Hong Kong Regulator: Cryptocurrencies ‘May Not Qualify as Securities’

Cryptocurrency falls into a legislative gray area in many jurisdictions, which is why governments should take a particularly nuanced approach to developing regulatory frameworks for crypto trading, the outgoing chairman of Hong Kong’s securities regulator said in a recent interview. Also Read: Fidelity Launching Crypto Custody and Trading Services Key Challenge for Legislators “We have to … Read more

Regulations Roundup: Crypto-Intermediaries in France, SEC Deadline for Rejected ETF Commentary

In recent news pertaining to cryptocurrency regulations, French lawmakers are considering a proposed amendment that would introduce a regulatory framework for crypto-asset intermediaries; the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced October 26th as the deadline for the submission of public comments relating to the nine exchange-traded funds (ETFs) it recently rejected; and a … Read more

SEC Orders Proceedings to Rule on ETF, Seeks Further Feedback

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published an “order instituting proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove” the proposed Vaneck Solidx bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The SEC is asking for further public feedback on issues pertaining to concerns regarding the bitcoin market’s perceived vulnerability to manipulation. Also Read: Turkey Finance Minister Embraces … Read more

Regulations Round-Up: MAS Official Says Tokens Aren’t Securities, SEC on Bookkeeping Obligations

In recent regulatory news, an official representing the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has stated that no existing crypto tokens meet the regulator’s definition of a security offering; the chief accountant of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has emphasized the “fundamental” bookkeeping responsibilities of firms operating with cryptocurrencies; and the head of … Read more

SEC Takes Action Against ‘First US Regulated Crypto Asset Fund’

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on Tuesday that it has taken action against two cryptocurrency firms. Both mark the “first-ever” action of their kind by the Commission. One is against the “first regulated crypto asset fund in the United States” and the other is against an “ICO Superstore.” Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges … Read more

SEC Suspends Trading of XBT Provider’s Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has suspended the trading of two XBT Provider products: Bitcoin Tracker One and Ether Tracker One. The agency attributes “a lack of current, consistent and accurate information” which leads to “confusion amongst market participants” as the reason. Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges Seek to Enter Japanese Market, Regulator Reveals SEC … Read more

ICO Regulations Round-Up: Fundraising Law, Jeju Island, Self-Directed IRAs

In recent news pertaining to initial coin offerings (ICO) regulations, an EU report has advocated the regulation of ICOs according to crowdfunding legislation, the governor of Korea’s Jeju Island wants his jurisdiction to become a special economic zone regarding cryptocurrencies and blockchain, and the U.S. SEC has warned consumers regarding the risks of self-directed Individual … Read more

Exchanges Round-Up: CME Volume Doubles Q2, Lawyer Predicts SEC Delays ETF Until March

In recent news pertaining to cryptocurrency exchanges, Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has revealed that trading volume on its bitcoin futures markets nearly doubled during Q2; lawyer Jake Chervinsky has predicted that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may postpone its determinations regarding Vaneck’s proposed bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) until March 2019; and Bitmex … Read more

U.S. Regulations Round-Up: CFTC Can’t Keep Pace with Crypto, Libertarian Candidate Accepts Bitcoin Donations

In recent regulatory news, the CFTC chairman has warned that the regulator is falling behind its international counterparts with regards to virtual currency and blockchain regulations; a U.S. Congressional bill is advocating the incorporation of cryptocurrencies into the regulatory mandate of FinCEN; and a candidate of the Wisconsin Libertarian Party is accepting donations in the … Read more

Start-Up Backed by Uber Co-Founder to Launch Fee-Free Crypto Trading

Voyager, a startup backed by Uber co-founder, Oscar Salazar, has announced that it will launch a commission-free cryptocurrency trading platform. It is intended to function as an aggregation engine for cryptocurrency prices across more than a dozen trading venues.  Also Read: J-Pop Star GACKT Caught Between Crypto Company Spindle and Minister’s Gaffe Startup Founded by Uber … Read more