REGULATION
Tom Emmer's Nonpartisan Amendment to Limit SEC's Enforcement on Digital Assets Passes House
GOP Majority Whip Tom Emmer passed a House amendment restricting SEC's enforcement against digital assets until relevant legislation is enacted, highlighting the push for legislative clarity in cryptocurrency regulation.
Kazakhstan Blocks Coinbase, Citing Digital Asset Law
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information has blocked Coinbase due to legal conflicts with digital asset regulations, revisiting previous restrictions on other financial platforms.
Coinbase Bolsters Advisory Board with Security Experts
Coinbase has enlisted four national security experts to its Global Advisory Council, including former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy, Counterterrorism Advisor Frances Townsend, and strategist David Urban.
US NIST Initiates AI Safety Consortium to Promote Trustworthy AI Development
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute Consortium to promote safe AI development and responsible use, inviting organizations to collaborate on identifying proven safety techniques by December 4, 2023.
ADGM Launches Pioneering DLT Foundations Regime
Abu Dhabi Global Market's Registration Authority has introduced the Distributed Ledger Technology Foundations Regulations 2023, a global legislative framework designed to facilitate token issuance, promote governance, and drive transparency in the crypto sector.
PayPal Acquires UK Crypto License
PayPal has secured a cryptocurrency license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, marking a strategic move amid post-Brexit adjustments, and transitioning UK clients from PayPal Europe to a new UK-based entity.
SEC Commissioner Expresses Dissent on LBRY Case Outcome
SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce criticizes the commission's enforcement action against blockchain firm LBRY, Inc., highlighting the case as an example of regulatory overreach that stifles innovation and fails to adequately protect investors. Amidst ongoing legal actions against crypto enterprises, Peirce's dissent underscores the need for a balanced regulatory approach to foster innovation and investor protection in the blockchain and crypto sectors.
California Proposes Crypto ATM Regulations Amid Rising Fraud
California lawmakers propose regulations on cryptocurrency ATMs to combat escalating fraudulent activities. The bill, dubbed "Digital Financial Asset Transaction Kiosks," recommends a daily withdrawal limit of $1,000 and a cap on operators' fees, with implementation eyed for January 1, 2024. While some victims of ATM scams applaud the measure, crypto ATM operators express concerns over the potential adverse impact on small operators.
Ripple Executives Cleared of SEC Charges in Landmark Decision
In a major development, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Executive Chairman Chris Larsen were cleared of all charges by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is the third legal victory for the executives and Ripple, leaving the crypto industry questioning the SEC's approach.
California Governor Signs Digital Financial Assets Bill, Tightening Crypto Regulations from July 2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Digital Financial Assets Law on October 13, 2023, initiating a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrency activities in the state from July 1, 2025. The law necessitates licensure from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation for individuals and businesses dealing in digital assets. This regulatory shift, contrasting Newsom’s earlier stance in 2022, aligns with broader national trends towards formalizing digital asset transactions to curb fraud and enhance consumer protection.