• Specs News
  • Posts
  • 1/8/25: Coinbase Freezes SEC Lawsuit 🛡️🇰🇷✌️

1/8/25: Coinbase Freezes SEC Lawsuit 🛡️🇰🇷✌️

Today’s issue is brought to you by Safe — the world’s leading smart account provider on EVM, securing $100B+ in assets (including Vitalik’s).

Top News

  1. NY judge approves Coinbase’s interlocutory appeal against SEC

  2. South Korea moves to lift institutional ban on crypto trading

  3. CFTC chair Behnam resigns as Trump administration prepares transition

Specs’ Insights

1. NY judge approves Coinbase’s interlocutory appeal against SEC

⌐◪-◪ → Coinbase just won big!

Judge Katherine Failla has granted Coinbase’s interlocutory appeal, effectively pausing the SEC’s lawsuit against Coinbase until an appeals court can review the case.

This is a huge win, as it’s rare for district courts to grant such motions, according to Coinbase’s VP of Legal.

Next steps? Coinbase needs approval from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. If granted, this could set the stage for the appeals court to address critical legal issues that will impact the entire crypto industry.

Shoutout to the Coinbase Legal team for leading the charge against government overreach in crypto.

Coinbase just won big!

2. South Korea moves to lift institutional ban on crypto trading

⌐◪-◪ → South Korea lifts crypto trading ban for institutions

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) of South Korea has announced plans to gradually lift its ban on institutional cryptocurrency trading.

This policy shift is part of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s push to promote the local crypto sector, fulfilling an election promise. It will begin with non-profits and eventually allow corporate investments in crypto assets through real-name accounts issued in phases.

Yoon and his party are also advocating for spot crypto ETFs to be launched locally, which are currently unavailable.

Zooming out, this is significant. Right now, institutions in South Korea can’t even open accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. This move signals cautious but progressive steps toward integrating crypto into mainstream finance.

The golden era of crypto is truly upon us.

3. CFTC chair Behnam resigns as Trump administration prepares transition

⌐◪-◪ → Bye bye Behnam!

CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam has announced his resignation, effective later this month, as the Trump team prepares to take office.

The CFTC Chair is one of the most influential roles for the crypto industry, alongside the SEC Chair, as cryptocurrencies are often classified as either commodities or securities. Crypto natives generally favor CFTC oversight, often comparing Bitcoin to gold.

During his tenure, Behnam called on Congress to address regulatory gaps, asserting that 70–80% of cryptocurrencies are commodities rather than securities.

Looking ahead, Brian Quintenz, a16z’s head of policy, is reportedly the top choice to replace Behnam. Meanwhile, Paul Atkins, a crypto supporter, is set to lead the SEC.

There’s no denying it anymore guys, the future of crypto in America has never looked brighter.

Everything Else

📈 Market Snapshot

⛓️ Crypto & DeFi

🏦 Wall Street & VC

🏛️ Legal & Regulatory

🌎 Rest Of The World

🖼️ NFTs & Metaverse

Join Our Community!

Designed to make you a better crypto investor, builder, and operator.

💬 Chat with Valko and other experts
📚 Access additional hand-curated resources
😊 Make friends, share memes, have fun