Coinbase Challenges SEC in Court Over Crypto Trade Securities Status

Last Updated on January 23, 2025

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Silhouette of Hand Holding iPhone with Coinbase Logo in Front of Computer Screen. Source: Tigarto - stock.adobe.com

Key Takeaways:

  • Coinbase has appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to determine if crypto trades should be classified as non-securities, highlighting the significance for the crypto industry.
  • The SEC lawsuit against Coinbase in June 2023 alleges the platform operates as an unregistered securities exchange, which Coinbase disputes, arguing these are asset sales.
  • The appeal follows conflicting judicial decisions regarding the definition of securities in crypto cases, aiming to provide regulatory clarity for the multi-trillion-dollar crypto market.

Coinbase has appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to determine whether crypto transactions on its platform should be considered investment contracts or non-securities, emphasizing the significance of this issue for the crypto industry.

In a January 21 filing, Coinbase highlighted the need for regulatory clarity in a market now valued at over $3 trillion.

This appeal follows a lawsuit by the SEC in June 2023, which accused Coinbase of operating as an unregistered securities exchange.

Coinbase argues that its platform facilitates asset sales rather than securities transactions, with no ongoing obligations between buyers and sellers post-sale.

The appeal was prompted by conflicting judicial decisions in similar SEC cases, with Judge Katherine Failla allowing an interlocutory appeal on January 7.

Coinbase seeks this ruling to resolve the division among district courts on whether secondary market digital asset transactions should be classified as investment contracts, aiming to provide a definitive legal framework for the industry.

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Co-Founder / Managing Editor

Adam Morris, the co-founder of Crypto Head and a respected crypto expert, offers insightful commentary and analysis on cryptocurrency, NFTs, and the evolving digital landscape.

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