The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) launched a series of virtual currency initiatives last week meant to expand access to and clarify rules regarding the use of virtual currencies in the state. First, DFS has proposed a conditional licensing framework for virtual currency providers. In connection with this framework, DFS has signed … Continue Reading
On July 23, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) announced a new Research and Innovation Division. The Division will assume responsibility for licensing and supervising virtual currencies. It will also “assess efforts to use technology to address financial exclusion; identify and protect consumer data rights; and encourage innovations in the financial services … Continue Reading
On April 29, 2019 the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) announced that it has created a new division, called the Consumer Protection and Financial Enforcement Division, which combines the previously separate Enforcement Division and Financial Frauds and Consumer Protection Division. The new division will be “responsible for protecting and educating consumers and … Continue Reading
On October 25, 2018, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (“CSBS”) filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) from issuing special purpose national bank charters to fintech companies. The lawsuit follows a similar suit against the OCC by … Continue Reading
On February 7, 2018, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) issued guidance for all virtual currency business entities (“VCBEs”) regarding the prevention of market manipulation and other wrongful activity. In a brief, two-page document, the DFS: (1) emphasized the importance of effectively preventing and responding to fraud and similar wrongdoing; (2) stated … Continue Reading
