Robinhood crypto business slapped with SEC Wells Notice

As a researcher with experience in financial regulation and securities enforcement, I find the news of the SEC’s investigation into Robinhood’s crypto business and the subsequent issuance of a Wells Notice particularly intriguing. The implications of this development for Robinhood and its shareholders are significant, as the company has been working to register with the SEC in order to gain regulatory clarity for its cryptocurrency offerings.


The SEC, or Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, has given Robinhood a warning notice. This notice is called a Wells Notice and it signals that an investigation into the trading platform is underway.

According to recent reports, the value of Robinhood (HOOD) shares decreased by 2.5% in early trading before noon UTC on May 4th, reaching $17.95. This decline came after the disclosure of a Wells Notice, as indicated in court filings.

The Wells notice signifies a letter issued by the securities regulatory body, indicating the end of their probe into the matter under examination, here being Robinhood’s US cryptocurrency division.

As a crypto investor following the developments closely, I’ve learned that according to recent reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been scrutinizing Robinhood’s cryptocurrency offerings and custodian practices. The SEC has made a preliminary decision to potentially bring enforcement actions against Robinhood due to suspected securities law violations in this area.

Despite our ongoing efforts to register with the U.S. securities regulatory body, Robinhood Markets, where I serve as chief legal, compliance, and corporate affairs officer, has recently become the subject of an investigation.

Gallagher wrote in a May 6 blog post:

“Despite our long-standing efforts to collaborate with the SEC for regulatory guidance, such as our public registration attempt, we are dismayed by their decision to send us a Wells Notice concerning our US cryptocurrency operations.”

Gallagher added that Robinhood doesn’t see any of its listed assets as securities:

“Confidently, we hold the view that the cryptocurrencies traded on our system do not classify as securities. We are eager to collaborate with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to elucidate this perspective, emphasizing the distinct facts and legal grounds underlying Robinhood Crypto’s case.”

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

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2024-05-06 16:01