Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Kraken Crypto Staking Program for U.S. Investors Shut Down in Aggressive Expansion of the Howey Test

Payward Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Kraken, the cryptocurrency exchange, has entered into a $30 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations the company failed to register its cryptocurrency staking program, in violation of U.S. securities laws.

Fintech Year in Review—2020

As we prepare to put 2020 in the rearview mirror, many of us will not have fond memories of the year.

Volcker Rule Changes Provide Stimulus Effect With Banks and Investment Funds

On June 25, 2020, federal banking and securities regulators issued new regulations that will ease burdens on banks that involve themselves with certain types of investment funds.

FDIC Offers De Novo Guidance for Nontraditional Applicants

In an attempt to help non-banks and fintechs understand the de novo application process, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) released new materials, including a supplement to its Deposit Insurance Application Procedures Manual (the Supplement) that describes special considerations and procedures for unique or complex proposals, such as those submitted by nontraditional...

FDIC, Consumer Financial Services, Fintech