The SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets and the Office of the General Counsel of FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) published on July 8, 2019, a joint staff statement (Custody
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SEC Clears First Two Regulated Token Offerings
In July 2019, the SEC qualified the first token offerings under Regulation A+, approving blockchain startup Blockstack’s bitcoin-like digital tokens on July 10, and live video streaming platform YouNow’s offering…
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New Regulations in Japan on Security Token Offerings
A bill to amend the Act on Settlement of Funds and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA) has passed both the upper and lower houses of Japan’s National Diet…
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Cryptocurrencies and Unclaimed Property: Potential Implications of State Escheat Laws for the Blockchain Technology Industry
The use of blockchain technology and the issuance of cryptocurrencies have grown considerably in recent years, inviting heightened scrutiny and regulation. While federal securities, tax, and other financial services regulatory…
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Florida Creates Blockchain Task Force to Study Benefits of Blockchain Technology
On May 23, 2019, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1024 (Florida Blockchain Bill) into law to establish the Florida Blockchain Task Force (Blockchain Task Force) within the Florida Department…
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FinCEN Issues Guidance on Application of Regulations to Certain Business Models Involving Convertible Virtual Currencies
On May 9, 2019, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (FinCEN) issued “interpretive guidance” addressing how FinCEN’s money services business (MSB) regulations apply to…
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SEC Approves Final Regulation Best Interest, Form CRS
On June 5, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted 3-1 to adopt a series of proposals intended to “substantially enhance” the standards of conduct for financial professionals.
First…
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SEC Proposes Changes to the Financial Statement Requirements Relating to Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
On May 3, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed amendments to the financial disclosure requirements in Rule 3-05 (Acquired Company Financial Information), Rule 3-14 (Real Estate Operations), and…
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Proposed Amendment to Japanese Crypto Asset Laws
A bill to amend the Japanese laws regulating cryptocurrency exchange businesses or financial instruments transactions, including the Act on Settlement of Funds (Settlement Act) and the Financial Instruments and Exchange…
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Illinois Supreme Court Rules Annuities Are Not Securities Under Illinois Securities Act
On March 21, 2019, in Van Dyke v. Jesse White, the Illinois Supreme Court issued a long-awaited opinion relating to Illinois Securities Department authority to regulate annuities under the…
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