If adopted efficiently, the PCPD’s Ethical Accountability Framework should help organizations to demonstrate and enhance trust with individuals. By Kieran Donovan In October, 2018, Hong Kong’s Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) presented the findings of an inquiry into the ethics of data processing, commissioned by the PCPD with the help of the Information Accountability Foundation (IAF). The result of the inquiry, published as the Ethical Accountability Framework, provides an “instruction manual” for processing…

The Federal Reserve is finally stepping into the real-time payments arena. By Todd Beauchamp, Loyal T. Horsley, and Deric Behar On August 5, 2019, the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve System (the Fed) announced that it plans to roll out a real-time payment and settlement service by 2023 or 2024. The service, named FedNow, is being developed with the stated goal of modernizing the national payment system. Facing political and…

By Brian Meenagh, and Khaled Alhuneidi. In June 2018, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) unveiled a dedicated cryptoasset regulatory framework by way of various amendments to the FSRA’s core regulations – the Financial Services and Markets Regulation (FSMR) as well as supplementary guidance thereto. In May 2019, the FSRA issued updated and greatly expanded guidance (FSRA Guidance) that includes a more granular level of detail and addresses a range…

FCA finalises guidance on cryptoassets and consults on product intervention measures. By Stuart Davis and Charlotte Collins FCA guidance on the regulation of cryptoassets As previously reported in this blog, the FCA consulted on guidance on cryptoassets in January 2019. This guidance is designed to help market participants understand how to classify different types of cryptoassets, within the existing regulatory framework. Although the guidance is not able to give definitive answers, and every cryptoasset…

The SEC issues second no-action letter for a digital token, but will “utility” token offerings reach the next level? By Stephen P. Wink, Cameron R. Kates, Shaun Musuka, and Deric Behar Gamers, rejoice! In only its second no-action letter to date for digital tokens, the SEC cleared the way for Pocketful of Quarters, Inc. (PoQ) to issue “Quarters,” one of two digital tokens issued by PoQ on the Ethereum blockchain.[i] PoQ,…

Several states and municipalities are requiring brick-and-mortar retail locations to accept cash from customers. By Todd Beauchamp, Loyal T. Horsley, and Charles Weinstein On May 7, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to require all brick-and-mortar stores in the city to accept cash from customers. The Board reasoned that the trending practice of retail establishments and fast-casual restaurants going cashless discriminates against low-income individuals, predominantly minorities, who may not have access…

The Abu Dhabi Global Market’s Guidance clarifies and expands FSRA expectations for OCAB Framework license holders. By Brian A. Meenagh In June 2018, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) unveiled a dedicated cryptoasset regulatory framework by way of various amendments to the FSRA’s core regulations — the Financial Services and Markets Regulation (FSMR), as well as supplementary guidance thereto. In May 2019, the FSRA issued updated and greatly expanded guidance…