United States

Crypto / Digital Assets

Crypto Firm Celsius Operated as Ponzi Scheme, Report Says

By Editors | 01/02/2023

Celsius, now in bankruptcy, used customer funds to prop up the price of its own token for years, including to allow insiders to cash out.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US SEC Probes Investment Advisers Over Crypto Asset Custody

By Editors | 01/02/2023

The US regulator is inquiring into how investment advisers assess third-party custodians used to hold clients’ crypto assets.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New York Regulator Investigating Crypto Firm Gemini

By Editors | 01/02/2023

Gemini emphasised connections to the FDIC when customers asked if their assets were safe. Almost $1bn in customer assets have since been frozen on the platform.

ESG / Sustainability

European Regulators Slammed for Approach to Greenwashing Probe

By ESG Investor | 31/01/2023

A lack of engagement with key stakeholders and timing of greenwashing investigation among criticisms levelled at European Supervisory Authorities.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bankman-Fried Lawyers Request Access to Crypto Held by FTX

By Editors | 31/01/2023

The DOJ asked for a communications ban against Bankman-Fried as an additional bail condition. Last week, a 116-page list of the FTX’s creditors was filed to the bankruptcy court.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US Fed Refuses Application by Crypto-focused Custodia Bank

By Editors | 31/01/2023

The Fed Board considers that Custodia’s business model and proposed focus on crypto-assets presented “significant safety and soundness risks”.

Securities / Derivatives

Philippine SEC Issues Consumer Protection Rules for Consultation

By Editors | 31/01/2023

The rules will implement the requirements of the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, which passed in May last year.

AML / KYC

US, EU Authorities Take Down HIVE Ransomware Gang

By Editors | 30/01/2023

“Simply put, using lawful means, we hacked the hackers,” said deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco.

Sanctions

US Expands Sanctions Against Russia’s Wagner Group

By Editors | 30/01/2023

Russian mercenary organisation Wagner Group was re-designated as a foreign person that constitutes a “significant transnational criminal organisation”.