Euroclear Launches Digital Securities Issuance Service, Settles $106 Million World Bank Bond

Euroclear, a leading securities settlement house, has launched a digital securities issuance service and successfully settled a 100-million-euro digital bond issued by the World Bank. This marks the first step in Euroclear’s digital infrastructure strategy. The three-year bond, known as a digitally native note, was issued by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a […]

Ripple Executives Secure Legal Victory as SEC Case Dismissed

In a significant development, Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen have emerged victorious in their legal battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). On Monday, October 23, 2023, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres dismissed the SEC’s case against them, putting an end to the charges. The dismissal was marked with prejudice, which […]

Marinade Finance Halts Services for UK Users Amid Regulatory Concerns

Marinade Finance, a leading decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol on the Solana blockchain, has halted its services for users in the United Kingdom due to compliance concerns with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). UK users attempting to access the platform were met with a block page citing FCA regulations. However, the protocol has allowed UK-based […]

Marinade Finance Blocks UK Users Amid Compliance Concerns

Marinade Finance, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol on the Solana blockchain, has reportedly blocked users from the United Kingdom. The issue was discovered by U.K. customers on October 23rd when they tried to access Marinade’s website. The block page displayed a message stating that access to the site is unavailable in the U.K. due to […]

Dismissal Order Signed in SEC Case Against Ripple Executives

US District Judge Analisa Torres has dismissed the case against Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen, according to an order signed on October 23, 2023. The dismissal order specifically refers to “Institutional Sales” of XRP by the executives, omitting the categories of “Programmatic Sales” and “Other Distributions.” This strategic decision means that while Garlinghouse […]

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Listed on DTCC, Signaling Potential SEC Approval

The iShares spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) proposed by BlackRock has been listed on the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), indicating potential approval by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This development is seen as a significant step towards bringing a crypto ETF to the market. The ETF, with a ticker symbol […]

BlackRock to Sponsor Its Own Bitcoin ETF Launch, Demonstrating Confidence in the Market

Investment manager BlackRock has revealed plans to provide initial funding for its spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), according to recent securities filings. The company’s S-1 amendment details the process of seeding an ETF, whereby a bank or broker-dealer purchases Bitcoin in exchange for ETF shares. This move by BlackRock is seen as a significant display […]

Crypto-Friendly SEC Commissioner Discusses Growing Interest in Spot Bitcoin ETFs

BlackRock and Fidelity, two major asset managers, have applied for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), reflecting the growing interest in these products. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who has been supportive of such investment vehicles since 2018, commented on the increasing interest from firms and investors in Bitcoin ETFs. However, she cautioned against speculating on how […]

Grayscale Investments’ Bitcoin ETF Application to be Reviewed by SEC Following Court Mandate

The United States Court of Appeal has issued a mandate requiring the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review Grayscale Investments’ application for a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The court’s decision, which was made on August 29, took effect on October 23 after the SEC failed to present an appeal by October 13. This […]

Regulators Worldwide Introduce New Guidelines for Decentralized Assets; Gemini, Genesis, and DCG Accused of $1 Billion Fraud

FTX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, is facing legal troubles as its former general counsel testified in the criminal trial of its CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried. The counsel claimed to be unaware of the exchange’s mixing of funds with Alameda Research, a sister company. Additionally, an accounting professor provided analysis showing that Alameda had a negative balance […]