Regulatory Analysis Tools
SEC is looking for a blockchain analysis tool to “monitor risk, improve compliance, and inform the policy.” The inevitable goal is to find sources that will acquire “data for the most widely used blockchain ledgers, including the universe of available information and transaction details.” Previously, the SEC has worked with firms like Chainalysis, Elliptic and CipherTrace.
Acquisitions
Kraken, a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, has acquired “regulated futures trading startup Crypto Facilities in an undisclosed deal valued at least $100 million.” This is the largest acquisition the cryptocurrency industry has seen thus far, and will allow customers to “trade spot, as well as open positions offering exposure to the future price movements of cryptocurrencies.”
Sur America
Venezuela issued to rules and regulations for miners and cryptocurrency exchanges to operate within. Businesses that work with cryptocurrency will have to register with Sunacrip, the country’s superintendency of crypto-related activities. Sunacrip will manage the “registration requirements and processes, and accordingly inform affected businesses, the gazette states.” Further, the company now has the power to audit and inspect cryptocurrency companies, and can revoke licenses “if they are found to be non-compliant or a danger to the public.”
Theft
A 20-year old Ohio man, Dawson Bakies, has been charged with “stealing identities and the cryptocurrency holdings of over 50 victims across the U.S. from October to December last year via SIM-swapping attacks.” SIM card attacks are increasing, and recently a 20-year old who stole $5 million was given a 10-year prison sentence.
NVIDIA underreports earnings
In 2018, GPU chip maker NVIDIA claimed the company had generated $602 million, but in reality, it appears as if the company generated $1.95 billion in revenue. RBC analyst Mitch Steve believes Nvidia captured around 75% of the total crypto market during the time between April 2017 and July 2018, and AMD captured the rest. However, according to Steves, “there is no way to actually confirm the numbers.”