SEC Chairman: ICO Trading Susceptible to Price Manipulation
The growing market for cryptographic tokens is at risk for market manipulation, according to SEC chairman Jay Clayton.
Nov 8, 2017 at 6:45 p.m. UTC
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The SEC is continuing to step up its rhetoric on initial coin offerings (ICOs).
Speaking before the Practicing Law Institute's Institute on Securities Regulation in New York today, Chairman Jay Clayton described the market as opaque and vulnerable to manipulation. In his full remarks, he went on to characterize tokens issued for startup or open-source project fundraising as ripe for misconduct, mentioning them alongside penny stocks and hidden fees on investment products.
He told attendees:
Citing the SEC's findings from its examination of the DAO meltdown, Clayton also reiterated that cryptocurrency exchanges need to either be registered or get an exemption.
He added that "the Commission will continue to seek clarity for investors on how tokens are listed on these exchanges and the standards for listing; how tokens are valued; and what protections are in place for market integrity and investor protection."
The SEC chairman described penny stocks and ICOs as "topics that have proven over time to be fertile ground for fraud on investors," though he admitted further policy is needed on the issue.
He concluded:
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Jay Clayton photo via YouTube
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