The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the securities registration of Salt Blockchain. This decision was made due to the company’s failure to meet specific legal compliance requirements. Following the announcement, the price of Bitcoin, which had recently reached the $57,000 mark, experienced a sharp decline as market reactions intensified.
What Prompted the SEC’s Decision?
How Did Market Responses Impact Bitcoin Prices?
In 2020, Salt Blockchain encountered regulatory challenges with the SEC but appeared to resolve these issues. News emerged about potential buyers for the company. However, the SEC recently canceled the registration of Salt Blockchain’s securities, citing rule violations.
The primary reason for this decision was non-compliance with specific legal stipulations. Salt Blockchain, a Delaware-based company, failed to submit required periodic reports to the SEC after December 31, 2021. This non-compliance violated Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-1 and 13a-13, resulting in the revocation of its securities registration.
According to Section 12(j) of the Exchange Act, the SEC can suspend or revoke securities registration if the issuer fails to adhere to the relevant rules and regulations. As a result, the SEC officially announced the cancellation of the registration for each class of securities of Salt Blockchain Inc. under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Constant vigilance on regulatory compliance is crucial for blockchain companies.
- Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including revocation of securities registration.
- Market reactions to regulatory decisions can significantly impact cryptocurrency prices.
- Investors should monitor regulatory announcements closely to anticipate market shifts.
The SEC’s decision might not be the only factor contributing to the market downturn. Market expectations of a 50 basis point interest rate cut suddenly shifted according to FedWatch. Nevertheless, no significant statements or new data were released by Fed members to trigger this change. The Bitcoin market exhibited a downward trend following the U.S. market opening, suggesting potential continued volatility.