The Alabama Securities Commission has ordered crypto lender Celsius to explain how it is not violating state securities laws. It has four weeks to comply.
In an order dated Sept. 16, the state regulator said it believes Celsius violated state laws through its “Earn Rewards” program. Texas and New Jersey state regulators announced similar findings on Friday, with New Jersey filing a cease-and-desist and Texas announcing it would hold a hearing in February to determine if a cease-and-desist should be ordered.
Celsius has 28 days to respond to the Alabama regulator and show cause why the regulator should not impose a cease-and-desist order. If the company does not respond, the regulator will assume Celsius is waiving its right to a hearing and immediately move to impose sanctions.
A Celsius spokesperson told CoinDesk via email:
“We are disappointed these actions have been filed and wholeheartedly disagree with the allegations being made that Celsius has not complied with the law. We always have, and will continue to, work with regulators in the U.S. and globally to operate in full compliance with the law. Given our commitment to regulatory adherence, we look forward to addressing this matter quickly. As of now, there are no changes in our services to any of our clients. We will keep our community updated with any development.”
Earlier Friday, CEO Alex Mashinsky said in an ask-me-anything that he looked forward to explaining the company’s business to regulators.
“They should be cheering for us as we’re effectively helping redistribute wealth and provide opportunity for everybody, not just the 1%,” he said on Friday.
Read more: Celsius CEO Eager to ‘Educate’ Securities Regulators in Brewing Legal Fight
Read the full order below:
Alabama Securities Commissi… by CoinDesk
UPDATE (Sept. 18, 3:21 UTC): Adds statement from Celsius.
