As a researcher with extensive experience in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, I am thrilled by ConsenSys’ recent announcement that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to close its investigation into Ethereum 2.0. This decision is a significant win for the Ethereum community, providing much-needed regulatory clarity in an industry that has been plagued by uncertainty and aggressive enforcement actions.


The SEC has chosen to conclude their probe into Ethereum 2.0, according to ConsenSys’ announcement.

As a researcher, I would put it this way: ConsenSys is pursuing a legal declaration in court stating that supplying user interface software for MetaMask Swaps and Staking does not infringe upon securities regulations.

‘Major Win’ for Ethereum Community

On June 19, ConsenSys made an important announcement regarding Ethereum: The SEC’s Enforcement Division has decided to end its investigation into Ethereum 2.0, meaning they will not bring securities charges against the sales of Ether (ETH).

Our choice is based on the SEC’s response following our letter dated June 7th. In this communication, we inquired about the implications of their May approvals for the ETH-based ETFS, which hinged on ETH being classified as a commodity. Consequently, we sought clarity on whether this designation would bring an end to their ongoing Ethereum 2.0 investigation.
The closing of the Ethereum investigation is momentous, but it’s…
— Consensys (@Consensys) June 19, 2024

After ConsenSys penned a letter to the SEC on June 7, expressing their hope that the recent green light given for Ethereum-based ETFs, which hinges on Ether being classified as a commodity, would result in the Ethereum 2.0 probe coming to an end.

“The conclusion of the Ethereum probe holds significance, yet it doesn’t represent a panacea for the numerous blockchain innovators, tech suppliers, and market players adversely impacted by the SEC’s controversial and heavy-handed crypto regulatory actions,” ConsenSys stated.

In April, ConsenSys initiated a legal challenge against the SEC, arguing against the regulatory body’s classification of ETH as an investment security. The lawsuit asserts that the SEC’s enforcement director, Gurbir Grewal, launched an investigation into Ethereum 2.0 on March 28, 2023, with a focus on identifying those engaged in buying and selling Ether.

As an analyst, I’d put it this way: In April, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued us a Wells Notice. This is a preliminary step the SEC takes before deciding to pursue an enforcement action against a company.

ConsenSys Declares Ongoing Legal Battle as ETH Rallies

Consensys maintains that the legal fight is ongoing. Through a court proceeding, the firm is requesting a ruling that providing MetaMask’s Swaps and Staking features does not infringe upon securities regulations.

The legal battle persists for us. In our ongoing court case, we’re asking for a ruling that MetaMask’s Swaps and Staking features do not infringe upon securities regulations. Such clarification is essential for the growth of this sector that caters to…

— Consensys (@Consensys) June 19, 2024

As an analyst, I’ve noticed that Ethereum (ETH) experienced a modest uptick in value following ConsenSys’ announcement on June 19th, 2023, revealing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had concluded its investigation into Ethereum. Prior to this disclosure, ETH was priced at $3,493 in the market.

In just 20 minutes, Ethereum (ETH) climbed up to around $3,541, surpassing the significant resistance point at $3,500 based on CoinGecko’s current data. At present, ETH is being traded at $3,553, representing a 3.0% price hike in the last 24 hours. The $3,500 mark has been pivotal for traders recently as Ethereum frequently bounced around this price point during the previous 30 days.

As an analyst, I’d interpret this as my observation that the slight uptick in ConsenSys’ stock price post their announcement reflects renewed investor faith, possibly easing worries about potential securities law infringements. These concerns stemmed from speculation surrounding ETH transfers on the network, which could have faced SEC scrutiny if regulatory action was taken.

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2024-06-19 14:01