Podcast: Is Cryptocurrency a Security (like an orange grove)?
On February 27, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Corporation Finance (“CorpFin”) issued a Staff Statement announcing its view that meme coin transactions do not involve the offer and sale of...more
In an action that could have broad implications, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff (Staff) issued a statement on February 27, 2025, through its Division of Corporation Finance, providing clarity on the application...more
The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a statement on February 27, 2025 to clarify the application of federal securities laws to "meme coins," a type of crypto asset inspired by internet memes, characters, current...more
More than 50% increase in SEC cryptocurrency-related enforcement actions in 2023 over 2022. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to view cryptocurrency-related enforcement as a top priority, bringing 46...more
On November 20, 2023, the SEC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Payward, Inc. and Payward Ventures, Inc. which, together, do business as Kraken. The...more
On July 13, 2023, the Court ruled in partial favor of Ripple Labs Inc.’s argument that many of its XRP sales did not violate investor-protection laws. The ruling has sent the crypto world ablaze with speculation on the future...more
Editor's Note - The following newsletter provides a roundup summarizing enforcement actions, guidance, rulemakings, and other public statements taken by a federal and/or state financial services regulatory agency,...more
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been increasing its enforcement actions against cryptocurrency companies and individuals in recent years. In 2022, the SEC brought 24 litigation actions in federal courts and 6...more
This summer was a busy one for cryptocurrency regulators, with aggressive actions potentially signaling an increase in consumer protection compliance activity. In August alone, the New York Department of Financial Services...more
On April 13, 2022, the Texas State Securities Board and Alabama Securities Commission issued separate emergency cease and desist orders (C&Ds) against Sand Vegas Casino Club and its two co-founders (Respondents). The C&Ds...more
Given that the charged entity’s name included “DeFi,” there was an inevitable flurry of news around last week’s SEC action against DeFi Money Market (“DMM”), including that it was the “first” enforcement action involving...more
On February 14, 2019, the Southern District of California entered a preliminary injunction prohibiting Blockvest, LLC (“Blockvest”), a company set up to exchange cryptocurrencies, and its founder, Reginald Buddy Ringgold, III...more