BizTech Law Blog

Virtual Currency Startup Slapped with $700,000 Fine by U.S. Treasury

You’ve likely heard of Bitcoin, the virtual currency that has made headlines over the last couple of years for its increasing popularity and wild swings in value. However, you may not have taken notice of other, lesser-known virtual currencies being developed by startup technology companies. But the U.S. Department of Treasury is watching closely.

Ripple Labs, which manages its own cryptocurrency called XRP, and which has raised over $34 million in venture capital from investors, was recently slapped with a first-of-its-kind $700,000 penalty by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The fine comes as a result of a settlement with FinCEN and stems from violations of regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act and for failure to register with FinCEN despite operating a money service business. The company is also being penalized for not implementing an anti-money laundering program. Read More ›

Categories: Venture Capital/Funding

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Crowdfunding 101

What is crowdfunding? Is it legal? Learn the response to these questions and much more in this short video clip:

Categories: Crowdfunding, Venture Capital/Funding

Posted by: Nicholas M. Oertel

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