The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed a $1.5 million penalty on eToro USA LLC for operating as an unregistered broker and clearing agency. This fine comes as part of a broader enforcement action aimed at ensuring compliance with federal securities laws in the cryptocurrency trading space.
According to the SEC’s announcement, eToro had been functioning as both a broker and clearing agency since at least 2020. The platform facilitated U.S. customers in trading crypto assets that were deemed to be securities but did not adhere to the necessary federal registration requirements. The SEC's investigation revealed that eToro’s operations included transactions in crypto assets classified as investment contracts, which should have been registered as securities under federal law.
“The $1.5 million penalty reflects eToro’s agreement to cease violating applicable federal securities laws as it continues its U.S. operations,” stated Gurbir Grewal, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. Grewal emphasized that this resolution not only enhances investor protection but also sets a precedent for other crypto intermediaries seeking to comply with regulatory frameworks.
In response to the SEC’s order, eToro has announced significant changes to its platform. Going forward, eToro will restrict the range of crypto assets available for trading to only Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ether. These cryptocurrencies are currently not classified as securities under U.S. law.All other crypto assets will be phased out from the platform. Customers will have 180 days to sell any remaining assets that do not fall into the allowed categories. After this period, eToro will liquidate any untransferred crypto assets and return the proceeds to customers.
By removing tokens that are considered investment contracts from its platform, eToro aims to align itself with established regulatory standards. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with federal securities laws and protect investors. The SEC’s action underscores the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements, particularly as the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve.
The SEC’s enforcement action against eToro highlights the growing scrutiny of cryptocurrency platforms and the need for regulatory compliance in the trading of digital assets. As the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies develops, other platforms may face similar scrutiny and enforcement actions if they fail to meet federal standards.
The $1.5 million penalty against eToro USA LLC marks a significant development in the regulatory oversight of cryptocurrency trading platforms. By agreeing to limit its crypto asset offerings and comply with federal securities laws, eToro is taking steps to rectify its past non-compliance issues. This case serves as a reminder to other crypto intermediaries of the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks and ensuring the protection of investors.
September 2024, Cryptoniteuae