In this issue: • Ethereum 2.0 Moves Closer to Launch, Blockchain Identity Solutions Announced • SEC Addresses Digital Asset Custody, Crypto Firms Achieve Licenses/Certs • Crypto Fraudster Sentenced, Data on ICO Penalties and Crypto Crimes Published Ethereum 2.0 Moves Closer to Launch, Blockchain Identity Solutions Announced By Jordan R. Silversmith After having launched last week, the deposit contract for the newest upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum 2.0, now tops out at over 50,000 ETH,…

In this issue: • US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List in Canada • Blockchain Developments in Telecommunications, Transportation and Digital Identity • DOJ Seizes $1 Billion in Bitcoin from Silk Road, DOJ and CFTC Prosecute Crypto Fraud US Crypto Debit Card Launches, Cayman VASP Regs Announced, INX to List in Canada By: Joanna F. Wasick Paxful, a peer-to-peer marketplace, and BlockCard, a cryptocurrency fintech platform, recently announced the launch…

In this issue: • US Bank and Trust Companies Move Forward with Cryptocurrency Services • Cryptocurrency Debit Cards Launch in the United States and Mexico • Blockchain Developments in Protocols, Healthcare, Copyrights, E-Signatures, IoT • Enforcement Actions Target Crypto SIM Swapping and Ponzi Schemes US Bank and Trust Companies Move Forward with Cryptocurrency Services By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. This week Avanti Bank & Trust was granted a bank charter from the Wyoming State Banking…

In this issue: • Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption Grows • Blockchain Supply Chain, Copyright and Satellite Comms Solutions Launch • CFTC Guidance Addresses Crypto Deposits, Travel Rule White Paper Published • Arrests Target Criminal Network Using Crypto, FinCEN Fines Tumbler Operator Major U.S. Payments Firm Launches Cryptocurrency Service as Adoption Grows By: Robert A. Musiala Jr. This week a major U.S. Internet payments firm announced the launch of “a new…

In the past several years, the use and prevalence of virtual currency have increased exponentially. The proliferation of digital assets has changed the way goods and services are exchanged and has allowed for faster and cheaper transactions. But with this new technology comes the increased risk of fraudulent activity – especially tax fraud. Recently, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has made it abundantly clear through guidance, amendments to tax forms, and even warning letters to…

What is Blockchain and Why Should I Care? Blockchain technology is widely anticipated to disrupt major industries and business operations over the next several years. But with all of the “hype” in the blockchain market, at times it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction and identify the real value in this new technology. To help bring things into focus, we’ve crafted a five-part series to introduce blockchain from a technological, market, and legal…

In this issue • Fintech Firm Brings $50 Million BTC on to Balance Sheet, Major CBDC Report Published • US Firms Announce Crypto Investment Initiatives, Crypto Fundraising Report Published • Blockchain Consortia Expand, Reports Detail Blockchain Standards and Economic Impact • US and Foreign Guidance Addresses Crypto Enforcement, Stablecoins, Taxes and More Fintech Firm Brings $50 Million BTC on to Balance Sheet, Major CBDC Report Published By: Joanna F. Wasick and Jordan R. Silversmith Late…