Cryptocurrency and the technology it relies on, blockchain, revolutionized both the tech and finance world. A blockchain is a distributed record of transactions, usually managed by a peer-to-peer network of computers that validates the transactions. With companies racing to take advantage of this new industry, it was only a matter of time before some companies would try to take advantage of unsuspecting investors. This is what happened with a company called Compcoin LLC. (“Compcoin”).
Read MoreOn January 7th Coinbase paused trading on Ethereum Classic (ETC) after it fell victim to a 51% attack. The attack resulted in over $500,000 of ETC being spent twice (Olga Kharif, Bloomberg Law). To appreciate what this means for the ETC mining community, two things must be understood: Hash rates and a 51% attack.
“Hash rates” or “hash power” refers to the total computing power of a decentralized network. Proof of Work (PoW) blockchains, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, are driven by miners “hashing,” which is essentially solving complicated math problems. (Bisade Asolo, MyCryptopedia).
Read MoreLast year, financial regulators around the world adapted to the rise of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Approaches to regulation have varied, but most major financial markets are striving to better understand the technology and develop methods for investor transparency and protection. In 2018, regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) reacted to the cryptocurrency marketplace with heightened attention. (Jonathan Levin, Bloomberg). Last year, for example, the SEC started to examine smaller brokerage firms dealing virtual tokens for potential enforcement actions. Outside the United States, French regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (“AMF”) blacklisted new cryptocurrency investment websites, while Russia drafted legislation to implement cryptocurrency regulation.
Read MoreCountries around the world are being forced to decide what role, if any, cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (“ICOs”) will play in their financial markets. The United States is no exception, as investors and leaders in the crypto industry continue to push for as little regulation as possible. But given the long, slow nature of the regulation process, many of these investors and crypto leaders are anxious to see some form of clear and uniform cryptocurrency regulations (Adrian Zmudzinski, Cointelegraph). To make matters worse, the partial shutdown of the federal government further delayed the process, particularly as it relates to agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (John Nancarrow, Bloomberg Law).
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 MoreInitial coin offerings (ICOs) function in two capacities: they are used as a way for companies to raise capital and as investment opportunities for individuals. ICOs are relatively new, with the first ICO occurring in 2013. Initially, ICOs were not regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and there were no restrictions on who could invest. In July 2017, however, the SEC released an investigative report determining that a particular coin was a security and, therefore, subject to federal securities laws. Despite new regulations and increased SEC scrutiny, ICOs continue to grow.
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