Regulation
Ripple Crypto Super PAC Donation Overshadows Proposed $10M SEC Fine
In a bold move, Ripple Labs made a massive donation to reaffirm. determination to reshape the regulatory landscape for crypto in the U.S. The blockchain payments company has announced a substantial $25 million donation to Fairshake, a crypto super Pollitical Action Committee. Moreover, this contribution exceeds Ripple’s proposed $10 million penalty to be paid to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the ongoing legal battle.
Ripple Makes Major Donation To Fairshake
Ripple’s decision to inject significant funds into political advocacy comes amid a broader industry-led effort to amplify crypto voices ahead of the November elections. With the crypto industry poised at a pivotal moment in its maturation, stakeholders are intensifying their efforts to influence policymakers and secure favorable regulatory frameworks.
Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, emphasized the industry’s determination not to remain silent in the face of regulatory bumps. “Ripple will not – and the crypto industry should not – keep quiet while unelected regulators actively seek to impede innovation and economic growth,” stated the Ripple CEO, according to Fox Business.
The escalating tension between the SEC and the crypto industry has strained relations. It started with Gary Gensler, the SEC Chairman, spearheading a series of lawsuits against major players. The industry contends that the overambitious regulator has been unfairly targeting them. However, the SEC maintains its position on enforcing compliance with securities laws.
Recent developments suggest a shifting landscape in Washington’s perception of the crypto industry. These include bipartisan support for friendly legislation, Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21). Moreover, the overturning of a controversial SEC rule, SAB 121, bagged significant attention.
Even GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to embrace digital assets, offering hope to crypto enthusiasts. Additionally, the SEC approved eight Spot Ethereum ETFs, potentially influenced by the Biden administration’s shift in crypto stance.
Hence, the role of super PACs, such as Fairshake, in shaping electoral outcomes cannot be understated. Fairshake’s substantial financial backing has influenced key elections, tipping the scales in favor of crypto-friendly candidates. Moreover, the defeat of anti-crypto Congresswoman Katie Porter in California serves as a testament to the efficacy of such political maneuvering.
Also Read: Ripple CTO Defends Joe Biden’s Gag Order Plea In Trump Trial
About XRP Vs SEC Lawsuit
The battle between Ripple and the SEC has been protracted and contentious, stretching over three years. At the heart of the dispute lies the SEC’s allegation that Ripple knowingly violated U.S. securities laws by selling its cryptocurrency XRP without proper registration.
Meanwhile, Ripple’s opposition to the SEC’s motion for remedies and entry of final judgment underscores the company’s steadfast stance against what it perceives as regulatory overreach. Earlier this month, Ripple Labs denied paying the $2 billion fine imposed by the SEC. The firm noted that it will not pay more than $10 million in penalty, opposing the exorbitant fine proposed by the SEC.
Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, expressed confidence in the judicial process. In addition, he highlighted the absence of allegations of recklessness or fraud in the SEC’s case. the time, he stated “Our opposition to the SEC’s request for $2B in penalties for legacy institutional sales is now public… the SEC’s ask is just more evidence of its ongoing intimidation against all of crypto in the U.S.”
Also Read: XRP Lawyer Hints At SEC Corruption In Hinman Ethereum Case
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.
The crypto community is rife with speculation about an imminent Ripple SEC case settlement as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares for its first meeting under acting chair Mark Uyeda. However, ex-Securities lawyer Marc Fagel debunked rumors of the settlement. He suggested that those holding out for a resolution will likely be disappointed.
According to the former SEC attorney, the Ripple SEC case settlement is likely to happen after Paul Atkin’s appointment as the SEC Chair. While all eyes are on Thursday’s closed meeting, it remains uncertain whether the XRP lawsuit will reach a conclusion shortly.
Is Ripple SEC Case Settlement Imminent?
In his recent X post, Securities lawyer Marc Fagel dismissed rumors of the Ripple SEC case settlement, which the community expects to follow Thursday’s closed meeting. Asserting that the meeting has nothing to do with the XRP lawsuit, Fagel stated,
This is the same meeting they hold nearly every week. They will vote on recommendations calendared weeks ago. Those expecting something monumental to happen are about to be disappointed.
Further, Fagel clarified the buzz surrounding the Ripple SEC case, positing that a settlement this week is impossible. Instead, he believes the Trump administration might facilitate a resolution, but only after Paul Atkins takes charge.
SEC’s First Closed Meeting with Acting Chair Mark Uyeda
Fagel’s post came in response to Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett’s thread, which revealed, “The SEC will hold its first closed meeting since Mark Uyeda took over as acting chair on Thursday.” This follows Mark Uyeda’s launch of a dedicated Crypto Task Force with Commissioner Hester Peirce as the lead. According to the agenda, Uyeda’s meeting would include the institution and settlement of injunctive actions and administrative proceedings, resolution of litigation claims etc.
🚨NEW: The @SECGov will hold its first closed meeting since @MarkUyedaUS took over as acting chair on Thursday.
On the agenda: pic.twitter.com/WMDHzWQIeY
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) January 21, 2025
Significantly, the potential closed meeting has sparked anticipations of a near-term settlement in the XRP lawsuit. Experts like MetaLawMan expect the SEC’s release of the Inspector General’s report on Bill Hinman’s conflicts of interest shortly. “I can’t think of any reason that simple act of transparency would need to wait for Paul Atkins’ arrival,” added MetaLawMan.
Mark Fagel Predicts a Possible 10-Month Delay in Ripple Case
Recently, Marc Fagel shed light on a possible delay in the Ripple SEC case settlement despite the XRPArmy’s growing optimism. Fagel’s statement that the lawsuit may conclude quickly or drag on for an extended period underscored the case’s uncertain outcome.
Despite the ongoing debate, the community remains optimistic about the lawsuit’s settlement. However, it needs to be seen how the closed meeting will impact Ripple vs SEC.
Nynu V Jamal
Nynu V Jamal is a passionate crypto journalist with three years of experience in blockchain, web3, and fintech spheres. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Her experience as an Assistant Professor in English Language and Literature has further added to her quest for crafting informative, well-researched, and accessible content.
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.
Thailand is witnessing a significant breakthrough in its ambitious vision to establish a digital asset hub. A recent report on Wednesday revealed Thailand’s plans to adopt Bitcoin ETFs, permitting local exchanges to list the exchange-traded funds.
Thailand Prepares for Bitcoin ETF Debut
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to approve its first Bitcoin ETF, aligning with the country’s crypto hub vision, Bloomberg reported on January 15.
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon posited that the move would allow individual and institutional investors to invest in the Bitcoin vehicles directly.
Promoting the use of cryptocurrencies, Thailand is paving the way for the worldwide adoption of digital assets. During an interview on Tuesday, Pornanong stated,
Like it or not, we have to move along with more adoption of cryptocurrencies worldwide. We have to adapt and ensure that our investors have more options in crypto assets with proper protection.
Although, One Asset Management in Thailand has introduced a fund-of-fund tracking international Bitcoin ETFs, a direct investment tool remains pending approval. The ONE Bitcoin ETF Fund of Funds Unhedged and not for Retail Investors (ONE-BTCETFOF-UI) and was approved by the Thai SEC last year.
Thailand’s Thaksin To Legalize Crypto
The latest development came on the heels of Pheu Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawatra’s efforts to legalize crypto. Citing the incoming US President Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly approach, Thaksin suggested Thailand embrace a more progressive stance on virtual assets. He also proposed the increased issuance and use of stablecoins.
Digital-asset trading activity in Thailand is picking up amid a wider rally that pushed Bitcoin to a record high of $108,315. Crypto hedge funds had a great last year but failed to give more returns than Bitcoin (BTC), as per Bloomberg
Thailand’s Broader Crypto Vision and Regulations
Thailand has long been striving to solidify its position at the forefront of the global crypto market. In a recent development, the country announced its crypto payment pilot project, with the trial set in Phuket.
While the initiative is expected to be executed within Thailand’s existing legal framework, it bolsters the nation’s crypto vision. The country is broadly looking to boost crypto adoption and Bitcoin ETFs will be welcome move for the local crypto industry.
Nynu V Jamal
Nynu V Jamal is a passionate crypto journalist with three years of experience in blockchain, web3, and fintech spheres. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Her experience as an Assistant Professor in English Language and Literature has further added to her quest for crafting informative, well-researched, and accessible content.
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.
Upbit, South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, is facing increased scrutiny over alleged Know-Your-Customer (KYC) violations. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of South Korea has scheduled a disciplinary hearing on January 21 to evaluate the exchange’s regulatory compliance. As as result, the crypto market could see significant low activity amid the review
FIU Meeting To Assess Upbit’s KYC Violations
Notably, the FIU revealed that the sanctions review meeting would assess the 500k+ suspected KYC breaches discovered during an on-site inspection for the renewal of the virtual asset service provider (VASP).
Reportedly, this sanctions-level meeting for Upbit marks the first hearing of its kind, addressing issues identified during a VASP renewal inspection. This meeting will determine the extent of sanctions Upbit could face, considering factors like lapses in KYC compliance. Analyzing the crypro exchange’s explanation for its alleged violations, the regulator would determine the severity of fines and disciplinary actions against the platform.
Upbit Faces Scrutiny Under South Korea’s FIU
Since August last year, Upbit facing investigations led by the financial watchdog. During the license renewal process, the FIU uncovered 500,000-600,000 cases of unauthorized customer verification procedures. This includes instances of accounts being approved despite the blurred customer name or registration number, making identification impossible.
Though these cases highlight the exchange’s reluctance to follow regulatory standards, it is still uncertain whether they actually mark KYC breaches. However, following the disciplinary meeting, FIU is likely to draw conclusions, particularly based on Upbit’s explanations.
South Korea’s Crypto Regulatory Norms
South Korea has embarked on its journey to establish a crypto-focused regulatory framework. In a recent development, the Financial Services Commission has kicked off discussions on the second phase of crypto regulations, especially targeting stablecoins and customer protection.
South Korea’s recent collaboration with the US and Japan to tackle the growing crypto threats also underscores the nation’s commitment to user security. Last day, the three countries jointly released a paper, warning against the North Korean hackers’ eye on crypto.
The FIU’s meeting on Upbit’s KYC violation marks a significant turning point in South Korea’s regulatory landscape. While the meeting decides its fate in South Korea, it could have a broader impact on global crypto regulations and laws.
Nynu V Jamal
Nynu V Jamal is a passionate crypto journalist with three years of experience in blockchain, web3, and fintech spheres. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Her experience as an Assistant Professor in English Language and Literature has further added to her quest for crafting informative, well-researched, and accessible content.
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.
Ethereum Price Can Reach $3,500 On The Back Of These Factors
US Bitcoin Revolution Begins, Senator Lummis Says
Justin Sun, Vitalik Buterin Speak Amid Ethereum Reform Debate
Dogecoin Holding Time and Whale Activity Spikes
Ex-SEC Lawyer Says XRP Lawsuit Settlement Weeks Away
World Liberty Financial Purchases 14,403 Ethereum, ETH Price Rally Ahead?
2.52 Million Altcoins Are Ruining Crypto’s Future
Animoca Brands Valuation Tanks 75% In Two Years, Here’s Why
Crypto exchange BingX hacked for $43 million
Are The Big Players Losing Interest?
Hong Kong’s Securities Association Tips Authorities On Crypto Self-Regulation
Coinbase cbBTC Set to go Live on Solana
2.52 Million Altcoins Are Ruining Crypto’s Future
Animoca Brands Valuation Tanks 75% In Two Years, Here’s Why
Crypto exchange BingX hacked for $43 million
Are The Big Players Losing Interest?
Hong Kong’s Securities Association Tips Authorities On Crypto Self-Regulation
Coinbase cbBTC Set to go Live on Solana
-
Regulation23 hours agoActing SEC Chair Uyeda announces new crypto task force
-
Regulation21 hours agoTurkey rolls out new crypto AML regulations
-
Ethereum18 hours agoETH breaks $3,900 as Bitcoin spikes past $103k
-
Regulation19 hours agoCrypto custody firm Copper withdraws UK registration
-
Ethereum21 hours agoEthereum ETFs inflows surge as Bitcoin ETFs see major outflows
-
Market15 hours agoWeekly Price Analysis: Bitcoin Remains Rangebound while Altcoins Fly
-
Market21 hours agoBitcoin price analysis: economic headwinds push price lower
-
Market18 hours agoTop 4 altcoins to buy before the market fully recovers
✓ Share: