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Oral Arguments Begin, Here’s What to Know

Published

10 months ago

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Kraken’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is scheduled for oral arguments today at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT.

The SEC accuses Kraken of being unregistered exchange and broker-dealer and asserts that 11 tokens, SOL, ADA, and ALGO, are securities.

Kraken Vs. SEC Oral Arguments Begin

The SEC has accused Kraken of running an unregistered securities exchange, Kraken also has been accused of operating as an unregistered broker-dealer and also of operating as an unregistered securities clearing agency. The SEC stated that 11 tokens listed on Kraken, including ADA, ALGO, ATOM, FIL, FLOW, ICP, MANA, MATIC, NEAR, OMG, and SOL, are securities. Kraken’s dismissal motion relies on the Howey Test, stating that the SEC has not alleged that any securities transactions occurred on its exchange.

Kraken had filed a reply to the SEC lawsuit, arguing that the agency’s case is weak and that the suit should be dismissed. In its latest response, Kraken strongly refutes the SEC’s allegations of trading unregistered securities.

The exchange, therefore, said that the SEC did not correctly identify the investment contracts that are tradeable on the exchange and took issue with some of the terms used by the SEC, such as ‘investment concept’ and ‘ecosystem’, saying that these should have been ‘investment contract’ and ‘enterprise’ respectively.

Similarly, Kraken has received support for its motion to dismiss from Senator Cynthia Lummis, the Blockchain Association, the DeFi Education Fund, the Chamber of Digital Commerce, the Investor Choice Advocates Network, Paradigm, and two administrative law scholars. These entities have filed briefs in support of Kraken’s position.

Comparison with Coinbase Case

The legal community is waiting to see whether the SEC will employ the same arguments in Kraken’s case as in the Coinbase motion to dismiss the hearing. In that case, the SEC claimed that tokens’ ecosystems make them fall under the Howey Test to be classified as securities. The SEC will examine this argument to determine if this is still applicable in the current situation.

Moreover, Kraken relies on the SEC cases on initial coin offerings (ICOs) to back its argument. The crypto exchange notes that these cases concerned contractual rights and obligations, which is consistent with Kraken’s view of investment contracts.

Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, has earlier on accused the SEC of making contradictory arguments. In a similar case against Coinbase, the SEC again claimed that most of the supported tokens are investment contracts, using the Howey Test. As per Coinbase, the SEC’s mixed signals and unequal enforcement actions have led to legal ambiguity in the digital asset market.

BTC and ETH Commodity Status

The SEC has allocated commodity status to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through the approval of spot ETFs, although SEC Chair Gary Gensler has not publicly addressed ETH’s status.

Bitcoin and Ethereum have arguably the two largest “ecosystems” behind them, raising questions about why other tokens with significant ecosystems are classified differently.

The crypto community and legal experts will closely follow today’s arguments to understand how the SEC’s stance on what constitutes security may evolve. This case, along with the Coinbase lawsuit, could set significant precedents for the regulatory landscape of digital assets in the United States.

Read Also: Kraken Disputes SEC Claims, Cites Previous ICO Cases for Support

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Kelvin is a distinguished writer specializing in crypto and finance, backed by a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science. Recognized for incisive analysis and insightful content, he has an adept command of English and excels at thorough research and timely delivery.

The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Regulation

US SEC and Binance Agree To Pause Legal Proceedings for 60 More Days

Published

11 hours ago

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April 12, 2025

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Binance have requested a federal judge to extend the pause in their ongoing legal case for another 60 days.

This decision follows what both parties described as “productive discussions” and will provide more time for further deliberations.

US SEC and Binance Agree To Pause Legal Proceedings

The SEC initially sued Binance in 2023, accusing the exchange and its executives, including former CEO Changpeng Zhao, of violating federal securities laws, who is now the Strategic Advisor to Pakistan’s Crypto Council. The charges centred on Binance’s operation as an unlicensed clearing agency, broker, and exchange.

Additional allegations included the commingling of funds and manipulation of trading volume on Binance.US, its U.S. affiliate. These serious claims led to the ongoing litigation, which was paused multiple times to allow the parties to negotiate and clarify their positions.

Earlier this year, the SEC requested a 60-day pause in the case to allow for discussions around a new crypto task force to clarify how securities law might apply to digital assets. That pause was set to expire on April 14, 2025, but the SEC and Binance have now mutually agreed to extend it for an additional two months.

Reasons for the Continued Binance SEC Pause

The SEC, in its filing, explained that the discussions between both parties had focused on how the work of the newly formed crypto task force could impact the case. The task force, created to address regulatory issues in the cryptocurrency sector, may provide clearer guidance on how U.S. securities law applies to digital assets.

The SEC also pointed out that additional time was needed for authorization from the Commission before making any decisions or revisions in the scope of the case. Binance, for its part, agreed that an extension of the pause was in everyone’s best interest and would help to facilitate the ongoing discussions between the two sides.

“The continued pause is appropriate and in the interest of judicial economy,” the filing stated. Both the SEC and Binance have indicated that they aim to resolve the matter efficiently, without unnecessary delays or complications.

Crypto Task Force’s Role in the Case

The SEC’s newly established crypto task force may shape how digital asset transactions are treated under U.S. law. In a recent statement, Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda emphasized the importance of clear regulations for the cryptocurrency market and noted that the task force’s role is to create long-term solutions for regulating crypto trading.

Uyeda also suggested that a “time-limited, conditional exemptive relief framework” might be appropriate to allow innovation in blockchain technology while maintaining regulatory oversight. He encouraged market participants to contribute their views on where such exemptions might be necessary to foster industry growth.

The crypto task force’s efforts may influence how the SEC handles its case against Binance and its broader approach to regulating the digital asset space. The task force aims to ensure that U.S. law can adapt to the rapidly evolving technology behind cryptocurrencies while also protecting investors and ensuring market integrity.

Next Steps in the Legal Proceedings

With the case now paused for another 60 days, the SEC and Binance will continue their discussions and await further guidance from the crypto task force. The next update on the case’s status will come after the 60-day period.

As the pause continues, like the Ripple vs SEC case, stakeholders in the cryptocurrency industry will closely monitor the outcome of the discussions, as the case could set important precedents for future regulatory actions.

The SEC, as a result, has clarified that it is focused on ensuring compliance with securities laws, while Binance has stated its commitment to working within the framework of U.S. regulations.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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US Senators Reintroduce PROOF Act To Set Reserve Standards for Crypto Firms

Published

18 hours ago

on

April 11, 2025

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As crypto regulation gains ground in the US under pro-crypto President Donald Trump, US Senators are taking further steps to strengthen oversight of digital asset firms. Senators Thom Tillis and John Hickenlooper reintroduced the Proving Reserves of Other Funds (PROOF) Act, which aims to create new standards for transparency and fund management in the cryptocurrency sector.

US Senators Reintroduce PROOF Act Bill

According to Eleanor Terrett, US Senators Tillis and Hickenlooper have renewed their push for the PROOF Act, which was first introduced in 2023. The bill responds to concerns raised by the collapse of FTX, where customer funds were reportedly mixed with the company’s own capital and redirected to affiliated firms.

The PROOF Act would prohibit the co-mingling of customer assets by digital asset custodians and exchanges. It sets requirements for monthly third-party reserve checks, which would ensure that firms hold enough reserves to back customer holdings.

Independent auditing firms would perform these checks, sending the results to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Mandatory Proof of Reserves Checks

Under the US Senator’s proposed law, all firms offering digital asset custody or exchange services must undergo monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) inspections. These checks would verify that firms hold the assets they claim to possess on behalf of their clients.

PoR uses cryptographic tools like Merkle trees and zero-knowledge proofs to verify balances without revealing user data. To ensure transparency, the inspection reports would be made public through the Treasury Department. If a company fails to comply, it will face civil fines that increase with repeated violations.

Although some firms have previously voluntarily shared proof of reserves information, these practices have been inconsistent and often lacked third-party verification. The PROOF Act would create a standardized process across the industry.

Preventing Fund Mismanagement in the Crypto Industry Through The PROOF Act

The US Senators’ renewed effort to pass the PROOF Act follows the financial failure of several crypto companies, most notably FTX. Reports showed that FTX moved customer deposits to its sister firm, Alameda Research, without proper disclosure or reserves, contributing to a major loss of trust in the sector.

Lawmakers aim to reduce the risk of mismanaged or missing funds by introducing strict reserve reporting requirements. The bill, as a result, intends to give customers more confidence that their digital assets are safe and properly accounted for by crypto firms.

The legislation also encourages more responsible behaviour from digital asset institutions by requiring them to follow clearly defined standards. These standards subsequently support regulatory oversight and prevent future financial harm to customers.

SEC Leadership and Regulatory Developments

The reintroduction of the PROOF Act follows Paul Atkins’s appointment as the new Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. The Senate endorsed Atkins with a 52 to 44 majority in acknowledging his position on precise crypto regulations.

As a result, the Division of Corporation Finance of the SEC published guidance for crypto issuers as a follow-up to Atkins’ confirmation. The guidance also involves disclosure concerning business models and financial statements and risks associated with digital assets that fall under the definition of securities.

Subsequently, Senator Cynthia Lummis, a pro-Bitcoin legislator, has corroborated the development while acknowledging optimism about the future under Atkins. She stated that from her conversation with Atkins, she became confident in his handling of digital asset regulation.

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Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Regulation

US President Donald Trump Signs First Crypto-Related Bill Into Law; Report

Published

1 day ago

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April 11, 2025

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US President Donald Trump has signed a joint resolution that will repeal an IRS rule affecting decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

This legislation, which has passed through both the Senate and the House, aims to prevent the IRS from enforcing tax reporting requirements on DeFi protocols. The move is seen as a key development in crypto regulation.

Donald Trump Signs First Crypto-Related Bill Into Law

According to ex-Fox journalist Eleanor Terret, the US president Donald Trump has signed the resolution into law imminently.

Two sources familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump has signed the resolution, with Senator Ted Cruz attending the event as its lead sponsor in the Senate.

The bill marks the first time a US president will sign a crypto-related bill into law. It comes after weeks of legislative activity, during which both chambers of Congress passed versions of the resolution with broad bipartisan support. The Senate passed the final version of the bill on March 26 with a 70–28 vote after the House approved it on March 11.

Overview of the Repealed IRS Rule

The IRS DeFi broker rule, introduced during the Biden administration, was designed to expand existing tax reporting requirements to DeFi platforms.

Consequently, these platforms are required to report gross proceeds from crypto transactions and provide identifying details about the parties involved. The rule was part of a broader effort to close tax gaps and improve oversight in the cryptocurrency sector.

However, the rule drew criticism from the crypto industry and some lawmakers. Opponents argued that the decentralized structure of DeFi protocols makes it difficult or impossible to gather user data or file tax reports. Many, however, said that enforcing such requirements would hinder development and discourage innovation in the blockchain space.

Congressional Action and Political Support

The resolution to overturn the IRS rule passed with broad support in both chambers of Congress. Although a similar resolution passed in the Senate earlier in March, a revised version originated in the House due to rules governing tax-related legislation. The final Senate vote on March 26 completed the process and sent the resolution to President Donald Trump.

Senator Ted Cruz, who introduced the resolution, stated that the IRS rule was “an attack on emerging technologies that could transform financial systems.” As a result, the legislation received support from lawmakers who emphasized the need for clear, innovation-friendly policies on crypto regulation.

David Sacks, the White House’s AI and crypto advisor, confirmed President Donald Trump supports eliminating the rule. Sacks said the administration aims to protect decentralized technologies from what it sees as overregulation.

Implications After Donald Trump Sign

Once signed into law by Donald Trump, the resolution will exempt DeFi platforms from complying with certain IRS tax reporting obligations. This will, as a result, give developers and operators of decentralized protocols more freedom to operate without facing regulatory penalties for noncompliance with rules they cannot practically follow.

The repeal also signals a shift in how federal policymakers view crypto technologies. With this bill, US President Donald Trump will formalize a new stance on crypto regulation that emphasizes technological growth and decentralized innovation.

Industry groups like the DeFi Education Fund have supported the resolution and called it a step toward more practical crypto policy in the United States.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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