The U.S. SEC announced today that it had obtained a court order to halt and freeze the assets of what is likely one of the largest initial coin offerings ever. The complaint alleges that AriseBank used social media, a celebrity endorsement, and other wide dissemination tactics to raise what it claims to be $600 million of its $1 billion goal in just two months. According to the SEC press release, “AriseBank and its principals sought to raise hundreds of millions from investors by misrepresenting the company as a first-of-its-kind decentralized bank offering its own cryptocurrency to be used for a broad range of customer products and services. We sought emergency relief to prevent investors from being victimized by what we allege to be an outright scam.” This is the first time the Commission has sought the appointment of a receiver in connection with an ICO fraud.
SEC Halts One of the Largest ICOs Ever
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David Zaslowsky
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David Zaslowsky has a degree in computer science and, before going to Yale Law School, was a computer programmer. His practice focuses on international litigation and arbitration. He has been involved in cases in trial and appellate courts across the United States and before arbitral institutions around the world. Many of David’s cases, including some patent cases, have related to technology. David has been included in Chambers for his expertise in international arbitration. He is the editor of the firm's blockchain blog.