SEC Chair Gensler Addresses Crypto Regulation & Ponzi Scheme Sentencing
SEC Chair Gary Gensler discussed cryptocurrency regulations and the potential impact of a government shutdown on market oversight, emphasizing the SEC's crucial role in regulating crypto security tokens. Meanwhile, Manhattan prosecutors are seeking a 13-year prison sentence for Pablo Renato Rodriguez, a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme operator, pointing to his extensive history of fraud.
The BSV Blockchain Gazette is presented by Bryan Daugherty, Global Policy Director for the BSV Blockchain Association, featuring:
SEC Chair Gary Gensler Addresses Cryptocurrency Regulation and Government Shutdown Concerns in Bloomberg TV Interview
In an interview with Bloomberg TV, SEC Chair Gary Gensler discussed cryptocurrency regulations and the potential impacts of a government shutdown on market oversight. Gensler reiterated commitments to protecting investors and argued that the SEC’s securities laws are applicable to crypto security tokens.
Manhattan Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Prison Sentence for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme Operator
Manhattan federal prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum that Pablo Renato Rodriguez, who admitted to operating a cryptocurrency mining Ponzi scheme, should face 13 years in prison because of his “lengthy history” of fraud dating back at least a decade.
Celebrities and Fenwick & West LLP Seek Dismissal of Litigation in FTX Collapse Case
Fenwick & West LLP, celebrities including Tom Brady, Steph Curry, and Naomi Osaka, and several other defendants are asking a Florida federal court to dismiss litigation against them related to the collapse of FTX.
Grayscale Agrees to Share Internal Files to Settle Lawsuits from Hedge Funds
Grayscale Investments LLC will hand over internal files to end two lawsuits by hedge funds seeking more information about its multibillion-dollar Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.
House Financial Services Committee Advances CBDC Anti-Surveillance Act
The House Financial Services Committee voted to advance the CBDC Anti-Surveillance Act (H.R. 5403) along party lines. The bill would prohibit the Fed from issuing a CBDC directly or indirectly to individuals. CPS does not expect the bill to advance any further at this stage.
House Subcommittee Explores Blockchain's Potential Impact on Supply Chains and Competitiveness
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a hearing on supply chains and economic competitiveness. Blockchain was one of many topics discussed, with bipartisan interest in exploring blockchain’s potential to improve supply chains and bolster competitiveness. CPS has reached out to Rep. Bucshon for a follow-up meeting, who is crafting legislation that would create a blockchain deployment program at the Department of Commerce.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler to Testify Before House Financial Services Committee
SEC Chair Gary Gensler is scheduled to testify before the House Financial Services Committee next week. The hearing is focused on general oversight of the SEC.
CFTC Commissioner Discusses Rules for Decentralized Markets at WFE Annual Meeting
CFTC Commissioner Kristin Johnson spoke at the World Federation of Exchanges Annual Meeting on creating rules for decentralized markets. Johnson discussed the risks posed by distributed digital ledger technology and digital assets.
SEC Settles Case with James Michael Wines Over Alleged Digital Asset Offering
The SEC settled with James Michael Wines, after the agency alleged that he was a partner in an offering that raised $1.5 million in digital assets as a purported “pre-sale” for other digital assets that were never ultimately produced.
Second Circuit Rules Against Sam Bankman-Fried's Release from Pretrial Detention
The Second Circuit ruled that Sam Bankman-Fried will not be released from pretrial detention after leaking a key witness’ diary to the press. Relatedly, US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan rejected all expert witnesses proposed by Bankman-Fried.
Judge Likely to Block Federal Government's Attempt to Seize Money Deposited with BlockFi
US Bankruptcy Judge Michael B. Kaplan stated he will likely block the federal government’s attempts to seize money that alleged scammers deposited with BlockFi because the seizure unfairly puts the criminals’ victims ahead of other BlockFi investors.
Grayscale Seeks SEC Permission to List Ethereum Futures ETF
Grayscale filed paperwork with the SEC seeking permission to list an Ethereum futures ETF.
Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao Move to Dismiss SEC Lawsuit, Citing Exceeding Authority
Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao have filed a motion to dismiss the SEC’s lawsuit against them, stating that the SEC has exceeded its authority.