SEC
SEC typically refers to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which "protects investors in the $3.8 trillion municipal securities markets that cities and towns rely on to provide neighborhood schools, local libraries and hospitals, public parks, safe drinking water and so much more". But it can also refer to the security and exchange regulation bodies of other countries.
US Regulator Crypto Custody Proposal Opposed
The US SEC's proposal to amend its custody rule has faced opposition from the Blockchain Association and Andreessen Horowitz, who have filed letters criticising the rule's impact on investment advisers and its potential to curtail investment in digital assets. The SEC's proposal would apply more stringent rules on investment advisers in the custody of assets, including crypto.
Coinbase Legal Chief Requests Revisions to SEC Rulemaking
Coinbase's legal chief has urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise its proposed rulemaking on registered investment advisers' responsibilities to store client assets with qualified custodians. Coinbase has criticized the SEC's proposed custody rule, claiming that it unfairly targets crypto assets and fails to safeguard them properly.
Coinbase vs SEC: Legal Battle Heats Up
The US Court of Appeals has ordered the SEC to respond to Coinbase’s writ of mandamus within 10 days. The largest US cryptocurrency exchange filed a lawsuit in April requesting regulatory clarity, but has faced increased enforcement and warnings from the SEC, leading to a downgraded rating by Citigroup.
Coinme Fined $4 Million by SEC
Crypto exchange Coinme has been fined $4 million by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for offering unregistered securities and making "misleading statements" regarding its token, UpToken.
Nigeria Plans to Regulate Digital Asset Platforms
Nigeria’s SEC is considering new regulations for digital asset platforms, allowing licensed digital exchanges to list tokens backed by certain assets. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether will not be among those assets. Nigeria aims to register fintech firms as digital sub-brokers, crowdfunding intermediaries, fund managers, and tokenized coins issuers. Crypto exchanges will not be registered until the central bank provides clear regulations.
Meta Files for Debt Shelf Offerings
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has filed for new debt shelf offerings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company has not disclosed the exact amount of debt securities being offered, but it plans to issue a new prospectus supplement each time a debt security is sold.
Google's Authenticator Update Raises Security Concerns
Google has released an update to its Authenticator app that allows users to store a one-time code in cloud storage. While this may help users who lose their authenticator app, it also makes them more vulnerable to hackers, who can gain access to the user's Google password and subsequently obtain full access to their authenticator-linked apps. Cybersecurity experts have also warned of complications that come with Google's cloud storage-based solution to two-factor authentication (2FA), raising concerns about security.
Gensler Alleged Crypto Hypocrisy
Gary Gensler, head of the US securities regulator, is facing accusations of hypocrisy from the crypto community after a 2018 video surfaced of him stating that cryptocurrencies are commodities or cash and not securities. Several crypto leaders have expressed their shock and disgust at Gensler's apparent change of stance on the matter.
The Sandbox partners with Ledger Enterprise for NFT security integration.
The Sandbox has partnered with Ledger Enterprise to develop security integration for its partners. The collaboration will enable the migration of nonfungible token collections to the Ledger wallet, and The Sandbox will appear as a DApp on Ledger Enterprise.
Terraform Labs CEO Asks for Dismissal of SEC Charges
Do Kwon, CEO of Terraform Labs, has requested the dismissal of charges filed by the SEC, arguing that the claims are invalid and that the agency lacked proper jurisdiction. Kwon's counsel stated that Terra's tokens and projects were not specifically targeted at U.S. investors. The South Korean district court previously dismissed security violation charges against the co-founder of Terraform Labs, Hyun-seong Shin, deeming LUNA as non-security under Korea’s Capital Markets Act.