Hodl Law Challenges SEC: Court Sets Date for Ethereum Oral Arguments
Hodl Law, PLLC, a law firm that utilizes cryptocurrency, has initiated an appeal, with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals setting the date...

Hodl Law, PLLC, a law firm that utilizes cryptocurrency, has initiated an appeal, with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals setting the date for oral arguments on July 18, 2024.
The firm is contesting the dismissal of its case against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which aims to clarify the regulatory status of Ethereum and its cryptocurrency, Ether.
The upcoming hearing will scrutinize the SEC’s approach to see if it aligns with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933.
Hodl Law’s Challenge to SEC Dismissed Over Lack of Direct Conflict
Hodl Law, a legal firm, brought a lawsuit against the SEC in a California federal court, arguing that the SEC’s unclear policies and enforcement actions against cryptocurrency could harm its operations. The firm specifically sought a court declaration that Ether transactions do not breach securities laws. However, the case was dismissed because Hodl Law couldn’t prove a direct legal conflict with the SEC, as the agency hadn’t made a definitive ruling or taken concrete action against the firm.
- Key Issue: Need for clarity on Ether transactions as securities.
- Court Decision: Dismissal due to no direct conflict or final SEC action.
SEC Defends Dismissal of Hodl Law Suit, Citing Speculative Claims and Lack of Concrete Policy
In its defense, the SEC argued that Hodl Law’s fears of future enforcement were merely speculative and did not meet the legal requirement of concrete harm necessary for standing in court. The agency highlighted that mere potential risks from possible investigations were not grounds for initiating legal action. Additionally, the SEC dismissed claims that its regulatory approach, described by Hodl Law as “regulation by lawsuit,” lacked the concrete basis needed for judicial intervention.
- Key SEC Argument: Hodl Law’s concerns are too speculative to warrant a lawsuit.
- Legal Framework: Absence of a definitive policy or ruling precludes valid legal complaints under the Administrative Procedure Act.
- SEC’s Stance on Ether: Despite previous indications from an SEC official in 2018 that Ether is not considered a security, current SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s remarks suggest otherwise, adding to the confusion and frustration voiced by Hodl Law’s attorney, Frederick Rispoli. This issue underscores ongoing challenges as the SEC steps up enforcement against crypto platforms like Coinbase for alleged securities violations.
Consensys Sues SEC in Texas, Claims Ethereum Classification Shift and Regulatory Overreach
Consensys has initiated a lawsuit against the SEC in a Texas court, accusing the agency of regulatory overreach. The lawsuit charges SEC Chairman Gary Gensler with attempting to change the established regulatory view of Ethereum from a commodity to a security. This shift could significantly impact Ethereum-related activities, including those of Consensys, particularly regarding MetaMask’s swaps and staking features.
The lawsuit follows a Wells Notice from the SEC to Consensys, signaling potential enforcement actions. Consensys argues that Ethereum does not meet the definition of a security due to its decentralized nature and asserts that the SEC has been conducting undisclosed investigations into the crypto asset since early 2023.
Adding to the industry’s frustrations, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, has publicly criticized Gensler’s approach to classifying certain crypto tokens as securities. He highlighted discrepancies between Gensler’s recent statements and earlier admissions made by the SEC in court, suggesting a lack of consistency in regulatory enforcement.
- Check out our free forex signals
- Follow the top economic events on FX Leaders economic calendar
- Trade better, discover more Forex Trading Strategies
- Open a FREE Trading Account
Related Articles
Comments
Sidebar rates
HFM
Related Posts
Doo Prime
XM
Best Forex Brokers
