Regulation
Will Kraken’s Jury Trial Request Tilt SEC Crypto Crackdown?

Kraken has officially requested a jury trial in its ongoing legal battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The request was made after a U.S. district court in California ruled that the lawsuit, which alleges the exchange operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agent, would proceed to trial. This decision mirrors outcomes in similar cases against other major crypto exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase.
Kraken Requests Jury Trial in SEC Litigation
In a recent court filing, Kraken formally demanded a jury trial to contest the allegations brought forward by the US SEC. The exchange has denied all claims of illegal conduct, asserting that it has not engaged in activities that would classify it as a securities exchange, broker, or clearing agent under existing federal laws.
This request for a jury trial comes after the court denied Kraken’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit in August. The firm aims to present its case before a panel of peers, seeking a fair evaluation of its defenses.
More so, this decision highlights the broader tension between cryptocurrency platforms and regulatory bodies.
Kraken’s Defense Arguments Against SEC
Kraken has presented several defenses in response to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit. The company emphasizes that the digital assets listed on its platform do not qualify as securities.
Furthermore, the exchange maintains that it was not required to register with the US SEC. It argues that it does not meet the definitions of a broker or clearinghouse as outlined in the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
The crypto platform also contends that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lacks the authority to regulate its operations. It asserts that the digital assets themselves do not carry the obligations typical to traditional financial securities.
Additionally, the firm has accused the SEC of acting without due process and fair notice, suggesting that the regulatory actions were taken in violation of the First Amendment. The exchange maintains that the terms used by the SEC, such as “crypto asset securities” are ambiguous and lack clear definitions, making it difficult to comply with crypto regulations effectively.
Industry Reactions and Regulatory Clarifications
The SEC has faced criticism from various crypto firms for using vague terminology to justify its securities violation charges. Though not a direct response to Kraken’s filing, the regulatory body clarified its stance in its amended complaint against Binance, stating that “crypto asset securities” do not refer to the crypto assets themselves.
This clarification was met with skepticism by industry leaders, including Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty. Stuart criticized the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for creating confusion with inconsistent terminology.
However, the SEC continues to pursue its enforcement strategy, asserting that these tokens are sold as investment contracts in secondary markets. Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, highlighted the SEC’s ongoing challenges in defining and regulating digital assets. He indicated that the crackdown on major exchanges is likely to persist.
Kraken continues to face legal hurdles beyond the United States. Recently, Australia’s Federal Court ruled that the firm’s fiat margin extensions are regulated, but its crypto margin extensions are not.
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.
Regulation
US SEC Drops Charges Against Hawk Tuah Girl Hailey Welch

Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, known for her association with the controversial $HAWK token, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has decided not to press charges against Welch in connection with the rapid rise and subsequent collapse of the meme-based cryptocurrency.
US SEC Investigation Into Hawk Tuah Girl Concludes Without Charges
The SEC had launched an investigation into the $HAWK token after its dramatic price drop. The token, which was linked to Welch’s viral persona, initially saw a market cap surge to $490 million before crashing by over 90%. Investors who were impacted by the crash filed a lawsuit against those behind the project, alleging that the coin had been promoted and sold without proper registration.
Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, who cooperated fully with the investigation, expressed relief after the SEC’s decision. “For the past few months, I’ve been cooperating with all the authorities and attorneys, and finally, that work is complete,” Welch told TMZ.
Her attorney, James Sallah, confirmed that the SEC had closed the case without any findings against her, adding that there would be no monetary sanctions or restrictions on Welch’s future involvement in cryptocurrency or securities.
This Is A Developing News, Please Check Back For More
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.
Regulation
Sonic Labs To Abandon Plans For Algorithmic USD Stablecoin, Here’s Why

Barely a week after hinting at launching an algorithmic USD stablecoin, Sonic Labs is shuttering its plans. Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje revealed that incoming stablecoin regulation in the US contributes to the change of stance.
Sonic Labs Makes U-Turn Over Algorithmic USD Stablecoin
In mid-March, Sonic Labs disclosed plans for a yield-generating algorithmic stablecoin for its blockchain. However, new developments in the US regulatory landscape are forcing the company to ditch its algorithmic stablecoin ambitions.
Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje confirmed the change in direction via an X post following the release of the full draft of the STABLE Act by Congress for clearer oversight. According to the text, lawmakers are pushing for a two-year moratorium on algorithmic stablecoin, souring Sonic Labs plans.
Unlike mainstream stablecoins backed by fiat or other commodities, algorithmic stablecoins rely on smart contracts to maintain their peg. The 2022 implosion of Terra’s ecosystem following the de-pegging of its TerraUSD (UST) algorithmic stablecoin stunned regulators.
“We will no longer be releasing a USD-based algorithmic stablecoin,” said Cronje.
In a light-hearted note, community members teased potential strategies for Sonic Labs to sidestep incoming stablecoin regulation. Apart from the loophole of launching the algorithmic stablecoin before the regulation goes live, Cronje teased an algorithmic dirham that will be denominated in USD.
Industry Players Are Bracing For New Stablecoin Regulations
Stablecoin issuers are steeling themselves for incoming stablecoin regulations in the US. While the GENIUS Act and STABLE Act continue to inch forward, there are common denominators in both bills.
For starters, there is the requirement for equivalent reserves at a 1:1 ratio with both bills steering clear of algorithmic stablecoins. The White House is favoring the GENIUS Act over the STABLE Act as lobbyists rally to stifle the possibility of a Conference Committee.
Authorities are targeting stablecoin regulation to reach Trump in two months as issuers jostle for position. Tether, Circle, and Ripple are staking their claims to lead the US government’s ambitions to rely on stablecoins to maintain the dollar’s dominance.
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.
Regulation
FDIC Revises Crypto Guidelines Allowing Banks To Enter Digital Assets

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has updated its guidelines, enabling banks to engage in cryptocurrency-related activities without seeking prior approval. This new policy shift signals a change in the FDIC’s approach to the growing role of digital assets in the banking sector.
New FDIC Guidelines on Crypto-Related Activities
The FDIC has issued a new Financial Institution Letter (FIL-7-2025), which provides updated guidance for banks looking to engage in cryptocurrency activities. The new guidance rescinds the previous policy set out in FIL-16-2022, which required banks to notify the FDIC before engaging in such activities.
Under the new rules, banks can now participate in permissible crypto-related activities without waiting for FDIC approval, as long as they manage the risks appropriately.
This change is seen as a shift in the FDIC’s stance, following the agency’s earlier stance that required prior approval for crypto engagements. FDIC Acting Chairman Travis Hill expressed that this new approach aims to establish a more consistent framework for banks to explore and adopt emerging technologies like crypto-assets and blockchain.
“With today’s action, the FDIC is turning the page on the flawed approach of the past three years,” said Hill in a statement.
This Is A Developing News, Please Check Back For More
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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