encompasses account abstraction challenges, the shift towards enshrinement, and the exploration of specific enshrinement targets like ZK-EVMs, proposer-builder separation, private mempools, liquid staking, and precompiles.
SEC Lawsuit against Ripple Continues with Gary Gensler Taking The Lead
With Gary Gensler officially sworn in as the official Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), many XRP advocates are hoping that this may be an opportunity for the SEC and Ripple to revisit the basis of the lawsuit and to rediscuss it.
Paxos Launches Blockchain Settlement Platform Following No-Action Relief From SEC
Paxos Trust Company announced that it will go ahead with the launch of its blockchain-enabled Paxos Settlement Service after receiving No-Action relief from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Taiwanese Singer Chen Lingjiu Implicated in JPEX Cryptocurrency Fraud Case
Taiwanese singer Chen Lingjiu faces fraud case involving JPEX, highlighting potential pitfalls of celebrity endorsements in cryptocurrency investments and the need for robust regulatory measures.
SEC to Keep Close Watch on Crypto Brokers and Advisers
The SEC stated the 2023 review goals would ensure crypto brokers and advisors follow "respectful standards of care."
CFTC Commissioner Clarifies the Agency's Sweeping Rights to Regulate Crypto Derivatives
CFTC Commissioner Dawn D. Stump has given several clarifications that show the agency has powers to regulate cryptocurrencies.
Web3 Foundation Claims DOT is a Piece of Software and Not a Security
Web3 Foundation has made a conclusion based on SEC terms that Polkadot is not a security
Continuous Crackdown on Crypto by US SEC is a Bullish Factor for Investors - Report
The US SEC might be considered harsh for its crypto regulations, some investors use this as a basis for their investments in the space
Secret Network Announces Partnership with Modular Settlement Layer dYmension
Secret Network announced a partnership with dYmension, which will provide the tools and infrastructure to network and aggregate Cosmos ecosystem layer 2 data, reducing the pressure on on-site traffic and expanding derivability.
Hong Kong Embraces Web3 Despite Crypto Market Volatility
Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, has emphasized the need for the city to embrace Web3 technology, despite the fluctuations in the crypto market. Chan has proposed a strategy that focuses on proper regulation and promoting development to facilitate Web3's steady growth. He also noted that Hong Kong plans to prioritize financial security, prevent systemic risks, and focus on investor education and protection. The region's approach to crypto regulation contrasts with that of the United States, which has adopted a more hardline response to the industry.
Exclusive: What are Top 5 FinTech Career Advice for Graduates?
Prof. Aris Stouraitis presents how Master of Science in Finance (FinTech and Financial Analytics) offered by Hong Kong Baptist University strives to nurture interdisciplinary talents and he offers the top 5 career advice for graduates who wish to work in FinTech and blockchain industry!
Bloomberg Predicts Bitcoin Price to Surge Past $20,000 in 2020, Doubling Last Year’s High
Bloomberg predicted in its recent report that Bitcoin’s price in 2020 could reach double of last year’s high of $14,000. It further suggested that adoption is the primary Bitcoin metric, and Bloomberg takes a positive outlook on this end. Bitcoin’s price has seen a 60% decline in 2014, and at the end of 2016, Bitcoin matched the peak in 2013. If Bitcoin chooses to follow the same trend as 2016, with a 75% decline in 2018, Bitcoin is headed towards $20,000, according to Bloomberg.
Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Unfazed by Recent SEC Accusations Against Binance and Coinbase
Data provided by Glassnode reveals that the percentage of Bitcoin supply sent to trading platforms by long-term holders accounts for a mere 0.004% of the total. This figure underscores the significant inactivity of long-term Bitcoin holders amid intensifying market pressures, demonstrating an apparent indifference to the regulatory accusations faced by leading cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase.
Korean Prosecutors Consulting if LUNA Classified "Security"
The probe into Terraform Labs by South Korean prosecutors is taking a whole new twist as watchdogs are making consultations on how best to classify the collapsed LUNA tokens - now known as Luna Classic (LUNC).
Crypto Intermediaries Must Register with the SEC in Some Capacity: Gensler
US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler said crypto intermediaries should be registered under the SEC.
Texas Authorities Slap “Bitcoin Pope” and Forex Birds with Cease and Desist Order for Fraudulent Investment Scheme
An emergency cease and desist order has been issued against the “Bitcoin Pope” trader, under allegations of fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
Ransomware Gang Evil Corp Group Strikes Again with New Ransomware WastedLocker
A ransomware gang called Evil Corp Group is back in action again, after having been in retirement for an undetermined period of time. The malware hacker group strikes again by developing a ransom software dubbed WastedLocker.
Invesco Puts Blame on U.S. SEC Rules for Decision to Withdraw Bitcoin Futures ETF
Invesco eventually talked about what prompted it to pull out its filing for Bitcoin futures ETF. The firm faulted SEC rules for the disaster.
Hong Kong-Based OSL Digital Securities Receives License Uplift to Enable Retail Trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum
OSL Digital Securities Limited ("OSL Digital Securities"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BC Technology Group Limited (Stock Code: 863), has been granted an uplift to its existing license by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.
Binance Faces Scrutiny Over Switzerland-Based Sigma Chain in Latest SEC Filing
In the latest court filing by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Binance, the Switzerland-registered crypto-asset trading company, Sigma Chain, is under scrutiny.
INX to Issue SEC-Regulated CCNA Token, Emphasizing 'Future of Green Automotive Transportation and Logistics' Concept
INX Digital Company, Inc., a US-regulated broker-dealer, ATS, and transfer agent, announced on July 5, 2023, its facilitation of the primary capital raise and issuance of Convertible Concepts Corporation's CCNA Token.
Hidden Road Partners in Big Talks With Top Firms to Provide Access to Trade or Hedge Crypto Risks
Hidden Road Partners is in talks with hedge funds and many of the top 20 global banks about providing access to trade or hedging their crypto risks, Bloomberg reported citing executives at the firm.
Hamilton Lane Tokenizes Funds to Offer Individual Investors Access Private Markets
Hamilton Lane is making three investment funds available to individual investors by tokenizing part of its $835 billion funds via a partnership with Securitize.
Stellar CEO Denelle Dixon Joins IMF Panel on Cross-Border Payments
Stellar CEO Denelle Dixon is slated to take part in the IMF's annual meeting today, to discuss the private-sector’s role in addressing the limitations of cross-border payments.
Solana Foundation Responds to SEC's Security Classification of SOL Token
The Solana Foundation has publicly objected to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recent classification of its native cryptocurrency, Solana (SOL), as a security.
Tencent Report: Leading AI Innovation with Responsible Safety and Ethical Practices
Tencent's report emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI, emphasizing safety and ethical practices in large models, highlighting strategies for model security, value alignment, and ethical considerations.
Thailand SEC Considers Ban on Crypto Staking and Lending
Thailand's SEC is seeking public comments on a draft regulation that would ban virtual asset service providers from offering or engaging in any crypto staking or lending activities.
SEC Settles DWAC Fraud Charges Over Merger with Former President Trump's Company
SEC settles fraud charges with DWAC over undisclosed plans to merge with Trump's TMTG. DWAC to pay $18M penalty if merger closes.
Trezor Strengthens Security Measures Amid Phishing Concerns
Trezor recently faced a security breach in its third-party support ticketing portal, potentially affecting 66,000 users. While user funds and device security remain secure, the incident raises concerns over increased phishing risks.
Polygon Labs Critiques SEC Proposed Rulemaking That Threatens Permissionless Blockchain Networks
Polygon Labs, the leading blockchain technology firm, issued a response today to a proposed rule from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that redefines the term "exchange."
Genesis Agrees to $21 Million SEC Settlement in Bankruptcy Resolution Effort
Genesis Global settles with the SEC for $21 million over unregistered securities sales allegations, aiming to mitigate legal challenges and focus on repaying customers amid bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement, pending a February 14 hearing, marks a significant step towards resolving the company's financial and legal hurdles.
U.S. Judge Approves SEC's Motion to Extend its Discovery Period For Lawsuit with Ripple
SEC's request to extend the facts discovery period for the ongoing Ripple case has been granted by Judge Sarah Netburn.
Judge Denies Telegram's Appeal to Issue Grams to Non-US Entities, Says it's Too Late to Question SEC Jurisdiction
US Federal Judge P. Kevin Castel has denied Telegram’s request to issue its Gram tokens to overseas investors.
The Bank of Ghana Cooperates with German Giesecke+Devrient to Conduct its CBDC Pilot
The Bank of Ghana has launched cooperation with Giesecke+Devrient to conduct a pilot project for its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in West Africa Ghana.
Coinbase, Gemini, Binance & Kraken Address Twitter Hack: "Repercussions for Bitcoin Could’ve Been Worse"
Twitter has never in its history experienced as big of a security breach and crypto hack scam as the one that happened earlier this week.
Wakweli and Polygon Partner for NFT Authentication
Web3 protocol Wakweli has partnered with layer-2 scaling platform Polygon to offer certification of authenticity for NFTs. The partnership will allow all digital assets on Polygon to be compatible with Wakweli's certification system, enhancing the security of the digital ecosystem. Wakweli's testnet will be available in April, with alpha testing with Polygon's mainnet set to begin in Q2 2023.
BOCI and UBS Partner to Issue First Tokenized Security in Hong Kong
BOCI, a leading Chinese financial institution, has issued the first tokenized security in Hong Kong, reaching a milestone in digital finance.
Coinbase CEO Calls Out US SEC For Using Intimidation Tactics
Coinbase CEO has faulted the SEC for resorting to intimidation rather than provide needed regulatory clarity.
Blazar Token Scam: Former New Jersey Corrections Officer Charged by SEC
Former New Jersey State Correctional Police Officer John A. DeSalvo has been charged with fraudulently raising funds through the unregistered offering of the Blazar Token, a crypto asset security. The token, which collapsed in May 2022, was marketed as a replacement for state pension systems. DeSalvo misused investor funds, transferring a large portion to his personal wallets.
FINRA's 2024 Oversight Report Emphasizes Crypto Asset Compliance
FINRA's 2024 Regulatory Oversight Report emphasizes compliance in crypto asset activities, emphasizing cybersecurity, anti-money laundering protocols, and transparent reporting, reflecting its commitment to guiding members in the evolving cryptocurrency world.
SEC's XRP and Grayscale Bitcoin ETF Cases Challenged by US House Majority Whip Tom Emme
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticizes the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to cryptocurrency regulation, citing legal losses against Ripple and Grayscale. Emmer questions the agency's treatment of Bitcoin futures ETFs and spot ETFs, adding to ongoing debate.
US Toughens Export Controls on Semiconductors to China Amid Military Concerns
The US Department of Commerce tightened export controls on advanced computing semiconductors to China and other countries of concern to address national security threats posed by military modernization. The rules, effective from November 16, 2023, refine the parameters defining restricted chips, introduce a global licensing requirement, and expand controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The update also adds certain PRC entities to the Entity List, requiring a BIS license for foundries manufacturing chips for these entities.
US National Security at Risk Due to China Dominance in Mobile Payments, says former State Department Official
Former Department of State official Anja Manuel warns that if the US loses its dominance in financial innovation and payments, it could impact its national security policy, specifically on sanctions. Manuel stated that China is catching up on dominance in mobile payments, which could make enforcing sanctions against “bad actors” like Iran or North Korea more challenging.
SEC Collaborates with South Korea in Probing Terraform Labs and Do Kwon
The US SEC has approved collaboration with South Korea to investigate Terraform Labs and co-founders Daniel Shin and Do Kwon. The investigation focuses on Chai Corporation's use of the Terra blockchain and its relationship statements with Terraform. Shin is charged with fraud, while Kwon faces investigations in both the US and South Korea.
Tom Emmer Accuses SEC Chair of Exceeding Authority, Detrimental to Americans, Citing Ripple Case
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has criticized SEC Chair Gary Gensler for expanding authority negatively impacting Americans. Emmer emphasized Congress's need to use appropriations process to check Gensler's misuse of taxpayer resources, highlighting the ongoing debate on crypto regulation in the U.S.
Hut 8 Mining Corp. Responds to Short-Seller Accusations Amid Stock Tumble
Hut 8 Corp faces serious accusations from JCapital Research, claiming mismanagement and legal issues post-merger, leading to a significant stock price drop. The company is now working to address these allegations and reassure investors.
FTX Issues Fresh Warning on Phishing Emails and Scam Sites
FTX issues a fresh warning about phishing emails and scam sites mimicking its Debtors' portal. The alert, dated October 5, 2023, comes amid industry-wide concerns about phishing attacks, including a recent warning from Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.
Bitfinex Launches $400 Million Bounty Hunt for 2016 Hackers Who Stole $1.3 Billion in BTC
Bitfinex has launched a 400 million dollar bounty hunt in search of the hackers responsible for the theft of nearly 120,000 Bitcoins from the global exchange in 2016.
Coinbase warns of losing crypto industry leadership
The U.S. SEC has issued a Wells notice to Coinbase. As a result, Coinbase warns that the U.S. government’s regulatory approach to crypto has created an uncertain and unstable environment. Meanwhile, other countries, such as France, the U.K., and the European Union, are building friendlier crypto regulation ecosystems and becoming crypto hubs, causing the U.S. to lose its status as the leading hub of the crypto sector.
PlexCoin Founder Indicted by US Grand Jury for 2017 ICO Securities Fraud
A United States grand jury indictment has been delivered to Plexcoin founder, Dominic Lacroix, as well as Yan Ouellet and Sabrina Paradis-Royer for securities and wire fraud, and conspiracy to launder money, according to the DOJ.
Binance.US Could Be in Violation of Securities Law
SEC opposes Binance. US acquisition of nearly $1 billion in Voyager Digital assets.
Is Bitcoin's Price at $10K Stable? Here are Some Factors that Could Influence BTC
Bitcoin's (BTC) price dropped below $10,000 on the weekend, which ended BTC's two-month streak of staying above $10K.
Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Criticizes Current Financial Regulations
Alibaba founder Jack Ma highlights the importance of fintech innovations over regulations.
$1.7 Billion Rehabilitation Plan for Mt. Gox Hack Victims Shelved Until December
Victims of the now non-defunct crypto exchange Mt. Gox will have to wait on their refund following a 2014 hack, which triggered the loss of over 150,000 Bitcoin.
NY Business Examines Core Scientific Securities Fraud
In 2022, Culper Research reported that Core Scientific had oversold its mining and hosting operations in 2021 and waived a 180-day lockup term of approximately 282 million shares, allowing them to be dumped in March. Pomerantz LLP reported that Core Scientific's stock plunged 9.4% on this news. Last month, the same law firm filed a class-action lawsuit against Silvergate Capital for making false and deceptive promises.
BlackStar Seeks SEC Registration for On-Chain Stock Trading
BlackStar Enterprise Group plans to conduct over-the-counter stock trading on-chain and has sought registration with the SEC after two years of development and regulatory communication.
Coinbase Custody Leads in Digital Asset Safety Amid ETF Adoption Surge
As crypto ETFs gain SEC approval, Coinbase Custody emerges as the trusted custodian for digital assets, leveraging advanced security and regulatory compliance.
What the U.S. Congress Decides on Crypto Will Ultimately Overstepping their authority
Jake Chervinsky, the Blockchain Association's chief policy officer, criticized the SEC's enforcement-based regulation and urged Congress to regulate the sector.
Alphapo Hot Wallets Drained of Over $23M in BTC, ETH and TRON
Alphapo, a payment processor for various gambling services, reported a breach of their hot wallets today, July 23, 2023. The breach resulted in a loss of over $23 million in Ethereum (ETH), TRON (TRX), and Bitcoin (BTC) cryptocurrencies.
Despite Clear Divide Amongst Lawmakers, Crypto CEOs Request Clear Regulations
Top executives representing the biggest companies in the American digital currency ecosystem appeared before Congress to testify on the state of the crypto industry.
INX to Tokenize and List Casper Labs Equity on Regulated ATS Platform
INX Digital Company, Inc., a US-regulated broker-dealer, ATS, and transfer agent, announced on July 19, 2023, that it will tokenize and list the equity of Casper Labs, a leading enterprise blockchain software provider.
Will the Binance.US CEO's Resignation Trigger a Domino Effect?
Binance.US, the American subsidiary of the global cryptocurrency exchange, has experienced significant staffing changes, including the departure of CEO Brian Shroder and the elimination of around 100 positions. The company is also facing legal actions from the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as a decline in market share. The cryptocurrency community is concerned about the future of Binance and its potential demise, with WhaleWire warning of a larger explosion than FTX's.
Paradigm Challenges SEC's Authority in Lawsuit Against Binance
Paradigm, a venture capital firm, has filed an amicus brief in the SEC's ongoing lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The brief criticizes the SEC's approach, arguing that the agency is overstepping its regulatory boundaries. Paradigm emphasizes that the SEC's actions could have far-reaching implications for securities law.
Ripple CEO Garlinghouse Foresees Ether ETF Approval, Critiques SEC's Approach
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts the approval of an Ether ETF by the SEC, critiquing the commission's approach under Gary Gensler as a political liability and detrimental to the U.S. economy's growth.
SEC Freezes Assets of DEBT Box in $50 Million Crypto Fraud Case
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has obtained a temporary asset freeze, restraining order, and other emergency relief against Digital Licensing Inc., a Utah-based entity operating as "DEBT Box," along with its four principals and 13 other defendants.
Ripple and The SEC’s Joint Letter Reveals that a Pretrial Settlement Is Unlikely to Happen
Per the official court order, Ripple and the SEC has submitted a letter presenting their arguments ahead of the pre-trial court date.
AI-Driven "Audio-Jacking": IBM Uncovers New Cybersecurity Threat
IBM Security researchers have identified a new cybersecurity threat called "audio-jacking," where AI can manipulate live conversations with deepfake voices, raising concerns about financial fraud and misinformation.
Kaspersky’s Expert Take on KYC and AML: Stock vs Crypto Exchanges
In Part 2 of our interview, Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Kaspersky shared how Kaspersky provides cybersecurity solutions for stock and crypto exchanges to address KYC and AML concerns. He also walked us through the Kaspersky Application Security Assessment and explained its significance in safeguarding assets in crypto exchanges.
Forsage Founders Indicted for Alleged $340 Million "Global Ponzi" Scheme on Ethereum Blockchain
Oregon's federal grand jury indicted Forsage's founders. "Global Ponzi and pyramid scam" investors lost $340 million on the site.
‘Big Four’ Tech Amazon, Google, Apple & Facebook Grilled During US Antitrust Hearing
In an antitrust hearing with the Judiciary Committee of US Congress, the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google testified, as a continuation of an unfinished legal conversation with lawmakers.
SEC Approves VanEck to Launch the Second Bitcoin Futures ETF in the U.S. Markets
The second Bitcoin-futures EFT is set to begin trading next week. The US SEC has made another important move by allowing VanEck to launch trading of its Bitcoin-futures ETF.
First US DAO to battle SEC without lawyers
In its 2021 SEC filing, the DAO listed its native, interdependent tokens — the stablecoin Ducat and governance token Locke. The regulator has started the process of issuing a stop order, citing a slew of issues with the registration. American CryptoFed plans to file a motion to extend the deadline for responding to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings.
Brad Garlinghouse Lawyers Requests Documents from Binance in Ongoing Case with SEC
Brad Garlinghouse's lawyers have requested some documents from Binance to back its defence against the US SEC.
Blockchain Security Startup BlockSec Pulls $8m in Seed+ Funding Round
Blockchain security startup, BlockSec has announced it has completed a new seed plus funding round where it pulled the sum of $8 million from top investors.
Voyager reportedly sells assets on Coinbase exchange
Lookonchain showed Voyager using 23 tokens worth over $100 million.
US SEC Shoots Down Latest Bitcoin ETF, Commissioner Crypto-Mom Dissents on Ruling
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has rejected yet another bid for a bitcoin-based exchange-traded fund (ETF), this time from New York-based Wilshire Phoenix.
US SEC Boss Gary Gensler Calls to Regulate DeFi Projects
The US Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler is pushing to regulate the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. He recently said that DeFi is adequately organized and therefore needs regulatory compliance.
SEC Raises Objections to Celsius Network's Restructuring Plan Involving Coinbase
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a limited objection to the Chapter 11 restructuring plan of crypto lending platform Celsius Network. The objection, dated September 22, 2023, specifically targets the company's proposed arrangement with Coinbase for distribution services. The SEC is also currently engaged in a lawsuit against Coinbase, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
US Business Giants Bet Big on Generative AI Despite Data Security Concerns
Nearly all US companies with revenues over $1B are set to invest in generative AI, eyeing major ROI while weighing risks like data security and workforce readiness.
Philippines Spearheads ASEAN AI Regulatory Framework
Philippines' Congress Speaker Martin Romualdez plans to introduce an AI regulatory framework to ASEAN during its chairmanship in 2026, focusing on digitization, cybersecurity, and managing generative AI in economic policies.
US Congressmen Pushing for SEC Chairman Gary Gensler to Approve Bitcoin Spot ETF
US lawmakers Tom Emmer and Darren Soto have stated that they would like to see the US SEC pave the way for Bitcoin spot ETF approval.
US won't Follow China’s Ban on Crypto and ‘Up to Congress’: SEC Chairman Gary Gensler
At a hearing held on Tuesday, Gary Gensler, chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, said that the United States will not follow China's ban on cryptocurrencies.
BNB Smart Chain's Remarkable 85% Security Triumph in 2023
BNB Smart Chain's security enhancements in 2023 led to an 85% reduction in financial losses from security incidents, a striking contrast to the previous year's $1.1 billion losses.
Hong Kong Embraces Virtual Asset Spot ETFs
Hong Kong is set to become the first market in Asia to allow Virtual Asset Spot ETFs, with around ten fund companies preparing for launch. This move signifies a major shift in the region's approach to virtual assets.
Gemini Launches ETH & MATIC Staking Services in Switzerland and Turkey Amidst U.S Regulatory Crackdown on Crypto Staking
Crypto exchange Gemini has announced the expansion of its staking services to users in Switzerland and Turkey. The development comes at a time when United States-based exchanges face regulatory hurdles with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding similar services.
Peertec Joins Hands with Penta Security for Blockchain-Enabled Infrastructural Security
Peertec, a leading blockchain-focused fintech firm, has revealed its strategic collaboration with Penta Security, a highly valued web and data security company. The partnership is expected to boost Peertec’s infrastructure security using blockchain technology. The safety of its GDAC cryptocurrency exchange and services is also expected to be strengthened.
Trump's National Security Council Sees DLT as Critical Weapon in US-China Tech War
The United States National Security Council has named distributed ledger technology (DLT) as one the most critical focus areas in its tech war with China and Russia.
Ripple CEO Warns SEC's "Enforcement" Approach May Hurt US Crypto Industry
Ripple CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, has suggested that the US Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to regulation is putting the US at risk of missing out on being an attractive hub for the next evolution of blockchain and crypto innovation. Garlinghouse noted that the SEC's case against Ripple is the SEC simply playing "offense" and "attacking" the industry as a whole. He added that the crypto industry has "already started moving outside" of the US given its crypto regulation process is "behind" other countries such as Australia, UK, Japan, Singapore, and Switzerland.
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel Grants Request to Defer civil cases
On Feb. 13, Manhattan District Judge Kevin Castel granted the applications to suspend the civil proceedings "without prejudice" until the DOJ's trial against SBF begins.
Grayscale Launches New Entity to Manage Growing Funds
Cryptocurrency asset manager Grayscale Investments has launched a new entity, the Grayscale Funds Trust, to manage its publicly traded financial products in-house. The company has also filed a registration statement for three new cryptocurrency-focused ETFs, including a Bitcoin Composite ETF, Ethereum Futures ETF, and a Privacy ETF.
Kik Survives Legal Battle With the SEC, Kin Crypto to Continue Trading on Exchanges
The Kin Foundation has disclosed that both itself and the cryptocurrency has survived the dispute with the US SEC.
DOJ Wants to Bypass End-to-End Encryption to Fight Child Sexual Exploitation – Cause for Concern for Tech?
US government officials want to bypass encryption on websites, under allegations that child sexual exploitation runs unmonitored on strongly encrypted platforms.
Coinbase CLO Responds to SEC's Opposition
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, responded to the SEC's opposition to the company's motion to dismiss the case against it. Grewal criticized the SEC for making unsupported legal claims and emphasized that the assets listed on Coinbase are not securities. He also called for regulation that listens to the crypto community and mentioned that Coinbase will file its reply on October 24, 2023.
Former CEO of Overstock Patrick Byrne Charged for Security Fraud
Former CEO of overstock.com, Patrick Byrne and former CFO Greg Iverson have been charged for securities fraud regarding the payout of dividends.
XRP Holders’ Request for Motion to Intervene in SEC-Ripple Case Gets Approved by the Court
A court order by District Judge Analisa Torres has confirmed that XRP holders’ motion to intervene has been approved.
Binance CEO Refutes SEC's $12 Billion Fund Misappropriation Claims
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has categorically denied the allegations recently published by CoinDesk stating that $12 billion were redirected to firms under his control.
Grayscale Files for Three New Crypto ETFs
Grayscale Investments has filed a registration statement with the SEC for three new cryptocurrency-focused ETFs, including a Bitcoin Composite ETF, Ethereum Futures ETF, and a Privacy ETF. Grayscale also announced the launch of its Grayscale Funds Trust to manage its publicly traded financial products in-house.
SEC to Make a Move on Suing Ripple over XRP Cryptocurrency as Christmas Holidays Kick In
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse revealed that a lawsuit may be in the works against his fintech company for XRP cryptocurrency sooner than later.
ASIC Raids Binance Australia as Global Regulatory Hurdles Mount
As reported by Bloomberg, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) executed a search operation at the offices of Binance Australia. This operation is a part of an ongoing inquiry into the crypto giant's now-closed local derivatives business, highlighting the intensifying regulatory scrutiny Binance is encountering.
Scroll's 2024 Agenda: Lower Costs, Enhanced Security, and Increased Decentralization
In 2024, Scroll plans to make blockchain technology more accessible, secure, and decentralized. The company will reduce operational costs by 50%, integrate data compression techniques, and implement 4844 data blobs. It will also enhance compatibility with Ethereum Improvement Proposals and SHA256 precompile.
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
Hong Kong Blockchain Ecosystem Feb 2020 - New Members
The US SEC Asks Valkyrie to Withdrawal Its Leveraged Bitcoin Futures ETF
The move by the US SEC shows that the regulator would not approve leveraged Bitcoin ETF applications. Valkyrie recently applied to offer a leveraged Bitcoin futures ETF to investors.
Monica Long Named New President of Ripple
Ripple, a blockchain-based worldwide payments processor, elected Monica Long its new president amid unprecedented growth.
New MacOS Malware Hijacks Crypto Wallets Via Pirated Apps
Kaspersky Labs discovers a new malware targeting macOS users via pirated apps, replacing legitimate Bitcoin and Exodus wallets with infected versions, highlighting the risks of downloading unauthorized software.
Blockchain Technology Powers Brazil's National Identity Card Issuance
Brazil has commenced the use of blockchain technology for issuing the National Identity Card (CIN) to enhance security and data integrity in the new identity issuance process. The initial phase begins in three states with a nationwide deadline set for November 6, 2023. This move is part of Brazil's broader initiative towards leveraging blockchain for public service improvement, aligning with global trends of digital identity verification.
UK Aims to Implement Crypto Regulation Soon
The UK plans to establish digital asset regulation within a year to take advantage of blockchain's benefits for the private sector and the economy, according to Andrew Griffith, the economic secretary to the UK Treasury.
List of Blockchain Projects, People and ICOs the SEC Charged
A list of some of the blockchain projects and crypto figures who have been charged by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission over the years.
CoinGecko Hit by Phishing Scam
CoinGecko, a cryptocurrency data aggregator, experienced a security breach in January 2024, exposing its vulnerability to phishing scams and highlighting the need for robust security measures.
Multinational Firm Loses $25.6 Million to Deepfake-Driven Fraud
A Hong Kong finance employee was deceived into transferring $25.6 million using deepfake technology, highlighting the growing cybersecurity threat of such scams.
KuCoin's Emphasis on Self-Regulation and User Security Highlighted at TOKEN2049
Alicia Kao, KuCoin's Managing Director, discussed the challenges and opportunities of cryptocurrency exchanges during the TOKEN2049 panel. She highlighted the importance of self-regulation and KuCoin's strict security protocols. KuCoin, a leading global exchange, has a user base of 29 million and endorses over 750 projects. The panel provided valuable insights into the crypto industry's future direction.
Brazil’s Securities Market Regulator Targets Mercado Bitcoin over Token Sale
Brazil's regulator has ordered Mercado Bitcoin, the largest local crypto exchange, to provide information on fixed-income tokens the exchange has issued over the last two years.
Russian Civil Servants Required to Declare Crypto Holdings Beginning in 2021
Russia’s public officials will be obligated to declare all their private cryptocurrency and digital asset holdings, effective from the start of 2021.
US Bitcoin Corp-Hut 8 Merger Progresses Amid Celsius Plan Approval
US Bitcoin Corp has secured court approval for its merger with Hut 8 Mining Corp, marking a significant step towards managing its assets and listing on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Thailand's SEC Eyes on Decentralized Finance
Thai financial authority turn their eyes to decentralized finance regulation by requesting future DeFi-related activities to get appropriate licenses.
Vitalik Buterin Proposes a Quantum-Resistant Hard Fork for Ethereum
Vitalik Buterin proposes a hard fork strategy for Ethereum to protect funds against quantum computer attacks, sparking a community-wide discussion on quantum security.
Coinbase Discontinues Plans to Launch Cryptocurrency Lending Product Following SEC’s Warning
Ongoing regulatory pressure has pushed Coinbase to scrap plans for a cryptocurrency lending product.
Ripple Lawyers Merge the Last Piece with Legal Puzzle
Ripple’s attorneys have pooled the affidavits of many XRP coin holders. Per the update shared, the testimonies from these XRP investors will show the court two major things.
SEC Charges Citadel Securities Over Short Sale Regulation Violations
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged broker-dealer Citadel Securities for non-compliance with Regulation SHO, a framework aimed at curbing abusive short selling practices. Citadel Securities has agreed to pay a $7 million penalty to settle the charges, which involve mislabeled millions of orders over five years due to a coding error within its automated trading system.
Debt Box vs SEC: Court Reverses Asset Freeze, Raises Questions on SEC's Conduct
Debt Box is suing the SEC for misrepresentation of evidence in obtaining an asset freeze, citing potential sanctions for misleading arguments.
Legal Battle between Ripple Labs and SEC Seek End Game
The Ripple-SEC legal case has entered into the summary judgment phase. Both parties are seeking a speedy close to the lawsuit.
Bitcoin Surges Past $28,000 and GBTC Discount Narrows to 17%
Bitcoin's value surged to $28,142 on Binance after Grayscale Investments won a lawsuit against the SEC, converting its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF.
Ripple CEO Hints that XRP Operations Will Be Fine Despite SEC Lawsuit and Previous Failure to Settle
Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse demystified certain things pertaining to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s lawsuit.
Brazilian SEC Seeks Adjustment to Crypto Regulation
The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pushing for adjustments to the legal framework of the crypto market in the country.
Hong Kong's First Spot Bitcoin ETF Gains Approval, Echoing US SEC's Move
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approves its first spot Bitcoin ETF, following the US SEC's lead, signaling a major milestone for cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.
Kakao Affiliates Face Probe Over Crypto Misappropriation Allegations
Prosecution delves into allegations of cryptocurrency embezzlement & breach of trust against ex-Kakao chairman & affiliate executives, marking the start of a formal inquiry with the examination of the complainant on Oct 11.
Grayscale Goes to Court After SEC Rejects its Proposed ETF Bid
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dashed the hopes of Grayscale Investments with a rejection of its application to convert the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust product to a full-spot Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
Algorand (ALGO) Foundation CEO's Social Media Hacked
The Algorand Foundation CEO's social media account was hacked, raising significant cybersecurity concerns in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors.
Trezor's Social Media Compromised, Fake $TRZR Token Presale Promoted
Trezor's official channels were breached, inadvertently advertising a scam "$TRZR" token presale, raising concerns about social media security.
Thai Regulator Warns Against Unlicensed Crypto Firms as Cryptocurrency Trading Ramps Up
As cryptocurrency trading ramps up in the region, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) warns investors against unregulated crypto players.
Asset Manager Invesco Files for 2 Crypto ETFs in the US
American independent investment management company Invesco Ltd has announced the launch of two Exchange Traded Funds in the U.S.
a16z-Backed Stelo Labs Ceases Operations Today, October 31, 2023
Stelo Labs has halted operations on October 31, 2023, despite its initial success and over 10,000 extension downloads. The company will now focus on market definition, assumption validation, and core problem-solving as they prepare for their next venture.
Chamber of Digital Commerce argues the SEC is overstepping its authority
The Chamber of Digital Commerce submitted an amicus brief asking the SEC to drop its case against former Coinbase employee Ishan Wahi for insider trading, alleging that the agency is trying to classify secondary market transactions as securities.
Coinbase Faces $5M Penalty from New Jersey Securities Bureau and SEC Charges, Stock Tumbles 20%
The New Jersey Bureau of Securities has issued a Summary Cease and Desist Order against leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, Inc. for allegedly offering unregistered securities tied to its cryptocurrency staking services. The Bureau has further levied a hefty penalty of $5 million against Coinbase.
SEC to Regulate Binance Chain With Blockchain Analytics Firm CipherTrace
The US Securities and Exchange Commission plans to award CipherTrace blockchain analytics firm with a contract pertaining to Binance Chain.
Terraform Labs Seeks Citadel Securities' Trading Data amid SEC Lawsuit
Terraform Labs has filed a motion against Citadel Securities seeking critical trading data for its defense in a lawsuit by the SEC. The case revolves around market destabilization allegations during the May 2022 Depeg event of TerraUSD stablecoin. The motion urges disclosure of trading strategies between March and May 2022, amidst indications of Citadel Securities' alleged intentions to short UST. Terraform Labs stresses the documents' importance in countering the SEC's fraud allegations, proposing a transfer to another court for a decision if necessary.
BIS Conference Addresses Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)
Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) during a conference in Basel, Switzerland, emphasizing the need for secure, user-friendly, and adaptable systems.
Twitter Hires Former Hacker Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko as Head of Security
Following the high-profile security breach witnessed in July this year, Twitter has hired former hacker Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko as its new head of security.
Caroline Ellison hires former top SEC crypto regulator
A former top crypto regulator will defend former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison in a federal inquiry. WilmerHale Securities and Financial Services chair Stephanie Avakian. She enhanced cryptocurrency monitoring as SEC Enforcement Division director. Federal prosecutors are investigating whether former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried caused Terra ecosystem collapse.
The Number of Crypto-Related Enforcement Actions in the United States Grows
Blockchain risk monitoring business Solidus Labs predicts a significant rise in US federal and state enforcement actions in 2022.
Signature Bank Under Investigation by US Government Bodies
Signature Bank is reportedly under investigation by both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over concerns that the bank did not take adequate measures to detect potential money laundering by its clients. The bank was closed on March 12 as part of a series of bank closures that also included Silvergate Capital and Silicon Valley Bank.
First Ever Blockchain-Based IPO Launches on National Stock Exchange
The shares are available on the MERJ exchange platform as well as through broker-dealer Jumpstart and crypto custodian Prime Trust, which are both based in the US and via Globacap.
US DHS Cybersecurity Official Expects to be Fired in Trump’s Post-Election Purge for Debunking Fake News
A United States Homeland cybersecurity official, Christopher Krebs expects to be cut in President Trump’s post-election purge for proactively debunking disinformation.
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange To Launch Blockchain Based Securities Lending Platform
Israel’s only stock exchange, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) is on course to launch a blockchain-based platform for securities lending in the country
Blockchain Firms To Benefit From SEC's Upward Review of Fundraising Limits For SMEs
The Securities and Exchange Commission has amended its maximum fundraising limit for Small and Medium Enterprises a move that will benefit smaller blockchain firms.
Ripple Anticipates U.S. Banks to Adopt XRP Following Partial SEC Case Victory
Ripple expects U.S. banks to adopt its XRP for cross-border payments following a ruling that it's not necessarily a security.
Telegram Hit With $18.5 Million SEC Fine and Set to Return $1.2 Billion to Investors as it Dissolves TON Project
Telegram will return $1.2 billion to investors and pay a fine of $18.5 million to the SEC as it dissolves TON network. But community members seek to revive the project.
Fantom (FTM) Foundation CEO Reveals Exciting Plans for Sonic's Launch and Future Development
Michael Kong, CEO of Fantom Foundation, has unveiled the highly anticipated launch of Sonic, a groundbreaking blockchain technology that promises unparalleled scalability and security. With plans to create a shared sequencer for L1 and L2 chains and introduce simplified staking and liquid staking support, the Fantom team is poised to revolutionize the world of blockchain. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and partnerships in the coming weeks.
Consensys Urges SEC to Recognize Ethereum's Advanced Safeguards in Comment Letter on ETH ETF Approval
Consensys has submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) advocating for the approval of Ethereum-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). I
US Crypto Lender Celsius to Stop Paying Interests to Unaccredited Investors
In line with regulatory demands, American crypto lender, Celsius has shared details of a restructuring to its Earn product which will now be limited to only Accredited investors.
SEC New Accredited Investor Definition Could Increase Access to Certain Crypto-Related Products
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking to allow more individuals and entities to participate in private capital markets.
Allison Herren Lee Steps Down as US SEC Commissioner
Commissioner Allison Herren has departed the SEC. Her departure gives Biden more room to fill the role at the agency.
Chelsea Football Club Owner Abramovich Confirmed as Investor in Telegram's 2018 ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) investigation into Telegram’s $1.7 billion initial coin offering (ICO) in 2018 has revealed that some very big names took part in the unregistered offering.
Tik Tok Pushes Harder for Blockchain Despite Vulnerabilities in Core System
Hundreds of millions of users are using Tik Tok, meaning that any breach of data could lead to serious vulnerabilities for users and the company.
Significant Crypto Hacks in December 2023, with Orbit Bridge Exploit Leading the Surge
In December 2023, a significant increase in crypto thefts was triggered by an $81.5 million attack on Orbit Bridge, marking one of the largest attacks on cross-chain bridges in recent years.
SEC Faces Congressional Investigation Call Over Bitcoin ETF False Approval News Breach
The SEC's social media account was compromised, leading to false Bitcoin ETF approval news. This incident has prompted calls for congressional investigation into the SEC for potential market manipulation and cybersecurity lapses.
BlockSec Launches Phalcon Fork for Private Chain Collaborative Testing
Blockchain security firm BlockSec has launched the Phalcon Fork toolkit for collaborative testing on private chains forked from the Ethereum mainnet. The toolkit provides more control for developers over testing, analysis, and debugging of transactions, while retaining services and states from the Ethereum mainnet. It also includes an integrated faucet for free fork network Ether (ETH) and Fork RPC for integration with Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible development frameworks.
Kraken CEO Reveals Why It Is a Huge Risk for Crypto Exchanges to List XRP
Kraken CEO Jesse Powell has addressed Ripple’s legal woes with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over XRP.
Grayscale Launches New Crypto Dealer as Genesis Got Incapacitated With 3AC Bankruptcy
Grayscale Investments, one of the largest asset managers in the digital currency ecosystem has launched a new broker-dealer dubbed Grayscale Securities, recent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission show
Cathie Wood: SEC to Approve Multiple Bitcoin ETFs Simultaneously
Cathie Wood predicts the U.S. SEC may simultaneously approve multiple Bitcoin ETFs.
ECB Advances Digital Euro Project into Preparation Phase
The ECB's progression into the preparation phase of the digital euro project marks a pivotal step towards modernizing Europe's financial infrastructure. The digital euro, envisioned as a secure, accessible, and private means of digital payment, holds the promise of fortifying the European monetary system in the digital age.
Ripple's CEO Discloses to Spend over $100m Fighting Legal Battle with SEC
Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple's CEO, has disclosed that the company will need to spend over $100 million on lawsuits with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulation issues.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed against MoneyGram for Allegedly Misleading Investors with XRP
MoneyGram is currently facing a class-action lawsuit for allegedly misleading investors with XRP.
China Unlikely to Approve Oracle and Walmart’s TikTok Deal – Blockchain and Bitcoin Implications
China appears to be on edge regarding Oracle and Walmart’s deal with parent company ByteDance for TikTok’s US operations, calling it an “unfair deal.”
SkyBridge Capital Achieves Record Year with Crypto Investments, Scaramucci Foresees Bright Future for Bitcoin
Anthony Scaramucci's SkyBridge Capital records its best year in 2023 with a 130% rise in crypto investments, primarily in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Scaramucci predicts Bitcoin will surpass its all-time high, bolstered by the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC.
Thailand's Commercial Bank SCB Terminates Deal to Acquire BitKub Crypto Exchange
Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), the oldest commercial banking institution in Thailand has announced the effective termination of its proposed deal to acquire the BitKub exchange.
Bitcoin Price Will Ignite on September 7, Says Former Prudential Securities CEO and New Bitcoin Bull George Ball
George Ball the former chief executive of Prudential Securities and current chairman of Sanders Morris Harris has joined the growing list of traditional financial industry experts to advocate for Bitcoin as a safe have asset and hedge against inflation.
Thai SEC Regulates Crypto Custody Providers
New crypto custody guidelines from Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) safeguard bitcoin investors. VASPs must put up a digital wallet management system to ensure efficient custody under the new laws. Designing, implementing, and maintaining digital wallets and keys need VASP policies.
Nigerian Securities Commission to Release Official Guidelines on Crypto Regulations
The Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a proposed crypto regulation guideline.
Senate Rejects Second Stimulus, Markets Plunge and Bitcoin Price Predicted to Crash to $8,000 in September
Our analysis predicts that the Bitcoin price could crash down to $8,000 following the rejection of the United States' second stimulus by Senate Democrats.
SlowMist Reports Surge in Diverse Crypto Security Incidents for the Week of September 17-23, 2023
SlowMist, a cybersecurity firm specializing in blockchain, released its weekly security report for the week of September 17-23, 2023. The report highlights a total of seven security incidents with an estimated loss of around $380,600. The week saw a significant rise in phishing attacks and rug pull tactics, as well as the emergence of diverse attack methods like DNS hijacking and contract vulnerabilities.
SBI Holdings to Launch Investment Fund for Emerging Companies like Web3, AI, and Metaverse Startups
SBI Holdings plans to invest 100 billion yen in startups focusing on Web3, AI, and metaverse, with financial institutions supporting Japan's goal to nurture its startup ecosystem and enhance its Asian startup hub position.
Terraform Labs co-founder defends against SEC allegations
Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, has defended himself against allegations of fraud from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kwon’s lawyers have requested the dismissal of the lawsuit, claiming that the SEC's allegations are unfounded and that US law prohibits regulators from asserting jurisdiction over the digital assets in question. The lawyers also argued that the SEC failed to prove Kwon’s involvement in the collapse of Terra’s stablecoin, UST.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Warns Crypto Companies
Kraken agreed to shut down its U.S. staking services and initiatives, but SEC chair Gary Gensler advised other businesses to “come in and respect the law.”
What Does Oracle's TikTok Deal Mean for the US? ByteDance Confident President Trump Will Approve Deal
ByteDance is confident that its deal with Oracle tech giant for TikTok’s US operations will be approved by both Chinese and American regulators.
FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried Urges 'Federal Oversight of Crypto'
FTX co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Bankman-Fried said some tokens could be classified as securities and those that are not, urging a federal oversight of the crypto industry.
Nexo to terminate yield-bearing product after paying $45 million
Nexo Capital's cryptocurrency yield-bearing product is being shut down in the US following a multi-million dollar settlement with the SEC and NASAA.
Congressman Torres Calls for Investigation into SEC's Approach to Crypto Licensing
The U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has been the subject of two separate, independent investigations at the request of Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) over its handling of digital assets.
XRP Holders File Motion to Intervene in Ripple Case as SEC Blamed for Causing "Multi-Billion-Dollar Losses"
On behalf of XRP holders, attorney John E. Deaton has filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit opposing Ripple Labs and the SEC.
Freeport Launches Crowd-Ownership Platform for Warhol Prints
Freeport has received SEC approval to launch its crowd-ownership blockchain platform for a four-piece collection of Warhol prints, with each piece consisting of 10,000 shares and a minimum purchase of 10 shares per individual.
SEC Charges Titan Global Capital Management for Misleading Advertisements and Compliance Failures
On Aug 21, 2023, the SEC charged Titan Global Capital Management for misleading ads and compliance failures. Titan advertised a 2,700% annualized return, omitting key details. They'll pay $1.04M in penalties and disgorgement.
SEC Files Application to Compel Elon Musk's Compliance with Subpoena
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed an application to compel Tesla CEO Elon Musk to comply with an administrative subpoena. The SEC is investigating Musk's 2022 Twitter stock purchases and his related statements and SEC filings. Despite initially agreeing to testify, Musk later refused to comply with the subpoena, prompting the SEC to seek court intervention.
Verizon Cybersecurity CPO, Alex Schlager on Why 5G Networks Require a Whole New Approach to Enterprise Online Data Security
Alex Schlager, CPO of Security Services for Verizon Business believes 5G networks require a completely new way of thinking about security.
Gary Gensler Wants Congress to Back the SEC in Regulating Crypto
SEC Chair Gary Gensler wants Congress to give his agency more powers to regulate the crypto industry.
Naoris Protocol Secures $11.5 m Funding, Enhancing Web3 Networks Security
Cybersecurity protocol Naoris raised the funding with $11.5 million, which it mentions will enable it to revamp network security for the Web3 world.
US SEC Executive Who said Ethereum is Not a Security to Leave the Agency
The US SEC has announced that William Hinman, the current director of the Division of Corporate Finance, would leave the commission by the end of this year.
Ripple’s First Court Date for SEC Lawsuit of XRP Tokens Set for February 2021
The official pre-trial court date for the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple for the sale of XRP tokens has been set.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Speaks Up on Controversial Penny Stock Bars
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has expressed her dissenting stance on the Commission's latest decision to impose permanent penny stock bars on four respondents involved in adjudication matters. This sentiment was publicized in her tweet on June 28, along with a link to an official statement explaining her position.
Japanese Crypto Exchange Relaunches XRP Trading, Will Other Exchanges Relist XRP?
It appears that Japanese crypto exchange Decurret has reinstated XRP cryptocurrency trades on its platform, amid the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple.
Meta Files for Debt Shelf Offerings
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has filed for new debt shelf offerings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company has not disclosed the exact amount of debt securities being offered, but it plans to issue a new prospectus supplement each time a debt security is sold.
US Regulator Crypto Custody Proposal Opposed
The US SEC's proposal to amend its custody rule has faced opposition from the Blockchain Association and Andreessen Horowitz, who have filed letters criticising the rule's impact on investment advisers and its potential to curtail investment in digital assets. The SEC's proposal would apply more stringent rules on investment advisers in the custody of assets, including crypto.
CertiK Outlines Mobile Blockchain Security Threats and Countermeasures
CertiK discussed security challenges of blockchain technologies on mobile platforms, including malware, insecure wallet apps, and network vulnerabilities, and provided countermeasures like reputable security solutions and regular updates.
Curve Founder Michael Egorov Withdraws Near 12 Million CRV Tokens
Michael Egorov, the founder of Curve Finance, withdrew nearly 12 million CRV tokens, equivalent to $5.08 million, from the platform's vesting contracts on October 12, 2023. This move aligns with the vesting schedule of CRV, enabling Egorov to claim $235,000 worth of CRV daily.
Gemini Allocates $24 Million for Expansion in India
Gemini is set to invest $24 million in its Gurgaon development center in India, focusing on core platform areas like compliance and security. The move is part of Gemini's broader strategy to tap into India's burgeoning tech and startup ecosystem.
ARK Invest and 21Shares Launch Innovative Digital Asset ETF Suite
ARK Invest and 21Shares have launched a suite of digital asset ETFs, combining crypto-specific insights with traditional investment indicators, focusing on Bitcoin and Ether futures.
SEC Rejects VanEck Spot Bitcoin Trust Proposal
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has denied the proposal for a spot Bitcoin trust by investment manager VanEck. This decision follows a trend of the SEC denying every application for a spot Bitcoin trust over the last six years. Two SEC commissioners have released a statement criticizing the decision and alleging a double standard in the Commission’s approach to commodity-based exchange-traded products (ETPs).
Grayscale's Court Victory Influences SEC's Landmark Approval of Bitcoin ETFs
The U.S. SEC, under Chair Gary Gensler, has approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs, a significant regulatory shift influenced by a court victory by Grayscale. This decision marks a new era in cryptocurrency regulation, signaling greater acceptance and potential mainstream adoption of digital assets.
Voyager Digital Receives a Cease and Desist Order from New Jersey Regulators
Digital assets platform, Voyager Digital, has been issued a cease and desist order by the New Jersey Bureau of Securities for offering unregistered securities in the form of its Voyager Earn program.
SEC's Delay on BlackRock Ethereum ETF Decision Signals Cautious Stance
The SEC has postponed its decision on BlackRock's proposed Ethereum ETF to March 10, 2024. This reflects the regulator's cautious approach toward crypto-based investment products and highlights the need for clearer regulatory frameworks in the digital assets space.
SEC to Amend Reporting Standards for Hedge Funds Alongside CFTC
The United States SEC is looking to amend the reporting standards for Form PF, the confidential reporting form for certain SEC-registered investment advisers to private funds.
US District Court Sanctions SEC Over Misconduct in Debt Box Litigation
US District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby reprimands the SEC for "bad faith" conduct, imposing sanctions amid Debt Box lawsuit proceedings.
Can XRP Token Price Ever Recover from SEC Lawsuit Against Ripple?
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains defiant in the face of the SEC’s lawsuit but the XRP token continues to lose value with multiple exchange de-listings. Can XRP recover?
SEC Intensifies Scrutiny on Binance Operations and Key Personnel
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) escalates its examination of Binance's adherence to a Consent Order, probing asset control and employee compensation.
XRP Investors Looking to Join XRP Case Trigger Different Reactions from The SEC and Ripple
While the Securities and Exchange Commission has opposed XRP holders' motion to intervene, Ripple seems to think it should be approved by the court.
DeFi Execs Argue KYC as Solution to Combat Money Laundering in the Industry
DeFi executives at the WOW Summit in Hong Kong endorse KYC as a solution to tackle AML issues and combat hackers laundering stolen funds into clean money. However, there are concerns that KYC alone will not solve all AML problems and that different mechanisms should be used for different solutions.
Coinbase and Brian Armstrong Named as Defendants in a Securities Lawsuit
Coinbase Global Inc, Coinbase Inc, and Brian Armstrong have been named defendants in a class-action lawsuit. Three leading exchanges are accused of without sharing the required risks involved in trading as many as 79 different tokens.
Senator Warren Focuses on Crypto Scam Risks for Seniors, Advocates New Legislation
Senator Warren emphasized the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, gaining bipartisan support to regulate crypto activities and protect vulnerable populations from financial fraud.
Coinbase Sued For Failing to Grant Wallet Access During Volatility
The lawsuit against Coinbase was filed by George Kattula on behalf of the aggrieved users of the exchange who claimed the firm did not grant them access to their crypto wallets during periods of price volatility.
Regulating Cryptocurrencies like XRP with Securities Laws Not Always the Best Approach – Former SEC Executive
Joe Hall, a former SEC executive, has commented on the lawsuit against Ripple over XRP cryptocurrency. He, for one, thinks that crypto is here to stay.
Ripple on the Brink of Decisive Win as SEC Legal Battle Nears End
Ripple is expected to win a legal battle with the SEC, potentially settling $20 million or less. This victory is expected due to legal perspectives and the recent Second Circuit Court ruling, impacting digital currency regulation.
WisdomTree cryptocurrency funds lose value in fourth quarter
Despite rising revenues and fund inflows, the $82 billion fund manager posted a fourth-quarter net loss.
Binance Contributes to Recovery and Return of $10,000 of Stolen Crypto To a Targeted Investor
Binance affiliate crypto security expert Harry Denley helped a victim recover $10, 000 worth of lost cryptocurrency recently.
Has Judgement Finally Come for 2017 ICOs? Class Action Lawsuits Name Binance, BitMEX and Block.One Among Host of Crypto Defendants
Crypto Giants Binance, BitMEX, along with Executives CZ, Arthur Hayes Named Among Defendants in 11 Class Action Suits For Violating Securities Laws.
Germany's Federal Ministry of Finance Puts Digital Security Adoption at Core of Blockchain Strategy
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) have introduced a bill that highlights the adoption of digital securities as a crucial element of Germany’s blockchain strategy.
CFTC Report Underscores DeFi Risks and Calls for Action
The CFTC report on DeFi underscores significant risks to the U.S. financial system, national security, and consumer protection, emphasizing the need for increased understanding, regulation, and collaboration in the sector.
Crypto Investors Unable to Access Their Money: 8 Things to Consider Before Investing in Cryptocurrency
On Tuesday, the News York Times reported about frustrated crypto investors demanding their money back. But things are thick than expected. The situation reflects similar cases in which many cryptocurrency investors frequently fall into trap each year. The article, therefore, highlights important things that crypto investors should think about before investing in cryptocurrency.
SEC Chairman Gary Gensler Faced with Scrutiny Over Compliance with Federal Recordkeeping Requirements
The Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, is under scrutiny for alleged noncompliance with federal recordkeeping requirements. This issue has sparked controversy in the crypto world due to the potential implications on regulatory transparency and accountability.
HTX Hacker Returns Stolen Ether, Rewarded with Bounty
The hacker who stole 5,000 Ether from Huobi Global's exchange HTX returned the funds on October 7, following a bounty offer from HTX. The exchange had offered a 5% bounty of the stolen funds if returned by an October 2 deadline. Upon the return of the stolen funds, the hacker was rewarded with a 250 ETH bounty, valued at approximately $410,000. The return of the funds and the bounty payout was publicly acknowledged by HTX adviser Justin Sun.
Telegram May Push TON Launch Date Before Facing SEC
After coming under fire from the United States Securities Commission (SEC) Telegram has allegedly informed its investors that it will postpone launching its Telegram Open Network (TON).
How Kaspersky Protects Investors During Token Sales in 7 Ways
In the exclusinve interview with Blockchain.News, Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky shares the latest trend on cybersecurity threats in crypto fundraising and how Kaspersky's solutions can protect investors in 7 ways.
GBTC's Discount to NAV Hits New Record Low after SEC Declining its Bitcoin Spot ETF Application
Grayscale’s flagship product GBTC has continued to widen its discount. The discount signals the poor performance of the Bitcoin fund. As a solution, Grayscale wants to convert the GBTC into a spot Bitcoin ETF.
SEC Gains Upper Hand: Ripple Ordered to Disclose XRP Sales Data
A US district judge has ordered Ripple to disclose XRP's financial and institutional sales data, a significant victory for the SEC amid allegations of unregistered sales.
SEC Considers Filecoin a Security, Grayscale Disagrees
According to the SEC, Grayscale's Filecoin Trust's underlying asset, Filecoin (FIL), should be classified as a security under federal securities laws. The regulatory body's viewpoint has sparked a dispute, as Grayscale holds a differing opinion on the matter.
Ark Invest's Cathie Wood Challenges Vanguard's Bitcoin ETF Exclusion Decision
Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood criticizes Vanguard for excluding Bitcoin ETFs, marking a significant shift in investment preferences as customers move to crypto-friendly platforms. This controversy reflects the evolving dynamics of the financial sector.
Telegram to Release Financial Statements to the SEC in Gram Token ICO Case
The United States Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked Telegram to release its financial statements, which includes bank records as the regulator believes will prove the misconduct in the $1.7 billion offering of Gram tokens.
Titanium Blockchain CEO Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Michael Stollery, the CEO of Titanium Blockchain, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that raised approximately $21 million through an initial coin offering (ICO) in 2018. Stollery pleaded guilty to securities fraud, admitting to falsifying aspects of TBIS’ whitepapers, planting fake client testimonials on the TBIS website, and commingling ICO investors’ funds with his own.
US Should Register Ripple’s XRP Token as a Security, Says Market Expert Peter Brandt
The question of whether Ripple’s XRP token should be classified as a security remains unclear and has been debated upon.
Bitcoin Price Surges to All-Time High Of $66,900 Level
Bitcoin has surged $66,900 level, passing the previous price record of $64,889 set in April.
US Department of Homeland Security Can Now Trace Illicit Monero Cryptocurrency Transactions
The United States Department of Homeland Security will now be able to track transactions of the most privacy-oriented cryptocurrency coin Monero (XMR).
Ripple Scores a Big Win against the SEC as Court Denies SEC's Motion
The ongoing legal battle between the US Securities and Exchange Commission and blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs may be nearing an end as Judge Sarah Netburn has denied the regulator’s motion for Reconsideration of the DPP Ruling.
German Crypto Firm USI Tech Founder Charged in $150 Million Fraud Scheme
Horst Jicha, founder of USI Tech, has been charged with defrauding investors of $150 million in a fraudulent crypto scheme, marking a significant development in regulatory action against crypto-related crimes.
NEAR Protocol's Q2 Market Cap Holds at $1.25 Billion, Experiences 25% QoQ Decline
According to Mesari, NEAR Protocol, a leading smart contract platform, demonstrated resilience and growth in Q2 2023, despite being listed in the SEC's complaint against Coinbase. The platform's financial and network fundamentals remained stable, with strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives driving user adoption.
Animoca Brands to Focus on Markets Outside U.S. after SEC Labels Sand Cryptocurrency an Unregistered Security
Hong Kong-based blockchain giant, Animoca Brands, has announced its plans to shift its focus to markets outside the U.S.
Messari Founder Ryan Selkis Launches Advocacy Group in Response to Recent SEC Actions
Following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) charges against popular cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and Coinbase, Messari founder Ryan Selkis has launched a new advocacy group named @DFA2024.
ETH ETF Approval Faces Uncertainty Amid Market Turbulence and SEC Resistance
Crypto legal expert Jake Chervinsky expresses skepticism over ETH ETF approval in 2024, highlighting SEC's political concerns and market volatility.
DOJ Seeks Over $4 Billion from Binance Amidst Years of Legal Challenges
The U.S. DOJ is demanding over $4 billion from Binance to resolve a criminal case, potentially impacting the crypto market and investor sentiment.
Seoul Prosecutors Reveal Terra's Do Kwon is Hiding in Europe
South Korean prosecutors believe Do Kwon is currently residing in Europe
SEC Proposes New Rules to Address Conflicts of Interest in AI Usage by Brokerage Firms
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed new rules to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise when investment advisers and broker-dealers use predictive data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
Fireblocks Introduces 'Off Exchange' to Address Exchange Counterparty Risk, Integrates with Deribit
Fireblocks introduces 'Off Exchange', reducing exchange counterparty risk for institutional traders, allowing them to trade directly from on-chain MPC shared wallets, marking a significant advancement in digital asset trading.
US Congress Proposes Bill to Restrict Government Interactions with Foreign Adversarial Blockchain Networks
US Congress introduces H.R.6307, limiting government interactions with Chinese blockchain networks, addressing national security and data privacy concerns, and urging increased scrutiny in the technology sector.
Binance Collaborates with Royal Thai Police to Disrupt Criminal Networks
Binance, in conjunction with the Royal Thai Police, has successfully disrupted major crypto fraudulent networks in Thailand through two significant operations. The collaboration led to the arrest of key individuals and substantial asset seizures, underscoring Binance's proactive stance against cybercrime and its ongoing commitment to enhancing security within the digital asset ecosystem.
Ransomware Group Demands $4M in Bitcoin from Argentina, Border Activity Halted for 4 Hours
A Bitcoin ransomware attack was directed towards Argentina’s immigration agency, halting border crossing temporarily.
Hut 8 Mining Corp Refutes JCapital Research's Allegations
Hut 8 Mining Corp, a leading Bitcoin miner, strongly refutes allegations by JCapital Research in a recent short report, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and urging stakeholders to refer to official SEC and Canadian regulatory filings for accurate information.
Legitimacy of SEC Clampdown on XRP Cryptocurrency Questioned by TechCrunch, but will Tether be Next?
The founder of TechCrunch Michael Arrington discussed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs over XRP.
Nigeria Plans to Regulate Digital Asset Platforms
Nigeria’s SEC is considering new regulations for digital asset platforms, allowing licensed digital exchanges to list tokens backed by certain assets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether will not be among those assets. Nigeria aims to register fintech firms as digital sub-brokers, crowdfunding intermediaries, fund managers, and tokenized coins issuers. Crypto exchanges will not be registered until the central bank provides clear regulations.
Ripple Wins Access to SEC Internal Documents on Bitcoin, Ether, and Other Cryptocurrencies
Ripple was granted access to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s internal documents pertaining to the agency’s interpretation and views on cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether.
Algorand Wallets Hacked Again
Algodex warns of a security breach on March 5, while MyAlgo urges users to withdraw assets or rekey funds following a February hack.
ShapeShift Responds to Elizabeth Warren
Shapeshift responded to Senator Warren's Valentine's Day Senate hearing statements on Twitter on Feb. 19.
Thailand SEC Eases ICO Restrictions
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to lift restrictions on retail investment in initial coin offerings (ICOs). The SEC aims to permit bigger investments in asset-backed ICOs, including those backed by real estate and infrastructure.
Ripple to Explore IPO after SEC Lawsuit, CEO Discloses
Blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs Inc CEO Brad Garlinghouse disclosed the firm will consider moves to float its IPO after the suit is done with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
US Department of Homeland Security to Host Blockchain-Based Digital Wallet Event with $25K Reward
DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) will host a virtual event for a Digital Wallets Challenge on Oct 27.
SEC Charges Disgraced Lobbyist Jack Abramoff With Fraud for AML Bitcoin ICO
Political lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Marcus Andrade, CEO of the NAC Foundation, have been charged with fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for misrepresenting their token’s compliance. The pair also face criminal charges with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for money laundering.
Coinbase Facing SEC Probe over Crypto Listing: Sources
Coinbase is reportedly facing a probe from the US SEC into whether it improperly let Americans trade digital assets that should have been registered as securities.
“Relist XRP” Tweets Trend on US Twitter Following SEC-Ripple Hearing, XRP Surges by 13%
Following the hearing between the SEC and Ripple, many XRP advocates took to Twitter to demand that crypto exchanges relist XRP.
PwC Cybersecurity: CatchMe if you Kan
Felix Kan is a Partner in PwC’s Risk Assurance Cybersecurity Privacy practice with 10 years of extensive experience. Kan began his career as an ethical hacker and has committed his career to helping Hong Kong companies enhance their protections against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
SEC Withdraws Lawsuit Against Debt Box Amid Misleading Evidence Controversy
The SEC has withdrawn its lawsuit against Debt Box, accusing it of a $50 million fraudulent scheme, paving the way for future charges and a significant shift in crypto firm regulatory landscape.
Thunder Terminal's Rapid Response to $240,000 Hack: Security Measures and Hacker's Ransom Demand
Thunder Terminal exploited 114 wallets, causing $240,000 in damages. Users were promised refunds and additional credits, but the hacker disputed these claims and demanded a ransom.
MIT Cybersecurity Experts Warn Against Use of Blockchain Voting Systems
MIT Cybersecurity experts have said that blockchain-based mobile voting systems are vulnerable to serious failures.
Friend.tech Faces Data Leak and Security Concerns
Friend.tech gains traction with endorsements like Garry Tan of Y Combinator. However, security and data leak concerns advise caution for potential users
South Korean Police Raid Bithumb Crypto Exchange For Second Time in BXA Token Fraud Case
Bithumb, the largest crypto exchange in Korea has been raided for a second time in five days by the South Korean police.
SEC Files Motion Against Terraform Labs and Luna Founder Do Hyeong Kwon
The SEC has filed a motion in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Terraform Labs and Do Hyeong Kwon. The commission is seeking the court's permission to notice a deposition from Kwon or to preclude the defendants from using a declaration from him. The defendants have until September 26, 2023, at 12:00 pm to respond.
Terraform Labs and Do Kwon Held Liable for Securities Fraud by NY Jury
erraform Labs and Do Kwon face a guilty verdict for defrauding investors in a landmark case, highlighting the need for regulatory compliance in the crypto market.
How Does Blockchain Enhance Traditional Project Management?
Projects are very different from every other type of activity; they have a definite beginning, ending and time frame. They are created or initiated to fulfill a specific objective, which after fulfilling they cease to exist. But did you know that 7 out of ten projects overrun their deadlines? How can blockchain enhance the process of project management?
Telegram Abandons TON and Gram Tokens, Durov Critical of US Regulating Whole World
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced that they are calling it quits on the Telegram Open Network (TON) and its Gram tokens after a drawn-out battle with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
How Ripple’s Current Case Differs from SEC’s Lawsuit against Kik
Attorney Jeremy Hogan compared the lawsuit Ripple currently faces for XRP with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s previous target , Kik.
Web3 Security CertiK X Account Compromised in Phishing Scam
CertiK, a blockchain security firm, suffered a cyber attack on its X account, leading to phishing scams, raising concerns about crypto security vulnerabilities and sophisticated social engineering tactics.
Ripple Supporters Appeal to the White House to Classify XRP as a Digital Currency
In a move to support Ripple, XRP advocates have decided to file a petition with the White House asking it to declare the asset a virtual currency.
Ripple’s CEO Argues XRP Decentralization: Are Bitcoin and Ethereum Really Controlled by China?
The Ripple team has countered the SEC's decentralization argument claiming that Bitcoin is controlled by China as a result of the mining pool concentration. Is this true?
Paxos Trust Company Disagrees With U.S. Securities
Paxos, a stablecoin issuer, received an SEC Wells notice earlier this month and "categorically denies" that BUSD is a securities.
Archipelago Trading Services Settles with SEC for $1.5 Million Over Unfiled SARs
Archipelago Trading Services Inc. will pay $1.5 million to the SEC for failing to file hundreds of Suspicious Activity Reports between 2012 and 2020, despite daily high-risk transactions.
US SEC Reopens Rejected Bitwise BTC ETF For Review
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that it will revisit and review its previous decision to reject Bitwise Asset Management and NYSE Arca’s filing for a Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF).
US Crypto Crackdown Could Stifle Innovation and Weaken Dollar
The recent Wells notice issued by the SEC to Coinbase, along with other legal threats against crypto firms, has raised concerns among industry experts that the US crackdown on cryptocurrencies could stifle innovation and weaken the dollar. Some believe that the regulatory environment in the US is driving jobs, investment, and innovation offshore, to countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, and potentially Australia.
John Deaton Files Amicus Brief in Support of Coinbase's Appeal Against SEC
John Deaton, a Republican lawyer and Senate candidate, has submitted an amicus brief supporting Coinbase's appeal against the SEC, arguing that labeling token transactions as securities is impractical.
Ripple Appeals to Court to Obtain Bitcoin and Ethereum Documents, Arguing Their Relevance to XRP
Although the Securities and Exchange Commission has refused to hand over documents pertaining to Bitcoin and Ethereum, Ripple has been undeterred in their quest to gain access to them.
Ripple Blasted by Investor Tetragon for Playing “Word Games” in $175M Stock Buyback Lawsuit
Along with the heat Ripple is currently facing from the Securities and Exchange Commission, one of its leading investors has also turned against it.
Briefing Schedule for Motions to Dismiss Agreed upon by SEC and Ripple Head Execs for XRP Case
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs continues to unfold, as both parties recently reached an agreement on a schedule for briefing the Individual defendants’ – co-founder Chris Larsen and CEO Brad Garlinghouse – motion to dismiss.
UAE Crypto Insights: 72% Investors Lean Towards Bitcoin
The UAE's crypto investors, according to a survey by KuCoin, are overwhelmingly in favor of Bitcoin, highlighting the need for trust, security, and crypto education, as well as a keen interest in blockchain and AI integration, indicating the country's potential as a crypto hub.
Cosmos Hub Votes to Reduce ATOM Inflation Rate to 10%
Cosmos Hub proposes reducing ATOM inflation rate from 14% to 10%, lowering annual staking yield from 19% to 13.4%, optimizing security expenses and introducing a liquid staking module.
South Korea's FSC to Submit Two Crypto-Related Acts to National Assembly
According to Newsis on July 13, the People's Power Party and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea are planning to submit amendments to the Electronic Securities Act and the Capital Market Act to the National Assembly within this month.
Consensys Files Lawsuit Against SEC Over Ethereum Regulation
Consensys, a software development firm, has filed a lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its commissioners, claiming the SEC plans to regulate Ethereum as a security, highlighting the ongoing debate on cryptocurrencies' regulatory classification and potential industry impact.
Crypto Market Outflows Continue for 8th Week Amid Rising Rates and SEC Actions
The cryptocurrency market has recorded its eighth consecutive week of outflows, driven by ongoing monetary policy concerns and mounting regulatory pressures.
Coinbase Will Likely Delist XRP Token as SEC Files Lawsuit Against Ripple
Coinbase has filed for an IPO and awaits the US SEC's review, the SEC is suing Ripple alleging XRP is security - Will Coinbase delist XRP before the battle even begins?
What are the 7 Key Takeaways from Facebook's Libra Hearings?
The debate on Facebook's Libra continues with the hearing with Senate Banking Committee on 16 July and the United States House Committee of Financial Services on 17 July. Here are the 7 key takeaways from the two hearings.
Washington D.C. Attorney Faces SEC Insider Trading Charges
Romero Cabral da Costa Neto, a visiting attorney at a global law firm, has been charged with insider trading by the SEC, alleging he accessed confidential information about Swedish Orphan Biovitrum's acquisition of CTIC and purchased over 10,000 shares.
European Securities and Markets Authority Calls for Input on New EU Crypto Rules
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator, has initiated its first consultation package under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The authority is seeking stakeholder comments until September 20, 2023, marking a significant step towards establishing concrete rules for crypto markets in the EU.
US Treasury Sanctions Two Men Accused of Laundering Crypto for North Korean Cyber Crime Syndicate
The US Treasury Department Office of Foreign Asset Control has sanctioned two men believed to involved in laundering stolen cryptocurrency from a 2018 cyberattack against a cryptocurrency exchange.
Analyst Honored for Exposing South Korean Dark Web Crypto Child Pornography and Blackmail Site
Criminal analyst, Kim Reece, has been named as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal for her role in the takedown of the South Korean ‘Nth Room’ child pornography chat rooms hosting the content of Welcome to Video blackmail sex and exploitation site.
Unraveling ChatGPT Jailbreaks: A Deep Dive into Tactics and Their Far-Reaching Impacts
Exploring the intricacies of ChatGPT jailbreak strategies, this paper delves into the emerging vulnerabilities and the advanced methodologies developed to evaluate their effectiveness.
Binance Announces Upgrade to Proof-of-Reserves Verification
Binance's zk-SNARKs update improves proof-of-reserves verification security and transparency.
Binance to Disable Multiple Old Deposit Addresses
Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is retiring selected deposit addresses and memos on various blockchains, including Ether, Tron, BNB, and Stellar, as part of its infrastructure upgrade. The exchange encourages impacted users to obtain new addresses and memos to enhance security and efficiency, and the migration is scheduled for April to June 2023.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan Discusses Amended Spot Bitcoin ETF Application
Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, used a Twitter thread to elaborate on the firm's amended spot Bitcoin ETF application. He emphasized the need to prove that the CME bitcoin futures market is a "regulated market of significant size" for surveillance purposes and highlighted Bitwise's history of original research in their ETF filings.
CertiK Raises $60m In New Funding in Two Weeks
The new fund comes just two weeks after CertiK mopped up $88 million Series B3 round as the blockchain company continues to beef up its business offerings.
SEC's Chair Gary Gensler Issues Statement on Amendments to Broker-Dealer Registration Rule
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is amending Rule 15b9-1, allowing broker-dealers to bypass national securities associations like FINRA. The changes aim to ensure consistent oversight, particularly in cross-market and off-exchange activities, and promote transparency and efficiency in the capital markets, benefiting investors.
Dinari Secures $10M Seed Funding, Expands Crypto Asset Offerings
Dinari, a blockchain-based investment platform, secures $10M in seed funding, launches RWAs on Arbitrum, and expands dShare with crypto-themed assets, bridging TradFi and DeFi.
Critical Security Vulnerability in OKX iOS App: CertiK's Urgent Update Advisory
CertiK issued a high-priority alert for OKX iOS app users, urging an immediate update due to a discovered critical RCE vulnerability that poses a serious threat to data and asset security.
SEC’s Filing Shows Blackrock Made $369,137 Profits on Its Bitcoin Futures
BlackRock has made $369,137 from its investment into Bitcoin futures, according to SEC’s filing. Despite crypto volatility, the investment firm is on a trajectory to more from its Bitcoin futures investments.
SEC Chief to Testify Before House Committee on Crypto Oversight
SEC chief Gary Gensler will face questioning from the House Financial Services Committee on April 18 regarding his approach toward the crypto ecosystem. The committee will focus on Gensler's rulemaking and approach toward crypto assets and lay down a regulatory sphere for digital assets.
Gensler Alleged Crypto Hypocrisy
Gary Gensler, head of the US securities regulator, is facing accusations of hypocrisy from the crypto community after a 2018 video surfaced of him stating that cryptocurrencies are commodities or cash and not securities. Several crypto leaders have expressed their shock and disgust at Gensler's apparent change of stance on the matter.
Circle CEO Criticizes SEC Stablecoin regulations
As payment systems, stablecoins are not securities, according to Circle's CEO.
CZ Comments on Binance US CEO's Departure
Binance US founder CZ announced the departure of Brian Shroder and the appointment of Norman Reed as new leaders. The company is also downsizing, with Krishna Juvvadi and Sidney Majalya leaving. The SEC's recent actions have sparked concerns about a possible criminal inquiry. Despite these challenges, CZ's message to the crypto community remains clear: "Ignore FUD. Keep building."
SEC Delays Decision on ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Opens Public Comment Period
The SEC has delayed its decision on ARK 21Shares' Bitcoin ETF until Nov 11, 2023, opening a 21-day public comment period.
SEC Finalizes Lawsuit Against the Founder and CEO of Fraudulent ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that it has received a final judgment in a US district court action against Eran Eyal, the CEO and founder of Shopin token offering for carrying out an allegedly fraudulent ICO.
Hong Kong’s National Security Law Triggers Exodus of Wealthy Society’s Capital, Is Gold Being Dumped for Bitcoin?
Hong Kong’s rich and affluent are reportedly moving large amounts of gold out of the major financial hub following Beijing’s imposed national security law. According to well-known Bitcoin bull Max Keiser, Bitcoin is a better way to export your fortune.
GDAC Exchange Heist Perpetrator Begins Moving Stolen Funds
The hacker who stole $13 million from GDAC exchange in April has started transferring the stolen funds. Initially, around 60.8 BTC was moved to a specific address, which then transferred 36.7 BTC to three other addresses. Currently, the balance in the initial address stands at 24 BTC. MistTrack continues to monitor the situation, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by centralized exchanges in ensuring asset security.
Regulatory Pressure and Operational Challenges: Huobi Faces Penalties, Hotbit Suspends Operations
In an unexpected turn of events in the crypto industry, two cryptocurrency exchanges - Huobi Global and Hotbit - face substantial roadblocks.
CBDCs Gain Traction Amid Fears of Coronavirus-Contaminated Banknotes, The Economist Survey Uncovers
In a survey conducted by The Economist and Crypto.com, it found that consumers generally had more trust in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), rather than decentralized cryptocurrencies.
Ark Invest Refiles Application for Bitcoin Spot ETF Alongside 21 Shares
Ark Investment Management, the investment company tagged with Cathie Wood is taking another dig at a spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) product.
Microsoft's 2.5 billion GBP Investment in UK AI: Catalyst for Innovation and Growth
Microsoft's significant investment in the UK's AI infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance the country's technology sector and its global AI standing.
Luna Terraform Labs Opts for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to Counter SEC's Securities Fraud Lawsuit
Terraform Labs files for bankruptcy to appeal against SEC lawsuit, challenging jurisdiction over crypto assets. CEO Amani challenges jurisdiction, affecting cryptocurrency regulation and digital asset classification.
Atomicals Market Addresses Security Breach and Announces Compensation Measures
Atomicals Market has implemented measures to restore user trust and enhance platform security following a significant security breach, emphasizing community engagement's crucial role in protocol's future.
OKLink Reveals $103M Blockchain Losses in February 2024
OKLink's February 2024 report details $103M in crypto losses, highlighting the critical need for heightened security measures.
Stars Arena Tightens Security Following $3M Exploit
Stars Arena, an Avalanche-based Web3 social media app, is reinforcing its security measures following a $3 million exploit on October 6, 2023. The steps include the transfer of funds to a secure multisig wallet, a comprehensive security audit, and the engagement of a white hat team for rapid security review. Users have been urged not to deposit any new funds until the security overhaul is completed.
US SEC Hiring Attorneys for Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit
The US SEC is hiring general attorneys in New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. for its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement. The job will involve investigating crypto asset securities and cyber issues, drafting subpoenas, and questioning witnesses. This move comes after the SEC chairman Gary Gensler asked for $2.4 billion in funding to chase down crypto misconduct.
Is China Hacking Australia? Cryptojacking Cyberattacks Hit Hard Down Under
The Australian Cyber Security Center has published a report highlighting vulnerabilities that are being exploited by hackers using cryptojacking malware.
SEC Poised for Decision on Ark Invest and 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Market Reacts
The SEC is nearing decisions on Bitcoin ETF applications, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency landscape due to market anticipation and Bitcoin's price surge.
Court Upholds OFAC's Designation of Tornado Cash Under IEEPA
The US District Court upheld the OFAC's designation of Tornado Cash under the IEEPA, rejecting plaintiffs' claims of overreach and First Amendment violations, highlighting legal challenges for privacy-oriented blockchain entities.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Touts Cryptocurrency’s Potential Amid a COVID-19 Digital Normal
The Securities Commission of Malaysia backs cryptocurrency use and says it has great potential, despite a lack of understanding regarding digital assets in the country.
VanEck CEO Predicts SEC Rejection of Spot Ethereum ETF Application in May
VanEck CEO Jan van Eck and CoinShares CEO Jean-Marie Mognetti are pessimistic about the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission due to the regulatory climate and lack of feedback.
SEC Charges UK Audit Firm Crowe and Senior Executives Over Deficient Audit of Akazoo
SEC charges Crowe U.K. LLP, CEO Nigel Bostock, and auditor Matthew Stallabrass over flawed Akazoo audit. Akazoo's 2018 report falsely claimed $120M revenue. Settlements agreed; penalties total $785,000. Both executives face SEC suspensions.
XRP Trading on Kraken to be Halted as SEC Lawsuit Kills Support for Ripple in the US
Kraken exchange has finally joined other cryptocurrency exchanges in announcing that XRP trading will also be temporarily halted on its platform.
SEC Files Complaint Against Binance: A Step Back for Crypto?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a complaint today against Binance, a leading cryptocurrency exchange platform, shocking the crypto community. This action seeks, among other remedies, alleged emergency relief, despite the ongoing cooperative dialogue between the two parties.
ZenGo uncovers dApp vulnerability
ZenGo has discovered a security vulnerability called the "red pill attack" in decentralized applications or dApps. The vulnerability allowed malicious dApps to steal user assets using opaque transaction approvals. Many leading vendors, including Coinbase Wallet, were vulnerable to such attacks. ZenGo found that developers took a shortcut in setting "Special Variables" to arbitrary values during simulation, leaving the simulation vulnerable to attack. ZenGo said the fix was straightforward and urged developers to populate vulnerable variables with meaningful values.
Prosecutors Investigate Do Kwon with Ponzi Fraud Charges amid Terraform Labs Dissolvement
South Korean Prosecutors are investigating Do Kwon if they will file Ponzi fraud charges against him following the Terra crash.
Wallet of Satoshi Withdraws from the U.S. Market Amid Regulatory Challenges
Wallet of Satoshi withdraws from U.S. market, highlighting regulatory challenges faced by crypto service providers like GameStop and Binance, reflecting evolving U.S. cryptocurrency regulation landscape.
Intel launches Articul8 AI with DigitalBridge
Intel and DigitalBridge launch Articul8 AI, focusing on secure, enterprise-grade GenAI software, with diverse industry applications.
US SEC Commissioner Proposes 3 Year Securities Law Exemption for Crypto Projects
United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce has doubled down on her recent suggestion to provide decentralized network developers a safe harbor and has now submitted a formal proposal.
Crypto Exchange Bittrex Settles with SEC for $24 Million
Bittrex settles with the SEC for $24 million over charges of operating as an unregistered broker and exchange.
DLA Piper: Security Tokenization in Hong Kong
Security tokenization is the representation of fractional interests in an asset using blockchain. A security token derives its value from an underlying asset, such as a work of art. This differs from a utility token, which gives a holder the right to use a particular product or service, or a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, which has its own value as a currency.
Sparkster Settles SEC Charges for Unregistered ICO, Agrees to Pay $35M to ‘Harmed Investors’
Sparkster agrees to pay over $35 million in a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an "unregistered initial coin offering (ICO)" in 2018.
Platypus Finance Suffers Exploit Resulting in Over $2M Loss
Platypus Finance, a DeFi protocol on the Avalanche blockchain, suffered an exploit on 12th October 2023, leading to a loss of over $2 million. The protocol had temporarily suspended all pools due to suspicious activities and is working towards resolving the issue. Blockchain security firm PeckShield Inc identified and disclosed the exploit, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures in the DeFi space.
Payments giant PayPal and Galaxy raise $20 million
The investment round included 23 organizations and six angel investors.
Grayscale Contacts with SEC over the Securities Status of Three Trusts
Grayscale Investments, a subsidiary of the Digital Currency Group (DCG) has been in contact with a staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the definition of the status of three of its established Trusts.
Paxful Addresses Security Breach Rumors And Says Customer Data Is Safe
Paxful has downplayed the significance of a data breach that saw the private information of 4.8 million of its customers accessed online, saying that the information is fake.
CITD to Issue HK$100 Million Bonds Utilizing Blockchain
China Information Technology Development Limited (CITD) (HKEX: 8178), a leading technology company specializing in AI and cloud technologies, has announced its plan to issue HK$100 million worth of Bonds using distributed ledger technology (DLT). The proposed issuance aims to revolutionize the bond market by leveraging blockchain and smart contract technologies.
Germany’s Financial Regulator Warns Binance Over Stock Token Offering
Germany's financial regulator BaFin has warned Binance that it may be violating European securities laws with the introduction of its stock token trading.
Mangofarm Scandal: Solana's Blockchain Ensnared in Alleged Ponzi Scheme Ties
Mangofarm, Solana blockchain, cryptocurrency scam, Banana Miner Ponzi scheme, digital currency security, blockchain fraud, crypto investment caution, Richard Matthew John O’Neill, decentralized finance, investor vigilance
Browser Extensions Used by Scammers to Steal Bitcoin
The CEO of Casa takes his time to demonstrate how browser extensions can be used to launch a cyberattack to steal Bitcoin. He emphasized on cyber consciousness and cybersecurity.
Binance.US To Delist AMP following SEC’s Claim Token as Security
Binance.US has announced that it will delist AMP following last week’s news that the SEC mentioned the token as a security.
Binance Faces Lawsuit in Canada for Selling Crypto Derivative Products Without Registration
Binance faces a class-action lawsuit in Canada for allegedly violating securities laws by selling crypto derivative products to retail investors without proper registration, highlighting the significant presence of retail investors.
Here is Why Tether Blacklisted Five TRON Addresses
Tether has blacklisted five new addresses on the TRON blockchain, highlighting its efforts to maintain network integrity and security. The largest address lost over $1.2 million USDT, aiding law enforcement and users in recovering stolen funds.
Digital Asset Protection Firm Coincover Secures $30 Million in Funding Round
Foundation Capital and CMT Digital invest $30 million in Coincover to safeguard digital assets.
The First Bitcoin Futures ETF Approved In U.S., Expecting to Start Trading This Week
The US SEC has finally approved the first Bitcoin futures ETF to operate in the country. ProShares’ Bitcoin futures ETF is scheduled to trade this week.
U.S. House of Representatives to Create Crypto Task Force Joining SEC and CFTC Members
The US House of Representatives passed a bill dubbed “Eliminate Barrier to Innovation Act of 2021” (H.R. 1602).
Court Denies XRP Holders’ Request to Take Part in SEC-Ripple Case
The court has denied the motion to intervene filed by XRP investors looking to take part in the Ripple case.
XRP is not a Security: Former CFTC Chair Chris Giancarlo Says
Christopher Giancarlo said he believes XRP does not qualify as security as the SEC is alleging, a claim made based on earlier research he has done as the chairman of the CFTC.
Telegram Maintains Gram is not a Security, Urges Court to Deny SEC Action
Telegram, in an October 16th filing, has asked the Southern District Court of New York to deny the request by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for a preliminary injunction on Gram, Telegram’s native cryptocurrency.
Crypto-Related Firms Should Treat Crypto Custody Arrangements as Liability: US SEC
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission（SEC） said cryptocurrency-related U.S.-listed companies should link those assets to arsenic liabilities and disclose the associated risks to investors, Reuters reported.
Grayscale Submits Comment Letter to SEC Regarding Spot Bitcoin ETF Application
Grayscale's legal team submitted a comment letter to the SEC, advocating for the approval of all spot bitcoin ETF applications, emphasizing fair regulation and investor protection.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Addresses X Account Hack and Security Measures
The SEC's X account was compromised on January 9, 2024, causing market fluctuations and highlighting cybersecurity concerns. The SEC is working with law enforcement to investigate.
Zcash Bug Could Leak Full Nodes with Shielded IP Addresses
Duke Leto, a core developer at Komodo (KMD), recently published a blog on his personal website revealing that, “A bug has existed for all shielded address since the inception of Zcash and Zcash Protocol.” Leto explained, “That is, Alice giving Bob a zaddr to be paid, could actually allow Bob to discover Alice’s IP address. This is drastically against the design of Zcash Protocol.”
The Rise of the Anon: Protecting Innovation
Anonymity is increasingly offering protection to innovators as well as their ideas.
XRP Community Files New Motion to Intervene in the Ongoing Ripple-SEC Court Case
The XRP community has filed a new motion to intervene in the ongoing court battle between blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
US SEC Names CFTC Commissioner Dan Berkovitz as Incoming General Counsel
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced Dan Berkovitz as the next General Counsel for the agency to resume in November.
Rogue Validator Outsmarts MEV Bots, Resulting in a $25 Million Loss
MEV bots attempting sandwich trades lost $25 million worth of digital assets to a rogue validator. The loss included Wrapped Bitcoin, USD Coin, Tether, Dai, and Wrapped Ether. Blockchain security firm CertiK explained that the attack was due to the centralization of power with validators, making them vulnerable to such attacks.
Coinbase's Custodial Role in New Bitcoin Spot ETFs Marks a Crypto Milestone
Coinbase's role in the newly approved Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC marks a crucial advancement in cryptocurrency's integration into mainstream finance, bringing regulatory clarity and institutional investment opportunities.
New Petition Appeals to SEC Chair Nominee Gary Gensler to “End the Ripple Lawsuit”
A new petition filed by an XRP advocate has surfaced, demanding that Gary Gensler drop the Ripple lawsuit once he is confirmed as Chairman of the SEC.
Argo Blockchain Seeks $57.5M Debt Funding to Build Texas Mining facility
Argo Blockchain has filed an application with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to offer $57.5 million worth of 8.75% senior unsecured notes to interested investors.
Coinbase Rolls Out AI-Driven ERC-20 Scam Token Detection System
Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal unveils Coinbase's ERC-20 Scam Token Detection System, combining smart contract auditing with machine learning to tackle crypto scams. Disclosed on October 6, 2023, this initiative enhances security and trust in token listings on the platform.
Web3 Security 2023 State Revealed, Nearly $2 Billion Lost
CertiK's "Hack3d: The Web3 Security Report 2023" provides a thorough analysis of Web3 security incidents in 2023, highlighting key vulnerabilities and trends in the blockchain and smart contract security landscape.
Ways To Ensure Online Security When Using Crypto Betting Apps
Crypto betting apps are gaining popularity, but security risks must be considered. Users should use reputable apps, strong passwords, and secure devices to ensure a safe experience.
South Korea Tightens Regulations on Crypto Mixers Amid Money Laundering Concerns
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is set to introduce new regulations targeting digital asset mixers, mirroring similar moves by the US. These measures aim to curb the use of crypto mixers for illegal money laundering.
UK's NCA Announces Disruption of World's Most Harmful Cyber Crime Group, LockBit
UK's NCA launched "Operation Cronos" against LockBit, a global cyber crime syndicate, resulting in significant disruptions and the seizure of servers, cryptocurrency accounts, and decryption keys.
IOSCO Releases Landmark Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a leading international body of securities regulators, recently published an influential report titled 'Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets Consultation Report.'
Coinbase Sued for XRP Token Sales, List of Complaints against the Cryptocurrency Exchange Grows
In a surprising twist of events, US-based crypto exchange Coinbase is also being sued for the sale of XRP tokens.
US SEC Delays Proposals for Spot Bitcoin ETFs from WisdomTree and One River
The securities regulator of the U.S. SEC has yet to approve a US exchange-traded fund that invests directly in the cryptocurrency.
SEC Sues Ripple for Sale of “$1.3 Billion Unregistered Securities” as Crypto Leaders Debate over XRP
The SEC has filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs Inc. for offering unregistered “digital asset securities” through which $1.3 billion was raised.
SEC Rejects Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust spot ETF
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published an order disapproving a proposed rule change to list and trade the shares of the Fidelity Investment-backed Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust under the BZX Rule.
SBI Holdings Supports Ripple, says that XRP is not a Security in Japan
While many in the crypto industry have moved away from XRP, SBI Holdings has made it clear that it is still a firm supporter of Ripple.
SEC Adopts Expedited Public Listing Review Process—Blockchain ETFs Could Qualify
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has voted to adopt rule amendments to expedite the review procedure for companies applying for public listing, which could potentially create an expedited and cheaper application process for crypto and blockchain ETFs.
Bitcoin Venture Capital Firm Ribbit Capital Files $350 Million Blank Check IPO with SEC
Ribbit Capital, an early Bitcoin VC firm, has filed for a $350 million initial public offering with the SEC leveraging its “blank check” structure.
Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones Looks to Buy Bitcoin as A Portfolio Hedge Against Inflation – Here's Why
According to Bloomberg's report on Thursday, billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones is buying Bitcoin to hedge against inflation as central banks across the world print money to relieve economies affected by coronavirus pandemic. Tudor is one of Wall Street’s most seasoned and successful hedge fund managers. He is the CEO and founder of Tudor Investment Corp, which is a hedge fund company that managed $8.4 billion as of March 30, based on data from the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
Coinbase Reportedly Planning to Go Public This Year—Paving the Way for the Next Phase of Crypto Adoption
According to sources, Coinbase has started planning for a stock market listing this year, which would make it the first major US cryptocurrency exchange to go public.
Coinbase CEO Defends Decision to License Analytics Platform to US Secret Service
CEO of Coinbase Brian Armstrong sold his blockchain analytics software to US Secret Service, and addressed any worries investors might have concerning privacy issues.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Propels Web3 Expansion
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul, has highlighted the growing significance of digital entertainment as an economic sector. The government has allocated HKD 50 million to support a thriving Web3 ecosystem, with over 180 companies involved.
Ripple XRP Continues Consolidating Its Value Above $0.6 New Support Level
Technical indicators show that XRP is likely to consolidate its price inside a range of the $0.60 support level and the 0.65 resistance level.
The Philippines SEC seeks to bring cryptocurrencies under its scope
The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has suggested new cryptocurrency regulations to improve its control.
MetaMask Denies Involvement in Massive Wallet-Draining Exploit
MetaMask has denied claims that its wallet was exploited in a recent massive wallet-draining operation that resulted in the loss of over 5,000 ETH. The company has confirmed that the funds were stolen from various addresses across 11 blockchains, and that the exploit was not specific to MetaMask.
Former Coinbase Product Manager Seeks to Dismiss SEC Charges of Insider Trading
Ten lawyers from five law firms filed a move to dismiss an SEC insider trading lawsuit against two brothers, calling the regulator "wrong" and lacking government authorisation.
US DOJ and SEC launch inquiries into Silicon Valley Bank collapse
The DoJ and SEC have started investigations into the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the stock sales made by its financial officers leading up to its closure. The probes are in their early stages and may not result in charges or allegations of wrongdoing.
NIST's Call for Public Input on AI Safety in Response to Biden's Executive Order
NIST is seeking public input to create AI safety guidelines following President Biden's Executive Order, aiming to ensure a secure AI environment, mitigate risks, and foster innovation.
Michael Saylor: Selling MicroStrategy Shares to Boost Bitcoin Holdings
MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor is selling $216M in company shares to invest in Bitcoin, reflecting his confidence in the cryptocurrency's future and the company's ongoing commitment to it.
Binance, CoinMarketCap, BitPay, Coinbase, Paxful Among Android Apps Earmarked by Latest EventBot Malware
Cybereason, a US-based cybersecurity company, has detected an Android malware dubbed EventBot that has been targeting money transfer and banking apps. Coinbase, Bitpay, CoinMarketCap, Binance, Mycelium Wallet, Bitcoin.com, Paxful, and CoinGecko are among a list of Android cryptocurrency wallets and applications whose security might be compromised as they are in the vicinity of this malware.
SEC Faces Criticism from Elizabeth Warren over Bitcoin ETF Approvals
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has expressed strong disapproval of the SEC's recent decision to approve 11 spot bitcoin ETFs, emphasizing the necessity of stringent anti-money laundering regulations in the cryptocurrency sector.
Hydrogen Technology Corporation Settles Crypto Manipulation Lawsuit
Hydrogen Technology Corporation and its former CEO, Michael Ross Kane, have settled a lawsuit brought against them by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for alleged cryptocurrency price manipulation. The settlement requires the firm and Kane to pay $2.8 million in remedies and penalties. The SEC alleged that Kane used Hydrogen's market maker, Moonwalkers Trading Limited, to manipulate the volume and price of its ERC-20 token, Hydro (HYDRO).
Uniswap Foundation Announces Grant Recipients for V4 RFPs
The Uniswap Foundation announced the winners of its first round of RFPs for Uniswap V4 on November 1, 2023. The projects include developing a Deposit Liquidity Widget, creating an open-source design package, compiling POC hook developer documentation, and researching malicious hook design space.
North Korea's Cyber Onslaught on Cryptocurrency: A $3 Billion Digital Heist
North Korea has escalated cyber attacks on cryptocurrency since 2017, stealing over $3 billion and stealing $1.7 billion in 2022, posing a serious threat to the country's economy and military budget.
Lido DAO Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over LDO Token Alleged to be Unregistered Security
A class-action lawsuit against Lido DAO alleges its LDO token is an unregistered security, claiming responsibility for investor losses following the token's price decline.
Decline in Crypto Crime: Insights into 2024 Trends and Challenges
2024 sees a notable decline in crypto crimes, with hacking and scamming activities reduced. However, ransomware and darknet markets show resurgence, emphasizing the need for enhanced security and regulatory measures in the crypto industry.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Gets into Canadian Bitcoin ETFs As US SEC Delays Applications
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment company has announced that it has invested into Canadian bitcoin ETFs. The firm’s move is likely influenced by delays and rejections of Bitcoin ETFs by the US SEC.
Blockchain Association Rejects Court's Securities Ruling on Private Blockchains
A U.S. lawyer called it "absurd" for a court to declare digital assets on centralized databases securities.
Fed Slashes Interest Rate to Near Zero and Launches 700Bn QE, Bitcoin Hovers Near $5k
In an attempt to stimulate U.S. economy amid coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Reserve (“the Fed”) decided to slash the main interest rate to near zero together with the purchase of $700 billion Treasury securities.
Hong Kong SFC Warns Against Crypto Entities HongKongDAO and BitCuped for Suspected Fraud
The SFC of Hong Kong warns against HongKongDAO and BitCuped for suspected fraud, blocking their websites and extending caution to other virtual asset platforms.
Why The U.S. SEC Should Approve Its First Bitcoin ETF
The US SEC should approve its first Bitcoin ETF products, a move that can enable more mainstream investors to get exposure to the digital asset.
Mike Novogratz's Galaxy Digital Files with SEC to Launch Bitcoin Futures ETF
Galaxy Digital announced plans to list a bitcoin futures ETF by seeking regulatory approval from the US SEC.
Genesis settles with the SEC, agreeing to a $21 million penalty
Genesis Global Capital, LLC settles with the SEC, agreeing to a $21 million penalty for unregistered securities offerings through its Gemini Earn program.
Ripple Addresses “Unproven Allegations” from SEC Lawsuit as Crypto.com Shuns XRP
With the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s lawsuit hanging over Ripple, Crypto.com has also chosen to delist XRP, effective on January 19, 2021.
SEC Could Approve All Ethereum ETFs Concurrently
SEC may greenlight multiple Ethereum ETFs at once, signaling a shift in U.S. crypto regulation. Key players like Volatility Shares & Valkyrie await decisions.
The US SEC Charges DeFi Money Market and Founders with Fraudulent $30 Million Offerings
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued its first case involving the decentralized finance market by charging the founders of DeFi Money market for raising $30 million through fraudulent offerings.
He Yi Discusses Binance's Regulatory Strategy Amid Actions Against Binance and Zhao Changpen
In a public letter, He Yi, Co-founder of Binance, discusses the company's compliance strategy, which gains significance amidst a U.S. Department of Justice inquiry initiated on May 6, 2023, 13 SEC charges, and the company's recent exit from the Russian market.
Ripple CEO Foresees Prolonged SEC Appeal Process Following Favorable XRP Ruling
Ripple CEO foresees long SEC appeal after XRP ruling. Case highlights the need for clear crypto regulation in the U.S.
Exclusive: Gerard Dache, on the Two Contradictions of Facebook Libra
In part 2 of the interview, Gerard walked us through some of the recommended bills to the government in fostering blockchain innovation, such as the “Blockchain Promotion Act”. He then shared his views on the nature of Bitcoin and two contradictions of Facebook’s Libra.
US Secret Service Seizes Over $102m in Digital Currencies among Crypto Crimes
The United States Secret Service has notably confiscated as much as $102 million worth of crypto assets in its investigation of the activities of cybercriminals.
Crypto Investment Fraud Generates $27 Million, SEC Charges Scammers Posing as Pastors
The US Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint against three men posing as pastors who defrauded churchgoers in a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.
Flare Partners With Blockchain Security Specialist FYEO For Ongoing Audits
Flare is pleased to announce an official partnership with blockchain security specialist, FYEO. The firm will perform ongoing security audits of Flare’s codebases, providing actionable feedback to support safer smart contract development and help to minimize risk for all users of the network.
US Lawmakers Question Tron Founder Justin Sun and DLive CEO on Extremist Content Following Capitol Riots
Two U.S. lawmakers have questioned Tron founder Justin Sun and DLive CEO Charles Wayn in the wake of the Capital riots—asking them how they moderate extremist content.
Grayscale Taps Top Former Obama's Lawyer in Preparation for Spot BTC ETF Legal Battle
In preparation for this historic verdict from the SEC, Grayscale has onboarded Donald B. Verrilli Jr as the latest member of its legal team.
SEC Postpones VanEck's Bitcoin ETF Application to June
The SEC has postponed its consideration of VanEck's Bitcoin ETF application, pushing the decision from May 3 to June 17.
VanEck And ProShares Withdraw Plans to List Ethereum ETFs
VanEck and ProShares have told the SEC that they would like to pull their plans to launch Ethereum ETFs.
Thailand's SEC enhances investor protection with new cryptocurrency trading rules.
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new guidelines to strengthen investor protection in the cryptocurrency industry. The SEC has mandated clearer disclosure of risk warnings and restrictions on digital asset business operators' deposit and lending services.
Deceptive AI: The Hidden Dangers of LLM Backdoors
Recent studies reveal large language models can deceive, challenging AI safety training methods. They can hide dangerous behaviors, creating false safety impressions, necessitating the development of robust protocols.
Blockchain Security Firm Certik Raises Nearly $88m in Stock Offering
Blockchain security and audits firm, Certik raise nearly $88 million through a stock offering.
SEC Enacts New Registration Mandate for Key Market Players to Bolster Oversight
The SEC introduced new rules requiring liquidity providers to register as dealers or government securities dealers in February 2024, aiming to improve market stability and transparency.
Institutional investors pull back from crypto amid regulatory crackdown
Last week, institutional fund withdrawals reached $32 million, despite a 10% market increase.
CFTC Demands $572 Million in Penalty and Restitution for Bitcoin Scam, Defendant Nowhere to be Found
US CFTC demanded that the founder of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam company Control-Finance pay $572 million in penalty and restitution fees for Bitcoin fraud.
Stars Arena Recovers Majority of Stolen Crypto
Stars Arena, a Web3 social media platform, has recovered about 90% of the 266,104 AVAX stolen in a security breach on October 7, 2023, following a settlement with the exploiter. The platform received 239,493 AVAX back, while awarding a 27,610 AVAX bounty to the individual. Post-recovery, Stars Arena is enhancing its security measures, including auditing a new smart contract to safeguard against future exploits.
Ripple CEO Discusses Likelihood of a Settlement with the SEC in XRP Case
CEO of Ripple Brad Garlinghouse said that with the new administration entering the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he hopes that some of the old conversations on XRP could be revisited.
Solana Foundation Offers $400k Bounty for Critical Code Discovery
Jacob Creech announces a $400k bounty for discovering code that can halt Solana network, part of Solana Foundation's endeavor to ensure robust network security.
DOJ Targets SBF's Jets for Forfeiture
Samuel Bankman-Fried, also known as "SBF," faces the possibility of asset forfeiture, including two luxury jets, as per a filing by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dated October 4, 2023. The forfeiture is linked to multiple charges against Bankman-Fried, who is currently on trial. The aircraft in question are embroiled in an ownership dispute involving the U.S. government, FTX, and Island Air Capital.
$27M USDT Theft Linked to Binance Deployer Address
A 27 million USDT cryptocurrency theft, linked to Binance's deployer, has raised security concerns and highlighted the risks of cryptocurrency holdings and recovery challenges.
BankProv Stops Offering Loans Secured by Crypto Mining Rigs
BankProv said in an SEC filing that it would no longer lend against crypto mining machines.
Sushi Chef Addresses SEC Subpoena
Jared Grey, head chef of Japan-based DAO, Sushi, stated that no one associated with Sushi has violated U.S. federal security laws in response to a subpoena from the SEC. Grey is cooperating with the SEC and stated that it is unknown whether further subpoenas will be issued to others linked with Sushi.
SEC Reschedules Decision-Making on Bitcoin ETF Proposals
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States once again delayed on deciding on the three Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) proposals according to the release of documents from the regulatory agency on Monday.
Uniswap Foundation Seeks $62.37M in Second Funding Tranche
The Uniswap Foundation has requested a second tranche of $62.37M in funding to continue its ecosystem development efforts. While the proposal outlines a comprehensive financial plan and future initiatives, some community members have raised concerns about the size of the funding request.
Compound Founder's New Venture Superstate To Bridge Traditional and Blockchain Finance
Compound's Founder and CEO, Robert Leshner, has announced the launch of a new venture, Superstate (@superstatefunds). "Superstate's mission is to create regulated financial products that bridge traditional markets & blockchain ecosystems," said Leshner, signaling a significant shift in the financial industry.
Dubai’s Free Zone to Bridge the UAE-India Agriculture Trade Gap with Blockchain
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has established a blockchain agriculture trading and sourcing platform to link India's rural farmers with the UAE food sector.
Coinbase reassures customers on staking services amid SEC crackdown
Despite the SEC's crackdown on staking services provided by centralized providers, Coinbase has informed its customers that its staking services will continue and may even increase. Coinbase has updated its staking terms and conditions, stating that users earn rewards from decentralized protocols, not from the exchange itself. The SEC has expressed concerns over users losing control of their tokens when using staking programs. Coinbase has argued that its staking services are fundamentally different from competing exchanges like Kraken.
Coin Cloud Customer Data and Source Code Allegedly Stolen
Coin Cloud, a cryptocurrency ATM provider, has suffered a data breach involving 70,000 customer selfies and 300,000 PII stolen, highlighting the need for improved security measures in the cryptocurrency sector.
Could Twitter Bitcoin Hack Have Been Prevented? Twitter Faces Heat From SEC
There is ongoing speculation that the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook Twitter on July 15 could have been prevented if Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and his multi-billion dollar social networking company had taken matters into their own hands and addressed the security concerns outlined by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015.
The SEC's Amended Complaint Towards Ripple Accuses Lead Executives of Manipulating XRP Price
The SEC filed an amended complaint towards Ripple, accusing the firm of purposely misleading investors in relation to XRP cryptocurrency.
Safeheron Discovers Security Flaw in MPC Wallets
Safeheron has identified a security flaw in MPC wallets when used with Starknet-based apps like dYdX and Fireblocks. The flaw allows attackers to bypass the security protection of private keys in MPC wallets, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions.
Microstrategy Stock Sees Insider Selloffs With Bitcoin's Latest Correction
Two top executives of MicroStrategy has offloaded part of their stock holdings, a move that may trigger scepticism related to the recent BTC price slump.
Grayscale Debuts First European ETF
Grayscale Investments has announced the launch of its first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) product in the European Economic Area.
VanEck Research Predicts Ethereum Price to Reach $11.8k by 2030
VanEck Research revises #Ethereum price target to $11.8k by 2030 following a recent hard fork. The new valuation considers revenues from transaction fees, MEV, and an emerging "Security as a Service" model.
VanEck's Ambitious Move: A Spot Bitcoin ETF with a "HODL" Ticker
VanEck submits a fifth amended application for a spot Bitcoin ETF under the "HODL" ticker, aiming for SEC approval and significant market impact.
EDX Markets is Expanding in Singapore
EDX Markets expands to Singapore, backed by Citadel Securities and Fidelity Digital Assets, introducing innovative trading options like spot and perpetual futures, and emphasizing non-custodial clearing solutions.
Biden Appointed SEC Chair Gary Gensler is not Going to Save Ripple's XRP Token
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is celebrating President-elect Joe Bidens Decision to appoint Gary Gensler to SEC chair—but this will not make the lawsuit against XRP go away.
SEC Requests $158 Million Boost to Rein in Crypto's "Wild West"
The SEC is requesting a $158 million budget increase for 2025 to expand oversight and tackle the dynamic risks within the burgeoning crypto market.
ShapeShift Settles with SEC for Operating as Unregistered Crypto Asset Dealer
ShapeShift AG has settled with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for operating as an unregistered dealer of crypto asset securities, agreeing to a cease-and-desist order and a $275,000 penalty.
BlackRock and SEC Discuss iShares Bitcoin Trust Listing on Nasdaq
The SEC is reviewing multiple proposals for iShares Bitcoin Trust's listing as a spot Bitcoin ETF on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in mainstream cryptocurrency acceptance.
Simplify Asset Management Files Application of the "MAXI" Bitcoin ETF
According to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a Registered Investment Adviser Simplify Asset Management filed the application for Simplify Bitcoin Strategy Risk-Managed Income ETF under the ticker symbol MAXI.
The Likelihood that Ripple Will Win the Legal Battle against the SEC over XRP May Be Promising
As the pretrial court date between Ripple and the Securities and Exchange Commission is rapidly approaching, the outcome of XRP still remains uncertain.
Andre Cronje Proposes Framework to Bolster Security for Community and Meme Coins
Crypto pioneer Andre Cronje outlines a new strategy for launching community and meme coins, aiming to enhance investor protection.
Telegram Tells US Investors to Leave TON Blockchain Project and Take 72% Refund
Telegram now says US investors won’t get 110% refund and tells them to leave its blockchain TON project.
Bittrex Faces Potential Legal Action from US SEC
Bittrex, a US-based cryptocurrency exchange, may face legal action from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over alleged violations related to investor protection, despite preparing to shut down its local operations.
Wilshire Phoenix Files for Publicly Traded Bitcoin-Backed Fund Approval Seeking to Challenge Grayscale’s Dominance
The New York-based investment company, Wilshire Phoenix has filed the s-1 registration statement with the SEC for a publicly-traded Bitcoin fund in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Centralization Caused Most DeFi Hacks of 2021, $1.3B Loss to Users in 2021
Certik says the centralization of operational models cited is one of the major faults amongst protocols that suffered mishaps, causing at least $1.3 billion loss to users last year.
XRP Rallying Strong Despite Ripple's Face-Off with the SEC
XRP is surging in price despite the scheduled court duel today. Is this a good omen for the cryptocurrency and Ripple?
Thai Regulator Files Charges Against Zipmex Executives
The Thailand offshoot of the beleaguered digital assets platform Zipmex might have landed itself in more trouble and this time, it is with the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
SEC Accuses Thor Token Developers For 2018 ICO With Unregistered Securities
Through the sale of its Thor (THOR) cryptocurrency between March and May of 2018, Thor Technologies was able to raise a total of $2.6 million from 1,600 investors. According to the SEC, the coins did not have any application in the real world at the time of the sale. The company went out of business in 2019 as a result of its inability to establish a customer base and achieve financial success. It is the most recent in a string of similar allegations that the SEC has filed against those involved in the cryptocurrency industry.
US SEC Delays Decision on Valkyrie Bitcoin Spot ETF Proposal Until 2022
The SEC has delayed its decision on the Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund until January 2022.
Grayscale CEO challenges SEC's denial of application
If GBTC becomes a spot BTC ETF, Grayscale Investments CEO Michael Sonnenshein stated investors will get a "few of billion dollars" back.
US Supreme Court Rules Against SEC’s Ability to Fine Crypto and Blockchain Firms
The US Supreme court has limited the amount in punitive fines that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can impose on cryptocurrency and blockchain firms, in a historic ruling yesterday.
BlackRock's Strategic Shift: Layoffs Amidst Bitcoin ETF Anticipation
BlackRock Inc plans to lay off 600 employees, following a similar pattern from 2023. Meanwhile, it eagerly awaits the SEC's decision on its Bitcoin ETF application, a potential game-changer in the crypto market.
SEC Delays Decision on Spot Bitcoin ETFs Due to U.S. Government Shutdown Concerns
SEC delays spot Bitcoin ETF decisions due to U.S. government shutdown concerns, adding uncertainty to the cryptocurrency market. Decision expected by mid-March
Coinbase Finally Files IPO with SEC—Is Brian Armstrong a Capitalist or Cypherpunk?
The Coinbase Initial Public Offering (IPO) has finally been filed and now awaits the review and approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Coinbase's Legal Chief Fires on SEC's Crypto Regulation Approach
On July 8, Paul Grewal, the chief legal officer of Coinbase, tweeted a number of times about his displeasure with the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) approach to cryptocurrency regulation.
SEC to Hire More Investigators to Fight Crypto Frauds
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has planned to expand its special unit which was created for investigating cryptocurrency frauds and other illegal activities, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Grayscale Has Strong Case against SEC: Chief Legal Officer
A legal official of Grayscale Investment said the company has confidence in a lawsuit against the US SEC. The company is applying to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) product to a spot Bitcoin ETF.
CBI and Liminal Collaborate for Digital Asset Security in India Amid Crypto Scams
The Central Bureau of Investigation of India is partnering with Singapore-based Liminal to secure digital assets seized during investigations amid rising cryptocurrency frauds in India.
Here's Why Harvey's $80M Funding is a Game Changer in Legal AI
Harvey raised $715 million in a $80 million Series B funding round, showcasing its advanced AI-powered workflow optimization technology.
Malaysia’s Securities Commission Legalizes Digital Asset and Crypto Trading
Malaysia’s Securities Commission, which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Islamic laws in finance, has allowed trading of digital assets.
Exploitation in the NFT World is Real But Are They Preventable?
Blockchain.News recently spoke to three industry leaders to explore NFT-linked security weaknesses and solutions. Experts suggest investors should always do their own due diligence before injecting funds into any project, no matter the hype.
Ripple Blockchain Firm to Establish Regional Headquarters in Dubai
Amid the conflict with the SEC over its strict crypto regulatory framework, Ripple has announced that it will set up a regional office in Dubai.
FTX Japan Launches Blockchain-based Proof of Solvency to Enhance Transparency and Security
FTX Japan has introduced a blockchain-based Proof of Solvency (PoS) to ensure the transparency and security of its customer's assets. The PoS, announced on September 28, 2023, by COO Seth Melamed, enables the objective verification of asset management, allowing customers easy access to verify their balances. The details of PoS will be published weekly on the Ethereum blockchain, marking a significant step towards enhancing trust and transparency in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
US SEC Postpones Approval of Grayscale's GBTC to Spot BTC ETF Product
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again postponed the approval of the proposal from Grayscale Investments to convert its flagship Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a spot Non-Fungible Token (NFT) product.
Dubai Prince's Hong Kong Office Warned by US SEC, MTR Listed as Untrustworthy
The Hong Kong office of Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum, a member of the ruling family in Dubai, has received a warning from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding their involvement in cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the Hong Kong subway operator, MTR Corporation, has been listed as an untrustworthy company.
CFTC's New Enforcement Action Raises Jurisdictional Concerns Over Crypto Derivatives
CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham criticizes the latest enforcement action for potentially overstepping into SEC’s territory and undermining investor protection laws
XRP Status Classified as Unclear, Meanwhile Analysts Say XRP Price Could Jump to $0.30
The US Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Heath Tarbert indicated in an interview that the status of XRP has been classified as unclear. He said, “It’s unclear. Stay tuned I’d say. Part of the issue is that our jurisdiction we share with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). If it’s a security, it falls under their jurisdiction. If it’s a commodity, it falls under ours.”
US SEC Issues Summons to Influencers Promoting HEX, PulseChain, PulseX
The crypto influencers are expected to fully cooperate with the SEC request.
Web3 Builders Reveals Suite of Tools to Combat DeFi exploits
Nicholas Horelik of Web3 Builders stated, “end users ought to have this functionality” to understand asset security.
NAC Foudation Accuses US SEC of Misleading Court in AML BitCoin Case
The legal battle between The NAC Foundation and the SEC is still far from over, and the Foundation argues that the SEC misled the court in its ongoing case against AML Bitcoin.
US SEC Releases List of Suspicious Crypto Firms Targeting International Investors
The US SEC has issued a list of fake crypto firms that majorly target non-US investors. The regulator has warned investors to beware of “red flag” signs of potential crypto fraud.
Terraform Labs Sues US SEC for Illegally Issuing a Subpoena on its CEO
Terraform Labs, the Singapore-based blockchain startup behind the Terra protocol has filed a lawsuit against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly issuing an illegal Subpoena on its Chief Executive Officer.
TikTok Crypto Influencers Mislead Viewers
More than one-third of cryptocurrency influencers on TikTok have posted misleading videos about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, according to a recent study. Many of these influencers fail to provide disclaimers warning users about the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies. Moreover, many are pushing services and investments for their own profit, without disclosing the payments they receive. The potential financial risks for unwary investors are high, with one in three misleading videos on TikTok mentioning Bitcoin. Viewers are advised to do their own research before making any investments.
SEC Seeks $5.3B Judgment Against Terraform Labs and Do Kwon
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a motion for billions of dollars in disgorgement and civil penalties against Terraform Labs and co-founder Do Kwon. The SEC is seeking $4.7 billion in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, along with $520 million in civil penalties. Terraform and Kwon have proposed lower penalties, and the SEC is also considering additional measures to prevent future violations.
Oracle Confirms Partnership with TikTok, President Trump Still Needs to Approve Deal
Oracle, the tech company that was said to have acquired TikTok’s US operations, has finally commented on the partnership and confirmed it.
ARK Invest Buys Coinbase Shares Despite Wells Notice
Investment management firm ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has resumed buying shares of Coinbase, purchasing 268,928 shares worth $17.88 million through its ARKK Innovation and ARKW Next Generation Internet exchange-traded funds on March 23. This came just a day after Coinbase's stock price fell by 21% due to news of the company receiving a Wells notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
SEC Probes Investment Advisers Offering Crypto Custody Without Proper Qualification
After the fall of FTX and the Ripple lawsuit in 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now looking into Wall Street corporations that may be violating custody regulations.
XRP Price Slumps as SEC’s Ripple Lawsuit Worries India’s Crypto Exchanges
US lawsuit against Ripple blockchain company worries crypto exchanges in India.
Signum Digital Receives Approval for Security Token Offering Platform
Signum Digital, a joint venture of Coinstreet and Somerley, has received approval-in-principle from Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for its security token offering platform called CS-Pro. The platform will allow investment in tangible assets such as private equities, real estate, art, and collectibles.
SEC Revokes License of ParagonCoin Crypto Startup
ParagonCoin, a crypto startup backed by rapper The Game, had its license revoked by the SEC for violating securities laws by failing to file periodic reports. The startup had held a $70 million initial coin offering in 2017, and in 2021, was found liable for more than $12 million in a class-action lawsuit. Meanwhile, other rappers like Snoop Dogg and Eminem are entering the Web3 space with NFTs and new startups.
SEC Pushes Back against Ripple’s Lack of Fair Notice Argument
The SEC has filed a motion to dismiss Ripple’s lack of "due process and fair notice" defence, which pinpoints that the fintech firm had not been warned beforehand that XRP was in violation of securities laws.
Second Circuit Court Order's Terraform Labs and Do Kwon to Comply With SEC's Subpoena
The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling that compels blockchain startup Terraform Labs and its co-founder Do Kwon to comply with a September 2021 Subpoena that served him at a New York Conference.
SEC Accused by Ripple of Using Improper Intimidation Tactic to Extract XRP Info During Discovery
The SEC is appealing to foreign regulators to obtain information on Ripple and XRP, invoking the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) to justify their demand.
PureFi Introduces SafeTransact to Enhance Web3 Security
PureFi has launched SafeTransact, a new security method that examines blockchain transactions and notifies users of any suspicious activities. The system is designed to integrate with AMLSafe, a multi-crypto wallet from the same ecosystem. SafeTransact aims to improve the security of Web3 transactions and address the potential hacking threats to blockchain networks.
Over 50% Crypto Investors Backup Security Keys by Paper Wallets, Threatening its Vulnerability
New research by Unstoppable Domains, Efani, and NGRAVE found that more than half of crypto investors at 54% store their security keys on a paper wallet amid intensified cyber attacks.
Nexo Capital to Pay $45 Million in Penalties
Nexo Capital, a crypto lender, will pay $45 million to the SEC and NASAA (NASAA). SEC and NASAA announced the announcement on Jan 19.
California Court Fines Crowd Machine and Metavine in ICO Case
A California court orders Crowd Machine and Metavine to pay over $20 million for an unlawful 2018 ICO, highlighting the importance of adhering to securities laws in the crypto industry.
U.S. SEC Postpones VanEck’s Bitcoin ETF Application Again
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Wednesday once again postponed to decide the application of VanEck Bitcoin Trust’s proposed Bitcoin ETF.
Canada Tightens Crypto Asset Regulations for Public Investment Funds
The Canadian Securities Administrators propose regulatory changes for public investment funds handling crypto assets, focusing on custodianship standards and limiting direct crypto dealings to specific fund types.
Kraken Agrees to Cease Staking Services for U.S. Clients
Kraken settled with the SEC by ending its staking program and paying $30 million in disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties.
SEC Accuses Kraken of Operating Without Registration, Alleges Mixing of Funds
The SEC has accused Kraken of operating as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, dealer, and clearing agency, accusing it of commingling customer and company funds and deficient internal controls.
SEC Postpones Decision on Grayscale Ethereum Trust's ETF Application
The SEC has extended its review period for Grayscale's Ethereum ETF application to January 2024, reflecting a careful evaluation approach towards cryptocurrency ETFs.
Ripple XRP Crashes by 40% as Crypto Exchanges Halt XRP Trading
Cryptocurrency XRP has tanked by 40% following the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Ripple, with over
Ripple CEO Criticizes SEC's Use of Quarterly XRP Report in Lawsuit
The Chief Executive Officer of Ripple, Brad Garlinghouse, expressed his hatred for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 2, 2023.
The UK's New Digital Securities Sandbox: A Step Forward for Crypto Innovation
The UK government's Digital Securities Sandbox, set to launch on January 8, 2024, allows crypto firms to test products and services, promoting financial technology innovation and consumer protection.
Bitfinex CTO: Keeping Crypto Safe with State-of-the-Art Cyber Security
Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Bitfinex and Tether tells us why safety and security should always be a top priority for crypto exchanges.
SEC Chair Gensler Seeks More Funding for Regulatory Programs
The US Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking additional money to fund its programmes to facilitate initiatives and cover additional costs.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Proposes Revised Crypto Safe Harbor Policies
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has released an amended proposal floating the idea of a safe harbor rule for cryptocurrency projects.
Binance Trims Employee Benefits and Faces Regulatory Challenges Globally
According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance has reduced several benefits for its employees, including reimbursements for mobile phone usage, fitness, and work-from-home expenses.
Polkadot Q2 2023: OpenGov and XCM V3 Launch, SEC Clearance for DOT
According to Messari, Polkadot, a blockchain network designed to support interconnected, application-specific Layer-1 chain, has made significant progress in Q2 2023.
Web3 Security Infrastructure GoPlus Security Reaches Strategic Deal with Dtools
Web3 security startup GoPlus Security has partnered with Web3 ALL-IN-ONE tool Dtools to provide comprehensive security data support for its newly launched token security detection function.
Terraform Labs CEO Sent $7 Billion to Law Firm Before Ecosystem Collapse
South Korean prosecutors confirmed that Terraform Labs CEO Do Kwon sent $7 billion to a top South Korean law firm, Kim & Chang, right before the collapse of the Terra ecosystem. The prosecutors believe that Kwon's decision to send the funds was a deliberate move that allegedly reaffirmed his awareness of the impending collapse and anticipated legal problems. The information is expected to help in the ongoing fraud case against Kwon and his associates.
Japan supports OpenAI amid concerns
Japan expressed interest in incorporating OpenAI’s technology into government systems, provided privacy and cybersecurity concerns are addressed. OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, visited Japan and met with government officials to discuss the potential of the technology and how to maximize its benefits while minimizing risks. Meanwhile, OpenAI is being investigated by Canada’s privacy commissioner for allegedly collecting and utilizing personal information without consent.
Kraken Seeks Dismissal of SEC Lawsuit, Citing Overreach Concerns
Crypto exchange Kraken has requested dismissal of an SEC lawsuit, asserting that it poses a threat to commerce by overextending regulatory reach.
Stay Alert to Crypto Wallets Protection from Quantum Computer Attack
Nowadays, the application of digital signature to access financial accounts could be risky to be attacked by quantum computer hacking, especially for the crypto wallets, experts remind the public to stay alert.
Thailand’s SEC to Eradicate Any Stumbling Blocks to Digital Asset Advancement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Thailand has revealed plans to revise the royal decree on digital asset businesses in 2020 to boost digital assets’ growth, as well as shielding investors from avoidable risks.
SEC Extends Deliberation on Proposed Rule Change Amidst Heated Debates
The SEC extends its deliberation on a proposed rule change, amid congressional debates over its climate disclosure rule. The decision reflects the complex interplay between financial regulation, environmental concerns, and political ideologies.
Commissioners Dissent on SEC's NFT Enforcement Action on Stoner Cats 2, LLC
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dissented on its enforcement action against Stoner Cats 2, LLC's non-fungible token (NFT) settlement. The Commissioners argue that the Howey investment contract analysis lacks a limiting principle and could stifle artists' creativity due to legal uncertainties. They call for clear guidelines for artists and creators using NFTs to support their creative endeavors and engage with fan communities.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: Transforming Crypto Investment Landscape
The SEC's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, including Valkyrie's, marks a pivotal moment for crypto investments, potentially attracting billions in inflows and indicating a surge in Bitcoin's mainstream acceptance.
Bakkt Advances with $150 Million Capital Raise Initiative
Bakkt Holdings, Inc. receives SEC's nod for a "universal shelf" registration, paving the way for up to $150 million capital infusion over three years, enhancing its strategic financial flexibility and growth potential in the digital asset sector.
SEC Chair Gensler Faces Congressional Pressure Over EU Coordination and Lack of Transparency
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has intensified scrutiny on SEC Chair Gary Gensler over the SEC's coordination with the EU on legislative matters and a perceived lack of transparency. The discord, highlighted in a letter dated October 12, 2023, follows a pattern of communication deadlock between the SEC and Congress, with implications on broader legislative and regulatory frameworks. The Committee expects more forthright engagement from the SEC by October 19, 2023, threatening compulsory processes for compliance.
Jump Crypto Enters Confidential Phase in SEC vs. Terraform Labs Case
Jump Crypto has been granted access to confidential documents in the SEC vs. Terraform Labs case, allegedly implicating them in the TerraUSD devaluation and Terra's collapse.
Texas Securities Board Issues Emergency Cease and Desist Order to Abra and CEO, William Barhydt
The Texas State Securities Board has taken decisive action against Abra by issuing an Emergency Cease and Desist Order. The order, also directed at Abra's CEO, William (Bill) Barhydt, alleges securities fraud and misleading statements in connection with Abra's digital asset depository accounts.
Marketlend Launches New Stablecoin Against the Australian Dollar for Security Token Purchasing
Marketlend creates a digital currency to be backed by the Australian dollars to create a secondary market for corporate loans prompting a means through which assets can be tokenized over the blockchain.
UK FCA Regulator Proposes Mandatory AML Data Reports from Cryptocurrency Firms
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed obligatory AML reporting requirements for crypto exchanges.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Called Out by House Representatives Over FTX
Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was supposed to appear before the House Financial Services Committee in December. Lawmakers are questioning his arrest.
Blockchain for Emails: What are the Benefits?
Blockchain has an array of benefits that could solve some of the problems in the email marketing field. Eliminating spam and enhancing privacy are some of the major benefits of this technology.
iFinex Proposes $150 Million Share Buyback from Bitfinex Hack Victims
iFinex, Bitfinex's parent company, plans a $150 million share buyback to re-acquire shares given as compensation for a 2016 hack. The offer follows a valuation surge from $120 million in 2016 to $1.7 billion, providing an exit route for investors. Shareholders have until October 24 to respond to the buyback offer.
SEC Delays Decision on Overstock-Backed Security Token Exchange
The SEC has extended the timeline for its to disapprove or approve operations by the BSTX, a security token exchanged affiliated with Overstock’s blockchain arm tZERO.
What are the Top 5 Blockchain Market Events to Watch in Q2 2020?
Looking ahead to Q2 2020, what are the top 5 blockchain market events to watch? This article provides a simple guide for you!
2024 Election Impact on SEC's Bitcoin Spot ETF Approval
John Reed Stark's analysis suggests the 2024 U.S. Election may be pivotal in shaping the SEC's policy on Bitcoin spot ETFs.
Blockstack’s STX Token Starts Trading on KuCoin Today
Blockstack is increasing its presence in Asia with the addition of its token Stacks (STX) to popular Asian-based cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin.
EDX Markets: Pioneering Digital Asset Trading with Institutional Focus
EDX Markets is a cutting-edge digital asset marketplace designed to cater to the needs of both crypto-native firms and large financial institutions, offering a safer, faster, and more efficient trading experience.
SEC Charges FTX Auditor Prager Metis Over Independence Violations
The SEC has charged Prager Metis with violations of auditor independence laws, drawing attention due to its previous engagement with cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which filed for bankruptcy in 2022. The legal action emphasizes the crucial role of auditor independence in ensuring financial transparency and investor protection.
US SEC Approves Third Bitcoin Futures ETF Application from Teucrium
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved America’s third functional Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) product that tracks the futures price of the world’s largest crypto asset.
BitKub CTO Fined by Thai SEC For Insider Trading Offenses
Samret Wajanasathian, the Chief Technology Officer of BitKub, has been fined by the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a rare insider trading case in the local crypto ecosystem.
DOJ Extradites Bitcoin Thief From Cyprus Along With Hezbollah Terrorist
The US Department of Justice has extradited two criminals from Cyprus—one with known connections to terrorism and the other on suspicion of stealing thousands in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Recovers from Plunge Triggered by Confirmation Hearing for SEC Chair Nominee Gary Gensler
Bitcoin (BTC) dipped after Gary Gensler said that it was a challenge for the SEC to keep cryptocurrency markets free of fraud.
Thailand's Market Watchdogs Suggest Crypto Regulation to Avoid Threatening Financial Stability
Regulators in Thailand, including The trio of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), issued a joint statement on cryptocurrencies that threaten the local financial ecosystem.
Coinbase Bolsters Advisory Board with Security Experts
Coinbase has enlisted four national security experts to its Global Advisory Council, including former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy, Counterterrorism Advisor Frances Townsend, and strategist David Urban.
China Alerts on Foreign Mapping Firms Using Crypto Rewards for Sensitive Data Collection
The Chinese Ministry of State Security issues a warning about foreign mapping companies using cryptocurrency rewards to encourage unauthorized sensitive geographical data collection in China, posing a threat to national security.
Several Cryptocurrency Firms Suffer Domain Cyber-Attacks Due to GoDaddy Employee Error
Malicious actors gained control of domains owned by several cryptocurrency firms after tricking GoDaddy employees.
German Deutsche Borse Exchange Seeks to Launch New Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product for Trading
Bitcoin the world’s largest cryptocurrency is making another notable milestone in crypto history as it will be the first crypto asset listed as an exchange traded product (ETP). The company announced the exchange-traded product, popularly known as the Bitcoin exchange-traded crypto (BTCE) - is Bitcoin-backed security that would be listed and traded on Deutsche Borse’s Xetra market-based in Germany. ETP is a financial instrument whose value is based on the underlying security (such as currencies, bonds, and stocks) and is traded on stock exchanges.
Legislation Introduced to Remove SEC Chair Gensler from His Role
United States Representative Warren Davidson has announced plans to introduce legislation that would remove SEC Chair Gary Gensler from his role and replace it with an Executive Director that reports to the Board. The move follows the SEC's proposed rule amendments that could bring certain brokers under additional regulatory scrutiny and redefine an "exchange." While Gensler has said the proposed changes could benefit investors and markets, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has criticized the move, accusing the regulator of stifling new technology and entrepreneurship. The SEC has faced criticism for using enforcement actions to develop the law on a case-by-case basis, rather than creating clear regulations.
SEC Justifies Why It Wants to Access Ripple Executives’ Personal Financial Records in XRP Case
The SEC has pushed back against Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s motion to quash the subpoenas related to their personal financial records.
SEC Fights Telegram on Gram Token Sale at US Court Battle
The cryptocurrency and blockchain community have been closely watching the court case between the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Telegram over the legality of the latter’s $1.7 billion token offering.
US SEC Charges “Bitcoiin2Gen” Executives with Defrauding Investors In $11.4 Million Crypto Scheme
Bitcoiin2Gen executives have been charged by the US SEC for allegedly securing millions from investors based on a crypto ICO scam shilled by Steven Seagal.
SEC Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda Disagree on Impact Theory Enforcement Action
The US SEC has launched its first enforcement action against Impact Theory, LLC, for raising $30 million through an unregistered offering of NFTs disguised as securities, despite Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda arguing for clearer regulations.
THORSwap Resumes Operations with Enhanced Security Measures to Combat Illicit Funds Transfer
THORSwap, a decentralized exchange (DEX) leveraging the THORChain protocol, resumed operations on October 13, following a temporary shutdown to address concerns of illicit funds transfer. The platform has enhanced its security measures, updated its terms of service, and partnered with an industry leader to prevent the movement of illicit funds. Although the move was met with mixed reactions from the community, it underscores THORSwap's commitment to providing a secure trading environment amid rising regulatory pressures in the DeFi sector.
SEBA Bank Secures SFC License, Expanding Crypto Services to Hong Kong
Swiss cryptocurrency bank SEBA Bank has been granted a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission license to offer trading, distribution, advisory, and asset management services in the Asia Pacific region.
Lawsuits against Ripple Grow as XRP Investor in Florida Sues Firm
The SEC lawsuit is not the only complaint that Ripple Labs is currently facing over XRP.
SEC Charges Stoner Cats Over NFT Offerings
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has accused Stoner Cats 2 LLC of conducting an unregistered crypto asset securities offering, involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to raise funds for an animated web series. SC2 successfully raised $8 million, with the SEC finding SC2 had set up a 2.5 percent royalty strategy and encouraged trading.
Who will Lead the Lawsuit against Ripple XRP? SEC Enforcement Director Steps Down
The SEC’s Acting Director of the Division of Enforcement will conclude his tenor by the end of this month.
Filing Lawsuits Before "Setting Clear Rules" Harms Investors: WSJ on SEC-Ripple Showdown
The Wall Street Journal ha criticized faulted the SEC's move to file a lawsuit against Ripple without first settling its regulatory stance
Ahead of The Ripple (XRP) SEC Court Date, Flare Network Declares its Support
The Flare Network has stated that it is not associated with Ripple, but believes XRP is a virtual currency and not a security despite the United States SEC alllegations.
SEC Charges Impact Theory for Unregistered NFT Sales
Impact Theory, a Los Angeles-based company, has been charged by the SEC with violating federal securities laws by offering unregistered NFTs as investment contracts.
US Files Lawsuit to Recover Cryptocurrency Accounts Linked to North Korean Hacking Operation
The US Department of Justice has filed a suit against North Korean state-sponsored cyber hackers for allegedly perpetrating two major cryptocurrency heists.
Ripple Files Response to SEC’s Lawsuit, Demands to Know Why Bitcoin and Ethereum Are Not Securities
Ripple drags BTC and Ethereum into the SEC lawsuit over XRP's status, demanding an explanation as to why the two leading cryptos are not classified as securities.
Crypto Twitter Explodes as US SEC Aims to Sue Ripple For Sale of XRP Token as Securities
The US SEC is suing Ripple for selling its XRP token, meanwhile, Crypto Twitter has erupted with support and criticism of the less than decentralized crypto firm.
Core Scientific's future is under "substantial doubt"
Core Scientific lost $434.8 million in Q3 2022. After second-quarter net losses of $862 million, 2022 net losses are $1.71 billion. The company expects to run out of cash by 2022. It doubted its ability to raise money through financing or capital markets. In a tweet on Nov. 22, he noted that bitcoin mining had fallen below $10,000.
SEC Charges Rapper T.I. for Role in Alleged Fraudulent ICOs
The SEC filed a complaint against T.I and four other individuals for selling unregistered and fraudulent cryptocurrency securities for two firms.
Unprecedented UN Security Council Meeting to discuss AI's Threats and Advantages, Set for July 18
On July 18, the United Nations Security Council is slated to hold an inaugural discussion on the dual-edged sword of artificial intelligence (AI) — its potential perils and merits regarding global peace and security.
LidoDAO is considering selling or staking its $30 million
LidoDAO, the decentralized autonomous organization behind Lido, is considering staking or selling its $30 million ETH treasury to meet unexpected market swings.
Bitcoin Futures Exchange BitMEX to Block Ontario Crypto Traders
Cryptocurrency derivatives exchange BitMEX announced today that it planned on removing its trading platform services from a Canadian province.
Director of National Intelligence Warns US SEC of China’s Cryptocurrency Dominance
National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe has warned the US Securities and Exchange Commission that China’s cryptocurrency dominance could put the US at a disadvantage.
CEO of Composable Finance Vigorously Refutes Allegations
Composable Finance CEO Omar Zaki denies Karel Kubat's claims that his business violated SEC cease-and-desist orders.
US SEC To Open New Office Dedicated to Crypto-Related Filings
The new crypto offices, which are under the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, will be tasked with reviewing disclosures for publicly traded firms.
Binance US Faces SEC Accusations Over Alleged Securities Trading Violations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has leveled a series of accusations against the US operations of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, casting a significant cloud over the future of the platform in the United States.
Court Ruling Sparks Surge in Ripple's XRP Price and Market Cap
Ripple Labs achieved a partial victory in its case with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 13, 2023.
Coinbase's Legal Challenge Against SEC's Decision
Coinbase challenges the SEC in court over its decision to deny a rulemaking petition, marking a critical juncture in U.S. cryptocurrency regulation.
SEC Agrees to Delay Terraform Labs Trial, Awaiting Do Kwon's Extradition
The SEC has postponed the trial of Terraform Labs and Do Kwon, pending Kwon's extradition to the US, for a $40 billion cryptocurrency fraud.
Gemini Responds to SEC Lawsuit Over Alleged Unregistered Securities
Gemini has filed a reply brief to a US SEC lawsuit alleging that its service, Gemini Earn, violated securities regulations by offering unregistered securities. Gemini's legal defense, represented by JFB LEGAL, PLLC and SHEARMAN & STERLING LLP, argues that the complaint lacks concrete evidence and is based on "conclusory statements."
Ethereum Under Potential SEC Scrutiny after The Merge: WSJ
Ethereum's latest software update may have caught the Securities and Exchange Commission chair's attention to categorize the second-largest crypto as a security.
BlockSec Launches Phalcon Fork for Collaborative Testing on Ethereum Mainnet
Blockchain security firm BlockSec has launched Phalcon Fork, a toolkit that enables collaborative testing on private chains forked from arbitrary transaction positions and block numbers on the Ethereum mainnet. The toolkit offers greater control over testing, analysis, and debugging on testnets, with features such as snapshots and a faucet for acquiring free fork network Ether. The Phalcon Fork user manual touts advantages over traditional solutions such as Goerli, including retaining services and states from the mainnet and maintaining full control over block information.
Ripple Co-Founder Hints Move From US Regulation: “Blockchain and Digital Currencies are not Welcome”
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen is considering moving Ripple’s base from the United States due to crushing biased regulation.
NYDIG has Raised $720 Million for its Institutional Bitcoin Fund
On Oct. 3, New York-based digital investment group NYDIG raised $720 million for its institutional bitcoin fund, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton Joins Crypto Advisory Board
Former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton has taken up an advisory role with crypto firm One River Digital Asset Management.
BlackRock Has No Plans for XRP ETF
BlackRock Inc., the world's largest asset manager, halts its plans for a spot XRP ETF due to ongoing regulatory uncertainties and concerns over XRP's legal status in the midst of the Ripple vs. SEC case.
Australian Judge Allows Plaintiff to Use Bitcoin as Collateral Bond
In Australia, a New South Wales (NSW) court has allowed a cryptocurrency exchange account to be used as a collateral bond for legal costs.
Hong Kong Suffers Surge in Crypto Scams in 2022
Hong Kong police reported a surge in crypto-related scams in 2022, with losses amounting to HK$1.7 billion ($216.6 million), up 106% from the previous year. The number of crypto-related scam cases reported in Hong Kong also surged by 67% from 2021. Such scams accounted for over 50% of the HK$3.2 billion ($407 million) stolen from city residents in technology crimes. The Hong Kong police CyberDefender website reported almost 23,000 cases of technology-related crimes in 2022. The use of cryptocurrency has made it more complicated for enforcement to track criminal funds, as fraudsters can hide their identities, transactions, and final destination.
Involved in Cryptocurrency and Cash Corruption, Regional Military Recruitment Heads Were Dismissed by Ukrainian President
Ukrainian President dismissed regional military recruitment heads for corruption involving cryptocurrency and cash. Law enforcement opened 112 cases.
BaFin Declines to Classify NFTs as Securities, Recommends Case-by-Case Approach
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany (BaFin) has stated that it is not yet prepared to classify non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as securities. While NFTs may be considered investments in certain cases, BaFin suggests that classification should be approached on a case-by-case basis. The lack of immediate exchangeability and standardization makes it unlikely that NFTs will be classified as crypto assets. However, if an NFT contains documentation of exploitation rights or ownership, it could be considered an investment. BaFin does not expect NFTs to comply with the licensing requirements of the Payment Services Supervision Act or fall under its Anti-Money Laundering supervision, except for NFTs that are considered "crypto assets."
Generative AI in the UK Public Sector: A Comprehensive Analysis
A survey by the Alan Turing Institute shows a significant uptake of GenAI in the UK public sector, with diverse applications across healthcare, education, and more. While boosting productivity and offering new operational methods, challenges like unclear guidelines and varying attitudes towards AI persist.
How Is XRP Lawsuit Now And Where Can I Trade XRP?
XRP, a cryptocurrency that is primarily built for transactions, can be purchased on crypto exchanges.
TON Developers Threaten to Go Rogue and Launch Network as Telegram Battles SEC Lawsuit
While the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may have temporarily succeeded in stopping the launch of Telegram’s TON network, can they really stop open-source technology?
Circle Files with The US SEC Intends to Become a National Cryptocurrency Bank
Circle intends to become a full reserve national commercial bank as a part of the potential solution, the company explains its core services heavily rely on third parties that create business risks.
Harbor Becomes First Blockchain Company to Hold Both Transfer Agent License and Brokerage License
Harbor, a digital assets firm for security token issuance, has been granted a transfer agent license by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
XRP Price Analysis: Why The Bulls Are Not Buying The Dip
As XRP continues its bearish plunges, more investors are shunning the cryptocurrency amid the SEC-fueled uncertainty.
First Crypto Fund Approved by Hong Kong’s Financial Regulator Aims to Pass $100M in its First Year
Hong Kong’s first approved cryptocurrency fund, Arrano Capital, the blockchain arm of Venture Smart Asia announced its rollout of a new Bitcoin fund in Hong Kong.
Twitter Says Bitcoin Hack Originated From Phone Phishing Attack
On Thursday, Twitter provided an update addressing the massive Bitcoin hack that overtook its platform earlier this month.
Bitwise Pulls Bitcoin ETF To Sort Through SEC Response
Bitwise has officially withdrawn its Bitcoin exchange-traded fund registration filing from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Grayscale Hires Former Alerian CEO Davi LaValle As Global Head of ETFs
Grayscale Investments has announced the hire of Davi LaValle as the head of its ETF business.
U.S. Senators Reed and Butler Urge SEC to Pause Crypto ETF Approvals Over Investor Risks
Senators Jack Reed and Laphonza Butler have called on the SEC to halt new crypto ETF approvals, highlighting risks for retail investors.
Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao Face Class-Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Market Manipulation Targeting FTX
Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, are facing a class-action lawsuit filed by plaintiff Nir Lahav, accusing them of unfair competition and SEC law violations. The lawsuit alleges that Binance manipulated the cryptocurrency market to harm competitor FTX, leading to a significant decline in FTX's utility token, FTT. The case brings into focus the broader implications of regulatory efforts in the crypto industry.
Platypus Recovers 90% of Stolen Funds from Recent Exploit
Platypus DeFi protocol has recovered 90% of the funds stolen in the recent 12 October 2023 exploit, reducing the net loss to about 18,000 AVAX. The protocol acknowledged the community's support in swiftly resolving the crisis and is making arrangements for the withdrawal of liquidity providers. Amidst ongoing investigations and enhanced security measures, Platypus continues to work on a compensation plan for affected users from previous attacks.
BlockFi to Pay $100M in Settlement to US SEC
BlockFi, an American crypto lending platform, reportedly agreed to a settlement deal with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Mastercard Attains CipherTrace to Boost Security and Fraud Detection in the Crypto Ecosystem
Payment giant Mastercard announced the acquisition of CipherTrace to offer businesses powerful intelligence about the crypto economy as digital assets continue becoming more intertwined with daily activities.
Why Cryptocurrency Exchanges Still Supporting XRP May Be Forced to Delist The Token Soon
The cryptocurrency exchanges that are still supporting XRP and have not yet moved to delist it may be forced to do so eventually.
Blockfence and Forta Network Collaborate to Enhance Web3 Users’ Security
Blockfence, a security aggregation provider, has teamed up with Forta Network, a decentralized monitoring network specializing in Web3 threat detection and prevention. This collaboration aims to improve the security of Web3 users by identifying suspicious Ethereum smart contracts using Forta's monitoring platform. As a result, Blockfence users will be better protected from potential losses caused by wallet drainers, phishing, and other scams.
Major Banking and Financial Associations Urge SEC to Amend SAB 121 for Digital Asset Custody
The Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum, and SIFMA have requested modifications to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 to address challenges in digital asset custody for US banking organizations. The aim is to align provisions with recent policy developments and practical experience.
Doppel Secures $14M in Series A Funding Led by Andreessen Horowitz
Doppel, a San Francisco-based AI digital risk protection company, secures $14M in Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz, aiming to enhance AI-powered brand security against digital threats like impersonation and phishing.
'Blockchain Is Bunk': Crypto Critics Find their Voice
John Stark, one of the founding members of the US SEC, joined other experts in a major gathering of crypto sceptics.
Ripple Sued by One of Its Major Investors Demanding The Blockchain Firm Reclaim Its Stock
Things look grim for Ripple as Tetragon, a former investor in the company, has turned against it, filing a complaint against the fintech firm.
SEC's Upcoming Decision on Bitcoin ETFs and the Implications
The SEC's anticipated decision on Bitcoin ETFs, expected by January 2024, could significantly boost U.S. crypto adoption, balancing financial institutions' interests and legal challenges.
Huobi to Cease Operations in Thailand After SEC Revokes License
The Thailand subsidiary of the Huobi cryptocurrency exchange has seen its operating license revoked by the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for failing to comply with the system security requirements laid down by the regulator
PlayDapp's $31 Million Hack: A Blow to Blockchain Gaming Security
PlayDapp, a prominent NFT marketplace, experienced a security breach, resulting in the unauthorized minting of $200 million PLA tokens, worth $31 million.
Bitfinex to Launch New Security Token Offering Platform Regulated by Kazakhstan
Cryptocurrency exchanges Bitfinex is launching a new security token offering (STO) platform regulated by Kazakhstan.
SEC Brands Terraform Labs a "House of Cards" as Civil Trial Commences
SEC accuses Terraform Labs of constructing a fraudulent empire, with the civil trial beginning over a year after the lawsuit was filed.
Bitfinex and Polygon zkEVM Facilitate Tether Gold Transactions
Bitfinex has integrated Tether Gold transactions via the Polygon zkEVM transport layer, marking a significant step towards cost-effective and secure digital asset transactions from October 11, 2023.
SEC Sues 11 Individuals involving Forsage Crypto Ponzi Scheme
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against 11 defendants of the popular Forsage crypto pyramid and Ponzi scheme.
BIS Advances Technology in Finance: Quantum, AI, and Green Initiatives for 2024
The Bank for International Settlements announces six innovative projects for 2024, focusing on quantum security, AI, and green finance, to enhance global financial system resilience.
Oddity Tech Ltd Launches Security Token Offering to Democratize Investing
Oddity is innovating its offerings to keep up with the changing users’ expectations.
SEC Delays Decision on Invesco-Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF
The SEC has extended the review period for Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF, potentially extending it for up to 240 days, allowing for public commentary.
Many Lawmakers and Witnesses Call for hearing exploring the crash of the crypto market
At a Senate Banking Committee meeting dubbed "Crypto Fall," financial professionals and politicians discussed how to address the crypto market crash.
Nvidia Agrees to Pay $5.5 Million to SEC Fine for Failure to Crypto Mining Disclosures
The SEC said it found that Nvidia misled investors in 2017 and 2018 on how cryptocurrency contributed to the profits in its gaming business.
NYSE Arca Files Proposed Rule Change for Bitwise Ethereum ETF Listing
NYSE Arca proposes rule change for Bitwise Ethereum ETF listing and trading under Rule 8.201-E, allowing exposure to ether value and establishing Net Asset Value.
Coinbase vs SEC: Legal Battle Heats Up
The US Court of Appeals has ordered the SEC to respond to Coinbase’s writ of mandamus within 10 days. The largest US cryptocurrency exchange filed a lawsuit in April requesting regulatory clarity, but has faced increased enforcement and warnings from the SEC, leading to a downgraded rating by Citigroup.
Phemex Crypto Exchange Relists XRP
Ripple has scored yet another win amid its legal battle against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over XRP operations.
Brock Pierce Served for Securities Fraud in Connection with His Blockchain Company Block.one During Electoral Campaign
Presidential hopeful Brock Pierce was served a court summons during his electoral rally at his new headquarters in New York City today.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin Proposes Signature Reduction
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposes reducing the number of signatures for validators in the PoS system to simplify the system, address technical issues, and enhance network security.
Interactive Brokers Taps OSL To Offer Digital Assets Services in Hong Kong
Interactive Brokers is working with OSL Digital Securities to expand the use of virtual assets dealing services in Hong Kong, witnessing investors' growing interest in exploring opportunities in investing in crypto-assets.
ProShares Confirms to Start Trading Bitcoin Futures ETF on NYSE Tuesday
American Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) provider, ProShares confirmed that its Bitcoin Futures backed ETF product will begin trading on the NYSE Tuesday.
BUSD, Paxos, and the Recent Scrutiny of Paxos
Matrixport's director of research believed Paxos' BUSD supervision was too lax, prompting regulatory attention. Stablecoins are not the goal.
Flow Secures $3M Seed Funding To Build A Rollup Centric NFT Ecosystem
Introducing Flow: The Game-Changing NFT Ecosystem Set to Revolutionize the NFT Market. Aggregator Beta Launches on Ethereum Mainnet. Groundbreaking AI and Rollup-Centric Roadmap Unveiled; Anticipated Token Launch on April 30.
SEC Chair Calls for Open Dialogue in Pursuit of a Regulated Crypto Market
Gary Gensler will call on crypto stakeholders to come and talk to the SEC at his hearing with the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday
Winklevoss Twins' Gemini and Archax Exchange Now Licensed by UK Financial Conduct Authority
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has granted a license to the Winklevoss twins’ Gemini cryptocurrency exchange.
FTX Announces Proposed Settlement and Amended Plan in Chapter 11 Cases
FTX has announced a proposed settlement in their Chapter 11 cases, pending court approval. The settlement includes a "Shortfall Claim" for customers and an amended Plan of Reorganization. The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors supports the plan, expecting expedited cases and improved recoveries. Customers may receive over 90% of distributable value globally.
Coinbase Layer 2 Network
Coinbase's new layer-2 network, Base, has Ethereum supporters. One lawyer thinks the launch "opens the way" for the SEC to expedite its "secondary market agenda."
NiceHash Keeps Promise to Reimburse Victims of 2017 Security Breach
NiceHash is making good on its promise to repay victims of the 2017 security breach of its exchange, which saw over 4640 BTC stolen ($55,680,000 in Bitcoin at the time).
Terraform Labs Co-Founder Argues Against SEC Lawsuit
Terraform Labs co-founder, Do Kwon's lawyers have argued in court against the SEC's lawsuit for illegally offering unregistered securities. The lawyers claim the SEC's acquisitions are unfounded and that the stablecoin in question is a currency, not a security. Additionally, Kwon's arrest and subsequent extradition remain uncertain.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Wants Regulator Clarity for Crypto Innovation
Hester Peirce, Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission has continued her push for regulatory clarity on crypto and blockchain projects to encourage innovation in the US capital markets.
Ripple Labs Breathes Sigh of Relief as Federal Judge Wants XRP Token Holders to Present their Views
US district judge Analisa Torres has finally rejected the SEC’s appeal against letting XRP holders intervene in the ongoing legal case.
Nigeria Eyes New Regulatory Framework to Boost Crypto and Blockchain Adoption
Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance is collaborating with the nation’s capital market watchdog, to provide a new regulatory environment for the blockchain and crypto space.
Agency Needs to Prepare Regulating Crypto, Says CFTC Chair
Rostin Behnam, the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) noted that he has directed members to start preparing to be the major regulator in the crypto industry.
Paul Pierce settles with SEC for $1.4 million
Paul Pierce settled with the SEC for promoting EthereumMax on social media without reporting his compensation.
Thailand’s SEC Moves to Revoke Huobi's License
Thailand's SEC is about to revoke Huobi's license to operate in the country.
Robinhood Receives Investigative Subpoena from SEC Over Crypto Business
Robinhood disclosed in a recent 10-K filing that it received an investigative subpoena from the SEC in December 2022 regarding its supported cryptocurrencies, custody of cryptocurrencies, and platform operations. The subpoena was in response to the bankruptcies of several major cryptocurrency trading venues and lending platforms earlier in the year, including FTX, Three Arrows Capital, Voyager Digital Holdings, and Celsius Network. This follows previous subpoenas from the California Attorney General's Office and scrutiny from the Massachusetts Securities Division. Robinhood's crypto division was also fined $30 million by the New York District of Financial Services in August 2021 for failing to invest the proper resources and attention to develop and maintain a culture of compliance.
US SEC Boss Airs Caution on Crypto Lenders Offering High Yields
Investors thinking of investing in crypto lending platforms should be cautious, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman said.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Criticizes Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton's Regulatory Approach
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse criticizes former SEC Chair Jay Clayton for his aggressive regulatory approach, citing hypocrisy based on a 2020 lawsuit against Ripple. The ongoing legal tussle and recent developments highlight the broader regulatory uncertainties in the crypto industry.
US SEC Releases Guidelines for Digital Asset Securities as Exchanges Scramble to Delist XRP
US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a statement to indicate that it is open to comment from the crypto industry regarding digital asset securities.
Bitcoin Sentiment Soars to 76, Reflecting Extreme Market Greed
Bitcoin's market sentiment score hits 76, indicating extreme market greed, driven by expectations of SEC's decision on spot Bitcoin ETFs.
New US CFTC Regulatory Framework to Have a Major Impact on Digital Assets
The new regulation by the CFTC is designed to benefit digital currencies in the era of the growing involvement of cryptocurrencies in the derivative market
KuCoin Loses $150 Million Due to Security Breach But Compensation to Follow
KuCoin, a Singapore-based crypto exchange, has disclosed the suspicious withdrawal of large amounts of Bitcoin, ERC-20, and Ether.
SEC Lawsuits Target Multiple Tokens: DCG Founder Points Out Absence of PoW Cryptos
In an unfolding legal battle against two major cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase and Binance, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared various tokens as securities.
Why the SEC Charged Telegram, EOS, Kik and ICORating: Are Your Cryptos Safe?
Could the SEC charge your blockchain or crypto project? Let's take a look at why Telegram, EOS, Kik, and ICORating have been charged.
400 Crypto.com Accounts Hacked, CEO Confirms Reimbursement for all Victims
According to a Bloomberg interview, Kris Marszalek, CEO of Crypto wallet provider and trading platform Crypto.com, said he would be more than willing to share information about Tuesday's hack if the regulator has any relevant inquiries.
Hong Kong Crypto Exchange OSL Opens Institutions Investment in Security Tokens
OSL offers sales of security tokens to institutional investors after receiving a Type 1 license from the SFC. The offerings enable investors to own digital assets pegged to financial assets indirectly.
Ethereum Foundation Suffered from MEV Bot Attack in Eth Selling
The Ethereum Foundation suffered a Sandwich attack by an MEV Bot during a 1.7k ETH transaction on Uniswap V3, resulting in a $9,101 loss. The incident spotlights the rising menace of MEV exploits and underlines the necessity for enhanced security protocols in blockchain transactions.
Token Taxonomy Act that Will Exempt Cryptocurrencies from Securities Laws Reintroduced in US Congress
A crypto bill suggesting that certain cryptocurrencies should be exempted from securities laws has been reintroduced to US Congress for review.
Unidentified Exploit Steals Over $10.5 Million in NFTs and Coins
An unidentified exploit has drained over $10.5 million in NFTs and coins from experienced crypto community members since December 2022. The exploit targets keys created from 2014 to 2022 and those who are "crypto native," with multiple addresses and work within the space. Crypto veterans are advised to use a hardware wallet or migrate their funds to safeguard their digital assets.
CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz: US SEC Has No Authority Over Cryptocurrencies
The recent heated debate between the US SEC officials and the CFTC over who should police crypto tokens highlights the difficulty in applying existing regulations to the nascent sector.
EDX Markets Debuts Cryptocurrency Trading Platform and Wraps Up Latest Investment Round
In a key milestone, EDX Markets has successfully kick-started its cryptocurrency trading operations and completed a fresh funding round
Grayscale Offshoot GDLC Becomes an SEC Reporting Outfit
An offshoot of Grayscale, the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund is now an SEC reporting outfit, per the firm's latest announcement.
Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long Slams Regulators
The Custodia Bank CEO joins other crypto leaders in criticizing Washington's "regulation by enforcement" strategy.
Trust Wallet Discloses Security Flaw Resulting in $170k Loss
Crypto wallet Trust Wallet has reported a security vulnerability, resulting in almost $170k in losses for some users. The vulnerability has been fixed after Trust Wallet found out about it through its bug bounty program.
Neuberger Berman Wins SEC Approval to Invest 5% Commodities Fund in Bitcoin Futures
Neuberger Berman has announced that its commodities fund can invest in Bitcoin futures and Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.
dYdX Chain Audit Reveals Zero Critical Issues, Confirms Informal Systems
dYdX, a leading decentralized exchange platform, has cleared a comprehensive security audit by Informal Systems. The news was shared on the official dYdX Twitter account and reposted by founder Antonio, reinforcing the platform's commitment to user security and fund safety.
Security Token Market Launches 1st Tokenized Crowdfunding Campaign
Global leader of media and data for tokenized assets Security Token Market (STM) launches the first tokenized crowdfunding campaign that supports Web3 governance.
SEC Denies Holding Bitcoin and Ethereum Documents in XRP Case
The lawsuit between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple continues to unfold.
tZERO Partners With Alliance Investments to Tokenize $25M Real Estate Project in UK
tZERO has announced that it has collaborated with Alliance Investments for the sole aim of tokenising River Plaza worth around $25 million.
US Authorities Uncover Chinese-linked Bitcoin Mining Operations
US authorities have identified a significant number of Chinese-linked Bitcoin mining operations across the United States, sparking national security concerns. Published by The New York Times on October 13, the report highlights the close proximity of some of these operations to critical military and infrastructure sites. Amidst escalating US-China political tensions, the surge in Chinese Bitcoin mining operations in the US, coupled with their substantial energy consumption, poses critical questions regarding cybersecurity, energy sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics.
Origin DeFi Protocol Loses $7 Million to Hacker in Security Breach
Origin Protocol is the latest DeFi platform to lose $7 million due to hacking. The company has said that it is working to restore the stolen funds.
AdvisorShares Files for US Bitcoin Futures ETF
AdvisorShares investment manager becomes the latest firm to file an application for a Bitcoin futures ETF.
Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) Price Analysis
Price analysis for Ethereum and XRP amidst the ongoing crypto rallies
Malaysian Authorities to Extend Crypto Regulations to Wallet Providers
The Malaysian Securities Commission plans to extend crypto regulations to wallet providers in the country owing to their importance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
SEC Cybersecurity Breach: Investigating the Fallout and Future Measures
The SEC's recent cybersecurity breach, involving an unauthorized post on its X (formerly Twitter) account about a Bitcoin ETF, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The SEC is actively investigating the incident, highlighting the broader implications for security practices in social media and government agencies.
SEC Scholars Program Opens Applications for Fall 2023 Internship
The SEC is accepting applications for its Scholars Program for Fall 2023. The program offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students in business and legal programs. The traineeships are paid and range from $15.09 to $35.27 per hour. The SEC encourages students with an interest in blockchain, computer science, and cybersecurity to apply.
Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen File for Motion to Dismiss SEC Lawsuit
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and CEO Brad Garlinghouse have filed for a motion to dismiss lawsuits they have received over XRP.
Google Sues Unknown Entities for Malware Scheme Disguised as AI Chatbot Bard
Google is suing individuals for a malware distribution scam involving false AI chatbot ads, aiming to protect users and intellectual property amid growing digital security challenges.
Ukrainian Security Department And Law Enforcement Uncover a Crypto Mining Farm in a Railway Subdivision in Lviv
According to a report, Ukrzaliznytsia has uncovered a hidden cryptocurrency mining farm in the Lviv railway subdivision, which has been making use of the country’s electricity without paying for it. This secret mining company was discovered by Ukrzaliznytsia's security department, in conjunction with law enforcement officials.
SEC Chair Gensler Open to Lawful Revival of FTX
SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasizes regulatory standards as FTX considers legal and compliant return, following founder Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction, marking a pivotal moment in crypto regulation.
MetaMask Developer ConsenSys Challenges SEC's Proposed 'Exchange' Definition, Citing Blockchain Misunderstandings
Blockchain tech company ConsenSys, represented by lawyer Bill Hughes, has formally objected to the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) concerning the redefinition of a securities "exchange".
XRP Price Stable As Grayscale Plans to Dissolve XRP Trust Closing Investment Avenue for Institutions, But Why?
Despite the news that Grayscale’s XRP Trust is going to be dissolved and XRP may lose a significant amount of institutional investors, the XRP price has stabilized—But why?
Floyd Mayweather Promoted 2017 ICO Was a Fraud, Co-Founder Pleads Guilty
The $25 million 2017 Centra Tech ICO court case has finally resulted in a verdict against one of the co-founders who pleaded guilty to fraud yesterday. The other founders are still awaiting trial.
Declining trend in physical crypto ATMs
The number of physical cryptocurrency ATMs is declining, with 3,627 removed in March 2023, according to Coin ATM Radar. The trend of increasing installations is reversing, with the highest number of machines installed in a single month being 2,048 in January 2021. The three-month-long downtrend was broken in April with 37 installations. General Bytes, BitAccess, and Genesis Coin are the current market leaders in manufacturing crypto ATMs. General Bytes faced a security incident in March and promised to reimburse customer losses.
HSBC to Initiate Institutional Digital Assets Custody Service in 2024
HSBC plans to launch a digital assets custody service for institutional clients in 2024, partnering with Metaco to expand its digital offerings to include tokenised securities.
Mastercard to Float New Compliance Product alongside CipherTrace
Mastercard has partnered with its newly acquired subsidiary, CipherTrace, to launch a new product called Crypto Secure, helping banks assess the risk of crime associated with crypto merchants on its network.
TrustSwap's SmartLocks Service Locked Up Four Times More than Bitcoin LN
TrustSwap, a DeFi platform dedicated to enabling the execution of timed token purchases, recently announced that its SmartLocks service has officially locked over four times more value than the Bitcoin Lightning Network. While this is a major achievement on its own, it is only one of TrustSwap's many different services and it shows the potential that the project has to dominate the DeFi sector.
Former SEC Officer Analyzes Ripple's Momentary Celebration in SEC Lawsuit
Former SEC Officer, John Reed Stark, analyzes Ripple's legal victory against the SEC, describing it as a momentary celebration and predicting a likely appeal.
Reuters: BlackRock and Ark Investments Compete in Bitcoin ETF Fee Reduction
BlackRock and Ark Investment Management lower fees for their proposed spot Bitcoin ETFs, reflecting the growing competition and interest in cryptocurrency-based investment products. This move signifies the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.
Grayscale Partners with NYSE Arca to File for Spot Ethereum ETF Conversion
Grayscale Investments has collaborated with NYSE Arca to file Form 19b-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), aiming to convert the Grayscale Ethereum Trust into a spot Ethereum ETF. This move is a significant part of Grayscale's ongoing strategy to transition its entire range of 17 crypto investment products into ETFs. The filing follows the SEC's recent approval of the first Ethereum futures ETFs.
DTCC to Acquire Securrency, Advancing in Digital Asset Infrastructure
DTCC announces its strategic acquisition of digital asset infrastructure specialist, Securrency. This move will bolster DTCC's digital asset offerings and streamline the integration of blockchain technology.
Yellen Selects Fed Associate Director Michael Hsu to Succeed Brian Brooks at OCC
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced her intention to nominate Fed Associate Director Michael Hsu to take charge as the new acting Comptroller of Currency.
Banking on Blockchain: ICBC Releases First-Ever White Paper on Blockchain for the Financial Sector
One of China's major banks, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) has released its white paper on blockchain-based applications in the financial sector. The document is the first white paper related to blockchain technology in the financial industry. The paper also highlights the present challenges faced by the banking sector.
Ripple's Brad Garlinghouse Maintains SEC Chair's Stance on Crypto is Not Clear
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has maintained that the SEC boss did not clarify crypto laws at his hearing with the US Senate.
Vitalik Buterin Advises Caution in Expanding Ethereum Consensus Roles
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has published a thought-provoking blog post cautioning the blockchain community about the hazards of overextending Ethereum's consensus mechanism beyond its central functions of block validation and network security.
VanEck Floats its Multi-Coin Crypto ETN in Europe
VanEck, one of the foremost issuers of cryptocurrency-focused investment products, has announced the launch of its multi-coin cryptocurrency fund in Europe.
Former Student of SEC Chairman Weighs in on Binance and Coinbase Lawsuits
Former MIT Sloan School of Management student and teaching assistant for Gary Gensler, known only as 'Kenny' on Twitter, has offered insights into the recently filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as his personal journey into the world of blockchain and crypto.
SEC Delays Decision on Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF
The SEC extends the review period for the Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ether ETF until February 6, 2024, signaling continued caution in cryptocurrency product approvals.
How Jailbreak Attacks Compromise ChatGPT and AI Models' Security
Recent studies reveal the vulnerabilities of large language models like GPT-4 to jailbreak attacks. Innovative defense strategies, such as self-reminders, are being developed to mitigate these risks, underscoring the need for enhanced AI security and ethical considerations.
Singapore Authorities Issue Warning Against Rising Cryptocurrency Malware Threats
Singapore's Police Force and Cyber Security Agency have jointly issued an advisory warning about the increased risk of cryptocurrency drainers, urging users to adopt stringent security measures.
Binance Expects Fines in U.S. Investigations
Binance intends to pay U.S. authorities for past compliance inquiries and crimes.
EU’s Move to Bypass Encryption on Platforms like WhatsApp Sparks Indignation
European Union lawmakers have created a draft proposal that aims to circumvent end-to-end encryption, in a move to increase cybersecurity.
Telegram Resists the SEC Court Order to Reveal Financial Details of 2018 ICO
Telegram’s blockchain launch of TON faces delays as the recent court order by US Lawmakers requires the company to hand over documentation regarding the spending of their raised funds via ICO.
Grayscale CEO Calls on SEC to Protect Investors
Grayscale Investments’ CEO Michael Sonnenshein has called on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to protect Grayscale investors by returning the true asset value to them. Sonnenshein stated in a recent interview that the SEC acted arbitrarily by denying approval for the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) to be a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in June 2022, while approving Bitcoin Futures ETFs. He explained that the SEC violated the administrative procedures act, and that Grayscale is suing the SEC over the denial of its initial application. Grayscale has over a million investor accounts, and Sonnenshein called on the SEC to protect investors and return the value to them.
Ripple Executives Cleared of SEC Charges in Landmark Decision
In a major development, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Executive Chairman Chris Larsen were cleared of all charges by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is the third legal victory for the executives and Ripple, leaving the crypto industry questioning the SEC's approach.
Allbridge Recovers $465,000 Stolen in Crypto Exploit
Allbridge has recovered $465,000 worth of cryptocurrency stolen in a recent exploit, after the attacker apparently took the project's offer for a white hat bounty and returned the funds. The stolen funds were converted to Binance USD and used as compensation. Allbridge had previously offered the attacker a chance to escape legal repercussions and receive a bounty for finding vulnerabilities. The project has yet to publicly disclose the total amount stolen but blockchain security firms estimate it to be close to $550,000.
Suspicious Transactions Linked to Mixin Network Hack Involve Huobi and Binance
Cyvers Alerts has discovered suspicious transactions linked to the recent Mixin Network hack. Two hacker addresses received 51 ETH from an account that had interactions with Huobi Global and Binance. The watchdog has called on these exchanges to help identify the suspicious account as part of ongoing investigations.
Cybersecurity Firm Halborn Warns of Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Over 280 Blockchain Networks
Cybersecurity firm Halborn has warned of a vulnerability called "Rab13s" that could put over 280 blockchain networks at risk of zero-day exploits, potentially exposing at least $25 billion worth of crypto. The most critical vulnerability could allow an attacker to send malicious consensus messages to individual nodes, causing each to shut down and potentially enabling a 51% attack on the network. While Dogecoin, Zcash, and Litecoin have already implemented patches for the discovered vulnerabilities, hundreds of other networks remain at risk.
OneKey Addresses Vulnerability That Allowed Hardware Wallet to be Hacked
White hat hackers identified weaknesses in crypto wallet OneKey's software earlier this year that allowed them to hack a hardware wallet in one second, however OneKey corrected the problem and no one was affected.
Ethereum Gathers Cybersecurity Team Dedicated to ETH 2.0 Final Testnet Launch
With the launch of Ethereum 2.0 testnet set to be released today on August 4 at 1 pm UTC, the Ethereum Foundation has been looking to build a security team that will be responsible for maintaining ETH 2.0.
US SEC Former Director Brett Redfearn Leaves Coinbase after Four Months on Leadership Role
Brett Redfearn, the head of capital markets at Coinbase exchange, has stepped down.
Silvergate Reports $1B Deficit In Q4 2022
Silvergate Bank reported a $1 billion net loss attributable to common shareholders in Q4 2022. The FTX and Alameda Research class-action lawsuit is against the corporation. Silvergate CEO Alan Lane said the business still believes in the digital asset market and would keep its financial sheet liquid.
KuCoin and Founders Charged with Bank Secrecy Act and Money Transmission Offenses
KuCoin, along with its founders Chun Gan and Ke Tang, has been charged with violating the Bank Secrecy Act and operating an unlicensed money transmission business, allegedly allowing its platform to be used for money laundering and terrorist financing.
Bittrex Files Motion to Dismiss SEC Charges
A motion to dismiss the case has been filed on behalf of Bittrex and its co-founder, William Hiroaki Shihara. The motion, filed on July 2, 2023, argues that the SEC lacks the authority to regulate crypto assets as securities and that the Commission has failed to provide adequate notice of the alleged securities law violations.
FTX EU Secures License from CySEC in European Expansion Move
Following its acquisition of a local investment firm, FTX Europe said it has received the Cyprus Investment Firm License as granted by the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
Court Denies SEC's Request to Access Ripple Executives' Private Financial Records
The court has once again ruled in favour of Ripple, scoring the fintech company a small win in its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
US SEC Wins Lawsuit Against Kik’s $100 Million Unregistered ICO
US Judge Alvin Hellerstein rules in favor of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the regulator's lawsuit against Kik’s 100 million 2017 ICO.
Ripple’s “Bombshell Argument” in Pretrial Court Hearing with SEC May Tip the Scale in its Favour
The highly anticipated pretrial hearing between Ripple Labs and the Securities and Exchange Commission unfolded yesterday.
Prometheum's License Approval: Republican Lawmakers Challenge SEC and FINRA Decisions
Prometheum Ember Capital's designation as the first digital asset SPBD has raised concerns among Republican House Committee members.
US SEC Files Lawsuit against Crypto Influencer Ian Balina
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has brought an enforcement action against Ian Balina, a popular crypto influencer for his involvement in the promotion of SPRK tokens back in 2017.
SEC Charges Bittrex for Unregistered Securities Trading
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Bittrex and its former CEO William Shihara for operating an unregistered national securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency. The SEC argued that tokens traded on Bittrex, including OMG, Dash, Algorand, Monolith, Naga, and IHT, are securities.
SEC Commissioner & ‘Crypto Mom’ Hester Peirce Suggests Plan to Determine Whether an Asset is a Security
“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is not the biggest fan of using the Howey Test to determine whether crypto assets are securities.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Asks Congress to Regulate Crypto Exchanges
Gary Gensler, the chairman of the SEC, has urged US Congress to create a regulatory framework for crypto exchanges in the United States.
ASIC Bans BitConnect National Executive for His Part in Multi-Billion Dollar Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has officially banned a former National Representative of BitConnect from providing financial services for seven years.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: A Pivotal Decision by SEC Awaits
The SEC is nearing a decision on approving spot Bitcoin ETFs, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market and investor sentiment, with discussions focusing on minor amendments.
SEC Required Coinbase to Trade Only Bitcoin, Exclude Ethereum and All Other Cryptos, Reports FT
On July 31, a report by the Financial Times reported that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had requested Coinbase to cease all cryptocurrency trading, including Ethereum, with Bitcoin being the only exception, before taking legal action against the company.
NFTs Get Security Boost with New Warranty Service
Wert and Avata have launched a new nonfungible token (NFT) warranty service, providing coverage for up to 90% of the value of compromised digital assets in a smart contract hack. The service will be available on 80 digital asset marketplaces and will be charged at 6% of the asset cost at checkout. The offering aims to encourage mass adoption of NFTs by reducing risk for both active and prospective collectors.
Ransomware Attack Directed Towards University of California Generated 118 Bitcoin
The University of California, San Francisco’s plans to further COVID-19 vaccine research were disrupted by a ransomware attack on the school’s servers.
Binance Faces GitHub Data Leak
Binance has reported a significant data breach, revealing internal code, passwords, and security protocols on GitHub. Despite initial security concerns, the company is taking legal action against the responsible individual.
XRP Price Analysis: Is XRP Back on Track To Its Glory Days?
This article profiles XRP's current price performance and its recovery from the past weeks of excessive losses
What Happened: US Committee Hearing with the SEC on Crypto and Libra
The United States House of Representatives Financial Services Committee held a hearing on Sept. 24 with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) five commissioners. Vital topics covered in the hearing include the consideration of cryptocurrencies as securities, regulation of Facebook’s Libra and Calibra, and insider trading.
BlockSec Shares Alerts of ETHPoW Tokens Persistent Attack
According to an alert shared by blockchain security firm, BlockSec, the ETHW protocol suffered a replay attack with the hacker carting away 200 ETHW tokens.
SEC Loses Appeal in LBRY Vs. SEC
The crypto community hailed the LBRY ruling that LBC tokens sold on the secondary market are not securities.
Chinese Courts Deploy Blockchain-Powered Electronic Door Seals for Enhanced Property Security
Chinese courts have gone a notch higher by adopting blockchain-based door seals that will optimize property security by enabling real-time video surveillance and a sophisticated alarm system. This move is intended to eradicate the conventional paper seals, which are not tamper-proof.
Gary Gensler Confirmed as Chairman of the SEC, What This Means for Crypto
Gary Gensler has been confirmed to the role of chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
US SEC Likely to Delay Bitcoin Futures ETFs Until 2022: CFRA Investment Research Firm
According to CFRA ETF and mutual research firm, the US SEC is likely to delay decisions on whether to approve applications of Bitcoin futures ETFs until 2022.
Europol Empowers Victims with Tools to Fend Off Ransomware Attacks
Europol, European Union’s law enforcement agency, has put together an anti-ransomware initiative that has managed to intercept $630 million dollars and more in ransomware demands, since 2016.
Tether Q3 Attestation: 85.7% Cash Reserves, $330M Loan Cut, $670M Research Spend
Tether's Q3 2023 attestation shows historic liquidity, 85.7% reserves in Cash & Cash Equivalents, reduced secured loans, and robust investment in industry research, ensuring financial resilience amid market fluctuations.
Huobi HTX Responds to Recent Hack, Ensures Full Compensation for Affected Users
Huobi HTX pledges to compensate users affected by a $30 million hack, ensuring minimal impact and enhanced security measures, as part of a series of attacks on Justin Sun's entities.
Ripple’s Lobbying Efforts in 2020 to Improve Crypto Regulation May Have Been in Vain
Ripple ran the cryptocurrency industry’s most expensive lobbying program in 2020, appealing to legislators to reconsider how crypto was regulated.
SEC Seeks to Freeze Binance.US Assets in Bid to Protect Customers
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has lodged an emergency action application against Binance Holdings Limited, BAM Trading Services Inc., BAM Management US Holdings, Inc., and their founder, Changpeng Zhao.
The Sandbox partners with Ledger Enterprise for NFT security integration.
The Sandbox has partnered with Ledger Enterprise to develop security integration for its partners. The collaboration will enable the migration of nonfungible token collections to the Ledger wallet, and The Sandbox will appear as a DApp on Ledger Enterprise.
Thai SEC Will Strengthen Crypto Regulations And Safeguard Investors
Thailand joins the list of nations rethinking crypto legislation. It will strengthen industry rules and safeguard investors. Crypto advertising tendencies worried authorities. The digital asset business was "vulnerable" and needed control.
Fidelity Investments Seeks Approval for a US Bitcoin ETF
The US asset management giant, Fidelity Investments, applies for a Bitcoin ETF in the U.S.
LUNA Do Kwon's Trial Postponement Request Amid Extradition Delays
Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon requests postponement of his U.S. trial, scheduled for January 29th, to mid-March due to extradition challenges in Montenegro. The SEC filed fraud charges against Kwon in February 2023, related to the collapse of TerraUSD and LUNA tokens.
Grayscale Files Form 10 with SEC for its 3 Trusts
Grayscale has filed a Form 10 on behalf of Horizen Trust, Stellar Lumens Trust, and Zcash Trust to become the company’s products designated as investment vehicles reporting to the SEC.
BlackRock Launches Pioneering Tokenized Asset Fund in Partnership with Securitize
BlackRock unveils its first tokenized asset fund with a $100,000 minimum investment, signaling a major move by the asset management giant into digital assets.
Fraudulent Ledger Live App in Microsoft Store Linked to $768K Cryptocurrency Theft
A fake Ledger Live app on Microsoft's App Store stole nearly $768K from the crypto community, involving Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions, raising concerns over app verification processes.
WEF Report Warns of AI and Quantum Computing Risks
The WEF 2024 report warns of the negative impacts of AI and the risks of quantum computing, including misinformation, labor market disruptions, security concerns, and ethical issues in healthcare and geopolitics. The report calls for increased regulation and public awareness of AI.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Files to Become First Fund to Report to SEC
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has positioned itself to become the first cryptocurrency investment fund to achieve a reporting status to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
SEC filing discrepancies threaten American CryptoFed registration
The first decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to get legal recognition in the United States is at risk of losing its registration. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dug up anomalies in the DAO's registration statement dated Sept. 17, 2021. A stop order from the SEC would retract American CryptoFed's registration and bar sales of in-house tokens, Ducat and Locke.
MetaMask Snaps Elevate Security and Interoperability in the Web3 Space
MetaMask introduces security-focused Snaps, including collaborations with Tenderly and Sayfer, and extends functionality through integration with Hedera, marking a significant enhancement in wallet security and user experience.
Edward Snowden Criticizes SEC Following Twitter Hack and False Bitcoin ETF Announcement
Whistleblower Edward Snowden has openly criticized SEC Chair Gary Gensler following a misleading Bitcoin ETF approval post on the SEC's Twitter account. Snowden's comments highlight growing concerns about the SEC's credibility and regulatory approach in the crypto industry.
FTX EU Launches Website for Customer Withdrawal Requests
FTX EU has launched a website for European customers to submit withdrawal requests following the global trading platform's collapse and bankruptcy in November 2022. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission reportedly approved the new website domain name, which will only be used to pay back impacted customers and will not offer any products or services.
SEC Rejects Application for Physical Bitcoin ETF from Ark 21Shares
So far, the SEC has not approved an application for a spot Bitcoin ETF. The latest rejection involves a Bitcoin ETF filed by Ark 21Shares.
South Korean Court Clears Former Terraform Labs CEO of Security Violations
A South Korean court dismissed charges of security violations against former Terraform Labs CEO Hyun-seong Shin, ruling that LUNA is not a security under the country's Capital Markets Act. The court rejected the prosecution's appeal for confiscation of Shin's properties and arrest, and stated that Luna is not a financial investment product regulated by the act. However, the prosecution has appealed to the Supreme Court against the verdict of the lower district court.
Binance Plans 1,500 to 3,000 Layoffs due to DOJ Probe, Reported CNBC
The biggest crypto exchange Binance is reportedly planning to layoff between 1,500 and 3,000 employees by the end of the year, according to an anonymous source cited by CNBC on July 14, 2023. This move is seen as a response to an ongoing probe by the U.S. Department of Justice and SEC.
Coinbase vs. SEC: Key Dates and Details for Upcoming Court Hearings
Court dates for Coinbase vs. SEC case confirmed. Coinbase's motion due Aug 4, 2023, with SEC's opposition brief due Oct 10. Coinbase's reply expected by Oct 24.
Exploit of KyberSwap's Concentrated Liquidity Feature Results in $46 Million Loss
KyberSwap suffered a $46 million loss due to a flaw in its smart contract, highlighting vulnerabilities in DeFi smart contracts and the need for improved security protocols.
How LLM Is Reshaping Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation
LLMs are reshaping agent-based modeling, enhancing simulations in social, economic, and cyber domains with advanced AI integration.
USD Coin Chief Strategy Officer Twitter Account Hacked
Circle's USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin chief strategy officer Dante Disparte's Twitter account has been hacked, with the account reportedly promoting fake loyalty rewards to long-time users of USDC.
FINRA Identifies Widespread Violations in Crypto Communications
A recent FINRA review reveals over 70% of crypto-related retail communications from member firms contain potential violations of regulatory guidelines, including false or misleading claims.
Hong Kong's Ambition to Thrive in Web3: Exploring the Development of Selected Regional Web 3.0 Technologies
Recently, the Research Unit of the Legislative Council Secretariat of Hong Kong released a summary of the document titled 'Development of Selected Regional Web 3.0 Technologies.
Co-Founder of AirBit Club Sentenced to 12 Years for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme
Pablo Renato Rodriguez, co-founder of AirBit Club, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a global cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. Co-defendants await sentencing, and the group has been ordered to forfeit approximately $100 million in assets.
MicroStrategy Acquires Additional 5,445 Bitcoins, Total Holdings Reach 158,245 BTC
MicroStrategy continues to invest heavily in Bitcoin, announcing the acquisition of an additional 5,445 BTC. The company now holds 158,245 Bitcoins, acquired for an aggregate sum of approximately $4.68 billion. The move comes amid a period of relative stability in Bitcoin prices.
BlackRock Filings Signal the Giant Asset Management Firm Could Start Bitcoin Futures Trading
Blackrock investment management giant has filed documents with the SEC suggesting that the firm is set to dive into the crypto futures trading.
European Commission Takes Aim at AI-Generated Disinformation Ahead of Elections
The European Commission mandates major tech platforms to detect AI-generated content to shield European elections from misinformation, highlighting a robust approach towards maintaining democratic integrity.
South Korean Brokerage Firms Form Consortium for Tokenized Securities
South Korean brokerage firms KB Securities, NH Investment & Securities, and Shinhan Investment Corporation form a consortium to jointly venture into the tokenized securities market. The collaboration aims to build a common infrastructure and explore strategic business models, targeting cost efficiency and market expansion.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen Urges Stricter Crypto Regulations amid Legal Cases Against Coinbase and Binance
In light of the rising legal cases against major cryptocurrency platforms Coinbase and Binance, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for enhanced regulation to protect cryptocurrency users and investors.
CFTC Chair Suggests Ether is Commodity, Let Congress to Regulate Crypto
Crypto regulation is inevitable. That is the message coming from both CFTC and SEC. But this has led to a political conflict between the top U.S. financial regulatory agencies.
Valkyrie Files Application to List Bitcoin ETF Focusing on Mining Firms
American asset and index fund manager Valkyrie has filed an application with the U.S. SEC to list a Bitcoin ETF product that will track the shares of companies directly investing in Bitcoin mining.
Hong Kong Security Chief Vows to Hunt Down JPEX Crypto Scam Ringleaders
Hong Kong authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend the key operators behind JPEX, a cryptocurrency platform implicated in the city's largest alleged financial fraud. The police have arrested 15 individuals and seized assets worth HK$85 million ($10.8 million). Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po emphasized the need for a proper regulatory framework for Web3-related businesses.
ASIFMA: Tokenized Securities Might Bridge the Current Mainstream Finance with the New Digital World
ASIFMA (the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Associations) has availed a new white paper that reveals a roadmap for regulators and market participants on tokenized securities.
Chamber of Digital Commerce Joins Forces to Counter SEC's Lawsuit Against Binance.US
The Chamber of Digital Commerce has spearheaded a collective effort to defend Binance.US against the SEC's lawsuit. The chamber, along with Binance.US and other industry stakeholders, is challenging the SEC's regulatory approach, marking a significant collaborative resistance within the cryptocurrency sector.
Lesley O'Neill was Appointed as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer
Lesley O’Neill's appointment as Binance.US Chief Compliance Officer marks a strategic response to heightened SEC scrutiny, emphasizing the crypto industry's shift towards compliance and regulatory adherence.
Why Grayscale's SEC Victory Is Unlikely to Benefit Bitcoin and Crypto Markets in the Long Run
The US Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Grayscale Investments, ordering the SEC to review its Bitcoin ETF application. This decision has boosted Bitcoin prices but may not provide long-term benefits due to inconsistent market reactions and declining trading volumes.
Winklevoss Twins Fund Gemini Amid Crypto Downturn
Gemini co-founders Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss have reportedly loaned their own money to fund the cryptocurrency exchange during the market downturn, which comes as the exchange faces scrutiny from regulators.
XRP Pushes above Critical Level as Ripple Faces Lawsuit Heat
Against all odds, the current bull market has also benefitted XRP, sending it above the $0.50 level.
SEC Fails to Request Access Ripple's Communications
US judge has denied the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) request to access Ripple’s legal communications.
Bitcoin Core Vulnerability Exposes Risks in Datacarrier Limits: NVD Flags Security Concerns
NVD has discovered a critical vulnerability (CVE-2023-50428) in Bitcoin Core, which allows datacarrier limit bypass and poses significant network risks, notably exploited by Ordinals.
Schiff Warns Against Bitcoin ETF Hype as Hoskinson Reacts
Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff warns against Bitcoin ETFs due to limited utility and investment risks, causing Cardano's Charles Hoskinson to respond with humor, highlighting Schiff's early skepticism in 2024.
Arca Digital Asset Investment Firm Gets Approval from SEC to Tokenize US Treasury Bonds
Los Angeles-based digital asset investment firm Arca has launched trading for its new digitized security investment product that runs on the Ethereum blockchain.
Exclusive: Deloitte Blockchain Lab on the Three Areas of Collaborations with HKMA
We were delighted to interview Dr. Paul Sin, leader of the Deloitte Asia Pacific Blockchain Lab, who shared with us its development goals and the collaborations with HKMA across the Greater Bay Area and Europe.
Bitfinex Securities Launches El Salvador's First Tokenized Debt for Hilton Hotel Development
Bitfinex Securities, the first licensed digital asset provider in El Salvador, is launching its inaugural tokenized asset raise on the Bitcoin layer 2 Liquid Network to fund a new Hilton hotel complex at El Salvador International Airport.
Elizabeth Warren Wants SEC to Double Down on Crypto Enforcement
Warren wants the SEC to "double down" on crypto enforcement. The U.S. senator said that the previous SEC administration "basically gave the green light" to a cryptocurrency market "full with trash tokens".
MUFG Seeks Seamless Automatic Securities Settlement via Blockchain
MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group), one of Japan’s biggest banking institutions, has announced the establishment of an ST (Security Token) Research Consortium intended at protecting investors’ rights, as well as offering fund settlement and seamless automatic securities settlement via blockchain.
Crypto Leaders Praise United States SEC Inclusive Accredited Investor Definition, Some Think Its Not Enough
Is the SEC's new accredited investor rule inclusive enough? Crypto industry leaders debate.
Cryptocurrency Phishing Attacks Surge in 2022
Kaspersky reports a 40% YoY increase in cryptocurrency phishing attacks in 2022. These attacks involve fake websites and communication channels that mimic official companies to trick users into sharing private information such as private keys. Kaspersky warns that scammers continue to evolve their techniques and stories to lure in unsuspecting crypto investors.
Tron Foundation Contests SEC Lawsuit Over Jurisdictional Overreach
Tron Foundation moves to dismiss an SEC lawsuit, claiming the U.S. regulator oversteps its authority by targeting foreign digital asset offerings.
Samsung Launches New Secure Element Chip to Enhance Data Protection for Crypto Transactions
South Korean tech giant Samsung has announced a new revolutionary turnkey security solution to secure cryptocurrency transactions on its smartphones and tablets. Cryptocurrency transactions are one of the primary purposes of Samsung’s new Secure Element chip, which is expected to be available in Q3 2020. The solution involves a Secure Element (SE) chip S3FV9RR, which is Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+ certified. The new SE chip along with enhanced software is designed to offer higher protection for tasks including booting, isolated storage, mobile payment, and other applications.
MetaMask Users Email Addresses Exposed in Cybersecurity Incident
MetaMask, the popular Ethereum wallet, experienced a cybersecurity incident that exposed the email addresses of some of its users who submitted a customer support ticket between August 1, 2021 and February 10, 2023. The breach may have affected up to 7,000 users and some of the customer support tickets included a free text field where users may have submitted personally identifying information. The company has taken steps to eliminate unauthorized access in the future and is working with a cybersecurity and forensics team to investigate the incident.
Bank of Canada Says CBDCs Have Inherent Risks in New Study
A new report released by the Bank of Canada has revealed that the bank believes Central Bank Digital Currencies can pose security risks to users
US SEC Chair Gary Gensler: Coinbase and Other Crypto Exchanges Must Register with Agency
After raising concerns over Coinbase’s lending product, US SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has once again reiterated that cryptocurrency exchanges should register with the commission.
US Government Grants $162 Million to Microchip Technology for Semiconductor Production Boost
US grants $162M to Microchip Technology, bolstering domestic semiconductor production under the CHIPS & Science Act.
SEC Arguments against Ripple for XRP Case Are Weak, says Law Official
With the pretrial for the SEC lawsuit against Ripple Labs looming, a joint letter has been presented by both parties to lay out arguments for the case.
The Nascent Primary Market of Security Token Offerings
Now that the ICO market bubble ebbed away security token offerings (STOs) have emerged, allowing investment in regulated securities recorded on a blockchain according to new research from the Oxford Faculty of Law
Bitfinex Tackles Phishing Incident: No Customer Funds Affected
Bitfinex has resolved a phishing incident causing partial customer information exposure, confirming no loss of funds or sensitive data compromise, and ensuring ongoing security measures.
BlockFi to Relaunch Yield Bearing Product in the US After SEC Settlement
Months after settling with the SEC, BlockFi has now re-introduced its yield product
Despite Regulatory Uncertainty, Ripple Is Launching Crypto Liquidity Service for Financial Firms
Ripple has announced that it is launching a liquidity hub that would allow financial services companies to provide their customers access to a range of cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin Adoption Accelerating in NGO Sectors Across Australia, Europe, And North America
NGOs are now cashing in on cryptocurrencies. A new report reveals that an increasing number of charities continue to adopt bitcoin cryptocurrency majorly across North America, Europe, and Australia.
Animoca Brands refutes claims of scaled back metaverse fund and plummeting valuation
Venture capital firm Animoca Brands denies claims of reducing its metaverse fund target by $200 million and a significant drop in its valuation, citing inaccurate reporting. The firm acknowledges the impact of banking collapses on fundraising but states that the final amount raised for the fund is yet to be determined.
Coinbase Executives Stand Up for Crypto Staking Services
Crypto trading Coinbase officials deny its crypto staking services are securities.
SEC Commissioner Expresses Dissent on LBRY Case Outcome
SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce criticizes the commission's enforcement action against blockchain firm LBRY, Inc., highlighting the case as an example of regulatory overreach that stifles innovation and fails to adequately protect investors. Amidst ongoing legal actions against crypto enterprises, Peirce's dissent underscores the need for a balanced regulatory approach to foster innovation and investor protection in the blockchain and crypto sectors.
Janet Yellen Urges Regulators to Move Fast on Regulating Stablecoin Rules
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pushed top US financial regulators to speed up regulations of stablecoin cryptocurrencies.
SEC Postpones Ethereum ETF Decision Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
The SEC has delayed its verdict on Hashdex and Ark 21Shares' spot Ethereum ETF applications until May 2024, signaling a cautious approach to crypto ETFs.
Web3 Security Losses Skyrocket to $889.26M in Q3 2023, Says Beosin Report
The Q3 2023 Global Web3 Security Report, jointly initiated by Beosin and SUSS NiFT, reveals a concerning escalation in the Web3 security landscape. The report shows that losses from hacks, phishing scams, and rug pulls reached $889.26M in Q3 2023, exceeding the combined losses of the first two quarters. The report also highlights the increasing threat posed by North Korea's Lazarus group.
Voyager Digital Subpoenas FTX Executives
Kirkland & Ellis, Voyager Digital's attorneys, subpoenaed FTX co-founders Sam Bankman-Fried and Gary Wang, former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellis, and FTX executive Ramnik Arora for DOJ and SEC case papers.
Twitter Deal Sees Further Stalemate, Elon Musk Warns He Can Pull Out His Bid
Elon Musk, the prospective owner of social media giant Twitter, has sent a filing to the SEC noting it may exercise its rights not to consummate the Twitter deal anymore.
Hypervine Pilots Blockchain-Enabled Satellite Data Project to Curb Climate Impact of Mining Sector
Hypervine, a blockchain construction company based in Glasgow, Scotland, has revealed the kicking off of a blockchain-powered project that will utilize satellite data to boost efficiency in the mining industry. Expressly, it will be funded by the European Space Agency (ESA).
SEC plans to propose new rule changes that could impact crypto firms
The SEC is still deciding on a "qualified custodian."
US Officials Warn of AI's Role in Cyber Crimes
U.S. authorities are actively addressing the challenges posed by AI in cybersecurity and the legal system, balancing innovation with the need for safety, security, and ethical considerations.
Cyprus Tightens Crypto Regulations with Hefty Penalties for Non-Compliance
Cyprus is tightening its cryptocurrency regulations by introducing hefty penalties for non-compliance. The government aims to align with international AML/CFT standards and has submitted a legislative amendment for review. All crypto service providers must register with CySEC, facing fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
ProShares to Expand Cryptocurrency Offerings with Five Innovative Bitcoin ETFs
ProShares plans to launch five innovative Bitcoin ETFs, offering leveraged and inverse exposure to Bitcoin through the Bloomberg Galaxy Bitcoin Index, marking a significant development in cryptocurrency investment vehicles.
SEC's Gag Rule Faces Criticism: Commissioner Hester Peirce Calls for Reform
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has publicly disagreed with the agency's refusal to amend the 1972 gag rule, raising concerns over its impact on free speech and regulatory integrity. The rule, which prevents defendants from criticizing SEC allegations post-settlement, is being challenged for its constitutional implications.
SEC Nigeria Issues Warning Against Investing with Binance; Declares Operations Illegal
SEC Nigeria warned against investing with Binance, declaring its operations in Nigeria illegal. The notice, dated July 26, 2023, urges caution with unregulated crypto-assets.
Jump Crypto Recovers $140 Million Worth of Tokens from Wormhole Hack
Jump Crypto and Oasis recover $140m from Wormhole hack, showcasing importance of collaboration and innovation in fighting crypto hacks.
OpenAI Launches Bug Bounty Program
OpenAI has launched a bug bounty program to address privacy and cybersecurity issues, inviting security researchers and ethical hackers to identify and address vulnerabilities in its systems. The program offers cash rewards ranging from $200 to $20,000 for qualifying vulnerability information.
KuCoin Twitter Hack Leads to Loss of Funds
KuCoin's official Twitter account was hacked, leading to users losing their funds in a fake giveaway event. The exchange pledged to reimburse the victims and improve security measures to prevent similar incidents. This incident highlights the growing trend of hackers taking over official Twitter accounts of crypto exchanges and NFT projects to promote scams.
Malaysia’s Financial Regulator Says Binance is Not Authorized to Operate in the Country
The Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, the country’s financial regulator, has announced that Binance cryptocurrency exchange is not unauthorized to operate in the country. The financial watchdog has, therefore, put the crypto exchange on the list of unlicensed companies.
Bittrex Global to End Trading on Dec 4, 2023
Bittrex Global, a Liechtenstein-based cryptocurrency exchange, will cease operations on December 4, 2023, following regulatory challenges and legal proceedings, requiring customers to convert U.S. dollar holdings.
How Bitcoin will react to US Government Shutdown
The impending US government shutdown threatens to delay the SEC's approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, amongst other financial repercussions. The scenario also underscores the growing frequency of federal shutdowns and the persistent concerns of credit rating agencies over the US's fiscal policymaking, all of which could have broader implications for both traditional and crypto financial markets.
Crypto Industry Continues to Experience Hacks and Exploits: Can Increased Security Measures Help?
Despite recent recoveries, $4bn was lost to hacks, fraud, and scams in 2022. Increased security measures, such as DeFi and multi-signature wallets, can help.
What to Expect for Ripple and The SEC’s Pretrial over XRP Cryptocurrency
The outcome of the SEC case against Ripple will have huge repercussions for the crypto industry, and it may pave the way for how other cryptocurrencies are regulated in the United States.
Canada Security Regulator Approves Three Ethereum ETFs In A Single Day
The Ontario Securities Commission has made history again by approving three Ethereum exchange-traded funds in one day.
Coinbase's Base 2024 Mission: Pioneering a Global Onchain Economy
Base's 2024 mission focuses on building a global onchain economy, emphasizing decentralization, developer empowerment, a vibrant app ecosystem, and a robust capital market, all while maintaining close ties with Coinbase and the broader crypto community.
SEC Regrets Missteps in Debt Box Case: A Lesson in Legal Accountability
The SEC's acknowledgement of errors in the Debt Box case highlights the significance of accuracy and candor in legal proceedings, impacting regulatory practices in the cryptocurrency sector.
Crypto Clarity for Ripple's XRP not only Missing in the US but also in India
Ripple faces regulatory hurdles for XRP in the United States, but that may not be the only place where XRP operations are not welcome.
POSA Publishes Two White Papers
The nonprofit cryptocurrency industry group Proof of Stake Alliance (POSA) has produced papers on receipt token legality.
Heads of SEC, CFTC and FinCEN Jointly Warn Crypto Industry to Follow Regulations
The heads of the three major US financial regulators have issued a joint statement warning the cryptocurrency industry to adhere to banking regulations in the development of digital assets.
MicroStrategy Plans to Raise $400M Of Debt to Add More Bitcoins on Its Balance Sheet
MicroStrategy Inc. plans to borrow $400 million through senior secured notes from qualified institutional buyers. The company plans to use the proceeds made from the sales to purchase more Bitcoins.
South Korea Establishes Guidance for Regulating Digital Assets as Securities
The step prepares for security token legalisation in the nation.
US SEC and FINRA Issued Latest Custody Guidance on Digital Assets Securities
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a statement addressing regulatory issues regarding the custody of digital asset securities on 8 July.
Crypto Exchange MEXC Introduces Second-Level K-Line Function for Real Time Furtures Trading
To enhance real-time futures trading, crypto exchange MEXC has introduced the second-level K-line function that will incorporate the one-second time period.
Is Blockchain the Solution for Trust in Healthcare?
Currently, in 2020, it is clear that Blockchain is still in the development stage. Handling large volumes of data, as well as app and device development for users all, remain ongoing, yet the potential is vast.
Regulatory Uncertainty Keeps the Securities Company Out of Cryptocurrency: Citadel's CEO
Citadel’s chief has clarified that regulatory uncertainty around cryptocurrency keeps the securities firm away from investing in crypto assets.
SEC Extends Review Period for ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
The SEC has postponed its decision on the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF till January 10, 2024, marking another delay in the approval process. Amid broader calls for swifter approvals, the SEC's meticulous review approach underscores the regulatory cautiousness enveloping cryptocurrency-based financial offerings.
CFTC Slams Kraken with $1.25M for Illegal Market Operations
The CFTC says Kraken has been fined and is required to pay the sum of $1.25 million for illegally offering margined retail commodity transactions in digital assets
Gary Gensler Reiterates US SEC’s Support for Bitcoin Futures ETFs
The US SEC sees Bitcoin Futures ETFs as an area of market that provides better protection for investors looking to get exposure to the cryptocurrency.
Grayscale Wants SEC's Approval for Bitcoin ETF With Public Support
Digital assets manager Grayscale Investments is stirring the public to send a message to the US Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to approving the conversion of its flagship product, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) to a full-fledged spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).
XRP Token is Classified as a Non-Security by the UK Treasury
The UK has released a report for crypto assets and stablecoins to deliver a more comprehensive overview of its financial system.
DFINITY Foundation (ICP) Joins Blockchain Security Alliance
DFINITY Foundation joins the Blockchain Security Alliance, enhancing global blockchain security. The alliance, with 42 members, focuses on collaboration and innovation.
Kraken Has No Plan to Delist Tokens Labeled as Securities by the SEC - Incoming CEO
Kraken said it won’t remove such tokens from its exchange because it does not offer securities to users.
Direxion Files for Bitcoin ETF With a Deviation, to Track Shorts on BTC Futures
American financial services and ETF provider, Direxion has filed for its Bitcoin ETF product, after more than 3 years since it last filed one.
Kim Kardashian Charged $1.2M by the SEC For EthereumMax Promotion
American TV reality superstar, Kim Kardashian has been charged by the United States Securities Commission (SEC) for the promotion of EMAX Token, the native coin of the EthereumMax protocol
BlackRock and ARK Invest Conform to SEC's Cash Redemption Model for Bitcoin ETF
Major ETF issuers BlackRock and ARK Invest comply with SEC's cash redemption model for their spot Bitcoin ETFs, potentially paving the way for regulatory approval.
Binance pivots to stablecoins after SEC regulatory action
Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has turned to alternative stablecoins such as TrueUSD (TUSD) and decentralized stablecoins, following a regulatory action against its native stablecoin, Binance USD (BUSD), by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Binance was forced to seek alternatives after the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) asked BUSD issuer Paxos Trust to stop minting new BUSD altogether.
Terraform Labs (Luna) Co-Founder Pleads US Court to Dismiss SEC's Fraud Allegations
Terraform Labs and co-founder Do Kwon are defending against fraud and securities allegations by the U.S. SEC, arguing their cryptocurrencies are not securities, amidst a wider legal battle between crypto firms and regulators following the Terra ecosystem's $40 billion downfall in 2022.
Coinme Fined $4 Million by SEC
Crypto exchange Coinme has been fined $4 million by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for offering unregistered securities and making "misleading statements" regarding its token, UpToken.
Driving Web3 Innovation: Hong Kong’s Commitment Towards Tech-Led Future Unveiled by the Financial Secretary
In a recent blog post, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary celebrated Father's Day while also sharing the government's significant efforts in stimulating innovative technological development.
Celsius to Transition to Mining-Only NewCo following Bankruptcy Court's Confirmation of Plan
Celsius Network, following bankruptcy court approval, is transitioning to a Bitcoin mining-focused entity to address regulatory challenges from the SEC.
Scroll Launches zkEVM Mainnet
Scroll unveils its zkEVM mainnet on October 17, enhancing Ethereum’s scalability and developer engagement. Employing zero knowledge proofs, it boosts transaction speeds and reduces costs, promising a near-identical Ethereum experience, without compromising security or decentralization. The launch follows extensive testing, with notable contributions to Ethereum Foundation’s Privacy and Scaling Explorations. The initiative eyes global developer adoption, advancing Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions.
Despite Zipmex Dilemma, Thai SEC Approved 4 New Digital Asset Operators
Even though one of Thailand’s leading digital asset exchanges, Zipmex, suffered from Celsius Network and Babel Finance’s financial woes, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand has granted licenses to operate four other crypto companies in the country.
9 Cryptos Named as Securities by SEC amid Coinbase Insider Trading Charges
The US SEC listed nine cryptocurrencies as securities in response to the first-ever insider trading case involving crypto tokens against a former Coinbase employee.
Huobi's Subsidiary HBIT Taps MSB License in US
HBIT Inc, one of the subsidiaries of Huobi Technologies, has received the Money Services Business Registration License (MSB) issued by the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Bureau (FinCEN).
Coinbase Acquires Cryptographic Security Company Unbound, Strengthening Presence in Israel
Coinbase has made another strategic acquisition to expand its business capabilities. The exchange is joining forces with the Unbound team to offer an even better value proposition to the Unbound customers in Israel.
Five Things Everyone Should Know About Blockchain Benefits in Aviation Security
Recent news has brought blockchain’s role on spotlight in aviation security. Of course, blockchain provides bold promises, highly useful in aviation security, and therefore are worth to be investigated.
Binance Insider Allegedly Helps Users Bypass KYC Security Protocols
A report by CNBC alleges that employees and volunteers at Binance have been helping customers in China bypass the exchange's Know Your Customer Controls (KYC). The report points to Binance's Chinese-language chat rooms where users can access shared messages on techniques to bypass KYC, residency, and verification protocols allegedly coming from Binance employees or trained volunteers known as "Angels."
SEC to Give "Careful Consideration" to Concern about Spot BTC ETFs: Gensler
Gary Gensler, Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has promised to give a “Careful Consideration” about spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Products (ETPs).
SEC panel votes in favor of proposal that may make it more difficult
The US Securities Exchange and Commission has proposed new laws that would make it harder for crypto businesses to supply custody solutions. Opponents think this will hurt.
The U.S. government's regulatory strategy towards crypto firms
US officials reportedly discourage banks from serving the bitcoin business.
XRP Not a Security According to Hogan
Jeremy Hogan, partner at Hogan & Hogan, argues that Ripple’s XRP does not fit the definition of an investment contract and is therefore not a security. The SEC lawsuit against Ripple claims that the company illegally sold XRP as an unregistered security, but Hogan argues that the SEC has not demonstrated an implied or explicit investment contract.
Teenage Twitter Hacker Could Use Bitcoin to Post $725,000 Bail
The mastermind behind Twitter’s recent massive hack attack has finally been arrested after a nationwide investigation by the FBI, and bail for him has been set at $725,000.
SEC Commissioner Elad Roisman Sets to Leave the Agency in next January
Elad Roisman, one of the Commissioners with the U.S. SEC has tendered his resignation with President Joe Biden in preparation for his exit from the agency by the end of January 2022.
Exclusive: Is Belarus the Heaven for Tokenized Exchanges?
In this interview with George Paliani, CBDO of Currency.com, we explored the fundamentals of the tokenization of assets and its underlying regulatory requirements. George explained that Currency.com isn’t just an ordinary exchange, where it is a platform with cryptocurrencies and traditional financial products such as commodities, indices, stocks, bonds.
Telegram Prohibited from Issuing Gram Tokens as US Court Grants SEC's Injunction
A United States District Court has sided with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granting an injunction against Telegram to to temporarily prevent the company from issuing its Gram tokens.
US SEC Lists Priorities for Crypto Examination in 2020
The SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) has published a list of its 2020 Examination Priorities and cites ongoing risks surrounding digital assets and their transfer agents for US retail investors.
SEC Alleges Fraud Against SafeMoon Amidst System Flaw Exploit
The US SEC has accused decentralized finance project SafeMoon of fraud following a system flaw in March that resulted in a loss of 8.9 million BNB. The breach was linked to a vulnerability in SafeMoon's smart contract, allowing malicious transfers of 32 billion SFM tokens. Insider involvement is suspected.
AI Transforming Cybersecurity Landscape: Key Challenges and Solutions
AI is transforming the cybersecurity landscape in 2024 with advanced threat detection, zero-trust architecture, and generative AI, while facing challenges like adversarial AI and regulatory complexities.
SEC Chair Says Lummis-Gillibrand Bill Could ‘Undermine’ Market Protections
The legislation bill provides a framework that develops clear standards and defines appropriate jurisdictional boundaries.
Congressional Memo Challenges SEC's SAB 121
Congress members question the enforceability of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin 121, arguing it deviates from standard accounting practices, misrepresents custodians' responsibilities, and increases consumer risk.
Microsoft Loses TikTok to Tech Giant Oracle – What This Means for Bitcoin and Blockchain Industry
TikTok, the multibillion-dollar video sharing platform popularized by millennials and Gen Z, has chosen Oracle Corporation as its tech partner over Microsoft.
Bitcoin Ransoms Doubled in 2019, New Report Warns Investors
Crypsis Group, a crypto forensics firm, noted in a recently released security report that crypto-ransoms, such as those involving Bitcoin, rose almost 200 percent for last year, compared to 2018.
Hong Kong Government Alerts Public to AI-Generated Scams Featuring Deepfake of Chief Executive
The Hong Kong government warns against AI-generated scams, including a deepfake video of Chief Executive John Lee, urging public vigilance and caution.
SEC: X Account Compromised Through Phone Number Control in SIM Swap Hack
The recent unauthorized access to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) X account, which led to a fake Bitcoin ETF announcement, has raised significant concerns about cybersecurity in financial regulatory bodies.T
Senior Worker at Bithumb Triggered Hacking Vulnerability
A senior worker at Bithumb, a leading South Korean crypto exchange, is in a tight spot after a Korean court discovered that he is liable for web safety legislation breaches. As a result, his misdeeds made the crypto exchange vulnerable to a 2017 hack that led to the loss of cryptocurrency holdings worth $6 million USD.
Tom Emmer's Nonpartisan Amendment to Limit SEC's Enforcement on Digital Assets Passes House
GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer passed a House amendment restricting SEC's enforcement against digital assets until relevant legislation is enacted, highlighting the push for legislative clarity in cryptocurrency regulation.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Confirmed for Second Term By US Senate, Crypto Mom Will Remain Until 2025
The United States Senate has voted in Commissioner Hester Peirce of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a second term that will see her remain with the regulator until 2025.
Nigerian President-elect's Manifesto Includes Blockchain and Crypto Regulations
Nigerian President-elect Bola Tinubu has released a manifesto proposing the implementation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria's banking and finance sector. The manifesto suggests reforming existing Nigerian Security Exchange Commission regulations to create a more business-friendly framework for regulating digital assets. The proposed regulations would require digital asset companies to register with the SEC and comply with SEC regulations. The release of the manifesto coincides with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria, with the government hoping that the proposed SEC regulation reforms will attract more investors in the digital and economic sectors and stimulate economic growth.
Core's Revolutionary Satoshi Plus Consensus Marries Decentralization, Security, and Scalability
Core is a novel layer one blockchain that is pushing the boundaries within the crypto space. Inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum, Core progresses beyond those blockchain behemoths by synthesizing each of their superpowers. A student of blockchain history, philosophy, and innovation, Core optimally balances decentralization, security, and scalability.
SEC Ties Terraform Ruling to Binance in Securities Violations and Deceptive Practice Case
SEC links Terraform Labs ruling to Binance case, alleging unregistered securities offerings and deceptive practices in crypto trading.
Victory Capital Applies to List A Crypto ETF to The US SEC
Victory Capital Management has become the latest investment firm to applies for a cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund.
North Korean Crypto Thefts in 2023: A $700 Million Cyber Menace
North Korean groups were linked to 33% of 2023's crypto thefts, stealing up to $700M. Their methods evolved, involving crypto mixers and converting assets to Tether or Tron, highlighting the ongoing cyber threat from DPRK.
Binance Co-Founder Yi He Champions Transparency and Security Amidst Crypto Evolution
Binance Co-Founder Yi He addresses the crypto community with vital announcements on enhancing listing transparency and security measures, showcasing Binance's proactive approach in combating scams and ensuring a trustworthy trading environment.
Mixin Network Suffers $200 Million Hack
Mixin Network's cloud service provider database was hacked on September 23, 2023, leading to a loss of approximately $200 million. Blockchain security firm SlowMist is aiding in the investigation. Deposit and withdrawal services have been temporarily halted on Mixin Network.
Arbitrum Discord Server Hacked for Phishing Attack
Hackers dropped a phishing link on Arbitrum's official Discord server, prompting users to enter personal information. The link misspelled the name of the platform as "Arbtirum." Investors are advised to be cautious of unrealistic claims and deceptions.
BAYC says Discord Server was "Compromised"
Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) announced through Twitter that its Discord server was hacked.
The ETF Approval Process Can Improve Transparency in Trading Platforms- Former CFTC Chair
Former CFTC Chair Timothy Massad has advocated for the approval of a Bitcoin ETF product on a conditional ground
Coinbase Exchange Users Can Borrow Up to $1M Loan with Bitcoin as Collateral
American digital currency exchange Coinbase Global has launched a loan service that will allow its users to take up to 40% of the total value of their Bitcoin holdings as a loan.
Ethereum Co-Founder Buterin’s Ether Sales More Like a Security Offering than XRP, Attorney Argues
In the Securities and Exchange Commission's lawsuit against Ripple Labs, many XRP proponents have argued that the cryptocurrency bears resemblance to Ethereum (ETH) and should therefore receive a similar regulatory treatment.
SEC Charges App Developer Abra for Unregistered Security-Based Swaps
Abra and Plutus Tech have agreed to a cease-and-desist order and a combined penalty of $150,000 after being charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission for selling unregistered security-based swaps to investors in 2019.
Fidelity, Schwab, Citadel Securities Launch New Crypto Exchange EDXM
The launch of crypto exchange EDX is the latest evidence Wall Street continues entering the digital asset markets despite the crypto winter.
3 Ways Blockchain is Transforming Cybersecurity
Blockchain technology ensures that data is stored in immutable distributed ledgers and it can be instrumental in enhancing cybersecurity by averting DDoS attacks, authenticating downloads, and offering consensus mechanisms.
SEC Chairman: AI May Lead to Next Financial Crisis
In recent interviews with DealBook, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler expressed his concerns about the potential risks artificial intelligence (AI) poses to the financial system.
China Has Kickstarted the Experimentation of a Blockchain Pilot in its Equity Trading Industry
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has kickstarted the experimentation of a blockchain pilot for the equity trading industry in the country. Announced by the Beijing Local Financial Supervision and Administration, CSRC will be assisting the Beijing Equity Trading Center for the blockchain pilot.
SEC Boss Appoints Corey Frayer To Advise on Crypto Policy
Corey Frayer is joining the SEC’s executive team as a senior adviser on the agency’s policymaking related to cryptocurrency oversight.
US Congress needs to take control of crypto legislation
Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith said crypto regulation is occurring "behind closed doors" and asked for a more collaborative and "transparent approach."
Binance.US Refutes SEC's Attempted Asset Freeze, Vows to Defend Itself in Court
In a recent update, Binance.US, the American affiliate of leading cryptocurrency exchange Binance, provided an encouraging development in its ongoing legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
FCA Unveils Guidance on Cryptoasset Promotions Compliance
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has issued a finalised non-handbook guidance on Cryptoasset Financial Promotions, aiming to clarify compliance with new laws and balance consumer protection with innovation for long-term economic growth.
Coinbase Petitions SEC on Staking
Coinbase has submitted a "Petition for Rulemaking" to the SEC, arguing that staking should not be classified as securities. The petition argues that staking is not a monolithic concept, and core staking services do not meet the criteria of the Howey test. Coinbase cites historical precedents and urges regulators to consider the economic consequences of their actions.
John McAfee to be Served with SEC Court Documents as He Awaits Extradition from Spain
John McAfee is to be served by the SEC for seven illegal initial coin offerings (ICO) he conducted, as well as for tax evasion.
BlockFi to Pay $100M to Settle Charges with SEC & 32 States
BlockFi will pay $100 million to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and 32 states to settle charges in connection with a retail crypto lending product.
Bitcoin's Road to $1.5 Million: Cathie Wood's Bold 2030 Prediction
Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood predicts Bitcoin to reach $600,000 by 2030, with potential for $1.5 million in a bull market scenario.
SlowMist Report: 10 Crypto Incidents Unveiled
The SlowMist Weekly Security Report (Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2023) underscores ten security incidents in the crypto realm, with Stars Arena suffering the heaviest loss of $3 million. From DNS hijacking to Discord hacks, the report highlights the financial repercussions and urges the community to adopt stringent security measures.
Circle Spokesperson Denies Blaming SEC for Failed $9 billion deal
Circle denies blaming the SEC for its December $9 billion failed IPO. Circle's representative said any contradictory assertions are "inconsistent" with past declarations.
Grayscale's Strategic Shift: Aiming for Bitcoin Spot ETF with Cash Redemption Model
Grayscale changes GBTC to a spot Bitcoin ETF using cash creation model, complying with SEC guidelines after Barry Silbert's resignation, marking a significant shift in the digital asset landscape.
Friend.tech Users Lose $385K in Ether to SIM-Swap Scammer
A scammer has reportedly stolen approximately $385,000 (234 ETH) within 24 hours by SIM-swapping four Friend.tech users. The incident follows a series of SIM-swap and phishing attacks on the platform, putting its security measures under scrutiny. Blockchain analyst ZachXBT revealed the scam on October 5, 2023, adding to concerns about the vulnerability of Friend.tech's user accounts.
Terraform Labs CEO Asks for Dismissal of SEC Charges
Do Kwon, CEO of Terraform Labs, has requested the dismissal of charges filed by the SEC, arguing that the claims are invalid and that the agency lacked proper jurisdiction. Kwon's counsel stated that Terra's tokens and projects were not specifically targeted at U.S. investors. The South Korean district court previously dismissed security violation charges against the co-founder of Terraform Labs, Hyun-seong Shin, deeming LUNA as non-security under Korea’s Capital Markets Act.
Binance US Joins Exchanges to Delist XRP Token as Price Downfall Dubbed "Third Largest Collapse of All Time"
Binance US has joined the growing list of cryptocurrency exchanges to announce that they will be delisting XRP.
KyberSwap's Response to $48.8 Million Hack: Workforce Halved and Victim Reimbursement Plans
KyberSwap, after a $48.8M hack, has halved its workforce and launched a reimbursement plan for affected users, showcasing the resilience of DeFi.
U.S. Lawmakers Urge Stricter Export Controls on Advanced Semiconductors to China
Two senior Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives have called on the Biden administration to tighten export controls on advanced semiconductors to China. The lawmakers, Michael McCaul and Mike Gallagher, chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on China respectively, expressed concerns over the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) lax enforcement of existing rules. The call for action comes amid advancements by China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Huawei Technologies.
Rabbit Inc Introduces AI-Powered r1 Device for Mobile Interaction
Rabbit Inc's r1, an AI-powered mobile device featuring the innovative Large Action Model OS, was showcased at CES 2024, offering a novel approach to mobile interaction and user convenience.
US House Committee Chair Criticizes SEC on Digital Assets
US House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick McHenry criticized the SEC’s approach to digital assets at an oversight hearing, demanding clear rules for crypto through legislation and pressing SEC Chair Gary Gensler for a definitive answer on whether Ether qualified as a security or a commodity.
Coinbase CEO Criticizes Chase UK’s Crypto Transaction Ban
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, condemns Chase UK's restrictive stance on cryptocurrency transactions, urging UK crypto holders to close their Chase accounts. This move by Chase UK could potentially impede Coinbase's expansion plans in the UK and Europe.
Dozens of AI-Powered Chatbot Tokens Found to Be Part of honeypot schemes
Blockchain security company PeckShield has warned about "dozens" of BingChatGPT pump-and-dump tokens.
Exclusive: Blockchain Beats AI and Big Data for the Highest Average Annual Salary in the UK
The report titled “The Disruption of Disruptive Tech” by Capital on Tap highlighted the state of disruptive tech adoption in early 2020. The U.S. had the most businesses in various disruptive technologies, with 71% dominance in cloud consulting and 53% in cybersecurity.
Ripple (XRP) CTO responds to phishing scam concerns following Cory Doctorow's $8000 loss
Ripple's CTO David Schwartz emphasizes his cybersecurity savvy, responding to phishing scam concerns after Cory Doctorow's $8000 loss. Ripple educates on scam identification and prevention, amidst increasing social media-based crypto frauds.
Animoca Brands Partners with Blockpass to Enhance Web3 Security and Compliance
Animoca Brands aligns with Blockpass in a strategic partnership to bolster Web3 security, aiming to set new standards in user verification and regulatory compliance.
Bitcoin Bull Tim Draper Pushes for Better SEC Regulation and BTC as the National Currency under Biden
As the transfer of presidential power from Trump to Joe Biden looms, many have been anticipating it. What will it mean for Bitcoin and crypto?
Will Hong Kong's Status as an International Digital Financial Hub be Affected by the National Security Law?
2020 has been quite a year for Hong Kong, marked by months of political unrest, the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, and a sweeping new national security law that China imposed on the city. The national security law, unanimously passed by China’s ruling Communist Party, sets up against secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Steven Seagal Under Siege from US SEC for Shilling 2018 ICO
Iconic 90s martial arts film star Steven Seagal has come under siege from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who have made an executive decision to show the Aikido master that he is not above the law for his involvement in the Bitcoiin2Gen ICO of 2018.
Linus Financial Settles SEC Charges Over Unregistered Crypto Lending Product
The SEC has settled charges against Linus Financial for failing to register its Linus Interest Accounts, a crypto lending product. The SEC deemed the accounts securities and made registration mandatory. Linus voluntarily stopped offering the accounts to new investors and requested fund retrieval.
Samsung Securities Files Paperwork to Launch A Crypto Exchange
Samsung Securities is one of the seven major South Korean securities companies planning to establish cryptocurrency exchanges in the first six months of next year.
SEC Seeing 'Lots' of Crypto Firms are Non-Compliance: Gensler
Gensler commented on the development of the crypto space, saying that there are a lot of noncompliance firms in the industry that might put investors in endanger.
SEC’s Demand for Private Financial Information from Ripple Lead Executives in XRP Case – an “Inappropriate Overreach?”
The battle between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple over how XRP should be regulated continues to stretch on.
SEC Refuses to Hand over Documents on Bitcoin and Ether to Ripple in XRP Case
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has refused a request from Ripple to access documents pertaining to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Canadian Regulator Charges Coinsquare Executives For Crypto Market Manipulation
Coinsquare executives have resigned following a settlement with the Ontario Securities Commission.
Binance Announces Integration of Bitcoin Lightning Network for Enhanced Transaction Efficiency
Cryptocurrency exchange giant Binance has announced its plans to integrate the Bitcoin Lightning Network for deposits and withdrawals. The move aims to improve transaction efficiency and provide users with a faster and more cost-effective experience.
SEC Delays Decision on Ether ETFs to May 2024, Impacting Key Proposals
The SEC has postponed its decision on several Ether ETFs, including Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF and Grayscale Ethereum Futures ETF, affecting the future of Ethereum-based financial products.
DeFi Exchange Developer Uniswap Labs Under Investigations by The US SEC
The US SEC is investigating the world’s largest decentralized finance exchange, Uniswap. The move is part of the regulator’s wider efforts to monitor and regulate DeFi projects.
Binance Hires Former DOJ Prosecutor M. Kendall Day as Legal Counsel in SEC Lawsuit
Bloomberg reports that Binance Holdings Ltd. has recently hired M. Kendall Day, a former prosecutor from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), as their attorney to represent them in the ongoing lawsuit initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Enigma Settles With US SEC Over Unregistered 2017 ICO
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced it has settled charges against blockchain startup Enigma MPC.
Coinbase Is Under SEC Scrutiny for Staking Programs
Coinbase mentioned in its quarterly earnings report that it is under the regulator’s investigation concerning its staking packages.
SEC Initiates Consultations on Rule Change for Bitcoin Trading Options
The SEC is discussing a rule change for options trading on Bitcoin ETFs, seeking public input on market impact during turbulence. Exchanges have requested options trading on recently approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, and whether options should follow stock regulations.
Solana SOL Maintains $7.2 Billion Market Cap Despite SEC's Security Claim in Q2 2023
Solana, the high-performance, open-source blockchain, faced a challenging Q2 2023, marked by regulatory hurdles and a decline in its market cap and revenue. However, the network also saw a surge in fee-payer activity and an increase in non-vote transactions, indicating continued user engagement and network utility.
UN convenes AI High-level Advisory Body for Global Governance
The UN Secretary-General is convening a High-level Advisory Body on AI to analyze and advance recommendations for global AI governance. Comprising up to 38 international experts from government, private sector, and civil society, the body aims to harness AI for humanity while addressing its risks. The initiative, which underscores the importance of a globally inclusive approach, seeks to align AI governance with human rights and Sustainable Development Goals.
Authorities in the U.S and Brazil Disrupt Crypto Fraud Ring
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently reported an investigation by the Brazilian National Police, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other law enforcement agencies that led to the disruption of crypto-related fraud across several countries but with operational base in Curitiba, Brazil
Attorney Batting for XRP Investors to Join SEC Case to Refile Motion to Intervene
The opportunity for XRP holders to join the lawsuit opposing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs may not be gone after all.
Couple Charged by the SEC for Defrauding 500 Investors in Fraudulent Water-Backed Cryptocurrency Scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has persecuted a former Texan pastor and his spouse for allegedly conning hundreds of innocent investors. The SEC said that the Texas couple used alkaline water-backed crypto, TeshuaCoin, to con the investors.
Ripple Investor’s Request to Recuperate Its $175M Stock Investment Is Denied by the Court
The Delaware court has ruled that Ripple shareholder Tetragon will not be able to reclaim its Ripple equity in cash.
Australia Evaluates Mandatory AI Rules in High-Risk Areas
Australia is considering mandatory regulations for AI development in high-risk areas, balancing innovation with public safety, ethical concerns, and global alignment in AI governance.
Google Integrates Blockchain Technology to Root Out Fraudulent Actors
Google claimed that they started integrating blockchain technology into their exchange is security theater, since they would essentially write themselves out of the deal between advertisers and publishers if Google were to create an immutable, open, distributed public ledger for its exchange.
Euler Finance Audited 10 Times Before $196 Million Attack
Euler Finance, an Ethereum-based lending protocol, underwent 10 audits from six different firms in two years before it suffered a $196 million flash loan attack. Despite this, the audits deemed the platform "nothing higher than low risk" with "no outstanding issues." The attack prompted Euler to launch a $1 million bounty for information leading to the hacker's arrest, only for them to move the funds through crypto mixer Tornado Cash.
Fidelity Seeks SEC Nod for Staking in Proposed Ether ETF for Enhanced Yields
Fidelity Investments aims to add staking to its Ether ETF, pending SEC approval, potentially offering investors a new revenue stream.
PwC Felix Kan: The Ethical Hacker for Modern Cyberattacks
Felix Kan is a Partner in PwC’s Risk Assurance Cybersecurity Privacy practice with 10 years of extensive experience. Kan began his career as an ethical hacker and has committed his career to helping Hong Kong companies enhance their protections against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
McAfee Comes Clean on His Statement of Bitcoin, in Wake of His 'Dickening'
In recent news, John McAfee appeared to have retracted his previous statement regarding Bitcoin, now claiming he never believed that Bitcoin would hit $1 million dollar in pricing.
How Small Businesses can use Blockchain?
Here are some of the best ways small businesses can use blockchain without burning a hole in their pocket.
Bitfinex Successfully Prevents $15 Billion XRP Exploit Attempt
Bitfinex successfully prevented a complex exploit attempt targeting $15 billion worth of XRP, highlighting the continuous need for advanced security measures in cryptocurrency exchanges. The exchange's correct system configurations played a pivotal role in averting potential theft, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity practices in the digital currency domain.
Thai SEC Bars Crypto Staking & Lender Services after Zipmex’s Bankruptcy
Thai regulator has banned digital asset operators from offering crypto depository services that pay returns to depositors to protect traders and the public from service providers’ business risks.
South Korea and U.S. Set for High-Level Crypto Regulatory Talks in January
South Korea's FSS Chief, Lee Bok-hyun, is set to meet with SEC Chair Gary Gensler in January to discuss cryptocurrency market regulation in light of global market changes.
Binance CEO Denies Report That Company Is Cutting Ties With US
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao denied that the business is contemplating leaving the US on Twitter.
SEC's Misstep in Debt Box Lawsuit Sparks Senate Republican Critique
Five Republican senators have criticized the SEC for unethical conduct in a lawsuit against Digital Licensing, highlighting concerns about enforcement practices in the crypto sector.
Ex-SEC Chair Jay Clayton Says He's a "Huge Believer" in Crypto
Ex-Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission Jay Clayton expressed his trust in the nascent digital currency world saying he is a “huge believer” in the technology underpinning the industry.
Thailand SEC Revises its Net Capital Rules In Favor of Crypto Backed Firms
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission has made an upward review of its net capital requirement for the securities firm in the country with crypto ties.
Google's Authenticator Update Raises Security Concerns
Google has released an update to its Authenticator app that allows users to store a one-time code in cloud storage. While this may help users who lose their authenticator app, it also makes them more vulnerable to hackers, who can gain access to the user's Google password and subsequently obtain full access to their authenticator-linked apps. Cybersecurity experts have also warned of complications that come with Google's cloud storage-based solution to two-factor authentication (2FA), raising concerns about security.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges Back Away from Ripple's XRP, but not Uphold
While major cryptocurrency exchanges have backed away from Ripple’s XRP, Uphold remains a steady supporter of the token.
List of Crypto Exchanges to Delist XRP Grows, as Bitstamp Halts XRP Trading
XRP’s price has been trading at lows of $0.28 and will likely plummet further as more and more crypto exchanges delist it.
Coinbase Calls for Judicial Intervention on SEC's Inaction
Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, has filed a formal response with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, urging a mandamus order to compel the SEC to act on Coinbase’s rulemaking petition within 30 days, highlighting the SEC's prolonged inaction and the pressing need for regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets.
SEC Chair Jay Clayton to Leave the Commission by Year End—Implications for the Future of Crypto
SEC's Jay Clayton is set to leave the commission by year-end after three and a half years in office. What could this mean for the crypto industry?
Crypto Groups Mobilize Support for Grayscale Spot Bitcoin ETF Lawsuit Fight
The groups have faulted SEC’s decision to disapprove applications of spot Bitcoin ETFs, yet the regulator had allowed similar, riskier products to enter the market.
Circle Formally Refutes Allegations of Illicit Financing and Connections to Justin Sun
Circle denies CfA's allegations of illicit financing and Justin Sun ties, emphasizing regulatory compliance and advocating for stronger stablecoin laws, as clarified by Dante Disparte.
Coinbase Legal Chief Requests Revisions to SEC Rulemaking
Coinbase's legal chief has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise its proposed rulemaking on registered investment advisers' responsibilities to store client assets with qualified custodians. Coinbase has criticized the SEC's proposed custody rule, claiming that it unfairly targets crypto assets and fails to safeguard them properly.
VanEck, SolidX to Sell ‘Limited’ Bitcoin ETF to Institutions
VanEck and Solid X revealed that they have a workaround to bypass regulatory issues and are using an SEC exemption that will allow their product to be offered to institutions such as hedge funds and banks, but not to retail investors.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trials Blockchain Solution for Canadian Borders
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trials Blockchain solution for Canadian borders - Works with Customs Direct, a partner with blockchain expert Morpheus.Network, to fast track multiple Proof of Concepts (POCs).
Telegram Appeals Federal Court Injunction to Stop Gram Distribution
Telegram has filed an appeal to yesterday’s ruling by a United Stated federal court in favour of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which has prohibited the issuance of Gram tokens for the time being.
Crypto.com Gets the Greenlight to Operate in Cyprus Through CySEC
Crypto.com, a fast-rising exchange platform has secured regulatory approval to operate in the Cyprus crypto market, thereby expanding its European presence
KKR Tokenizing Part of its Private Equity Fund on Avalanche Blockchain
KKR plans to tokenize part of its second Health Care Strategic Growth Fund to expand individual investors’ access to private investment vehicles.
Coinbase CEO Compares SEC to Soccer Refs in Criticism of Lack of Clarity Around Crypto Regulation
Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, compared the SEC to “soccer refs” in a game of pickleball, criticizing the regulator for their lack of clarity around crypto regulation. The comments came after Coinbase revealed they had been issued a Wells notice, which typically precedes an enforcement action. The crypto community has widely condemned the recent notice, with many agreeing that the SEC has reversed its earlier position regarding Coinbase.
Crypto Mom Flags New Proposal From SEC as Harmful for the DeFi Ecosystem
Hester Peirce, popularly known in the digital currency ecosystem as “Crypto Mom” has issued a note of warning that a new proposal from the commission can significantly hurt the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
Largest Weekly Inflows in Digital Assets in Over a Year, Led by Bitcoin
In a significant shift of sentiment, digital asset investment products experienced their largest single weekly inflows since July 2022, totaling a substantial $199 million, according to CoinShares report. This surge effectively corrected almost half of the prior nine consecutive weeks of outflows, signaling renewed investor confidence in the market.
US SEC Approves Volt Equity’s ETF, Allowing Investors to Gain Exposure to Bitcoin
US investors seeking diversification to the cryptocurrency market will be able to buy the Volt Equity’s ETF that offers exposures to public companies holding Bitcoin.