Crypto Biz: SEC targets Robinhood, Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs, and more

As a seasoned financial analyst with extensive experience in the cryptocurrency industry, I’m closely monitoring the recent developments that have unfolded this week. The latest turn of events includes Robinhood receiving a Wells notice from the SEC for potential securities violations related to their cryptocurrency listings and custodian operations. This news comes as no surprise given the increasing scrutiny by regulatory bodies towards crypto firms.


The SEC, the US securities regulatory body, has stepped up its examination of cryptocurrency markets with a focus on Robinhood, issuing another warning in this regard.

On May 4, the widely-used trading platform was notified of possible regulatory measures against it due to suspected securities infringements concerning cryptocurrency offerings and safekeeping services.

As a researcher studying the cryptocurrency industry, I’ve observed that companies such as Coinbase, Kraken, and Uniswap, much like Robinhood, have received regulatory notices from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These firms have vowed to contest any potential SEC action while expressing concerns about the absence of clear federal guidelines in this rapidly evolving space.

Simultaneously, Grayscale recently withdrew its request for an Ether (ETH) futures ETF from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), only three weeks prior to their anticipated decision. On the other hand, crypto exchange Coincheck is in the process of transitioning into a publicly-traded company on Nasdaq.

As a researcher studying the latest developments in the crypto industry, I’m excited to share some noteworthy updates from this past week. Robinhood’s Wells notice and Grayscale’s Ether ETF applications have generated significant buzz within the community. Additionally, Coincheck announced a merger deal that could reshape the Japanese crypto market. Lastly, Block, formerly known as Square, unveiled a billion-dollar debt offering to fuel its expanding business ventures in the digital currency sector.

Robinhood crypto business slapped with SEC Wells notice

The SEC, which is the securities regulatory body in the United States, issued a warning notice to Robinhood on May 4, indicating that it may take enforcement action against the platform due to suspected securities law infringements. According to a disclosure document, the SEC has been examining Robinhood’s handling of cryptocurrencies and custodial services, despite the company’s efforts to adhere to regulations. Robinhood expressed frustration over the absence of clear-cut federal guidelines, arguing that this ambiguity makes it more difficult for them to comply and can hinder the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Grayscale withdraws its Ethereum futures ETF application

Grayscale, a leading cryptocurrency asset manager, recently withdrew its application for an Ether futures exchange-traded fund (ETF) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The notice of withdrawal was submitted on May 7, only three weeks before the SEC was set to make a decision. The proposed Grayscale Ethereum Futures Trust was originally filed on September 19, 2023, with plans for listing it on the New York Stock Exchange if approved. Analysts, including James Seyffart from Bloomberg, speculated that Grayscale might have used this ETF as a strategy to influence the SEC into approving its long-awaited spot Ethereum ETF.

Crypto Biz: SEC targets Robinhood, Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs, and more

Coincheck, Thunder Bridge move closer to Nasdaq listing with public filing

As a researcher studying the cryptocurrency industry, I’m excited to report that Japanese crypto exchange Coincheck and Thunder Bridge Capital have made significant progress towards completing their merger and Nasdaq listing. According to a May 7 press release, they have filed a Form F-4 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking an important milestone in their two-year journey towards a public offering.

Jack Dorsey’s Block to raise $1.5 billion in senior notes offering

Jack Dorsey’s company, Block, has revealed intentions to secure at least $1.5 billion through a private issuance of senior notes. The capital will be used for various corporate needs, including infrastructure investments and debt repayment. Two series of notes will be available, with maturities set for 2027 and 2033. Eligible investors include pension funds, banks, mutual funds, and high-net-worth individuals. The specifics of the notes, such as interest rates and maturity dates, are yet to be determined through negotiations with the initial purchasers.

As a crypto investor excited about the future of blockchain technology, I’d like to share some intriguing news. QANplatform has recently introduced the world’s initial quantum-resistant testnet that is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. This groundbreaking innovation empowers developers to create quantum-resistant smart contracts, ensuring our digital assets remain secure even against advanced computational attacks.

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2024-05-11 00:01