Linus Financial Settles Dispute with SEC Out of Court
Nashville-based cryptocurrency platform Linus Financial has reached a settlement with the SEC outside of court. The company had previously offered pooled cryptocurrency investment opportunities to users in exchange for fiat currency. Nonetheless, after another firm faced regulatory trouble over a similar product, Linus voluntarily ceased operations.
Unregistered Securities Offering
Inย contrastย toย numerous recent SEC lawsuits surrounding token sales, this case focused on interest-garnering accounts offered by Linus. The SEC claimed these accounts should be classified as securities and did not qualify for an exemption from registration.
According to the SEC, for a financial product to be considered a security, it must pass the Howey Test, which involves a reasonable expectation of profit derived from the efforts of others. Since users only required to purchase an investment account to takeย advantageย of Linusโ trading services, the SEC deemed these accounts as securities.
No Penalties Due to Cooperation
Fortunately, Linus Financial wonโt be face penalties for the unregistered offering. Instead, the SEC has agreed to a cease-and-desist order. Stacey Bogert, the Associate Director of the SECโs Enforcement Division, believes this settlement will promoteย ย other corporations to cooperate and take corrective action when necessary.
Linus Financial stopped the sale of accounts in March 2022 and guided existing users to close their accounts within a 30ย days after the SEC announced charges against a similar cryptocurrency asset investment product.
Hot Take:
Linus Financialโs settlement with the SEC demonstrates the importance of compliance and participation in the cryptocurrency industry. By voluntarily winding down operations and cooperating with the SEC, the company avoided wholeย lotย of penalties. This case serves as a reminder to other market participants to proactively address regulatory concerns and take prompt corrective action when required. The SECโs decision to suspend penalties in exchange for a cease-and-desist order sends a message to the industry about the advantages of participation and remediation.
Owen Patter is a distinguished crypto analyst, accomplished researcher, and skilled editor, leaving a notable imprint on the cryptocurrency landscape. As a proficient crypto analyst and researcher, Owen delves into the intricate realms of digital assets, offering insights that resonate with a diverse audience. His analytical acuity is harmoniously paired with adept editorial skills, allowing him to transform complex crypto information into easily comprehensible content.
