Year: 2023

Legal proceedings against decentralized exchange protocol Uniswap took a turn as a class action lawsuit was scrapped. This development questioned Uniswap’s compliance with financial regulations, emphasizing their role didn’t mean they owned the traded assets. The removal of this lawsuit could set a precedent for decentralized entities facing similar accusations and underscores the legal intricacies for such organizations.

“Social media giant, X, has earned a regulatory license to process cryptocurrency payments in the United States, by obtaining the Rhode Island Currency Transmitter License. This move, supported by several states, strengthens X’s potential to facilitate virtual transactions, possibly expediting the mainstream adoption of digital currency.”

The U.S. Copyright Office seeks insight on copyright concerns related to Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly the use of copyrighted works to train AI and issues around AI-generated content. Pressing issues include AI’s capacity to mimic human artists. Media and entertainment industries grapple with unauthorised use of copyrighted materials for AI training. This discourse on AI, copyright, and regulation intertwines ethics, transparency, and surveillance matters.

Bankrupt crypto lender BlockFi has requested court approval to convert “trade-only” wallet assets into stablecoins for withdrawal. Accounting for less than half a percent of all BlockFi user wallets in the U.S., these include diverse digital currencies such as Bitcoin Cash, Algorand and Dogecoin. BlockFi aims to facilitate a comprehensive withdrawal process through this method.

Stefan Berger, architect of the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets regulation (MiCA), is leading legislation for a digital euro. Despite controversy and skepticism among colleagues, Berger believes that the transition to digital currencies like the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) could usher in autonomy and innovation. However, the success of this transition hinges on public trust. The EU remains undecided about the formal issue of the CBDC, with the proposal’s outcome influenced by political environment and law amendments.

Bernstein’s recent triumph over the SEC signifies a potential shift towards a more open review of Bitcoin ETF applications, following past rejections due to harsh regulations. However, while the SEC is required to review the application and differentiate between future and spot ETFs, it retains its right to refuse approval, suggesting a long road to a final decision.

“The proposed settlement agreement on the bankruptcy of cryptocurrency lender, Genesis, has met resistance. Some lenders argue that the agreement, offering 70%-90% recoveries, neglects fiduciary duties to maximize creditor recoveries. Concerns also emerge about non-consensual third-party releases, wherein non-debtor parties are absolved from liability without consensus from all potential claimholders.”

The U.S. DOJ has called for more substantial information against Sam Bankman-Fried, dismissing his preliminary defense as “irrelevant”. The case exemplifies the need for complete transparency and robust legal guidance in the volatile crypto market, stressing the importance of providing comprehensive disclosures as precautions against legal challenges.

“A federal appeals court, led by Circuit Judge Neomi Rao, mandated the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) review its decision to deny Grayscale Investments the right to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). The victory raises questions over the public’s right to invest in cryptocurrency, and pushes against the SEC’s persistent resistance to Bitcoin ETFs. The cryptocurrency world continues to evolve rapidly, with a need for balance between access rights, safety, market volatility, and financial risks.”

Tether, the issuer of popular stablecoin USDT, has established banking relations with Britannia Bank & Trust. This connection could streamline dollar transfers, improving Tether’s functioning within the traditional financial network. Britannia’s recent acquisitions and positive stance on crypto suggest this relationship is strategic for both entities, impacting the future of the crypto industry.

“The U.S. DOJ requests dismissal of defense’s claims of misleading counsel for ex-crypto magnate, Sam Bankman-Fried, in his fraud case. They allege Bankman-Fried misled Silvergate Bank for company advantages and misused customer funds. He faces charges for diverting over $100M from FTX for personal and political gain.”