Regulations Round-Up: SEC hits Titanium, Israeli Crypto Law Delayed, BTC Trading Legal for Chinese Citizens

In recent regulatory news, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against the Titanium Blockchain initial coin offering (ICO) for allegedly making false claims; the enactment of Israel’s cryptocurrency regulations have been delayed; and a Chinese professor has discussed the current legal status of bitcoin trading in China, asserting that it … Read more

Five Firms Hit by ‘Crypto-Sweep’ in Alabama as Regulators Step up Operation

Cease and desist letters have been sent to five crypto companies operating in Alabama, as part of the ongoing “Operation Crypto-Sweep.” The campaign, led by the North American Securities Administrators Association, is targeting ICO projects and blockchain startups suspected of fraudulent activities and violations of existing securities laws. Actions have been taken already by NASAA … Read more

SEC Chairman Applauds ‘Operation Crypto-Sweep’

The chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Jay Clayton, has issued a statement “applaud[ing]” the efforts of authorities associated with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) in executing the current “enforcement sweep targeting fraudulent ICOs and crypto-asset investment products.” Also Read: 70+ Investigations: 40 Regulators Crack Down on Suspicious Crypto Schemes … Read more

Japanese Exchange Coincheck Eyes America for Expansion

Coincheck, the Japanese crypto trading platform that found new owners after it was hacked earlier this year, is now planning to offer services on the US market. The exchange expects to be licensed in Japan next month, according to the chief executive of Monex, the online brokerage which bought the troubled company last month.     … Read more

SEC Commissioner Cautiously “Open” to Regulatory Sandbox for ICOs

United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner, Hester Peirce, delivered a speech before the Medici Conference earlier this month discussing many issues pertinent to ICOs. Mrs. Peirce indicated that the SEC is open to discussion of developing a regulatory sandbox for ICOs, however, expressed a number of concerns surrounding the legislative model. The commissioner … Read more

Ukraine’s Securities Commission Chief Seeks Legalization of Cryptocurrencies as Financial Instruments

The Chairman of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has indicated the regulator favors a decision to recognize cryptocurrencies as financial instruments. Timur Khromayev thinks it’s time to take the matter to the country’s Financial Stability Council. The point of no return has been passed, he says.   Also read: Ukraine to … Read more

Ripple Sued for Alleged Violations of US Securities Laws

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Ripple Labs, its CEO, and subsidiary. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants have violated the state and federal securities laws, engaging in schemes to raise hundreds of millions of dollars through the sale of unregistered ripple tokens (XRP). Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space … Read more

Tempers Flare at Milken Institute Cryptocurrency Conference

Tempers flared during a cryptocurrency panel hosted at the Milken Institute 21st Global Conference, in Beverly Hills, California with discussions degenerating to profanity as Nouriel Roubini, also known as ‘Dr. Doom,’ described bitcoin’s purported decentralization as “bullshit.” In addition to the comedy of Mr. Roubini, the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chairman offered … Read more

SEC Official Criticizes State of ICO Industry, Open to Regulated Future

United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) commissioner, Robert Jackson, has expressed his belief that initial coin offerings (ICOs) will be legitimized under existing securities legislation. Despite the optimistic outlook, the commissioner has criticized the current state of the ICO industry. Also Read: Taxis Take BCH, Stores Sell BTC in the Russian City of Rostov  SEC … Read more

US State Shuts Down Cryptocurrency Mining Company

A U.S. state has issued a cease and desist order to a company purportedly engaged in cryptocurrency mining. This order follows a temporary cease and desist order to the company two months ago which it did not respond to. Also read: Yahoo! Japan Confirms Entrance Into the Crypto Space Cease and Desist Order The U.S. State … Read more