cryptocurrency – Global Investment Law Watch

United States: The Wait Is Over: SEC Approves Generic Listing Standards Benefitting Commodity-Based ETPs

Sep 19 2025

Marking a monumental step forward for the launch of crypto asset exchange-traded products (ETPs), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved rule changes by three exchanges to adopt generic listing standards for ETPs that hold spot commodities, including crypto assets. Provided that the ETPs satisfy certain conditions, they will be able to be listed and commence trading more quickly, as their exchanges will not need to submit proposed rule changes for each issuer.

United States: Department of Labor ESG and Cryptocurrency-Related Matters

Jun 03 2025

By: Robert L. Sichel, Ruth E. Delaney, William P. Wade, and Lael R. Franco

The Department of Labor will engage in new rulemaking to replace Biden era regulations labeled “Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights” that allowed plan fiduciaries may consider ESG factors when choosing ERISA retirement plan investments. The Department announced its intention in a filing to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in connection with a legal challenge to the regulations.

United States: SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets Issues Crypto Asset-Related FAQs (And Withdraws Previous Guidance)

May 20 2025

By: Keri E. Riemer, Richard F. Kerr, and Caroline N. Roethlisberger

On 15 May 2025, the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Trading and Markets (Division) released Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clarifying how certain broker-dealer and transfer agency rules relate to crypto asset activities. On the same day, the Division and FINRA’s Office of General Counsel withdrew their 8 July 2019 Joint Statement on Broker-Dealer Custody of Digital Asset Securities.

United States: Staff Cedes Jurisdiction Over Certain Stablecoins

Apr 07 2025

By: Cheryl L. Isaac, Richard F. Kerr, Sarah V. Riddell, and Keri E. Riemer

On 4 April 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance (Division) issued a statement (Statement) providing that the offer and sale of certain “Covered Stablecoins” do not involve the offer and sale of securities within the meaning of federal securities laws. As such, persons involved in the process of offering, selling and redeeming Covered Stablecoins are not required to register those transactions with the SEC or rely on an exemption from registration.

Australia: AML Reforms Part 2: Digital Currency Service Providers

May 23 2024

By: Daniel Knight and Kithmin Ranamukhaarachchi

The Australian Attorney-General’s Department (Department) has released five consultation papers outlining proposals for extensive reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

United States: FINRA’s Findings: Member Firms Get Failing Grade in Crypto Communications

Jan 25 2024

By: Richard Kerr

On 23 January 2024, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) published its findings from a 2022 targeted exam sweep, which may serve as a warning to broker-dealers offering crypto asset products. FINRA conducted a sweep reviewing communications made between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022 by member firms in connection with crypto assets and crypto-related products and services, focusing on compliance with FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public). The exam focused not only on written material, but also on communications made via websites, podcasts, advertisements, social media, and other public channels.

United States: 2024, The Year of the Spot Bitcoin ETP

Jan 11 2024

By: Richard F. Kerr and Keri E. Riemer

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is making 2024 a significant year for exchange-traded products (ETPs) by declaring effective the registration statements of ten Bitcoin ETPs, and approving their listing on one of the major stock exchanges. This is a monumental step to bringing access to Bitcoin to a broader retail market in the US For over a decade, the staff of the SEC (Staff) had denied or otherwise blocked applications to list spot Bitcoin ETPs, claiming, in part, that there were insufficient protections against market manipulation in the underlying Bitcoin market. The approvals issued this week unlock – although do not widely open – a previously dead bolted door to registered products offering direct exposure to Bitcoin, providing an opportunity for retail investors to have easier access to exposure to Bitcoin in a regulated product.

Asia: Tokenisation of SFC-authorised Investment Products: What You Need to Know

Nov 13 2023

By: Carolyn Sng and Tan Choo Lye

The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) has on 2 November 2023 issued guidance for the tokenisation of investment products authorised by it for offer to the public in Hong Kong, such as mutual funds, unit trusts and other collective investment schemes. The SFC is adopting a see-through approach, permitting tokenisation of authorised investment products if the underlying product satisfies all applicable authorisation requirements and additional safeguards are in place to address the new risks associated with tokenisation arrangements.

Australia: Licensing Comes to the Crypto Industry

Oct 17 2023

By: Daniel Knight

Yesterday the Australian Federal Government released its proposal paper on regulating the crypto industry (Paper). The government proposes to regulate exchanges, custodians and other digital asset service providers within the scope the Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing regime.

Europe: Public Marketing of Cryptocurrencies in the UK – The End is (Nearly) Nigh

Jun 08 2023

By Kai Zhang and Jin Enyi

Thousands of advertisements for cryptoasset-related products were displayed on London public transport, including the underground network, in 2021. There has been a drop-off since the Advertising Standards Authority (“ASA”) issued standards for crypto adverts. Nonetheless, in 2022 there were reportedly adverts for 24 crypto products on London public transport. Now, however, legislation seems likely to end much of this public advertisement of crypto in the UK.

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