Written by Turner Wrightstaff writerReviewed by Ana Paula Pereirastaff editorGenesis Global Trading settles with NYDFS, will forfeit BitLicense and pay $8M
Latest NewsPublishedJan 12, 2024
According to the New York regulator, Genesis had compliance failures that violated crypto and cybersecurity regulations, leaving the company “vulnerable to illicit activity.”
Cryptocurrency firm Genesis Global Trading has agreed to settle with the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), surrendering its ability to conduct operations in the state.
According to a Jan. 12 announcement, Genesis agreed to pay an $8-million penalty to the NYDFS, cease operations in New York, and surrender its BitLicense, which the firm had held since 2018. The settlement followed an investigation in which New York authorities discovered “significant failings” in Genesis’ Anti-Money Laundering and cybersecurity programs.
“Genesis Global Trading’s failure to maintain a functional compliance program demonstrated a disregard for the Department’s regulatory requirements and exposed the company and its customers to potential threats,” said NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris.
NEW: Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris Announces $8 Million Penalty Against Genesis Global Trading, Inc. After DFS Investigation Finds Significant Failings in Anti-Money Laundering and Cybersecurity Programs
More here: https://t.co/lVY2TfitRr pic.twitter.com/eiyYsgrWUY— NYDFS (@NYDFS) January 12, 2024
Related: New York financial regulator tightens crypto listing guidance
The NYDFS specified in the announcement that the settlement affected Genesis Global Trading, a separate entity from Genesis Global Capital. In October, New York’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Genesis Global Capital, Gemini and Digital Currency Group for allegedly defrauding investors through the Gemini Earn program.
Genesis Global Trading was not included in its parent company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023. According to a spokesperson, Genesis Global Trading ceased operations in September 2023 and had taken "substantial measures” to address the issues raised by the NYDFS.
The settlement followed concerns voiced by New York’s Office of the Comptroller over the management of NYDFS’ BitLicense applicants. Crypto firms operating in the state have been required to apply for a BitLicense through the regulator since 2015.
Magazine: US enforcement agencies are turning up the heat on crypto-related crime
Update (Jan. 12 at 6:04 pm UTC): This article has been updated to include a statement from Genesis.
Subscribe to daily byte-sized crypto news from Cointelegraph
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.
More on the subject
