Regulation
US SEC To Pause Ripple Lawsuit After Coinbase, Ex-SEC John Reed Stark
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to pause its Ripple lawsuit following similar actions in its cases against Coinbase and Binance. The regulatory agency has recently requested delays in both cases, signaling a shift in its crypto enforcement approach.
Will US SEC Pause Ripple Lawsuit Next?
According to an X post by former SEC official John Reed Stark, the agency may soon put its Ripple lawsuit on hold. Stark highlighted the SEC’s recent decisions to delay legal proceedings against Coinbase and Binance, suggesting that these moves indicate a broader change in enforcement strategy.
On Friday, the SEC informed the Second Circuit Court that its new Crypto Task Force could lead to a resolution in its case against Coinbase. This prompted a request for a delay in responding to Coinbase’s appeal regarding whether securities laws apply to transactions on its platform. A similar joint motion was filed in the Binance case last week, requesting a two-month pause in proceedings.
Stark emphasized that the SEC’s approach to crypto enforcement is changing, stating that the agency’s crypto-related unit has been rebranded from the “Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit” to the “Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit.” This restructuring suggests a potential slowdown or even a halt in SEC-led crypto investigations and litigation.
SEC Crypto Cases Facing Pauses and Settlements
The SEC has faced multiple legal challenges in its enforcement actions against major crypto firms, including Ripple, Coinbase, and Binance. However, recent developments indicate that the agency may be shifting away from aggressive litigation ahead of Paul Atkins taking charge of the agency.
In the Coinbase case, the SEC and Coinbase jointly requested a delay in court proceedings, citing ongoing regulatory discussions. A similar request was made in the Binance case, where both parties agreed that a temporary pause was necessary while the SEC reevaluates its stance on digital assets.
Stark suggested that these delays could lead to broader settlements or dismissals of crypto-related cases. He noted that the SEC’s approach under previous leadership focused on strict enforcement, but the recent changes signal a different direction. He also pointed out that key SEC trial lawyers previously leading these cases have been reassigned, further supporting the idea that the agency is stepping back from its earlier stance.
Ripple Lawsuit Likely to Follow the Same Pattern
With the SEC pausing its cases against Coinbase and Binance, legal experts believe that the Ripple lawsuit could face a similar fate. Attorney Jeremy Hogan has recently commented on the matter, stating that the SEC may settle its case against Ripple before approving an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF).
He suggested that a settlement was likely before any ETF approval, reinforcing speculation that the SEC is reconsidering its legal battles with crypto firms. Moreover, with the chances of an XRP ETF approval rising to 80% polymarket and the agency acknowledging three applications so far, the Ripple lawsuit end may be looming.
The lawsuit between the SEC and Ripple has been a long-running legal dispute over whether XRP should be classified as a security. A partial court ruling in 2023 determined that XRP was not a security in certain transactions, but the SEC has continued to challenge this decision. If the SEC follows the same pattern as in the Coinbase and Binance cases, and the Elon Musk DOGE investigation on the agency continues, a pause or settlement in the Ripple lawsuit may soon follow.
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.
- The SEC has renamed its Division of Enforcement’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (CACU) to the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU).
- CETU’s focus will be, among other things, to combat crypto fraud and cybercrime.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has unveiled a new Division of Enforcement unit that will focus on combating crypto-related fraud and cybercrime.
SEC announced the new unit’s formation on Feb. 20.
In a press release, the SEC said it had created the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU). Its task will be to fight cyber-related crimes within the burgeoning emerging technologies space.
SEC’s new unit to complement crypto task force
CETU replaces the SEC’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit (CACU). Its core work will be to handle compliance with a view to protecting retail investors.
Laura D’Allaird will lead the CETU team of about 30 fraud specialists and attorneys, the regulator announced. The press release also noted these specialists and attorneys will come from across several SEC offices.
SEC’s acting chair Mark T. Uyeda said the unit is set to complement the effort of the agency’s recently launched Crypto Task Force. Announced in January 2015, the task force is led by Commissioner Hester Peirce.
Uyeda noted that CETU’s work will “allow the SEC to deploy enforcement resources judiciously.”
He added:
“The unit will not only protect investors but will also facilitate capital formation and market efficiency by clearing the way for innovation to grow. It will root out those seeking to misuse innovation to harm investors and diminish confidence in new technologies.”
Priority areas for the new unit will include fraud committed via crypto, blockchain, AI and Machine Learning, social media, the dark web, or fake websites. Hackers will also be on the radar of the new unit, as will be incidents involving takeover of retail brokerage accounts.
The SEC is also empowering the enforcement unit to look into non-compliance with cybersecurity regulations.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the formation of the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) to address cyber-related fraud and protect retail investors. The new unit will focus on misconduct involving digital assets, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Laura D’Allaird has been appointed as the chief of CETU, which replaces the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit. The new unit consists of 30 fraud specialists and attorneys from various SEC offices.
US SEC New Unit to Tackle Cyber and Crypto-Related Misconduct
The SEC stated that CETU will play a key role in tackling fraud linked to blockchain technology, crypto assets, and online scams. The unit will also focus on cybersecurity compliance for regulated entities and public issuers.
According to SEC Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda, CETU will work alongside the Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. “The unit will not only protect investors but will also facilitate capital formation and market efficiency by clearing the way for innovation to grow,” Uyeda said.
The SEC has maintained an active stance in overseeing digital markets. With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, CETU will ensure these technologies are not misused to deceive investors.
This Is A Developing News, Please Check Back For More
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.
The European Union (EU) has approved ten stablecoin issuers under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations. This marks a key step in the bloc’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation. However, the absence of Tether (USDT), the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, has raised concerns about regulatory priorities and the potential consequences for the digital asset market.
Tether Misses Out as EU Grants MiCA Approval to 10 Stablecoin Providers
The largest stablecoin issuer, Tether, was noticeably absent from the list of ten firms authorized under MiCA regulations to issue stablecoins in the EU. The approved entities include Banking Circle, Circle, Crypto.Com, Fiat Republic, Membrane Finance, Quantoz Payments, Schuman Financial, Societe Generale, StabIR, and Stable Mint. These firms have issued ten euro-pegged stablecoins and five US dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Despite Tether’s $141 billion market capitalization, the company did not receive approval, which means crypto platforms have begun delisting USDT for EU-based users.
Alongside stablecoin issuers, 11 MiCA-authorized Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) were approved across Germany, the Netherlands, and Malta. These providers offer services in trading, exchange, execution, custody, and transfers within the EU regulatory framework.
Expanding Operations Beyond the EU
With growing regulatory restrictions in the EU, Tether has continued to expand its operations in other regions. The stablecoin issuer recently proposed to acquire a 51% stake in a South African energy company, signaling a shift in focus toward investments outside of digital assets.
Tether’s exclusion from MiCA-approved stablecoin issuers raises questions about the EU’s regulatory approach. The company expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that the delistings were “hasty and unwarranted.” However, MiCA’s rules require stablecoin issuers to meet specific compliance standards.
Similarly, Tether has expanded into the sports industry, recently investing in Juventus to strengthen its presence in mainstream sectors. This move aligns with its broader strategy of integrating digital assets, AI, and biotech into traditional industries.
MiCA Rules To Isolate the EU Crypto?
Industry experts caution that the strict regulations under MiCA could isolate the EU’s digital asset market. Natalia Łątka, Director of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs at Merkle Science, suggested that the EU’s regulatory stance may discourage foreign firms from operating in the region. She also noted that local crypto companies could consider relocating outside the EU to avoid restrictions associated with MiCA compliance.
Additionally, some analysts argue that the EU’s regulatory focus on compliance over innovation could reduce market competitiveness. While MiCA aims to provide clarity and stability, critics believe it may lead to fewer options for European crypto users. This pushes firms toward jurisdictions with more flexible regulations.
Ronny Mugendi
Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.
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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