On March 11, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filed a complaint containing a multitude of charges related to an alleged illegal stock distribution and market manipulation scheme against David Foley and others. See complaint. The complaint identifies four groups of defendants: David R. Foley, Lisa L. Foley, and Jeffrey A. Foley (collectively, the “Stock Issuers”); Nanotech Entertainment, Inc. (“NTEK”) and Nanotech Gaming, Inc. (“NTGL”), affiliates of the Stock Issuers; Bernnie L. Blankenship (the “Stock Promoter”); and River North Equity LLC, Edward M. Liceaga, and Michael A. Chavez, the unregistered broker-dealers.
Read MoreThe Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) is a multi-agency committee comprised of members from executive agencies related to the economy, national security, and foreign intelligence. The agency was created during Gerald Ford’s presidency and its mandate is to review any transaction (called “covered transactions”) that might have an impact on U.S. national security (Keeler, Mayer Brown).A covered transaction is a merger, acquisition, or takeover in which a foreign national, entity, or government acquires an interest in a U.S. business that has an impact on U.S. national security (Jaramillo, Foley Hoag).This system of review was designed to be voluntary. Even so, CFIUS maintains the ability to block transactions when no notice of filing is submitted through the CFIUS system.
Read MoreIn September 2018, the United Kingdom’s Treasury Select Committee ("TSC") published the result of its months-long examination of the UK’s cryptocurrency sector. It provided regulatory recommendations to protect consumers and to prevent fraud and money laundering in the cryptoasset market (the “TSC Report,” House of Commons Treasury Committee Crypto-assets Report.) Certain industry players, led by the non-profit British Business Federation Authority (BBFA), objected to these recommendations. They argued the TSC’s proposed approach lacks nuance and will lead cryptomarket participants to flee the UK for jurisdictions with fewer regulations (William Suberg, Coin Telegraph.).
Read More