Digital Assets Download: Everything You Need; Nothing That You Don’t
Digital Assets Download: Everything You Need; Nothing That You Don’t. The pace of developments in the digital assets world during 2024 has been dizzying—and exciting! The next 12 months will make 2024 look boring by comparison.
We’ll be back in our next edition (just a few weeks away), with more on what to expect for 2025.
In the meantime, in this edition, we cover the closely watched Tornado Cash court decision and the parts of the decision that have been widely overlooked in the market. We also take a look back at our most-read pieces of 2024.
We hope all of our readers have a very happy new year!
For the Uninitiated: Digital Assets Download is a curated mix of insights and headlines that provide a Layer 3 Legal Perspective™ on the digital assets multiverse—created by Mayer Brown’s global Digital Assets, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency group.
The Lead Block
2024 DIGITAL ASSETS HIGHLIGHTS
News Node
Tech Company Launches RLUSD Stablecoin Backed by US Dollar Reserves After Securing NYDFS Approval
Crypto Industry Giants Enter Into a Strategic Partnership That Will Accelerate Global USDC and Crypto Adoption
Bitcoin Development Company to Join the Nasdaq 100 and Heavily Traded ‘QQQ’ ETF
Small-Scale Bitcoin Wallets Are Booming: Addresses With Less Than 1 BTC Surges
Crypto Investments Attract $3.2B in Weekly Inflows, Extending Streak to 10 Weeks
Global Fintech Company Introduces Fraud Protection for Crypto Customers
Digital Payments Company Teams With WhiteBIT to Offer Crypto-Focused Debit Card
Fintech Company Receives In-Principle Approval for UAE Expansion
Bitcoin Rallies Past $107,000, Hopes Grow for Strategic Reserve
Rep. French Hill Secures Chairmanship to Lead the House Financial Services Committee: Reports
Trump Taps Musk Ally David Sacks As 'AI & Crypto Czar'
US Supreme Court Allows Investors’ Class Action to Proceed Against Microchip Company
Bitcoin Investor Gets 2 Years For Tax Fraud In Landmark Case
Select Events
The convergence of traditional financial services and blockchain/digital assets will accelerate with increased customer demand, a maturing market, and anticipated changes to US policy and regulation. As part of this trend, financial services companies and crypto-native and digital asset firms will look to accelerate development and launch of key digital assets products and services. M&A will be one path to doing so. We will examine these and other storylines as part of the Mayer Brown/KBW Financial Services M&A Forum in New York on January 14, 2025. Contact us for more information or to request an invitation to this event.
US Regulatory Outlook for Digital Assets: Navigating Post Policy Elections
On December 3, 2024, US CFTC Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson participated in a fire-side chat “U.S. Regulatory Outlook for Digital Assets: Navigating Post Policy Elections” at the 2024 DigiAssets Connect in Geneva, Switzerland.
Global Digital Asset Regulations and What Lies Ahead in 2025
On December 3, 2024, US CFTC Commissioner Caroline D. Pham spoke at a fireside chat on “Global Digital Asset Regulations and What Lies Ahead in 2025” during Fireblocks SPARK ’24.
Blockchain Association Policy Summit
On December 17, 2024, Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger participated in the View from the CFTC fireside chat at the Blockchain Association Policy Summit.
LEARN THE LINGO
For those new to the digital assets and DeFi world, each edition of the Digital Assets Download will highlight a different term to help you be a part of the conversation.
DECENTRALIZED IDENTITY
Decentralized identity (“DID”) is a system of identity management that uses blockchain technology to enable individuals to securely create, manage, and share their personal information.
This is different from traditional identity systems that typically utilize centralized intermediaries to store and manage personal information.
By not using a single centralized entity, DID has the potential to reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Using a DID requires similar tools as other blockchain-related transactions, including cryptographic keys (public and private). The public key is shared openly, while the private key remains confidential.
Using cryptographic proofs, a person using a DID is able to prove ownership of their identity while keeping their private information secret and secure.
Writing on the Wall, Translating ‘Crypto’ Terms with Mayer Brown
From Airdrop to Wrapped Token, our illustrated glossary, “Writing on the Wall, Translating Securities with Mayer Brown,” has been updated with additional digital assets and cryptocurrency terms. Check out our “featured” list for the crypto terms and the full list of terms.
