ICO Activity Down 90% This Year, Research Shows

An independent study by Autonomous Research has found that initial coin offering (ICO) activity globally has dropped over 90 percent this year. With the high of about $3 billion in funds raised by token sales at the beginning of this year, September investments were less than $300 million, according to the firm. Also read: 160 Crypto … 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

CFTC Chair Explains Why US Has Regulated Bitcoin Futures but Not Bitcoin ETFs

The chairman of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has explained why bitcoin futures have been approved in the U.S. but bitcoin ETFs have not. He also shared his thoughts on the future of cryptocurrencies and how they can potentially solve currency-related problems in as much as two-thirds of the world’s countries. Also read: 160 … Read more

North Dakota Issues Orders Against Bitconnect, Magma, Pension Rewards

The securities department of the US state of North Dakota has issued orders against three companies promoting initial coin offerings in the state. They are Bitconnect, Magma Foundation, and Pension Rewards. The investigations are part of Operation Cryptosweep which involves over 40 US and Canadian securities regulators. Also read: 160 Crypto Exchanges Seek to Enter Japanese … Read more

SEC, CFTC, FBI Take Action Against Bitcoin-Funded Securities Dealer 1Broker

Three U.S. agencies have taken action against international bitcoin-funded securities dealer 1pool Ltd., aka 1Broker. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says 1Broker violated federal securities laws. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) says it violated the Commodity Exchange Act. Meanwhile, the company says it is working on letting customers withdraw their funds. Also read: 160 … Read more

European Regulator Renews Restrictions on Crypto-Based Derivatives

Europe’s securities watchdog, ESMA, has decided to extend the restrictions applied to a number of financial derivatives, including contracts-for-differences (CFDs) based on cryptocurrencies. The limits that were introduced in August of this year will now remain in place until the end of January 2019.   Also read: French Regulator Blacklists More Fraudulent Crypto Businesses ESMA … 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

UAE Securities Watchdog Approves Plan to Regulate ICOs

The securities and commodities regulator in the United Arab Emirates has approved a plan to adopt comprehensive regulations for crowdfunding through ICOs and recognize tokens as securities. The decision comes after a review of best practices in other countries and signals a change in its position regarding initial coin offerings. Earlier this year investors were … Read more

Indian Officials Visit Regulators in Japan, UK, Switzerland to Study Crypto

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has sent officials to Japan, the UK, and Switzerland to study cryptocurrency and initial coin offerings from each of the three countries’ financial regulators. The securities watchdog aims to engage with international regulators and gain a deeper understanding of their crypto mechanisms and systems in order to improve … Read more