Search Results: Fintech

SEC Publishes Spring Rulemaking Agenda: Torrid Pace Continues; Crypto Framework Noticeably Absent

Our recent client alert discusses the SEC’s “Reg Flex” agenda for rulemaking, which provides a glimpse into how the agency will prioritize its resources over the coming six months from a policy and rulemaking standpoint.

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FINRA 2022 Exam Report Spotlight: Communications with the Public

It came as no surprise that FINRA’s 2022 Examination and Risk Monitoring Program Report highlighted communications with the public as a continued area of focus.  The primary theme across this focus area relates to the sufficiency of internal processes, procedures, and controls.  As FINRA has done with other areas, the…

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Texas Securities Sheriff Wrangles Metaverse Gamblers

Securities law enforcement entered the metaverse recently in the form of an emergency cease and desist order issued by the Texas State Securities Board against individuals and a company using NFTs to finance multiple metaverse casinos.  Much like Wyatt Earp busting into the O.K. Corral, this one gets interesting. The…

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SEC Examinations Division Publishes 2022 Priorities

The SEC Division of Examinations recently published its list of priorities for 2022.  While it was a bit late compared to a typical year, the priorities letter provides a roadmap for firms to better understand where the Division will take its examination efforts over the coming months. Significant focus areas…

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Ding, Dong! The Dealer/Trader Distinction is Dead. HFTs and DEX AMMs Should Take Notice

The SEC recently proposed rules that would greatly expand the Exchange Act definition of “dealer” and essentially kill the existing dealer/trader distinction long-recognized by the SEC.  The likely outcome is that most proprietary trading firms will need to register with the SEC as dealers and become members of FINRA or…

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SEC Proposes Rules that Could Regulate DeFi, Extend to Aspects of Centralized Crypto Exchanges

Here is a link to our client alert addressing the SEC’s proposed change to the “exchange” definition, including introduction of the new term “communication protocol system.” There were zero references to crypto, blockchain, DeFi, or distributed ledger technology in the 654-page proposal. Nevertheless, the proposal makes clear that it applies…

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SEC Eyeing Rulemaking to Combat Market Volatility, Modernize Market Structure

On January 26, 2022, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler issued a brief statement noting the agency’s efforts to address the market volatility in January 2021 and beyond.  The statement referenced the SEC staff report on volatility and market structure conditions and a request for comment related to digital engagement practices or…

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