United States

Market Infrastructure

BOJ Raises Interest Rate to Highest Level Since 2008

By Editors | 01/08/2024

The BOJ also said it would gradually reduce its monthly bond buying from JPY 6 trillion to JPY 3 trillion by Q1 2026.

Enforcement

Prominent Short Seller Andrew Left Charged for Securities Fraud

By Editors | 31/07/2024

The DOJ and SEC said Andrew Left used social media and TV appearances to promote his trades, manipulate the market, and “make fast, easy money”.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US Lawmaker Proposes to Create Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

By Editors | 31/07/2024

A Hong Kong lawmaker said including Bitcoin in the city’s strategic financial reserves is something that should be considered.

Sanctions

Austria’s Raiffeisen Working to Sell 60pc of Russian Unit

By Editors | 31/07/2024

Raiffeisen is trying to coordinate with Russian, European and US authorities to sell a 60% stake in its Russian unit.

Enforcement

Six US Banks Agree to Settle Antitrust Litigation for $80m

By Editors | 31/07/2024

The banks allegedly colluded to bid up bond prices at auction and then sell those bonds at inflated prices to pension funds and other investors.

Market Infrastructure

IIB Warns of Extraterritoriality of Treasury Clearing Proposal

By Editors | 31/07/2024

Under a proposed FICC rule, the SEC’s clearing mandate on US Treasury securities would apply to an entire foreign bank, rather than just its US-based branch.

Sanctions

OFAC Targets Iran Weapons Programmes With New Sanctions

By Editors | 31/07/2024

The sanctions cover two procurement networks that help Iran obtain components for weapons systems, including Hong Kong and China-based targets.

Enforcement

US Authorities Charge Founder of Crypto Firm BitClout

By Editors | 31/07/2024

Nader Al-Naji faces civil and criminal charges for allegedly lying to investors and misappropriating investments for personal expenses and gifts.

AML / KYC

Fed Terminates Enforcement Action Against Silvergate Bank

By Editors | 31/07/2024

The enforcement action has been in effect since May 2023 to protect depositors. Silvergate has since completed its liquidation and wind-down plan and paid back depositors.