Hashdex withdrew its application for a spot Ether exchange-traded fund on May 24, a day after the SEC gave eight similar financial products the green light.

Investment manager Hashdex has withdrawn its application for a spot Ether exchange-traded fund (ETF), according to documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A filing from May 28 reveals that Hashdex pulled its application for a proposed rule change that would allow the debut of its Hashdex Nasdaq Ethereum ETF. The proposal was taken down on May 24, just a day after eight similar financial products were approved by the financial watchdog.
There are no details on the reasons for the move or whether Hashdex will resubmit its proposal. Cointelegraph reached out to Hashdex but did not receive an immediate response.

On May 23, the SEC approved the 19b-4 filings from VanEck, BlackRock, Fidelity, Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, ARK 21Shares, Invesco Galaxy, and Bitwise—clearing the way for spot Ether ETFs to be listed and traded on their respective exchanges. The funds are expected to launch in June. 
Unlike other applicants, Hashdex’s application for a spot Ether ETF combined spot Ether holdings with Ether futures contracts on the same product, seeking to mitigate potential manipulation.
Other applicants, such as Fidelity, ARK 21Shares, and Franklin Templeton, have focused on purely spot-based Ether ETFs with late amendments to their filings, such as removing support for Ether
ETH$3,765
staking in response to SEC feedback.

In addition, Hashdex’s ETF sought to mirror daily fluctuations in the Nasdaq Ether Reference Price to address regulatory concerns about market manipulation. According to its initial filing from September 2023:
“Instead of holding 100% spot Ether, which could make it more susceptible to price manipulation in the spot market, the Fund will hold a mix of Spot Ether, Ether Futures Contracts, and cash.”
Hashdex is among the issuers of spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in January. Similarly, the company’s BTC fund used an alternative strategy from other asset managers. For instance, Hashdex’s Bitcoin ETF did not depend on the Coinbase surveillance sharing agreement, opting instead to source spot BTC from physical exchanges within the CME market.
Magazine: Godzilla vs. Kong: SEC faces fierce battle against crypto’s legal firepower

#Business #etherreum #EthereumETF #Binance #regulation

Liang "Allan" Guo, who previously served as a key figure in the company Blockchain Global, faces significant legal restrictions in Australia. This situation is a direct consequence of his involvement in the collapse of the ACX exchange in 2021, which is now drawing the attention of the federal regulator ASIC.

Stringent Travel Restrictions Imposed on Guo
In response to concerns about potential flight from Australia during the ongoing investigation, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has obtained interim measures from the Federal Court of Australia. These measures prohibit Liang "Allan" Guo, a Chinese citizen, from leaving the territory of Australia until August 20th and require him to surrender all passports. This raises questions about the mobility and freedom of movement of individuals under investigation on the international stage.

Detailed Look at the ACX Collapse and Guo's Financial Transactions
ASIC is examining in detail the period when Blockchain Global managed the cryptocurrency exchange ACX Exchange, from January 2016 to December 2019. Following its failure, liquidators were appointed to handle the exchange's liquidation. Guo is specifically accused of transferring $1.69 million from the ACX Exchange bank account for personal investment activities and further moving 21.11 bitcoins into his own private wallet. These actions cast doubt on the ethical standards of management within financial institutions.
Investigation Expands to Other Key Figures
In addition to Guo, ASIC is also focusing on other former directors of the company, namely Xue "Sam" Lee and Zijang "Ryan" Xu, for possible breaches of trade laws. This expanded investigation highlights the complex nature of the case, which involves multiple levels of leadership and operations within Blockchain Global.
Outlook on the Investigation and International Charges
The investigation, estimated to last approximately 12 months, is not limited solely to the Australian legal system. Sam Lee also faces charges in the USA from the SEC for involvement in the fraudulent scheme HyperFund. This case illustrates the globalized nature of financial crimes and calls for international cooperation in regulation and supervision.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Liang "Allan" Guo and his former colleagues from Blockchain Global underscores the fragility of trust in financial technologies and cryptocurrencies. As a case study, it highlights the importance of transparency, regulation, and accountability within this rapidly evolving area. At the same time, it serves as a warning for individuals and organizations operating at the intersection of financial innovation and regulation.
#crypto #regulation #ACX  
 
 
Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Binance, a prominent player in the cryptocurrency exchange industry, has made significant strides in addressing regulatory concerns, solidifying its position as a trusted platform. In this article, we explore Binance's proactive efforts to comply with regulations and foster a secure and transparent environment for its users. By prioritizing regulatory compliance, Binance not only ensures the long-term success of its operations but also contributes to the overall stability and acceptance of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Upholding Stringent Compliance Standards

Binance has set a high bar for compliance by implementing stringent measures to adhere to regulatory guidelines. The platform actively engages with regulatory authorities to ensure that it meets and exceeds the necessary requirements. Binance's commitment to maintaining strong compliance standards inspires confidence among users, fosters a culture of trust, and mitigates risks associated with fraudulent activities.

Embracing Regulatory Clarity

The ever-evolving regulatory landscape poses challenges for cryptocurrency exchanges. Binance recognizes the importance of regulatory clarity and actively seeks to collaborate with regulators worldwide. By engaging in constructive dialogue and sharing insights, Binance plays a pivotal role in shaping and refining regulatory frameworks. This proactive approach not only benefits Binance but also contributes to the growth and acceptance of the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.

Enhancing Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Practices

Binance places utmost importance on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices. The exchange has implemented robust verification processes to ensure the legitimacy of user accounts and to prevent illicit activities. Binance's commitment to strict KYC and AML standards helps safeguard the platform against fraudulent transactions, protects user funds, and reinforces the integrity of the overall ecosystem.

Collaborative Approach with Regulatory Authorities

Binance adopts a collaborative approach when working with regulatory authorities worldwide. The platform proactively engages in dialogue, seeking guidance and clarification to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. By cooperating closely with regulatory bodies, Binance aims to foster a harmonious relationship that benefits both the exchange and the regulators in creating a secure and transparent trading environment.

Transparency and Investor Protection

Binance understands the significance of transparency and investor protection. The exchange is committed to providing accurate and timely information to its users, thereby enabling informed decisions. Binance actively discloses relevant details, such as listing requirements, token information, and project updates. This transparent approach helps users make informed choices while ensuring that Binance operates with integrity and fosters a fair trading environment.

Leading the Industry with Self-Regulation Initiatives

Binance recognizes the importance of self-regulation within the cryptocurrency industry. The platform has taken a leading role in establishing self-regulatory initiatives, such as the Virtual Commodity Association (VCA). Through active participation in such organizations, Binance promotes responsible trading practices, sets industry standards, and advocates for the adoption of best practices across the sector.

Conclusion

Binance's unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance and proactive engagement with regulatory bodies exemplify its dedication to creating a secure and trustworthy platform for cryptocurrency trading. By upholding stringent compliance standards, collaborating with regulators, and prioritizing transparency and investor protection, Binance sets a positive example for the entire industry.

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, Binance's efforts to address regulatory concerns contribute to the long-term stability and growth of the ecosystem. By fostering trust, promoting regulatory clarity, and embracing self-regulation, Binance plays a pivotal role in building a robust and reputable cryptocurrency industry that benefits users, regulators, and market participants alike.

#Binance #SEC #regulation #BinanceTournament #BTC

The Russian government is considering delaying plans to regulate cryptocurrencies until 2025 due to other priorities held by the country's decision-making bodies.

Anatoly Aksakov, the chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, expressed the view that "the legalization of cryptocurrencies in the Russian Federation is only a matter of time." However, he admitted that "appropriate legislative proposals" might not be adopted until between 2024 and 2025, which could be too late for some.
Priority on other fronts
Russia's efforts to regulate cryptocurrencies continue to face challenges. Recently, a representative of the domestic anti-money laundering regulator, Rosfinmonitoring, urged the Kremlin to expedite the cryptocurrency regulation process. Russia also grapples with a decline in its rating of compliance with cryptocurrency regulation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Although the central bank previously proposed a blanket ban on cryptocurrencies, ministries such as energy and finance are leaning towards regulating and taxing cryptocurrencies instead. This situation leads to uncertainty that Russia cannot afford for long, especially as local companies already actively use cryptocurrencies in international trade, and Russian cryptocurrency mining continues to grow despite lacking legal regulation.
While some media outlets report that up to 29% of Russians aged 22 to 44 own cryptocurrencies, the government estimates that about 10% of citizens have cryptocurrency wallets. However, it seems that lawmakers and regulatory bodies prefer to prioritize other projects, such as pilot programs and legislation related to digital financial assets and the digital ruble, which is Russia's central bank digital currency (CBDC).
Despite appearing calm, Aksakov plans to address Russian cryptocurrency regulation in a timely manner. Politicians seem to agree on utilizing blockchain technology, and discussions of banning cryptocurrencies have ceased. Nevertheless, the recent lack of a legal framework for cryptocurrency mining means the state treasury loses "billions of rubles in tax revenue each year."
#crypto #regulation #Russia

Notice:
,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“

Investors and cryptocurrency developers have long called for clarification, and 2024 may prove to be a turning point in US policy.Cryptocurrency is reportedly nearing a turning point. Markets, the legal and regulatory environment, and the Web3 startup ecosystem all believe that 2024 may prove to be one of the most significant years for cryptocurrency to date. This is agreed upon by leaders in the sector. It remains to be seen if those developments would ultimately propel the sector out of winter and towards new heights or jeopardize it.But, my dear reader, do not panic. Even though it's impossible to predict the future, especially when it comes to cryptocurrency, Crypto enthusiasts have talked to analysts in the NFT, finance, and policy domains to provide an inside look.Here's a viewpoint on when regulatory clarity will eventually arrive for cryptocurrency in the US, having already examined the short-term effects of a spot Bitcoin ETF and the potential major merger of crypto and traditional finance.At the end of 2023, the cryptocurrency world was focused on a few key innovations that have the potential to significantly increase the stability and scope of the sector.But the significance of all that impending development depends on the legality of operations for cryptocurrency companies and entrepreneurs.The American government's relationship with the cryptocurrency sector has been characterized for years by intermittent enforcement actions and protracted lawsuits. For better or ill, Miller Whitehouse-Levine, CEO of the crypto lobbying firm DeFi Education Fund, believes that 2024 will finally provide much-needed consistency to U.S. crypto law.Whitehouse-Levine told Crypto enthusiasts, "There's been a lot of action, but not a lot of decisions." However, a lot is about to peak. In the year 2024, changes in the executive and judicial branches will have a significant influence.Among the significant cases that are scheduled for trial in 2024 are Coinbase's legal challenge against the SEC's reluctance to provide clarification on its regulations pertaining to cryptocurrencies; an impending case before the Supreme Court that may deprive federal agencies like the SEC of their authority to define their own policies; and the resolution of Ripple's legal dispute with the SEC regarding the classification of various cryptocurrencies as securities.Not to mention a number of executive agency rules that are being floated that, if approved in 2024, could have even more far-reaching effects: a SEC rule that would include cryptocurrency in its definition of "exchange," an IRS rule that would define "broker" broadly enough to make DeFi illegal, and a Treasury Department rule that would designate any cryptocurrency mixer as a national security risk.Whitehouse-Levine stated, "Those [decisions] will have major effects on how regulation will proceed in the U.S. in the future, across the entire industry."The range of conceivable outcomes from those decisions that are still pending is enormous. According to Whitehouse-Levine, a large portion of the US cryptocurrency economy will fail if the IRS proceeds with its "broker" regulations, for instance, and the regulation passes judicial review.That would essentially put an end to the United States' development of decentralized systems, he said.However, he notes that should Coinbase prevail in its legal battle with the SEC, Congress would probably be compelled to finally see the need for action and create a regulatory framework for the sector.But how beneficial would that legislation be? Would its outspoken supporters or equally prominent opponents lead and define it? Furthermore, in the context of unprecedented congressional dysfunction, when would it actually be passed.Whitehouse-Levine has come to terms with the reality that making predictions about Congress is essentially pointless."I'm not sure," he uttered.Click follow for more information.#bitcoin #SEC #regulation #USA #Cryptocurrrency #treasury