Weekly Update: 11 Apr 2024
1) Goldman Sachs named as authorized participant on BlackRock Bitcoin ETF [Blockworks]
– The asset management giant also adds UBS Securities, Citigroup Global Markets and Citadel Securities, a Thursday regulatory filing indicates.
2) Hong Kong said likely to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs next week: Reuters [CoinDesk]
– Hong Kong regulators are likely to approve the first set of applications for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds next week, making it possible that the products could be ready for an April launch, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter.
3) Crypto.com obtains full Dubai operational license [CoinDesk]
– Singapore-based crypto platform Crypto.com has received full operational approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for its local entity, CRO DAX Middle East FZE.
4) Financial stability study calls for consistent regulatory response to stablecoins [CoinDesk]
– Countries have varying definitions and categorizations for stablecoins that may pose a risk to financial stability, the report by the Financial Stability Institute said.
5) Former Ethereum adviser Steven Nerayoff files $9.6B lawsuit against US government [Blockchain News]
– Steven Nerayoff, an early adviser to the Ethereum network, has filed a lawsuit against the United States government for false charges and mistreatment. The lawsuit, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeks $9.6 billion in damages for an extortion case. Nerayoff alleges that federal agents were aware of the baseless charges and engaged in harassment and intimidation tactics.
6) SEC signals to Uniswap that enforcement actions are looming [Blockworks]
– The SEC issued Uniswap a Wells notice, a warning to companies that securities regulators plan to bring an enforcement action against them.
7) VanEck CEO predicts SEC rejection of spot Ethereum ETF application in May [Blockchain News]
– VanEck CEO Jan van Eck and CoinShares CEO Jean-Marie Mognetti are pessimistic about the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission due to the regulatory climate and lack of feedback.
8) With spot ether ETF fate uncertain, issuers seek leveraged ETH futures funds [Blockworks]
– ProShares, Volatility Shares and Defiance have filed for funds that would seek to offer leveraged exposure to ETH via futures contract investments.
