• August 19, 2024

Judge Denies SEC Request In Tron Foundation Case

According to CoinDesk, a federal judge has rejected a request from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in its ongoing securities fraud lawsuit against the Tron Foundation and its founder, Justin Sun. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.The SEC had sought to force a pre-trial conference or require the filing of an additional response, accusing the Tron defendants of improperly advancing a new argument in their defense. The SEC claimed that the defence argued the sales of TRX and BTT did not meet the 'common enterprise' prong of the Howey Test, which is used to determine whether a transaction qualifies as an investment contract. This argument was allegedly introduced after the Tron defendants had already filed their motion to dismiss on May 30.Signed order denying SEC motion letter. Source: Courtlistener In response, Tron’s lawyers accused the SEC of attempting to create a controversy and urged the court to deny the SEC’s request. They reiterated that their defence is based on the belief that the sales of BTT and TRX fail the Howey test’s third prong, which involves the expectation of profits from the efforts of others. Tron’s attorneys argued that the SEC’s request for an additional reply document mischaracterized their argument.U.S. District Court Judge Edgardo Ramos sided with Tron’s lawyers, ruling to deny the SEC’s request. Ramos stated that since the defendants were not challenging the 'common enterprise' element of the Howey test, the SEC’s motion to strike the argument or for leave to file a sur-reply was denied.A representative for Tron declined to comment on the pending legal matters.

  • August 19, 2024

Fed Expected to Cut Rates in September Amid Market Anticipation

According to Odaily, market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next month are growing stronger, with the Fed likely to meet these expectations. Wall Street veteran Peter Schiff has indicated that a rate cut in September is anticipated, primarily because the market is now counting on it. This expectation is cited as the reason for the rebound in U.S. stocks after a sell-off on Monday. Given that the possibility of a September rate cut has already been factored in by the market, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has little reason not to deliver, as he consistently aims to meet market expectations and avoid surprises.

  • August 19, 2024

Analyst Predicts Limited Decline for US Dollar Amid Fed Rate Expectations

According to Odaily, Swiss bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya has stated that the current decline of the US dollar is likely to be limited. This is because the Federal Reserve is not expected to cut interest rates as significantly as the market anticipates. Currently, the US dollar index has fallen to a seven-and-a-half-month low. Ozkardeskaya noted that market expectations for the Federal Reserve's September meeting and potential rate cuts for the remainder of the year are still too high. As a result, there is a possibility for the US dollar to rebound. She also mentioned that the potential for the euro and the British pound to rise against the US dollar should be limited.

  • August 19, 2024

U.S. Treasury Plans Regulatory Changes for Cryptocurrency Transactions

According to PANews, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (DOT) released its semi-annual regulatory agenda on August 16, outlining upcoming federal efforts to create a fair regulatory environment for both cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies. The Federal Reserve Board (FRS) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) are planning to amend the definition of 'currency' under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) to enhance reporting requirements for financial institutions handling domestic and cross-border cryptocurrency transactions.The agenda states that these agencies aim to ensure that the revised proposal will apply to transactions involving convertible virtual currencies, which are mediums of exchange like cryptocurrencies that hold equivalent value to money or can substitute for money but lack legal tender status. Additionally, the proposal will extend reporting requirements to digital assets with legal tender status, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The final notice for the proposed rulemaking is currently scheduled for release in September 2025, pending approval.

  • August 18, 2024

ASIC Reports Over 600 Crypto Scams Shut Down in Broader Crackdown

According to Odaily, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) revealed last Sunday that it coordinated the removal of over 600 cryptocurrency scams last year as part of a broader effort to combat online investment fraud. ASIC stated that it has helped dismantle 5,530 fake investment platform scams, 1,065 phishing scam hyperlinks, and 615 crypto investment scams. These scams, which were often spread through fake news articles and deepfake videos of local public figures, resulted in an estimated $1.3 billion in losses last year.The regulatory body emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance regarding social media hyperlinks promoting online trading and cryptocurrency investments. ASIC noted that approximately 20 websites are shut down daily, as scammers continue to adapt and find new ways to lure victims. While there was a surge in crypto-related scams around the Bitcoin halving event in April, ASIC's data indicates that the number of such scams is decreasing month by month.

  • August 18, 2024

Wall Street Awaits Fed Chair Powell’s Speech at Jackson Hole

According to BlockBeats, market data on August 19 indicates that Wall Street is betting on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirming an imminent rate cut at the Jackson Hole annual meeting. However, as the focus shifts from 'whether there will be a rate cut' to 'how much the rate cut will be,' stock traders might face disappointment.Steward Partners Global Advisory's Managing Director Eric Beiley stated, 'If traders hear about an imminent rate cut, the stock market will react positively. If they don't hear the desired information, it could trigger a massive sell-off.' The market fully expects the Federal Reserve to begin rate cuts at the September meeting. However, Powell's speech on Friday could easily keep the timing of the rate cuts under wraps. Given his cautious nature, he might reveal the extent of rate cuts in a vague manner after the Fed completes its easing measures. 'The market is confident that rate cuts are imminent,' Beiley added. If Powell does not emphasize this as the future path, it will be a significant surprise.

  • August 18, 2024

Harris Proposes Tax Cuts and Affordable Housing in Economic Plan

According to Odaily, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris recently outlined proposals aimed at reducing taxes for most Americans, banning grocery price gouging, and constructing more affordable housing. These measures are part of her 'Opportunity Economy' plan, which she intends to implement if elected to the White House. In her first major economic speech as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris pledged to introduce a new child tax credit of up to $6,000 for families with young children, reduce taxes for families with children, and lower prescription drug costs. Harris also called for the construction of 3 million new homes over four years and proposed tax incentives for builders who construct homes for first-time buyers. Speaking to supporters at a rally in North Carolina, Harris stated that while the U.S. economy is strong, prices remain too high. She emphasized that, if elected president, her primary focus would be on the middle class. 'I firmly believe that when the middle class is strong, America is strong,' she said.

  • August 18, 2024

Better Markets CEO: SEC Likely To Win Ripple Lawsuit

According to PANews, Dennis Kelleher, President and CEO of the nonprofit organization Better Markets, which aims to create a safer financial system for Americans, has stated that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a 90% chance of winning its lawsuit against Ripple over XRP. Kelleher criticized the court's ruling, arguing that the judge in the Ripple case misapplied the law.Previously, Ripple's legal chief had anticipated that the SEC would appeal, although the probability of overturning the lower court's decision was estimated to be less than 10%.

  • August 17, 2024

SEC Charges Novatech Ltd. and Its Leaders for Cryptocurrency Fraud

According to Foresight News, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against NovaTech Ltd. and its leaders, Cynthia and Eddy Petion, for orchestrating a cryptocurrency fraud scheme. The SEC alleges that the scheme deceived over 200,000 investors worldwide, including a significant number of Haitian Americans.The SEC's complaint outlines that under the leadership of the Petions, NovaTech was promoted as a multi-level marketing (MLM) and cryptocurrency asset investment program. The charges indicate that the company misled investors about the nature and potential returns of their investments, leading to substantial financial losses for many involved.This case highlights the ongoing regulatory scrutiny and legal actions taken by the SEC to protect investors from fraudulent schemes in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market. The SEC continues to emphasize the importance of due diligence and caution for investors considering involvement in cryptocurrency and MLM investment opportunities.

  • August 16, 2024

Ripple's Legal Status Unaffected By Potential SEC Appeal, Says Top Lawyer

According to U.Today, Ripple's chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, recently discussed the possibility of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appealing the court's decision regarding XRP's legal status. Alderoty mentioned that he would not be surprised if the SEC decides to appeal. However, he emphasized that XRP's classification as a non-security would remain unchanged despite any potential appeal. Judge Analisa Torres had previously ruled that the secondary sales of XRP were not securities, a decision that Alderoty insists will stand regardless of the SEC's actions.Earlier this month, Judge Torres issued a final judgment in the Ripple case, requiring the San Francisco-based company to pay $125 million in penalties. Despite the significant fine, Ripple viewed the outcome as a victory over the SEC, which it has criticized for years. Following the ruling, Alderoty appeared on CNBC, asserting that the SEC lost on all critical points. He also noted that the agency had sixty days to file an appeal.Bloomberg's senior litigation analyst, Elliott Stein, suggested that the Ripple case could have a positive impact on Coinbase's ongoing legal battle with the SEC. Alderoty echoed this sentiment, stating that the court's decision would significantly influence the broader cryptocurrency industry. He also criticized the SEC's approach to regulating the crypto sector, arguing that it had deviated from its primary mission. Despite the ongoing regulatory challenges, Alderoty expressed optimism that Ripple's legal victory would help the industry move forward.