George Dowd

Commissioner Peirce on SEC Crypto FAQs May 15, 2025 On May 15, 2025, SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce commented on the Division of Trading and Markets’ newly issued FAQs addressing digital assets. The FAQs clarify the application of financial responsibility rules, such as Rule 15c3-3, noting that non-security crypto assets held by broker-dealers are exempt […]

SEC Awards 6 Million to Joint Whistleblowers April 22, 2025 On April 21, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a significant award of approximately $6 million to joint whistleblowers, highlighting the critical role these individuals play in enforcing securities laws. This award, detailed in a recent SEC Press Release and SEC Order

CFTC Ends 2 Crypto Advisories Home CFTC Ends 2 Crypto Advisories March 28, 2025 On March 28, 2025, the CFTC withdrew two key advisories: CFTC Staff Advisory No. 18-14, issued on May 21, 2018, titled “Advisory with Respect to Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings,” and CFTC Staff Advisory No. 23-07, issued on May 30, 2023,

SEC grants 2 Whistleblower Awards Despite Missed Deadline Home SEC grants 2 Whistleblower Awards Despite Missed Deadline March 24, 2025 The SEC Whistleblower Program, established in 2010, encourages reporting of securities law violations, including cryptocurrency fraud, by offering awards up to 30% of collected sanctions. A March 24, 2025, whistleblower award proceeding (Release No. 102717)

2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex Home 2 Million Reasons the CFTC Targeted Debiex March 22, 2025 The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recently secured a significant victory against Debiex, a fraudulent digital asset platform. On March 13, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued a default judgment, holding Debiex

Trump Executive Order Launches Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile Home Trump Executive Order Launches Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile March 7, 2025 On March 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a groundbreaking executive order titled “Establishment of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile,” marking a pivotal

SEC Issues 2 Press Releases on Crypto Task Force Initiatives Home SEC Issues 2 Press Releases on Crypto Task Force Initiatives March 3, 2025 As of March 5, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken significant steps toward addressing the regulatory landscape for crypto assets, as detailed in two recent press releases from

SEC 2025 Meme Coin Guidance Sparks Debate Home March 3, 2025 On February 27, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance issued a Staff Statement on “meme coins,” aiming to clarify their status under federal securities laws. This guidance reflects an ongoing effort to address the regulatory treatment of crypto assets, a domain marked by