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Will Nigerian Court Grant Bail To Detained Binance Executive?

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8 months ago

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Nigerian Court in Abuja is currently in the spotlight as it reviews the bail application of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance Holdings Ltd. executive. Gambaryan, the head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been detained in Nigeria for over six months.

The court proceedings on Wednesday extended for several hours, after which the judge announced that a decision on the bail would be made later next month.

Nigerian Court Delays Bail For Binance Executive To October 9

The Nigerian Court heard extensive arguments concerning the bail request of Tigran Gambaryan. During the session, the crypto exchange executive’s legal representation emphasized his deteriorating health condition, underscoring the urgent need for surgical intervention. 

The legal team claimed his health could not be adequately addressed within the medical facilities available to him in detention. The defense further argued that these circumstances justify the granting of bail on medical grounds.

In contrast, the state prosecutor countered these claims by insisting that Gambaryan has received appropriate medical care, including services at a well-equipped hospital in Abuja.

Further, the prosecutor’s stance highlights the government’s position that Gambaryan’s health needs are being met. This challenges the necessity of bail on the grounds presented by the defense. The judge finally stated that a decision on the bail would be made on October 9.

Binance Legal Battle and International Concerns

The case has attracted significant international attention due to the circumstances surrounding the Binance executive arrest and detention. In February, the executive was detained along with a colleague during a visit to discuss compliance issues. 

More so, the situation escalated following the colleague’s escape and subsequent charges against Gambaryan. Nigeria Economic and Financial Crimes Commission brought the charges, which include currency manipulation and money laundering.

This incident has strained relations and led to accusations from Binance. The exchange claims that Nigerian authorities demanded a clandestine payment to resolve the company’s legal troubles, a claim Nigeria denies. 

In addition, just last week, Binance CEO Richard Teng denied Nigeria’s claim of $26 billion made in revenue in 2023 as reported by the courts. He also called for the humanitarian release of the detained executive.

Moreover, this dispute has drawn scrutiny from international observers and prompted intervention from US lawmakers, who have urged the US government to assist in resolving his detainment. The outcome remains uncertain as the Nigerian Court deliberates on the bail application.

Binance continues to face legal challenges even as its co-founder, Changpeng Zhao, expects release on September 29. The court sentenced him to four months for violations of anti-money laundering laws. Recently, a judge issued a minor order as ten attorneys representing Changpeng withdrew from the lawsuit.

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Ronny Mugendi

Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience. He has worked extensively with various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. When he’s not analyzing the latest crypto developments, 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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Regulation

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

Published

7 days 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

1 week ago

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

Published

1 week 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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