Coinbase Challenges SEC’s Definition of ‘Investment Contracts’ in Crypto Transactions

In a recent legal challenge, Coinbase has filed a brief with the Southern District of New York, seeking permission for an interlocutory appeal against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s expansive interpretation of what constitutes an “investment contract” in digital asset transactions. This pivotal case could set significant precedents for the cryptocurrency industry in the … Read more

Prosecutor General’s Office Wants to See ‘Cryptocurrency’ in Russian Law

The Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation has insisted that the term “cryptocurrency” should be added to the country’s legislation. The move would allow authorities in Moscow to confiscate digital assets that have been involved in criminal activities. Russian Prosecutor General’s Office Prepares Amendments Allowing Seizure of Cryptocurrency With cryptocurrencies being only partially regulated … Read more

Bitcoin Is Financial Instrument, Clarifies Germany, Crypto Custodians Qualify as Financial Institutions

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany, Bafin, has issued guidance to clarify the status of cryptocurrencies and the regulations that apply to related business activities. The recommendations are based on the country’s current legislation, taking into account the latest changes. Also read: Turkey to Inspect Cryptocurrency Exchanges as Part of Government Offensive Against Online … Read more

SEC to Boost Access to Crypto Investments With Proposed New Accredited Investor Definition

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed amending the definition of “accredited investor” — a move that will increase access to regulated cryptocurrency investments. A number of them are currently only available to accredited investors. Among other changes, a person can qualify based on professional knowledge, experience, or certifications. Also read: Lagarde Sees … Read more

US Lawmakers File Bill to Exclude Cryptocurrencies From Securities Definition

Two U.S. congressmen have introduced a bill aimed at amending the country’s securities laws to exclude cryptocurrencies from the definition of a security. The bipartisan bill also seeks to adjust taxation and create tax exemptions for certain cryptocurrency transactions. Also read: Indian Supreme Court Moves Crypto Hearing, Community Calls for Positive Regulations Bill Introduced U.S. Reps. Warren … Read more

Lawmakers Have Defined Blockchain – Badly

Bitcoin is many things to many people. To some, it is a peer-to-peer version of electronic cash, just as Satoshi intended. To others, it’s a store of value, while yet others see it as a system for remittance. When it comes to Bitcoin’s ledger – the blockchain – interpretations are equally divided. This presents a … Read more

SEC Executive: ‘Cryptocurrencies with Decentralized Structures Not Securities’

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s head of the Division of Corporate Finance, William Hinman, stated during the Yahoo All Markets Summit today in San Francisco that cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH are not securities. Soon after the SEC executive made the statements, cryptocurrency markets saw some gains as BTC rose $350 immediately after the news … Read more

This Guy Is Fighting a Legal Battle with the CFTC over Bitcoin Classification

A few months ago the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) charged a Staten Island-based company called Cabbage Tech with ‘fraud and misappropriation’ of funds based in Bitcoin and Litecoin. According to the CFTC, it revealed it had charged Patrick McDonnell and his company Cabbage Tech for crimes associated with allegedly promising big returns on … Read more