Breaking: US SEC Files Coinbase Insider Case as Supplemental Authority in Binance Suit

Varinder Singh
March 5, 2024
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Breaking: US SEC Amends Binance Lawsuit, No Longer Consider Solana As Security

Highlights

  • U.S. SEC files to leverage the Coinbase insider trading case win in the Binance lawsuit
  • SEC argues crypto assets bought in secondary market are securities under the Howey test
  • SEC files a similar supplemental authority to double up its win in the Wahi case to lawsuit against Coinbase

In a significant development in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lawsuit against Binance, Binance.US and ex-CEO Changpeng Zhao, the securities regulator is leveraging the Coinbase insider trading case in the Binance lawsuit.

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SEC Files Supplemental Authority in Binance Case

According to a court filing late March 4, the plaintiff SEC submitted a notice of supplemental authority to consider default judgment in SEC v. Wahi in the ongoing lawsuit against Binance Holdings.

Coinbase insider trading case involved Coinbase’s former product manager Ishan Wahi, his brother Nikhil Wahi, and their friend Sameer Ramani. In a default judgment, Judge Tana Lin ruled that the trading of certain crypto assets on a secondary market are securities.

The SEC argued that crypto assets purchased on trading platforms are securities because the assets were offered and sold as investment contracts under the Howey test. The SEC also cited Judge Rakoff ruling in the SEC lawsuit against Terraform Labs and Do Kwon, where the LUNA and MIR tokens were classified as securities.

SEC lawyers claim this is relevant for denying Binance, Binance.US, and CZ’s motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The securities regulator is apparently seeking to validate secondary crypto sales as an argument to gain upper hand in the ongoing lawsuits against crypto exchanges.

Also Read: Bitcoin (BTC) Price Nears All-Time High At $68,600, Further Rally Expected?

Just before filing in the Binance suit, the SEC submitted a similar supplemental authority to double up its win in the Wahi case to lawsuit against crypto exchange Coinbase. It is consistent with the SEC’s perspective that certain crypto transactions should be treated as securities transactions and are thereby subject to its regulation.

However, Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal has denied already that default judgment in Wahi lawsuit is not a valid precedent for other lawsuits or claiming jurisdiction over the crypto industry. He argued that default judgments aren’t contested, as they occur when the defendant fails to appear in court to contest the allegations.

Also Read: Fidelity Bitcoin ETF Clocks Record Inflows Above $400 Million, Trading Volumes SkyRocket

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Varinder has over 10 years of experience and is known as a seasoned leader for his involvement in the fintech sector. With over 5 years dedicated to blockchain, crypto, and Web3 developments, he has experienced two Bitcoin halving events making him key opinion leader in the space. At CoinGape Media, Varinder leads the editorial decisions, spearheading the news team to cover latest updates, markets trends and developments within the crypto industry. The company was recognized as Best Crypto Media Company 2024 for high impact and quality reporting. Being a Master of Technology degree holder, analytics thinker, technology enthusiast, Varinder has shared his knowledge of disruptive technologies in over 5000+ news, articles, and papers.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.