BRAEDEN ANDERSON
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We provide authoritative analysis on securities and commodities regulation, SEC and FINRA enforcement, and legal developments affecting crypto, digital assets, fintech, and financial services, authored by Braeden Anderson.
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DOJ Charges Amalgam Founder With Crypto Fraud: A Case Study in Deception
The Justice Department has unsealed criminal charges against Jeremy Jordan-Jones, alleged founder of the now-defunct crypto venture Amalgam, accusing him of orchestrating a $1 million investor fraud built on fabricated partnerships, fictitious technology, and the trappings of blockchain legitimacy.
The indictment is the latest in a growing string of federal enforcement actions targeting fraudulent schemes masquerading as legitimate digital asset businesses. The message from prosecutors is clear: the novelty of blockchain will not shield bad actors from traditional fraud charges.
Super Micro Subpoenaed by DOJ and SEC Following Short Seller Allegations: What This Means for AI Market Investors and Compliance Officers
San Jose-based Super Micro Computer, a prominent supplier of high-performance AI server hardware, disclosed this week that it has received subpoenas from both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The subpoenas, served in late 2024, are part of an apparent response to allegations first raised by the now-defunct short seller Hindenburg Research in August of last year.
Tether CEO Acknowledges Vulnerability to U.S. Government Control Amidst Renewed Scrutiny
As Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer in the crypto market, faces increasing regulatory pressure, CEO Paolo Ardoino recently underscored the company’s complex relationship with U.S. authorities in an interview with CoinDesk. Despite Tether's compliance with international sanctions and cooperation with law enforcement, Ardoino acknowledged that the company’s survival ultimately depends on the discretion of U.S. regulators. "If the U.S. wanted to kill us, they can press a button and kill us anywhere,” Ardoino stated, adding that Tether’s approach is not to challenge U.S. authority directly.
Regulatory Compliance in a Whistleblower-Focused Era: How Companies Can Stay Ahead
With regulators intensifying scrutiny, companies today face growing pressure to strengthen their compliance programs, especially in an environment where whistleblower activity is on the rise. Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have sharpened their focus on what they expect from businesses when it comes to managing risk, ensuring ethical behavior, and maintaining transparent operations.
DOJ Takes Aim at Visa’s Dominance in Debit Card Market: Antitrust Lawsuit Alleges Anti-Competitive Tactics
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, accusing the payments giant of exploiting its dominance in the debit card market to stifle competition and impose exorbitant fees on consumers and businesses. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that Visa uses its market power to pressure merchants, banks, and financial institutions into using its proprietary payment processing network, resulting in billions of dollars in fees that are ultimately passed on to consumers.