If Iranian banks are blocked from SWIFT, the (traditional) international payments networks, government interest for alternative blockchain-based payments systems is certain to rise SWIFT-ly. (I couldn’t help it). And it potentially wouldn’t just come from authoritarian states like Iran, Russia, … Continue Reading
A Transatlantic “Deal” without “Concessions”?
Recent news coverage is highlighting the fact that the deal struck between the US and EU on trade apparently isn’t much of one. According to the New Yorker: In reality, the Europeans gave up little except their prior refusal to … Continue Reading
SEC rejects Winkelvoss ETF
The Securities and Exchange Commission rejected the Winkelvoss ETF over fears of price manipulation, with Commissioner Hester Pierce dissenting. For those interested in the 95-page decision, which offers an excellent overview of the bitcoin market, I’ve posted the document in … Continue Reading
Bitwise aims to launch SEC-regulated cryptocurrency ETF
A San Francisco-based asset manager, Bitwise, is reportedly joining the race to launch a regulated ETF for cryptocurrency. Today, the company applied to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for permission to launch an exchange traded fund that would track an a … Continue Reading
CFTC Hearing on Cryptocurrencies link (and thanks for the IIEL Shout-Out!)
The U.S. House of Agriculture Committee at a public hearing July 18 expressed their views on cryptocurrencies and regulatory frameworks. The hearing convened six witnesses— former CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler, Andreessen Horowitz managing partner Scott Kupor, the CFTC’s Daniel Gorfine, law professor Joshua Fairfield, Clovyr CEO Amber Baldet, … Continue Reading
Reason #345 as to how the New Deal wasn’t anticipating Cryptosecurities
As I continue researching the New Deal, and its implications for contemporary disclosures, I’ve come across yet another way today’s ICOs diverge from early IPOs anticipated by the founders of the 33 Act. Available data suggest that the issuers of … Continue Reading
The FCA lets crypto-firms into its Regulatory Sandbox
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has allowed entry from fintech firms experimenting with crypto assets for the first time since starting their fintech Sandbox, according to the FT. The latest group is the sandbox’s largest with 29 companies being … Continue Reading
EU and Japan create world’s largest trade zone
European member states have given the go-ahead for a free trade deal with Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, news outlets report. Brussels said the agreement was sending “a very powerful signal against protectionism.” More than that, it create the world’s … Continue Reading
Abu Dhabi Releases Free-Standing Crypto Framework
Abu Dhabi releases, as per recent reports, a new regulatory framework for crypto-assets: New Crypto Framework Explained The FSRA has also published a 34-page guide for the regulation of crypto asset activities in ADGM. The document explains the regulatory framework … Continue Reading
China’s currency and Trump Tariffs
As CNBC, and other outlets have reported, China’s currency slid to a fresh six-month low against the dollar Wednesday, sparking speculation China could use a weakened yuan as a weapon if tensions with the U.S. turn into an out-and-out trade … Continue Reading