Just over a year after removing the ability to purchase Bitcoin, Circle went the opposite direction and announced the acquisition of Poloniex. The two parties have been working on the deal since last Spring and were able to finalize it within the past few days. It seems Circle realized the error of leaving retail crypto markets and went on the hunt for an entry back into the space. The main benefit of this to retail investors is that it should greatly improve Poloniex’s customer service which has been a major thorn in the side of its users.

This move is significant because Circle has indicated they intend on making Poloniex a fully regulated exchange for securities and various types of assets. What does this mean for investors? For one, it’s probably a good idea to start paying taxes if you haven’t been. Circle will be increasingly compliant with the government meaning any attempt to hide income is more likely to land you in hot water. Part of me wonders if this will actually decrease business for Poloniex in the near term – crypto users are generally not too keen on giving to Uncle Sam.