News linked to both this project and an event.
Odaily reports: Crypto wallet backup company Vault12 submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday, stating that the SEC's proposed token safe harbor framework fails to adequately address centralized exchanges' listing concerns, and trading platforms still worry they may face retroactive challenges from the SEC regarding the legal status of tokens in the future.Vault12 raised $17.45 million from 38 investors in 2018 through a future token agreement. Its issued Vault Guardian Token (VGT) has not yet been listed on any centralized exchange. The project has fulfilled or formally abandoned all commitments in its white paper, but exchanges it previously approached still require confirmation that the SEC will not determine in the future that VGT remains subject to the original investment contract.The SEC's "Regulation Crypto Assets" proposal introduced in August this year aims to provide exemptions for token fundraising and allow eligible projects to terminate the association between tokens and original investment contracts through a safe harbor mechanism. Vault12 recommends adding a 60-day objection period; if the SEC does not raise objections within the deadline, qualifying filings should have final effect on the agency, except in cases of fraud or material misrepresentation. (CoinDesk)
According to a comment letter submitted by the Hyperliquid Policy Center (HPC) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 19, the HPC generally supports the SEC's proposed Crypto Asset Regulation (File No. S7-2026-27) and urges its prompt adoption. The proposal includes a $5 million startup exemption (four-year term), a $75 million fundraising exemption (per 12 months), a safe harbor for investment contracts, and state-level advance applicability provisions for "qualified purchasers." The HPC also puts forward five recommendations: 1. Airdrops: Incorporate airdrop analysis into the final rule text and use "clear and specific consideration" as the criterion for determining a "monetary investment"; 2. Secondary Markets: Clarify the status of secondary market trading and intermediaries, enabling assets issued under exemptions to trade immediately outside the registration framework, and recommend exempting relevant trades and platform determinations under Section 36 of the Exchange Act; 3. Safe Harbor: Its use should not be construed as an admission that an investment contract or issuer status exists, and protections should extend through the period during which key management tasks are being performed; 4. Buybacks: Incorporate the SEC Division of Corporate Financing's recent buyback guidance into the rules, standardize the "central party" concept, and distinguish between programmatic buybacks and discretionary buybacks; 5. Federal Advance Applicability: Issuers meeting safe harbor conditions may opt out of reporting obligations or adopt a simplified annual certification to avoid state regulatory intervention. The HPC stated that without the aforementioned adjustments, the actual
Odaily News: The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Tehran-based crypto exchange BitBank, alleging that the platform transferred hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to OFAC, BitBank is controlled by Iranian financier Babak Zanjani, who was designated in January of this year, and who used the platform to complete transfers between June and July. The designation was made pursuant to Executive Order 13902. The sanctions also cover three executives of BitBank's software developer Pishtaz Simorgh and its parent company Dot One. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent stated that using cryptocurrency to finance the Iranian regime does not fall outside OFAC's jurisdiction. OFAC also alleged that Hormuz Safe, a Tehran-based institution that sells safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, has been transferring payments it received through BitBank since June; the institution was sanctioned in July. OFAC did not disclose the relevant wallet addresses.
Odaily News: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed rules related to crypto assets, aiming to establish a clear framework for eligible investment contracts and provide a targeted securities offering regime for token issuances, enabling related entities to raise funds while retaining investor protection measures. The proposed rules would allow crypto companies to issue up to $5 million in tokens over four years, or up to $75 million in tokens within 12 months, and provide a safe harbor to prevent cryptocurrencies from being deemed "investment contracts." Issuers would be required to disclose financial statements and provide ongoing reporting. The SEC did not include the previously anticipated "innovation exemption" for crypto stocks. The proposal comes just days after the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act; the public will have 60 days to submit comments after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that congressional legislation remains essential for establishing rules that can be applied over the long term, and the SEC will continue to support Congress in advancing the CLARITY Act to President Trump. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) plans to discuss cryptocurrency, AI, and prediction market regulation on Thursday. (Cointelegraph)