The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) declared it will refrain from imposing civil penalties on Linus Financial for its unregistered crypto lending product. This decision is a result of the firm’s swift cooperation and corrective actions.
The filing explained,
“At no point has Linus filed a registration statement with the Commission for the offer and sale of the Linus Interest Accounts. Nor did the offer and sale of the Linus Interest Accounts qualify for an exemption from registration.”
Linus Financial SEC Action, An Industry Wake-Up Call
In a September 7 statement, The SEC revealed that it will not be pressing charges against Linus Financial. However, it intends to strongly convey a message to companies offering crypto lending products without the proper licenses.
The statement noted,
“Today’s settlement provides a valuable message to other market participants about the importance of cooperation and remediation.”
To learn more on crypto loans, read BeInCrypto’s guide: How To Get a Crypto Loan? A Step-by-Step Guide
The statement explains that Linus Financial halted its crypto lending product after the SEC took regulatory action against a similar crypto lending program.
Up until then, Linus was allowing US investors to deposit cash with the firm in exchange for promised rates of return. Linus would then use those funds to purchase crypto assets, producing profits for both the company and investors:
“Linus Financial converted investors’ cash into crypto assets, pooled the crypto assets, and controlled how the pooled assets were used to generate income for Linus Financial itself and for investors’ interest payments.”
SEC on the Warpath
Upon realizing this, Linus allegedly stopped offering crypto lending accounts to new investors. It also requested that existing investors withdraw their funds within the next 30 days. “All investor funds have since been withdrawn,” the statement added.
Following the resolution announcement, Stacy Bogert, Associate Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, issued a strong warning.
She clarified that the SEC is still actively pursuing companies offering crypto products without the required licenses:
“The SEC will continue to hold companies accountable for failing to comply with federal securities laws,” Bogert stated.
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