1. CFTC Forms New Innovation Advisory Committee

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) just announced the formation of a 35-member Innovation Advisory Committee (IAC), bringing together leaders from major crypto and DeFi firms, including Coinbase, Uniswap, Ripple, Gemini, and others. The committee’s focus will be advising the CFTC on how emerging technologies like decentralized finance and digital assets intersect with derivatives markets, risk management, and futures trading.

This represents a notable step toward bringing industry expertise into regulatory discussions and could influence how digital assets and smart contract-based markets are treated under U.S. derivatives law. Read the CFTC’s official announcement here.

2. Treasury Secretary Urges Passage of the Clarity Act

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly urged Congress to pass the Clarity Act this spring to establish clear federal rules for cryptocurrency markets. Bessent emphasized that regulatory uncertainty — combined with ongoing market volatility and legislative gridlock — is hurting innovation and investor confidence.

According to coverage from AOL, he argued that a comprehensive federal framework could bring much-needed stability and certainty to market participants. You can read more about his comments here.

3. UK Regulator Targets HTX on Social Platforms

Across the Atlantic, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is stepping up enforcement. The FCA has asked Apple, Google, and other social media platforms to block access to crypto exchange HTX (formerly Huobi), claiming the platform illegally promoted crypto services to UK consumers without authorization.

This action underscores a trend toward more assertive enforcement against offshore exchanges and marketing practices that target retail investors. Full details are available here.

4. CFTC Reinforces Federal Jurisdiction Over Prediction Markets

In regulatory litigation news, federal authorities are pushing back against state efforts to regulate or prohibit prediction markets — online platforms where users can trade contracts tied to the outcomes of real-world events. According to CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam, the agency intends to assert its exclusive jurisdiction over these markets and prevent overzealous state restrictions from undermining federal oversight.

As reported by AP News, the CFTC’s position could have major implications for platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket that deploy event-based trading products. Read the full report here.

5. Class Action Alleges Securities Violations in “Let’s Go Brandon Coin” Case

Legal risk in the crypto space is also being felt in the courts: former political strategist Steve Bannon and others were recently named in a federal class action related to Let’s Go Brandon Coin (later rebranded to Patriot Pay). The complaint alleges violations of federal securities laws in connection with the sale of unregistered securities and claims that material facts were concealed from investors.

This case highlights ongoing enforcement risks tied to token offerings and marketing claims. For more details, see the InvestmentNews coverage here.

6. NEXO Reenters U.S. Market With Licensed Partners

Finally, former crypto lender NEXO — which exited the U.S. market after paying a $45 million settlement to the SEC three years ago — has reentered the market through a partnership with Bakkt. According to CoinDesk, NEXO’s U.S. operations are now structured differently and delivered through appropriately licensed U.S. partners, including an SEC-registered investment adviser where applicable.

This development underscores the importance of compliant partnerships and structural planning when offering crypto financial services in the United States. Read the full story here

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Staying informed and compliant in this evolving landscape is more critical than ever. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or business involved in cryptocurrency, our team is here to help. We provide the legal counsel needed to navigate these exciting developments. If you believe we can assist, schedule a consultation here.