The SEC Has Provided Guidance on Ethereum and Bitcoin, Sort Of

The SEC Has Provided Guidance On Ether and Bitcoin, Sort Of

While this gives the marketplace much-needed guidance on the topic, a speech by an executive with the SEChas no legal force. As a result, the blogs and press responding to Mr. Hinman’s speech have been mixed. Personally, I think it is a significant advancement in the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the crypto space and a signal that more constructive guidance will soon follow. I will summarize the entire speech later in this blog, but first right to the most salient point.

Although a speech by an SEC official does not have legal weight, it does give practitioners a firm foot on which to proceed. William Hinman is the Director of the Division of Corporation Finance (“CorpFin”), whose responsibility includes reviewing and commenting on SEC filings, a topic I’ve written about before. As described in my recent blog on the subject (see HERE), when responding to SEC comments, a company may also “go up the ladder,” so to speak, in its discussion with the CorpFin review staff. Such further discussions are not discouraged or seen as an adversarial attack in any way. For instance, if the company does not understand or agree with a comment, it may first talk to the reviewer. If that does not resolve the question, they may then ask to talk to the particular person who prepared the comment or directly with the legal branch chief or accounting branch chief identified in the letter. A company may even then proceed to speak directly with the assistant director, deputy director, and then even director.

Related to Bitcoin, Director Hinman stated, “…when I look at Bitcoin today, I do not see a central third party whose efforts are a key determining factor in the enterprise. The network on which Bitcoin functions is operational and appears to have been decentralized for some time, perhaps from inception. Applying the disclosure regime of the federal securities laws to the offer and resale of Bitcoin would seem to add little value.” Similarly, related to Ether, Mr. Hinman stated, “…putting aside the fundraising that accompanied the creation of Ether, based on my understanding of the present state of Ether, the Ethereum network and its decentralized structure, current offers and sales of Ether are not securities transactions.”

As a direct result of these statements, at least 2 of our clients, with our support, have shifted how they will proceed with Regulation A offerings in which tokens are being offered, and Bitcoin and Ether accepted to be excepted as a form of payment. Prior to Mr. Hinman’s comments, CorpFin issued comments to our clients, which comment letters gave an indication of the progression of the SEC’s thinking. In particular, in an earlier letter the SEC comment was in relevant part as follows:

We note that you will accept Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin or Bitcoin Cash as payment for your common stock. Please disclose the mechanics of the transaction. For example, explain the following:

• whether the digital assets are securities and, where you have determined they are, how you will structure each individual transaction so that you are in compliance with the federal securities laws;
• disclose how long the company would typically hold these digital assets, some of which may be securities, before converting to U.S. dollars;
• include risk factor disclosure discussing the impact of holding such assets and/or accepting this form of payment, including price volatility and liquidity risks as well as risks related to the fragmentation, potential for manipulation, and general lack of regulation underlying these digital asset markets; and
• disclose how you will hold the digital assets that you may receive in this offering as payment in exchange for shares of your common stock. If you intend to act as custodian of these digital assets, some of which may be securities, please tell us whether you intend to register as a custodian with state or federal regulators and the nature of the registration.

The comment letter included many other points on cybersecurity, price volatility, risk factors and other issues not related to whether the Bitcoin or Ether were a security. In a recent comment letter for a different client, also offering tokens in a Regulation A offering and accepting Bitcoin and Ether as payment, the SEC did not issue any questions as to whether Bitcoin or Ether were a security, but did include substantially the same questions related to cybersecurity, price volatility, risk factors and other business points.

The SEC CorpFin is pragmatic in its approach and despite frustrations at times, would not allow its Division Director to make public statements and then allow its staff to issue comments or take positions that were in direct contravention to those statements. Keep in mind that SEC no-action letters technically do not set precedence or have any legal bearing outside of the parties to the letter, but are regularly relied upon by the SEC and practitioners for guidance.

Although Mr. Hinman’s speech does not have legal authority, I am confident that the SEC will not raise the issue or question whether Bitcoin or Ether are a security in current and future registration statements or Regulation A offerings, at least until there is different legal authority than exists today.… And, there could be different legal authority in the future. I attended a Regulation A conference in New York in the beginning of June, and one of the panels was related to cyrptocurrencies. In addition to attorneys in the space, the panel included Anita Bandy, Assistant Director of the SEC Division of Enforcement.  Referring to token or coin offerings, one of the panel members specifically stated that Ether is a security and Ms. Bandy did not correct him. Furthermore, at the end of the panel, I privately asked Ms. Bandy if it is her opinion that Ether is a security today. She politely refused to answer the question, letting me know that she couldn’t express an opinion on that without conferring with other SEC management.  Two days later, Mr. Hinman gave his speech.

…. But, Mr. Hinman is Director of CorpFin and Ms. Bandy is part of the Division of Enforcement.  Although I believe that the SEC divisions are communicating with each other on the very relevant and important subject of cryptocurrency, and have even issued joint statements on the subject, they are separate. Moreover, decoding Mr. Hinman’s statements further, he said, “… putting aside the fundraising that accompanied the creation of Ether…” This begs the question: What would happen if the SEC Division of Enforcement took action related to the initial fundraising and creation of Ether, and how would that impact the current status of Ether? My thought is that they are mutually exclusive.  Ether is decentralized today and will continue its own course.

The SEC Division of Enforcement could take action similar to the Munchee, Inc. case where it settled the proceeding with no civil penalty. The SEC could also issue another report on Ether similar to the Section 21(a) Report on the DAO issued a year ago in July 2017, though I don’t know what new or different information it could add to that analysis. If Ether violated the federal securities laws at its issuance, it did so in the same way as the DAO, using the SEC v. W. J. Howey Co. test. Perhaps a new report could provide more guidance as to the analysis of when a crypto reaches a point where it is decentralized enough such that it no longer meets the parameters laid out in Howey, or that might be wishful thinking on my part.

Director Hinman’s Speech “Digital Asset Transactions: When Howey Met Gary (Plastic)”

Director Hinman opens his speech with the gating question of whether a digital asset that is offered and sold as a security can, over time, become something other than a security. He then continues that in cases where the digital asset gives the holder a financial interest in an enterprise, it would remain a security.  However, in cases where the enterprise becomes decentralized or the digital asset can only be used to purchase goods or services available through a network, the purchase and sale of the digital asset would no longer have to comply with the securities laws.

Reiterating the oft-repeated view of the SEC, Hinman notes that most initial coin or token offerings are substantially similar to debt or equity offerings in that they are just another way to raise money for a business or enterprise. In particular, funds are raised with the expectation that the network or system will be built and investors will get a return on their investment. The investment is often made for the purpose of the return and not by individuals that would ever use the eventual utility of the token. The return is often through the resale of the tokens or coins in a secondary market on cryptocurrency trading platforms.

In this case, the Howey Test is easy to apply to the initial investment. The Howey Test requires an investment of money in a common enterprise with an expectation of profit derived from the efforts of others. The emphasis is not on the thing being sold but the manner in which it is sold and the expectation of a return.  Certainly, the thing being sold is not a security on its face; it is simply computer code.  But the way it is sold – as part of an investment, to non-users, by promoters to develop the enterprise – can be, and in that context most often is, a security. Furthermore, in the case of ICOs, which are high-risk by nature, the disclosure requirements of the federal securities laws are fulfilling their purpose.

The securities laws apply to both the issuance or initial sale, and the resale of securities. In the case of coins or tokens, a careful analysis must be completed to determine if the resale of the coin or token also involves the sale of a security and compliance with the securities laws. If the network on which the token or coin is to function is sufficiently decentralized such that purchasers would not reasonably expect a person or group to carry out essential managerial or entrepreneurial efforts, the assets may no longer represent an investment contract. Moreover, when the efforts of the third party are no longer a key factor for determining the enterprise’s success, material information asymmetries recede. As a network becomes truly decentralized, the ability to identify an issuer or promoter to make the requisite disclosures becomes difficult, and less meaningful, such as with Ether and Bitcoin as discussed above.

An analysis as to whether an investment contract and therefore a security is being sold must be made based on facts and circumstances at any given time.  Investment contracts can be made out of virtually any asset if it is packaged and promoted as such. Accordingly, although Bitcoin or Ether may not be a security on their own, if they were packaged as part of a fund or trust, they could be part of an investment contract that would need to comply with the federal securities laws.

Hinman provides some guidance in determining whether a particular sale involves the sale of an investment contract. The primary consideration is whether a third party, such as a person, entity, or coordinated group, drives the expectation of a return on investment. Questions to consider include:

1. Is there a person or group that has sponsored or promoted the creation and sale of the digital asset, the efforts of whom play a significant role in the development and maintenance of the asset and its potential increase in value?
2. Has this person or group retained a stake or other interest in the digital asset such that it would be motivated to expend efforts to cause an increase in value in the digital asset? Would purchasers reasonably believe such efforts will be undertaken and may result in a return on their investment in the digital asset?
3. Has the promoter raised an amount of funds in excess of what may be needed to establish a functional network, and, if so, has it indicated how those funds may be used to support the value of the tokens or to increase the value of the enterprise? Does the promoter continue to expend funds from proceeds or operations to enhance the functionality and/or value of the system within which the tokens operate?
4. Are purchasers “investing,” i.e., seeking a return? In that regard, is the instrument marketed and sold to the general public instead of to potential users of the network for a price that reasonably correlates with the market value of the good or service in the network?
5. Does application of the Securities Act protections make sense? Is there a person or entity others are relying on that plays a key role in the profit-making of the enterprise such that disclosure of their activities and plans would be important to investors? Do informational asymmetries exist between the promoters and potential purchasers/investors in the digital asset?
6. Do persons or entities other than the promoter exercise governance rights or meaningful influence?

Hinman then, for the first time, gives some guidance to issuers and their counsel in determining whether a particular token or coin is being structured as a security. Hinman is clear that this list of factors is not comprehensive but rather lays the groundwork for a thoughtful analysis.  Items to consider include:

1. Is token creation commensurate with meeting the needs of users or, rather, with feeding speculation?
2. Are independent actors setting the price or is the promoter supporting the secondary market for the asset or otherwise influencing trading?
3. Is it clear that the primary motivation for purchasing the digital asset is for personal use or consumption, as compared to investment? Have purchasers made representations as to their consumptive, as opposed to their investment, intent? Are the tokens available in increments that correlate with a consumptive versus investment intent?
4. Are the tokens distributed in ways to meet users’ needs? For example, can the tokens be held or transferred only in amounts that correspond to a purchaser’s expected use? Are there built-in incentives that compel using the tokens promptly on the network, such as having the tokens degrade in value over time, or can the tokens be held for extended periods for investment?
5. Is the asset marketed and distributed to potential users or the general public?
6. Are the assets dispersed across a diverse user base or concentrated in the hands of a few that can exert influence over the application?
7. Is the application fully functioning or in early stages of development?

In another step towards regulatory guidance, Hinman said the SEC is prepared to provide more formal interpretive or no-action guidance about the proper characterization of a digital asset in a proposed use. As recently as 3 months ago, the SEC had indicated it was not processing no-action letters on the subject at that time. In his speech, Hinman recognizes the implication of determining something is a security, including related to broker-dealer licensing, exchange registration, fund registration, investment advisor registration requirements, custody and valuation issues.

Hinman also expressed excitement about the potential surrounding digital ledger technology, including advancements in supply chain management, intellectual property rights licensing, and stock ownership transfers. He thinks the craze behind ICOs has passed, and I agree. In particular, as he states, realizing that securities laws apply to an ICO that funds development, industry participants have started to revert back to traditional debt or equity offerings and only selling a token once the network has been established, and then only to those that need the functionality of the network and not as an investment.

There have been earlier signs that the SEC is softening and rethinking its approach to cryptocurrencies as well.   In a speech to the Medici Conference in Los Angeles on May 2, 2018, SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce warned against regulators stifling the innovation of blockchain by trying to label token and coins as securities and even when they are securities, being myopic on the need to fit within existing securities laws and regulations.  Like Director Hinman, Commissioner Peirce encourages communication between market participants and the SEC as everyone tries to navigate the marketplace and technology.

Further Reading on DLT/Blockchain and ICOs

For a review of the 2014 case against BTC Trading Corp. for acting as an unlicensed broker-dealer for operating a bitcoin trading platform, see HERE.

For an introduction on distributed ledger technology, including a summary of FINRA’s Report on Distributed Ledger Technology and Implication of Blockchain for the Securities Industry, see HERE.

For a discussion on the Section 21(a) Report on the DAO investigation, statements by the Divisions of Corporation Finance and Enforcement related to the investigative report and the SEC’s Investor Bulletin on ICOs, see HERE.

For a summary of SEC Chief Accountant Wesley R. Bricker’s statements on ICOs and accounting implications, see HERE.

For an update on state-distributed ledger technology and blockchain regulations, see HERE.

For a summary of the SEC and NASAA statements on ICOs and updates on enforcement proceedings as of January 2018, see HERE.

For a summary of the SEC and CFTC joint statements on cryptocurrencies, including The Wall Street Journalop-ed article and information on the International Organization of Securities Commissions statement and warning on ICOs, see HERE.

For a review of the CFTC role and position on cryptocurrencies, see HERE.

For a summary of the SEC and CFTC testimony to the United States Senate Committee on Banking Housing and Urban Affairs hearing on “Virtual Currencies: The Oversight Role of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission,” see HERE.

To learn about SAFTs and the issues with the SAFT investment structure, see HERE.

To learn about the SEC’s position and concerns with crypto-related funds and ETFs, see HERE.

For more information on the SEC’s statements on online trading platforms for cryptocurrencies and more thoughts on the uncertainty, and need for even further guidance in this space, see HERE.

The Author

Laura Anthony, Esq.
Founding Partner
Legal & Compliance, LLC
Corporate, Securities and Going Public Attorneys
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Securities attorney Laura Anthony and her experienced legal team provides ongoing corporate counsel to small and mid-size private companies, OTC and exchange traded issuers as well as private companies going public on the NASDAQ, NYSE MKT or over-the-counter market, such as the OTCQB and OTCQX. For nearly two decades Legal & Compliance, LLC has served clients providing fast, personalized, cutting-edge legal service. The firm’s reputation and relationships provide invaluable resources to clients including introductions to investment bankers, broker dealers, institutional investors and other strategic alliances. The firm’s focus includes, but is not limited to, compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 offer sale and registration requirements, including private placement transactions under Regulation D and Regulation S and PIPE Transactions as well as registration statements on Forms S-1, S-8 and S-4; compliance with the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including registration on Form 10, reporting on Forms 10-Q, 10-K and 8-K, and 14C Information and 14A Proxy Statements; Regulation A/A+ offerings; all forms of going public transactions; mergers and acquisitions including both reverse mergers and forward mergers, ; applications to and compliance with the corporate governance requirements of securities exchanges including NASDAQ and NYSE MKT; crowdfunding; corporate; and general contract and business transactions. Moreover, Ms. Anthony and her firm represents both target and acquiring companies in reverse mergers and forward mergers, including the preparation of transaction documents such as merger agreements, share exchange agreements, stock purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements and reorganization agreements. Ms. Anthony’s legal team prepares the necessary documentation and assists in completing the requirements of federal and state securities laws and SROs such as FINRA and DTC for 15c2-11 applications, corporate name changes, reverse and forward splits and changes of domicile. Ms. Anthony is also the author of SecuritiesLawBlog.com, the OTC Market’s top source for industry news, and the producer and host of LawCast.com, the securities law network. In addition to many other major metropolitan areas, the firm currently represents clients in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Denver, Tampa, Detroit and Dallas.

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