The SEC has charged Consensys Software program Inc. with partaking in unregistered securities choices and gross sales through MetaMask Staking.
Moreover, the platform faces expenses for working as an unregistered dealer via MetaMask Staking and MetaMask Swaps. The SEC has filed a criticism alleging that since January 2023, the Consensys platform has proposed and bought tens of hundreds of unregistered securities.
Rocket Pool and Lido, suppliers of liquid staking applications, carried out this motion. These platforms develop and difficulty liquid staking tokens, resembling rRTH and stETH, in alternate for different staked property.
Though staked tokens are sealed up and can’t be used or traded, they’re liquid staking tokens which were staked. Because the identify suggests, you should buy and promote these tokens with none restrictions.
These staking applications supplied funds to Rocket Pool and Lido in alternate for liquid tokens. The criticism alleges that Consensys engaged within the unregistered providing and promoting of securities by partaking within the distribution of the applications.
It continues to state that the platform serves as an unregistered dealer for such transactions. The SEC’s Division of Enforcement’s Director additionally commented on the state of affairs. Gurbir S. Grewal asserts that the enforcement motion demonstrates the SEC’s dedication to holding non-compliant events within the area accountable, a follow in step with the securities market.
The SEC has additionally alleged that Consensys has been a dealer for transactions in cryptocurrency securities since October 2020. The platform has offered pricing and different details about these property to assist traders discover the “finest” quote.
A federal district courtroom in New York’s Japanese District has filed the most recent criticism. The SEC has charged Consensys with violating the registration provisions of the 1933 Securities Act and the 1934 Securities Change Act. The regulator seeks penalties and injunctive aid from Consensys.