FED Employee Has Harsh Remarks About Bitcoin

A member of the United States Federal Reserve’s board of governors seems to believe that one in four people who use Bitcoin (BTC) are criminals. Lael Brainard has spoken about the perceived risks still posed by cryptocurrencies in remarks delivered today in Frankfurt Germany. Brainard was speaking as part of a panel honoring Benoît Coeuré, a member of the executive board of the European Central Bank (ECB).

Orchid Labs Has Launched Privacy Network

American blockchain and software development firm Orchid Labs has launched its privacy network alongside its native token OXT. Orchid’s digital currency OXT is available for trading on major United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Pro. According to an announcement, OXT will be available in Coinbase’s supported jurisdictions, with the exception of New York State. Coinbase Pro started accepting OXT deposits.

Former Kraken Employee Suing The Kraken Exchange

A former employee of The United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken initiated legal proceedings against the company in connection with breach of contract and sanctions violation, among other issues. As Per a court document filed on Nov. 26, the former employee of Kraken, where he served as a financial analyst under the exchange’s chief financial officer — brought the case to court accusing the company of an array of legal violations and falsifications.

Alchemy Blockchain Firm Launching API

San Francisco-based blockchain firm Alchemy announced the launch of its public application programming interface (API) after having raised $15 million in its Series A funding round. According to a press release published by the firm on Dec. 17, Alchemy’s platform allows enterprises to build blockchain-based applications.

US SEC Settles With Unregistered ICO For $250,000

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reached a settlement with New York-based startup Blockchain of Things Inc. (BCOT) for conducting an unregistered initial coin offering (ICO). In recent days the SEC announced in a press release that the charges were settled in the form of an order that requires BCOT to cease and desist from committing any violation of the registration provisions of the federal securities laws. The blockchain company also agreed to pay a $250,000 penalty, without admitting or denying the findings. The Blockchain of Things Inc. will need to return the $13 million in raised funds “to those investors who purchased tokens in the ICO and request a return of the funds.”