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Ethan’s practice focuses on financial services litigation and compliance counseling, as well as digital assets and blockchain technology. With a long track record of successful litigation results across the U.S., both bank and non-bank clients rely on him for comprehensive advice throughout their business cycle.

On August 1, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced an initiative aimed at advancing the U.S.’s position in the global cryptocurrency landscape. Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham revealed the commencement of a “crypto sprint” designed to implement the recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets report. This effort is part of a broader vision to establish America as the “crypto capital of the world,” as articulated by President Trump.

On July 31, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins (Chair Atkins) presented “Project Crypto,” an initiative aimed at positioning the U.S. as the global leader in the digital finance world. In his address, Chair Atkins outlined his vision to modernize securities rules and regulations, enabling America’s financial markets to fully embrace blockchain technology and move on-chain. This plan solidifies President Trump’s vision of making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world and signals a new era of regulatory clarity and innovation for the crypto industry within the U.S.

Since the House passed the CLARITY Act on July 17, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, which has oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been busy working on its own version of the U.S. crypto regulatory framework. Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC), along with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), released a discussion draft of the “Responsible Financial Innovation Act of 2025.” This comprehensive legislation aims to provide regulatory clarity, encourage innovation, and address key risks in the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem. This blog highlights critical elements of the draft bill, offering an overview of its major provisions and implications. Alongside the draft, the Senate Banking Committee has issued a broad Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback from the public, with responses due by August 5, 2025.

On July 24, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 3865 (HB 3865) into law, introducing significant changes to the regulation of telephone solicitations within the state. This new legislation narrows the permissible calling hours, reducing communications during late evening hours by prohibiting calls after 8 p.m., down from the previous 9 p.m. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of telephone solicitations to include text messages.

On July 16, TradeStation Securities, Inc., a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) to FINRA’s Department of Enforcement. This AWC proposes a settlement for alleged rule violations concerning retail communications related to crypto assets. The acceptance of this AWC by FINRA ensures that no future actions will be brought against TradeStation Securities based on the same factual findings.

In a significant turn of events, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) has decided to initiate a new rulemaking process concerning its final rule on personal financial data rights under Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (1033 rule). This decision comes amidst ongoing legal challenges, notably from Forcht Bank, N.A.; Kentucky Bankers Association; and the Bank Policy Institute, which filed a lawsuit immediately after the 1033 rule was finalized challenging it.

Today, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC DCWP) announced another delay in the effective date of its amended debt collection rules. This marks the second postponement. As discussed here, the rules were initially set to take effect on December 1, 2024. Then the enforcement date was first postponed to April 1, 2025, following industry concerns and legal challenges, and then to October 1, 2025. However, the NYC DCWP has now stated that the rules will not go into effect on October 1, 2025, and has committed to providing an update at least three months prior to the new effective date.