Category: Cryptocurrency

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Former President Donald Trump has reconfirmed his commitment to attend this year’s Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, following an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania over the weekend. This announcement has been met with heightened anticipation and security measures as the event approaches.

Trump’s Commitment to the Bitcoin Conference

Despite the recent attempt on his life, Trump remains resolute in his decision to attend and speak at the Bitcoin Conference. Conference organizers have responded by significantly increasing security protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees. In a social media post, they expressed their enthusiasm: “We are happy to report that Donald Trump is committed to delivering his speech in-person at Bitcoin 2024. We are proud to host him and to share the solidarity of the global bitcoin community and our universal commitment to free speech and peaceful democracy.”

Heightened Security Measures

Acknowledging the concerns about security, the organizers assured attendees of their comprehensive preparations. “We know you have questions about security and what to expect at this historic event. We are actively engaged with our security teams and are fully cooperating with all the relevant parties to ensure a safe event,” they stated. This proactive approach aims to provide peace of mind to participants and speakers alike.

Notable Speakers at the Bitcoin Conference

The Bitcoin Conference will feature a roster of high-profile figures from the cryptocurrency industry and beyond. In addition to Trump, notable speakers include MicroStrategy’s executive chairman Michael Saylor (NASDAQ:MSTR), ARK Invest founder and CEO Cathie Wood, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., entertainer Russell Brand, whistleblower Edward Snowden, politician and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn.

Trump’s Stance on Cryptocurrency

Trump has been a vocal supporter of cryptocurrency, which has garnered significant attention from the crypto community. In January, he pledged to ban central bank digital currencies, a move that resonated with crypto advocates concerned about financial surveillance. This position has further solidified his support among crypto enthusiasts.

In May, Trump began accepting cryptocurrency donations in bitcoin, ether, and Dogecoin. He vowed to create “a crypto army moving the Trump campaign to victory on November 5th,” emphasizing his commitment to leveraging new technologies to achieve his political goals. His campaign’s message this spring was clear: “Saving our nation from Biden’s failures requires your support. As Biden piles regulations and red tape on all of us, former President Trump stands ready to embrace new technologies that will Make America Great Again.”

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This post was originally published on this site

Former President Donald Trump has reconfirmed his commitment to attend this year’s Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, following an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania over the weekend. This announcement has been met with heightened anticipation and security measures as the event approaches.

Trump’s Commitment to the Bitcoin Conference

Despite the recent attempt on his life, Trump remains resolute in his decision to attend and speak at the Bitcoin Conference. Conference organizers have responded by significantly increasing security protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees. In a social media post, they expressed their enthusiasm: “We are happy to report that Donald Trump is committed to delivering his speech in-person at Bitcoin 2024. We are proud to host him and to share the solidarity of the global bitcoin community and our universal commitment to free speech and peaceful democracy.”

Heightened Security Measures

Acknowledging the concerns about security, the organizers assured attendees of their comprehensive preparations. “We know you have questions about security and what to expect at this historic event. We are actively engaged with our security teams and are fully cooperating with all the relevant parties to ensure a safe event,” they stated. This proactive approach aims to provide peace of mind to participants and speakers alike.

Notable Speakers at the Bitcoin Conference

The Bitcoin Conference will feature a roster of high-profile figures from the cryptocurrency industry and beyond. In addition to Trump, notable speakers include MicroStrategy’s executive chairman Michael Saylor (NASDAQ:MSTR), ARK Invest founder and CEO Cathie Wood, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., entertainer Russell Brand, whistleblower Edward Snowden, politician and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn.

Trump’s Stance on Cryptocurrency

Trump has been a vocal supporter of cryptocurrency, which has garnered significant attention from the crypto community. In January, he pledged to ban central bank digital currencies, a move that resonated with crypto advocates concerned about financial surveillance. This position has further solidified his support among crypto enthusiasts.

In May, Trump began accepting cryptocurrency donations in bitcoin, ether, and Dogecoin. He vowed to create “a crypto army moving the Trump campaign to victory on November 5th,” emphasizing his commitment to leveraging new technologies to achieve his political goals. His campaign’s message this spring was clear: “Saving our nation from Biden’s failures requires your support. As Biden piles regulations and red tape on all of us, former President Trump stands ready to embrace new technologies that will Make America Great Again.”

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This post was originally published on this site

Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJTWW) and various crypto stocks experienced a significant surge on Monday following an assassination attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump. This incident has boosted investor confidence in his chances of winning the upcoming U.S. elections.

Trump Media and Technology Group’s Surge

Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJTWW) skyrocketed by 46%. Trump owns a majority stake in TMTG, which is the parent company of the social media platform Truth Social. The company’s stock has already surged 75% this year, driven by retail traders betting on a Trump victory against Democratic candidate and U.S. President Joe Biden in the November 5th elections.

Crypto Stocks Benefit from Trump’s Cryptocurrency Stance

Crypto stocks also saw a significant boost, tracking bitcoin’s jump to a two-week high. Trump has presented himself as a strong supporter of cryptocurrency, which positively impacted related stocks. Crypto exchange Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), along with bitcoin miners Riot Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:RIOT) and Marathon Digital (NASDAQ:MARA), added between 5% and 7%.

“Investors are becoming more confident of a Trump victory, and it is starting to be more heavily reflected in certain sectors,” said Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments. However, he noted that the overall market impact remained more muted, with most investors not changing their overall commitment to U.S. equities. The broad stock market rose under both the last Trump administration and the current Biden administration.

Broader Market Reactions

Futures tied to the S&P 500 edged 0.5% higher following the incident. Gun makers and ammunition stocks also jumped significantly, with Smith & Wesson Brands (NASDAQ:SWBI), Sturm Ruger & Company (NYSE:RGR), and Ammo Inc. (NASDAQ:POWW) rising between 5% and 6.7%. Historically, gun stocks tend to rise after mass shootings due to increased calls for gun control, which often lead to a surge in firearm purchases.

Prison Stocks and Software Developer Gains

Prison stocks Geo Group (NYSE:GEO) and CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW) also rose 6.8% and 7.8%, respectively. Both companies could potentially benefit from a Trump presidency, given his promises to crack down on illegal immigration, which could increase demand for detention centers.

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This post was originally published on this site

Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJTWW) and various crypto stocks experienced a significant surge on Monday following an assassination attempt on Republican candidate Donald Trump. This incident has boosted investor confidence in his chances of winning the upcoming U.S. elections.

Trump Media and Technology Group’s Surge

Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJTWW) skyrocketed by 46%. Trump owns a majority stake in TMTG, which is the parent company of the social media platform Truth Social. The company’s stock has already surged 75% this year, driven by retail traders betting on a Trump victory against Democratic candidate and U.S. President Joe Biden in the November 5th elections.

Crypto Stocks Benefit from Trump’s Cryptocurrency Stance

Crypto stocks also saw a significant boost, tracking bitcoin’s jump to a two-week high. Trump has presented himself as a strong supporter of cryptocurrency, which positively impacted related stocks. Crypto exchange Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), along with bitcoin miners Riot Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:RIOT) and Marathon Digital (NASDAQ:MARA), added between 5% and 7%.

“Investors are becoming more confident of a Trump victory, and it is starting to be more heavily reflected in certain sectors,” said Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments. However, he noted that the overall market impact remained more muted, with most investors not changing their overall commitment to U.S. equities. The broad stock market rose under both the last Trump administration and the current Biden administration.

Broader Market Reactions

Futures tied to the S&P 500 edged 0.5% higher following the incident. Gun makers and ammunition stocks also jumped significantly, with Smith & Wesson Brands (NASDAQ:SWBI), Sturm Ruger & Company (NYSE:RGR), and Ammo Inc. (NASDAQ:POWW) rising between 5% and 6.7%. Historically, gun stocks tend to rise after mass shootings due to increased calls for gun control, which often lead to a surge in firearm purchases.

Prison Stocks and Software Developer Gains

Prison stocks Geo Group (NYSE:GEO) and CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW) also rose 6.8% and 7.8%, respectively. Both companies could potentially benefit from a Trump presidency, given his promises to crack down on illegal immigration, which could increase demand for detention centers.

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This post was originally published on this site

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a critical battleground issue in the 2024 presidential election, with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump vying for the support of the crypto community. Recent events highlight the growing importance of digital assets in political discourse and policy-making.

Crypto Roundtable in Washington D.C.

On Wednesday, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California hosted a significant crypto roundtable at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event featured notable attendees, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, businessman Mark Cuban, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, and Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, along with a senior assistant to President Biden.

Biden Administration’s Engagement

During the roundtable, Coinbase’s Paul Grewal praised the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with crypto industry stakeholders and understand the challenges they face. Grewal expressed optimism that the Biden team would continue substantive outreach to the digital asset industry. “It was largely a listen-and-learn dynamic,” Grewal said. “Ms. Dunn took over an hour of her time to sit with 30 or 40 of us, patiently listened, asked questions, and expressed real commitment to continuing this dialogue as opposed to just thanking us for our time and sending us out the door.”

This sentiment was echoed by Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, who noted the engagement of senior Biden advisor Anita Dunn. “She was very engaged, actively note-taking, all of that kind of stuff. For a government official at that level to be that engaged for over an hour … that is pretty amazing and unusual.”

Ripple CEO’s Critique

However, not all views were positive. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted a perceived hostility from the Democratic Party towards the crypto industry, which he believes threatens its survival. “Unfortunately, the majority of Dems continue to enable Gensler’s unlawful war on crypto – sabotaging the ability for American innovation to thrive,” Garlinghouse said, referring to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. “It’s no wonder the GOP has announced a pro-crypto stance. Gensler will go down as the Luddite of his time. Words are easy, action is hard but necessary. Choose wisely. Voters are paying attention.”

Political Dynamics and Future Implications

The contrasting views at the roundtable underscore the divergent approaches of the Democratic and Republican parties towards cryptocurrency. While the Biden administration has shown a willingness to engage with industry leaders, there is a clear divide within the party regarding regulatory approaches. On the other hand, the Republican Party has positioned itself as pro-crypto, capitalizing on dissatisfaction within the industry towards current regulatory measures.

GOP’s Pro-Crypto Stance

The GOP’s pro-crypto stance is seen as a strategic move to attract voters and industry support. With figures like Mark Cuban and Brad Garlinghouse criticizing current regulatory frameworks, the Republican Party’s advocacy for a more supportive regulatory environment could sway significant support from the crypto community.

Impact on Voters and Innovation

As the 2024 election approaches, the stance on cryptocurrency is likely to influence voter behavior, particularly among younger and tech-savvy demographics who are heavily invested in digital assets. The ongoing dialogue and policy developments will be crucial in shaping the future of the crypto industry in the United States.

The engagement from both sides highlights the growing recognition of cryptocurrency’s importance in the national economy and technological innovation. Stakeholders within the crypto industry are keenly observing the political landscape, weighing the implications of each party’s approach on the future of digital assets.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency has become a pivotal issue in the 2024 presidential election, with President Biden and former President Trump actively seeking to court the crypto community. The outcomes of these political engagements will significantly impact the regulatory environment and the growth of the crypto industry in the coming years. As voters prepare to choose their leaders, the stance on crypto will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their decision-making process.

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This post was originally published on this site

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a critical battleground issue in the 2024 presidential election, with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump vying for the support of the crypto community. Recent events highlight the growing importance of digital assets in political discourse and policy-making.

Crypto Roundtable in Washington D.C.

On Wednesday, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California hosted a significant crypto roundtable at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event featured notable attendees, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, businessman Mark Cuban, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, and Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, along with a senior assistant to President Biden.

Biden Administration’s Engagement

During the roundtable, Coinbase’s Paul Grewal praised the Biden administration’s efforts to engage with crypto industry stakeholders and understand the challenges they face. Grewal expressed optimism that the Biden team would continue substantive outreach to the digital asset industry. “It was largely a listen-and-learn dynamic,” Grewal said. “Ms. Dunn took over an hour of her time to sit with 30 or 40 of us, patiently listened, asked questions, and expressed real commitment to continuing this dialogue as opposed to just thanking us for our time and sending us out the door.”

This sentiment was echoed by Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, who noted the engagement of senior Biden advisor Anita Dunn. “She was very engaged, actively note-taking, all of that kind of stuff. For a government official at that level to be that engaged for over an hour … that is pretty amazing and unusual.”

Ripple CEO’s Critique

However, not all views were positive. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted a perceived hostility from the Democratic Party towards the crypto industry, which he believes threatens its survival. “Unfortunately, the majority of Dems continue to enable Gensler’s unlawful war on crypto – sabotaging the ability for American innovation to thrive,” Garlinghouse said, referring to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler. “It’s no wonder the GOP has announced a pro-crypto stance. Gensler will go down as the Luddite of his time. Words are easy, action is hard but necessary. Choose wisely. Voters are paying attention.”

Political Dynamics and Future Implications

The contrasting views at the roundtable underscore the divergent approaches of the Democratic and Republican parties towards cryptocurrency. While the Biden administration has shown a willingness to engage with industry leaders, there is a clear divide within the party regarding regulatory approaches. On the other hand, the Republican Party has positioned itself as pro-crypto, capitalizing on dissatisfaction within the industry towards current regulatory measures.

GOP’s Pro-Crypto Stance

The GOP’s pro-crypto stance is seen as a strategic move to attract voters and industry support. With figures like Mark Cuban and Brad Garlinghouse criticizing current regulatory frameworks, the Republican Party’s advocacy for a more supportive regulatory environment could sway significant support from the crypto community.

Impact on Voters and Innovation

As the 2024 election approaches, the stance on cryptocurrency is likely to influence voter behavior, particularly among younger and tech-savvy demographics who are heavily invested in digital assets. The ongoing dialogue and policy developments will be crucial in shaping the future of the crypto industry in the United States.

The engagement from both sides highlights the growing recognition of cryptocurrency’s importance in the national economy and technological innovation. Stakeholders within the crypto industry are keenly observing the political landscape, weighing the implications of each party’s approach on the future of digital assets.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency has become a pivotal issue in the 2024 presidential election, with President Biden and former President Trump actively seeking to court the crypto community. The outcomes of these political engagements will significantly impact the regulatory environment and the growth of the crypto industry in the coming years. As voters prepare to choose their leaders, the stance on crypto will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their decision-making process.

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Crypto trading platform Abra has announced the acquisition of several private cryptocurrency trusts from Valkyrie Investments. This move comes shortly before Abra settled with 25 U.S. state financial regulators for operating without the necessary licenses, marking a significant development in the crypto industry’s regulatory landscape.

Details of the Acquisition

Abra Capital Management LP, the asset management arm of Abra, took over several active trusts from Valkyrie in May. According to Marissa Kim, head of asset management at Abra, the deal includes Valkyrie’s Tron and Zilliqa trusts, as well as several trusts that have not yet been launched. The Zilliqa Trust had sold a total of $21.3 million in assets as of October last year, while the Tron Trust had sold $50 million in assets as of September 2022, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This acquisition will provide ACM with a way to expand its current offering of spot and DeFi products to a new audience of investors,” Kim said. Abra may consider filing to make some of the trusts publicly traded in the future, depending on market demand, she added. Valkyrie did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the sale.

Regulatory Challenges and Settlements

Abra’s acquisition comes at a time when the company is navigating significant regulatory challenges. In June, Abra settled with a working group of regulators over claims that it had operated its business without the required state licenses to handle crypto asset activities. As part of the settlement, Abra is set to return $82.1 million in crypto assets to U.S. customers. This agreement follows Abra’s decision to halt offering services in the country last year. Abra Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment advisor, the firm stated.

Abra faced additional regulatory scrutiny when it was accused of securities fraud by the Texas State Securities Board in June 2023. The regulator alleged that Abra misled investors through the sale of two crypto interest account products and claimed that Abra had been insolvent or nearly insolvent. Texas was among the states involved in the recent settlements.

Valkyrie’s Strategic Moves

Valkyrie Investments has been offloading portions of its business throughout 2024. Earlier this year, Valkyrie sold its primary exchange-traded funds business to CoinShares International Ltd. The company’s private trusts business included funds tied to various cryptocurrencies, such as Algorand, Avalanche, BitTorrent, Dash, Polkadot, and Bitcoin.

Leah Wald, a co-founder and the then-chief executive of Valkyrie, resigned from the company last month, marking another significant change in the company’s structure. These strategic moves by Valkyrie reflect a broader trend in the crypto industry, where companies are adjusting their operations and portfolios in response to market conditions and regulatory pressures.

Future Implications for Abra

The acquisition of Valkyrie’s trusts presents an opportunity for Abra to diversify and enhance its product offerings. By integrating these trusts, Abra can attract a broader range of investors and solidify its position in the competitive crypto trading market. The possibility of making some of these trusts publicly traded could further enhance Abra’s market presence and appeal.

However, the company must navigate its regulatory challenges carefully. The recent settlements and accusations highlight the importance of compliance in the rapidly evolving crypto industry. As Abra moves forward, maintaining robust regulatory adherence will be crucial to its long-term success.

Conclusion

Abra’s acquisition of Valkyrie’s private crypto trusts represents a strategic expansion amid regulatory settlements. This move could significantly enhance Abra’s offerings and attract new investors. However, the company must continue to address its regulatory challenges to ensure sustainable growth. The crypto industry’s evolving regulatory landscape underscores the need for companies like Abra to adapt and comply with legal requirements while pursuing growth opportunities.

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This post was originally published on this site

Crypto trading platform Abra has announced the acquisition of several private cryptocurrency trusts from Valkyrie Investments. This move comes shortly before Abra settled with 25 U.S. state financial regulators for operating without the necessary licenses, marking a significant development in the crypto industry’s regulatory landscape.

Details of the Acquisition

Abra Capital Management LP, the asset management arm of Abra, took over several active trusts from Valkyrie in May. According to Marissa Kim, head of asset management at Abra, the deal includes Valkyrie’s Tron and Zilliqa trusts, as well as several trusts that have not yet been launched. The Zilliqa Trust had sold a total of $21.3 million in assets as of October last year, while the Tron Trust had sold $50 million in assets as of September 2022, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This acquisition will provide ACM with a way to expand its current offering of spot and DeFi products to a new audience of investors,” Kim said. Abra may consider filing to make some of the trusts publicly traded in the future, depending on market demand, she added. Valkyrie did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the sale.

Regulatory Challenges and Settlements

Abra’s acquisition comes at a time when the company is navigating significant regulatory challenges. In June, Abra settled with a working group of regulators over claims that it had operated its business without the required state licenses to handle crypto asset activities. As part of the settlement, Abra is set to return $82.1 million in crypto assets to U.S. customers. This agreement follows Abra’s decision to halt offering services in the country last year. Abra Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment advisor, the firm stated.

Abra faced additional regulatory scrutiny when it was accused of securities fraud by the Texas State Securities Board in June 2023. The regulator alleged that Abra misled investors through the sale of two crypto interest account products and claimed that Abra had been insolvent or nearly insolvent. Texas was among the states involved in the recent settlements.

Valkyrie’s Strategic Moves

Valkyrie Investments has been offloading portions of its business throughout 2024. Earlier this year, Valkyrie sold its primary exchange-traded funds business to CoinShares International Ltd. The company’s private trusts business included funds tied to various cryptocurrencies, such as Algorand, Avalanche, BitTorrent, Dash, Polkadot, and Bitcoin.

Leah Wald, a co-founder and the then-chief executive of Valkyrie, resigned from the company last month, marking another significant change in the company’s structure. These strategic moves by Valkyrie reflect a broader trend in the crypto industry, where companies are adjusting their operations and portfolios in response to market conditions and regulatory pressures.

Future Implications for Abra

The acquisition of Valkyrie’s trusts presents an opportunity for Abra to diversify and enhance its product offerings. By integrating these trusts, Abra can attract a broader range of investors and solidify its position in the competitive crypto trading market. The possibility of making some of these trusts publicly traded could further enhance Abra’s market presence and appeal.

However, the company must navigate its regulatory challenges carefully. The recent settlements and accusations highlight the importance of compliance in the rapidly evolving crypto industry. As Abra moves forward, maintaining robust regulatory adherence will be crucial to its long-term success.

Conclusion

Abra’s acquisition of Valkyrie’s private crypto trusts represents a strategic expansion amid regulatory settlements. This move could significantly enhance Abra’s offerings and attract new investors. However, the company must continue to address its regulatory challenges to ensure sustainable growth. The crypto industry’s evolving regulatory landscape underscores the need for companies like Abra to adapt and comply with legal requirements while pursuing growth opportunities.

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This post was originally published on this site

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has concluded a three-year investigation into Hiro Systems, a blockchain software developer formerly known as Blockstack, without recommending enforcement action. This decision marks a significant victory for the crypto industry, which has long grappled with regulatory scrutiny.

Background of the Investigation

Hiro Systems raised $70 million through token sales from 2017 to 2019. The SEC’s probe into Hiro Systems is part of the broader regulatory landscape that has often challenged the crypto sector. On Friday, a filing indicated that the SEC’s division of enforcement does not intend to pursue any enforcement actions against Hiro Systems. The letter stated, “Based on the information we have as of this date, we do not intend to recommend an enforcement action by the Commission against Hiro Systems PBC, formerly known as Blockstack PBC.”

However, the SEC included a standard caveat that this notice should not be interpreted as an exoneration or a guarantee that future actions will not arise from the investigation.

Hiro Systems and the Stacks Protocol

Hiro Systems is known for developing tools that enable developers to build applications on Stacks, a layer-2 blockchain designed to enhance Bitcoin. The Stacks protocol, spearheaded by crypto veteran Muneeb Ali, launched its first version along with its native token in 2018. Initially, the company treated the tokens as securities, conducting sales under the SEC’s Regulation A+, which permits limited public sales of securities without full registration. Other tokens were sold to accredited and international investors.

In January 2021, a new version of Stacks was launched featuring a new consensus mechanism called proof of transfer. Hiro Systems argued that the network had achieved full decentralization, and in an SEC filing that month, the company declared it was no longer providing essential managerial services to the Stacks Blockchain. Consequently, they claimed it was unnecessary to classify Stacks tokens as securities.

Despite these assertions, the SEC remained skeptical, and Hiro disclosed in September 2021 that it was responding to an SEC inquiry.

Conclusion of the Inquiry

The recent filing marks the end of the SEC’s investigation, relieving Hiro Systems from the prolonged regulatory scrutiny that had been looming over the company. This conclusion is particularly noteworthy following another significant development earlier in the week when the SEC ended its investigation into stablecoin issuer Paxos.

In a tweet following the release of the filing, Muneeb Ali clarified that the SEC’s probe encompassed the Stacks protocol in addition to the Hiro entity. Ali, who now serves as CEO of Trust Machines and remains a board member at Hiro, expressed relief at the investigation’s conclusion.

Implications for the Crypto Industry

The SEC dropping its investigation into Hiro Systems is a positive signal for the crypto industry, reflecting a potential shift in how regulatory bodies approach blockchain projects that achieve decentralization. The crypto sector has long been concerned about regulatory actions that could stifle innovation and growth. The conclusion of this investigation, along with the end of the probe into Paxos, could indicate a more nuanced understanding and acceptance of decentralized blockchain technologies by regulators.

Conclusion

The end of the SEC’s investigation into Hiro Systems marks a significant moment for the crypto industry, offering a reprieve from regulatory pressures. This development underscores the importance of achieving and demonstrating decentralization for blockchain projects to navigate regulatory challenges successfully. As the industry continues to evolve, clear and consistent regulatory frameworks will be crucial in fostering innovation while ensuring compliance.

Featured Image: Freepik 

Please See Disclaimer

This post was originally published on this site

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has concluded a three-year investigation into Hiro Systems, a blockchain software developer formerly known as Blockstack, without recommending enforcement action. This decision marks a significant victory for the crypto industry, which has long grappled with regulatory scrutiny.

Background of the Investigation

Hiro Systems raised $70 million through token sales from 2017 to 2019. The SEC’s probe into Hiro Systems is part of the broader regulatory landscape that has often challenged the crypto sector. On Friday, a filing indicated that the SEC’s division of enforcement does not intend to pursue any enforcement actions against Hiro Systems. The letter stated, “Based on the information we have as of this date, we do not intend to recommend an enforcement action by the Commission against Hiro Systems PBC, formerly known as Blockstack PBC.”

However, the SEC included a standard caveat that this notice should not be interpreted as an exoneration or a guarantee that future actions will not arise from the investigation.

Hiro Systems and the Stacks Protocol

Hiro Systems is known for developing tools that enable developers to build applications on Stacks, a layer-2 blockchain designed to enhance Bitcoin. The Stacks protocol, spearheaded by crypto veteran Muneeb Ali, launched its first version along with its native token in 2018. Initially, the company treated the tokens as securities, conducting sales under the SEC’s Regulation A+, which permits limited public sales of securities without full registration. Other tokens were sold to accredited and international investors.

In January 2021, a new version of Stacks was launched featuring a new consensus mechanism called proof of transfer. Hiro Systems argued that the network had achieved full decentralization, and in an SEC filing that month, the company declared it was no longer providing essential managerial services to the Stacks Blockchain. Consequently, they claimed it was unnecessary to classify Stacks tokens as securities.

Despite these assertions, the SEC remained skeptical, and Hiro disclosed in September 2021 that it was responding to an SEC inquiry.

Conclusion of the Inquiry

The recent filing marks the end of the SEC’s investigation, relieving Hiro Systems from the prolonged regulatory scrutiny that had been looming over the company. This conclusion is particularly noteworthy following another significant development earlier in the week when the SEC ended its investigation into stablecoin issuer Paxos.

In a tweet following the release of the filing, Muneeb Ali clarified that the SEC’s probe encompassed the Stacks protocol in addition to the Hiro entity. Ali, who now serves as CEO of Trust Machines and remains a board member at Hiro, expressed relief at the investigation’s conclusion.

Implications for the Crypto Industry

The SEC dropping its investigation into Hiro Systems is a positive signal for the crypto industry, reflecting a potential shift in how regulatory bodies approach blockchain projects that achieve decentralization. The crypto sector has long been concerned about regulatory actions that could stifle innovation and growth. The conclusion of this investigation, along with the end of the probe into Paxos, could indicate a more nuanced understanding and acceptance of decentralized blockchain technologies by regulators.

Conclusion

The end of the SEC’s investigation into Hiro Systems marks a significant moment for the crypto industry, offering a reprieve from regulatory pressures. This development underscores the importance of achieving and demonstrating decentralization for blockchain projects to navigate regulatory challenges successfully. As the industry continues to evolve, clear and consistent regulatory frameworks will be crucial in fostering innovation while ensuring compliance.

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