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Steve McNew Resources
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Q&A: Amid Frenzy of Crypto Speculation, a Chance for a Compliance Reset
Optimism surrounding digital assets markets in the U.S. has surged in recent months, bringing a new wave of speculation about market growth, regulatory activity and impending innovation. In this Q&A, Steve McNew, Global Leader of Blockchain and Digital Assets, shares his views on what clients should be focusing on during this moment in time and discusses why compliance must remain a key focus.
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Cold Case? Uncovering Truth in Digital Assets Crimes through Data and Insight
It remains a popular belief that cryptocurrency theft is an unstoppable, unsolvable crime. However, in recent years, law enforcement across the U.K. and Europe have recovered billons of euros in laundered or stolen digital assets. In cases involving sophisticated criminal networks and illicit transactions, cryptocurrency recoveries have outweighed the value of recovered fiat currency. This is possible through the work of investigators who understand the complexities and nuances of digital assets and how to leverage data, digital forensics and analytics to piece together details and identities related to fraudulent transactions or theft.
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Tens of billions of dollars in digital assets have been subjected to theft, fraud and other misappropriation over the last several years. Such incidents often trigger lengthy disputes, litigation, regulatory inquiry and/or asset recovery efforts, all of which require complex digital forensics investigations to uncover facts and evidence.
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Bitcoin ETF Approval Stokes Reinvigorated Institutional Excitement for Cryptocurrency
Today, in a landmark moment for the digital assets ecosystem, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first ever Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded fund). This highly anticipated decision opens a door for traditional finance (TradFi) institutions to pursue additional revenue streams by offering SEC-approved crypto investments to clients. Many industry watchers and financial analysts expected the approval to come through, in part due to the potential for it to drive billions of dollars into the market.
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Survey Finds Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Spending is on the Rise in Financial Sector
In the financial services sector, organizations are now spending an average of $176.4 million per year on their blockchain and cryptocurrency projects. According to a recent survey of industry decision makers that our team commissioned, investments are largely fueled by an overwhelming confidence in the success of blockchain and cryptocurrency projects and belief in the positive benefits they will bring to businesses, governments and consumers.
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Cryptocurrency and the Rise of SPACs: A Match Made in Investor Heaven?
Investors are continuing to watch two of the market’s hottest trends today: special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and cryptocurrency. On the heels of Coinbase’s IPO in April, financial analysts have suggested a potential “watershed” for the crypto industry. At the same time, there have been more than 300 SPAC IPOs so far in 2021, far surpassing the 2020 record number of 248 for the entire year. Linking these two trends together makes for an interesting opportunity for investors to quickly buy into a hot, emerging market.
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Technical Considerations Amid the Explosion of Crypto Acquisitions and Public Listings
In addition to IPO and M&A moves, digital asset research firm The Block reported that 2021 will see the most private funding in cryptocurrency to date.
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News Roundup: Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Activity and COVID-19 Pandemic
We are living in unprecedented times. Every industry, every profession, every nation has now felt the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Even though many of us have more time on our hands due to mandated or self-imposed isolation, there still aren’t enough hours in the day to keep up on all of the news. Our Blockchain Advisory and Cryptocurrency Disputes, Investigations and Litigation (CDI&L) team has been watching the news closely as it relates to cryptocurrency and blockchain opportunities and deployments. While not all encompassing, the round-up below highlights some of the most interesting industry news we’re seeing to date.
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Like with all other disruptive technologies, in blockchain and cryptocurrency, the leapfrog game of new challenges, new advancements and new laws, will continue as the space matures.
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The Most Interesting Cryptocurrency Stories to Close out 2019
Cryptocurrency news heated up at the end of 2019. The second half of the year also brought a wave of new litigations around cryptocurrency misuse, fraud and theft. I expect we’ll see even more of this in 2020, along with a surge of interesting news. Industry watchers can expect a range of cases, from the state level, all the way up to far-reaching cross-border matters, as criminals find new ways to leverage crypto markets to further their malicious interests.
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Federal Cryptocurrency Regulation Introduced for 2020
As 2019 came to a close, and pundits looked back on the tumult of regulatory changes that shaped the last decade, lawmakers slipped in a few final bills. One, introduced in late December by U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar from Arizona, has the potential to make waves in the financial world. The Crypto-Currency Act of 2020 was drafted to add clarity to the cryptocurrency industry and provide a clear framework for crypto regulations in the U.S.
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Cryptocurrency Trends to Watch
Today, there are more than 2,200 types of cryptocurrency in the global markets. An estimated 34.6 million digital wallets are in use. Between new client matters and a gripping news cycle relating to cryptocurrency regulations, scams and investigations, our team has identified several key trends impacting the industry.
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Hacking, Extortion and Stolen Coins: Unraveling a Major Cryptocurrency Breach
When one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges was breached in May of this year, few in the industry were surprised. Cryptocurrency exchanges have long been appealing targets of malicious actors looking to steal currency and personal information. But this recent breach, which will potentially impact tens of thousands of cryptocurrency investors around the world, is particularly unique. The series of events that has unfolded in its aftermath serves as a stark reminder that the criminals looking to profit from this industry are both sophisticated and highly motivated.
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Questions Arise Amid IRS Crackdown on Cryptocurrency Investors
In July, more than 10,000 cryptocurrency investors received warning from the IRS that they may owe taxes on improperly reported income. Weeks later, another round of letters were sent to some, outlining the amount of taxes owed for cryptocurrency gains and demands for payment. These letters are likely the tip of the iceberg in a long-anticipated IRS crackdown on crypto income—the latest in a series of government activity in this arena.
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Cryptocurrency Regulation Round Up
The regulation of digital currency markets in the U.S. and abroad remains foggy. Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have been vague regarding how tokens and crypto-based assets map to traditional securities. Clear guidance has not emerged. However, even in the absence of guidance, regulators are bringing forth enforcement actions against companies believed to have engaged in improper cryptocurrency operations.
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SEC Weighs in on Crypto Project, Offers Limited Guidance
In early April, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued its first "no-action" letter regarding business use of blockchain-based digital assets. The letter was in response to a proposal from an air charter provider looking to launch a blockchain-based token platform to facilitate sales for air charter services. While the SEC’s response does offer some guidance, it outlines very restrictive conditions for the proposed program and is not particularly actionable for the broader business community.
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Cryptocurrency Pyramid Scheme Investigations Continue Worldwide
In March, news broke of fraud and money laundering charges brought against the leaders of the global, multi-billion-dollar OneCoin cryptocurrency pyramid scheme. The story has continued to develop in months since, with arrests made and new information revealed about the extent of the damages that have followed in its wake.
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Cryptocurrency Market Activity Signals Trends to Watch
On April 2, Bitcoin mysteriously spiked to $5,000, reaching nearly five-month highs in just a 60-minute period. Some experts think this jump may be the beginning of a renewed surge in cryptocurrency value.
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Digital Asset Protection Gains Momentum: Considerations for Insurers
Insurance claims involving cryptocurrencies are on the rise. Today, the industry is not fully prepared for how to deal with them. These claims seem like familiar claims on the surface, but have incredible uniqueness due to the involvement of cryptocurrencies.