Year: 2023

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is employing artificial intelligence for financial surveillance, confirmed SEC Chair, Gary Gensler. This technology aids in identifying patterns of market manipulation or fraudulent activities. However, questions about privacy, potential bias, and the need for transparency in the use of such technologies by regulatory agencies persist.

“The OneCoin fraud case highlights significant challenges for cryptocurrency regulations. As the line between privacy and security blurs, there’s a growing need for nuanced regulatory strategies and discernment in this evolving techno-finance landscape to prevent potential violations of user privacy.”

“Amid the multi-year class action lawsuit against Bitfinex and Tether put forth by LeboBTC CEO, a critical point would be the discussion about the alleged commingling of assets with Tether reserves. It questions the handling of regulatory scrutiny while ensuring blockchain and cryptocurrency sector growth, fostering inclusivity, digital sovereignty, and financial democratization.”

The Change.org petition “Stop Chainalysis” argues that the company’s data analysis tools are not scientifically verified, potentially violating privacy laws and rights by linking real-world identities to crypto payments. The petition warns about violations of the Bank Secrecy Act and the Fourth Amendment. It highlights the delicate balance between protecting privacy and combating illicit activities.

Gracy Chen, MD at crypto exchange Bitget, suggests KYC measures might get stricter with users undergoing ID verification perhaps more than once a year. Incorporating biometrics such as facial recognition, fingerprints, or iris scans, into KYC procedures is also gaining traction. Bitget has made KYC mandatory, reflecting a trend in crypto industry’s commitment to transparency and anti-fraud regulations. Chen also stresses the importance of balancing security and privacy, highlighting the role AI can play in enhancing AML capabilities.

Gary Gensler, SEC Chair, aims to place cryptocurrencies under SEC’s regulatory oversight, citing widespread noncompliance within the crypto industry. However, recent US court decisions challenge a blanket crypto regulation, including exceptions for specific cryptocurrencies like XRP. These evolving regulatory scenarios have spurred concern about stifling innovation and driving away crypto businesses.

Blockchain’s potential to disrupt various industries is unlocking intriguing opportunities in the legal field; notably the advent of blockchain-based ‘personal growth bets’ through smart contracts. These contracts work as enforcers and monitors of self-improvement tasks but trigger debates on enforceability and legality.

Senator Sherrod Brown’s stern views on crypto industry as riddled with deceit and exploitation is affecting the future of crypto regulation in the U.S. Brown directs the Senate Banking Committee, highlighting troubling aspects like inadequate disclosure, interest conflicts, and high-risk bets in the industry. Without Brown’s approval, comprehensive crypto market oversight seems unlikely.

Investment giant Franklin Templeton has made a move into the Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector, filing an application with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Termed “Franklin Bitcoin ETF,” the fund would primarily contain Bitcoin, securely stored by the custodian, Coinbase Custody Trust. This clears a path into the mainstream investment arena, despite similar ETF applications from other financial powerhouses remaining stuck in SEC review.

A U.S. federal judge delayed a sentencing hearing for radio host Ian Freeman, who allegedly created an illegal Bitcoin exchange used by scammers. Meanwhile, the DeFi Education Fund contests a patent claim by tech company True Return Systems. Also, DigiFT’s dETH0924 provides up to 4% APR, boosting Ethereum’s PoS mechanism, while crypto infrastructure provider Qredo integrated Circle’s USDC stablecoin into its wallet.