
SEC Drops Consensys Lawsuit and Says Meme Coins Are Not Securities
In a surprising turn of events, the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) has dropped its lawsuit against Ethereum blockchain firm Consensys and announced that meme coins are not securities. This move is seen as a significant development in the crypto regulatory landscape.
The news follows an agreement between Consensys and the SEC to dismiss the case. The dispute began in 2024 when the SEC filed a suit alleging that Consensys had acted as an unregistered broker and facilitated unregistered securities offerings. However, the parties have reached a settlement, which has resulted in the dismissal of the lawsuit.
SEC’s stance on meme coins
In related news, the SEC has clarified its position on meme tokens, stating that they will not be considered securities. The regulatory body has published new statements regarding these types of digital assets, confirming that any meme crypto tokens inspired by internet memes, characters, or trends, and lacking practical functionality, are non-security tokens.
This means that crypto projects linked to such meme tokens do not need to register with the SEC. However, it is important to note that any unethical practices or misconduct involving these types of tokens will still be subject to federal securities laws and can result in enforcement action against individuals or entities involved.
The SEC’s decision is seen as a positive move for the crypto community, providing much-needed clarity on regulatory requirements for meme coin projects. The development is also expected to have a significant impact on the industry, as it opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth.
Consensys’ settlement with the SEC comes after a string of similar cases where the regulatory body has dropped or settled lawsuits against major crypto players. Earlier this month, the SEC closed its case against Coinbase and Gemini, two prominent cryptocurrency exchanges. These developments suggest that the regulator is moving towards providing clearer guidance on crypto-related matters.
The move by the SEC also highlights the growing importance of regulatory clarity in the crypto sector. Many stakeholders have long called for greater transparency and definition from regulators, and this decision may help to foster a more supportive environment for innovation and investment.
It remains to be seen how this development will impact the broader market, but one thing is certain – it has sent shockwaves through the crypto community.
Source: https://bitcoinik.com/sec-drops-consensys-lawsuit-meme-coins-securities/