Articles Tagged with Cryptocurrency

AdobeStock_423401622-300x199Cryptocurrencies are a very rich field for scams nowadays. There are dozens of crypto scams because cryptocurrencies are confusing, yet many people are very curious about virtual currencies.

As the price of cryptocurrencies continues to surge, so does the number of crypto scams. Cryptocurrency scams can take various forms and are constantly evolving, which is why many unsuspecting people and companies fall for them.

The Most Common Crypto Scams to Avoid

AdobeStock_392233450-300x200Cryptocurrency has become a critical issue for many California business owners. These new forms of currency can be convenient, but they can also create legal obligations for the businesses that use them. It is important for all business owners to understand the legal implications of cryptocurrency offerings before engaging in any transactions. Some cryptocurrency transactions can fall under the SEC requirements, and business owners can face liability for failing to register their offerings or meeting other legal requirements.

Security Versus Utility

Cryptocurrency can be either a security or a utility, depending on how it is being used. A security is a fungible and negotiable financial instrument with some type of monetary value. When discussing securities, many investors immediately consider stock certificates. This is a classic example of a traditional security. They are not, however, the only item that can be used as a security. Cryptocurrency can also be used as a fungible, negotiable financial instrument, and often these instruments hold significant monetary value.

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) have recently become a popular new source of funding for Silicon Valley businesses. They are new and exciting, but they can also be risky. It is important for business owners considering an ICO to understand both blockchain processes and the securities laws which apply to digital currencies. The experienced corporate attorneys at Structure Law Group can help your business enter this emerging market cautiously in order to explore the many exciting possibilities it holds.

An ICO is a method of funding a new (or even established) company by selling its own form of cryptocurrency. The company may accept traditional payments or even other forms of cryptocurrency. This financing is then used to fund the company’s operations. Its new cryptocurrency gains value, and this allows many of the initial investments to appreciate.

While the goals of an ICO are the same as those of an initial public offering, the process has some critical differences. IPOs are heavily regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are left with stock and voting rights which are clearly defined, and the entire process is underwritten by an investment bank. By contrast: an ICO has no underwriter, no equity or voting rights, and little regulation by the SEC. (The SEC is quickly adapting to this emerging market, and the regulatory landscape is likely to change drastically in the near future.) Interestingly, many ICOs involve new companies with little or no proven track record of financial success. Many do not even have products. All of these factors can make ICOs highly risky for investors.