February 2024 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Breaking News: Robinhood Rebrands as 'Libra'
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

*SILICON VALLEY - Embroiled in the naturally malevolent evolutionary controversy of brand fakery <https://thecapital.io/article/robinhoods-brand-fake-vs-paypals-crypto-corru…> in the name of manipulating humanity, Robinhood Markets (a financial services company) rocked the brand marketing world by finally coming to its senses while vindicating Mr. Hood’s legacy. The company has distanced itself from the old Robinhood firm image of “we take advantage of our customers” with a fresh rebrand as ‘Libra.’* *Celebrated humanitarian Richard Simmons applauded the name change. “Mr. Hood’s story of altruism is loved by young and old alike world-wide. Today Mr. Hood is vindicated from association to the former Robinhood’s tricky company shenanigans. The new ‘Libra’ image is a super smart act of serving our country well... I hope the all-stars at Bear Stearns will join me in congratulating the new ‘Libra’ brand,” Simmons said.* *The nature and timing of the brand change raised eyebrows in New York, a recent familiar reaction to news from our pal <https://thecapital.io/article/robinhoods-brand-fake-vs-paypals-crypto-corru…>s from the Valley.Gleefully contemplating the long term impact on society, this reporter touts the courage of the real Mr. Hood for opposing forces similar to that of the former Robinhood.History will celebrate the newly minted Libra, which will be hailed for its valor in rebranding, even though it did so to escape the regulatory cloud that has hung over the Robinhood project since it first came into the public domain.(A Satirical Monograph on the News) *

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Hong Kong and Singapore Litigation Investment Forecast
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

Hong Kong and Singapore Litigation Investment Forecast <https://litigationfinancejournal.com/hong-kong-and-singapore-litigation-inv…> International arbitration has experienced an uptick in activity over the past decade, with litigation finance driving increased accessibility to quality arbitration outcomes. Hong Kong and Singapore have both passed regulations to authorize third party funding in each jurisdiction. New research sponsored <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eqM4r9MPm7JDSBEo8QlHcG8uKDTrW13t/view?usp=…> by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, led by faculty of law professor Can Eken profiles Hong Kong and Singapore’s regulatory environment in granular detail. Eken compares and contrasts nuances between both markets, while asking what innovations Hong Kong and Singapore may embrace to further expand third party funding engagement across the international arbitration spectrum. Governments in Hong Kong and Singapore overwhelmingly embrace a ‘soft touch’ approach to litigation finance regulation. Forecasting the region’s growth prospects signal both Hong Kong and Singapore are in competition to be Asia’s arbitration capital, supported by friendly third party funding regulation. Eken suggests that with the high cost associated with international arbitration, viability is often framed by financial capacity. With such need, Hong Kong and Singapore are recognized as having pioneered international arbitration regulation, legalizing the use of third party funding agreements. As an added bonus, we have included 36 highlights <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eqM4r9MPm7JDSBEo8QlHcG8uKDTrW13t/view?usp=…> to Eken’s 23 page essay for your general reference. -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xNY.io> | Bank.org <http://Bank.org>* MSc <https://www.unic.ac.cy/blockchain/msc-digital-currency/?utm_source=Google&u…> - Digital Currency MBA <https://www.unic.ac.cy/business-administration-entrepreneurship-and-innovat…> - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107 New York, New York 10001

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NY-DFS Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness (Extension Appeal)
by Gunnar Larson 28 Apr '24

28 Apr '24

Coinbase is up 40% this month: https://www.google.com/finance/quote/COIN:NASDAQ?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO3sCmxrCE… Goldman's first Bitcoin backed loan to COIN back in 2022 would of had fantastic returns: Goldman Offers Its First Bitcoin-Backed Loan in Crypto Push https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-28/goldman-offers-its-first… We will always have the Bloomberg Crypto Summit. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 2:14 AM Subject: Re: NY-DFS Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness (Extension Appeal) To: <kathleen.scott(a)dfs.ny.gov> Cc: <BankingComments(a)dfs.ny.gov>, <cypherpunks(a)cpunks.org> Ms. Scott: Additionally, xNY.io - Bank.org respectfully submits Coinbase's Brian Armstrong on Bloomberg.com: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2023-01-12/the-david-rubenstein-show-… as a matter for public comment for NY-DFS' "Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness." The Bloomberg interview with Coinbase showed top journalistic integrity, yet, Coinbase failed to mention any NY-DFS investigation or pending action. The interview aired last December, before the 100M Coinbase settlement was announced by NY-DFS concerning Coinbase's BitLicense compliance. NY-DFS' approach to Coinbase and Goldman Sachs (who took Coinbase public) share independent insider trading scenarios that could disrespect the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section compliance programs. We have collated 34 highlights that describe a corporate opportunity policy framework to gauge character and fitness of the "first Bitcoin loan" backed by a New York banking institution here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yx88RMoeLyyfbNK0RtPl4r-m8N21_1Sp/view?usp=… . Per point one of NY-DFS' "Suggested Questions to Facilitate Initial and Ongoing Assessment of Designated Persons’ Character and Fitness," can you kindly acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand our appeal seeking extension for public comment to August 5, 2023? We feel extra time for public comment is warranted to ensure that xNY.io - Bank.org did not play a significant role or otherwise contribute in a meaningful way to the conduct that led to regulatory action or proceeding without ample notice. Thank you, Gunnar On Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 12:04 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > Ms. Scott: > > NY-DFS recently asked for public comment concerning "Proposed Guidance on > Assessment of the Character and Fitness of Directors, Senior Officers, and > Managers" mentioned here: > https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry_guidance/industry_letters/il20230509_guidan… > . > > xNY.io - Bank.org asks if the NY-DFS will extend deadline for public > comment to August 5, 2023 from June 30, 2023. > > As requested by NY-DFS, today we provide (in a separate attachment) > evidence of any documented exceptions to compliance with the "Suggested > Questions to Facilitate Initial and Ongoing Assessment of Designated > Persons’ Character and Fitness." > > We have collated 19 references comprising 205 highlights that touch on the > five key areas below: > https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FTRRFFhQHDxf-oR9WOZz0a2gRtC9ZWVO. > > -Harassment and Discrimination Policies > > -Conflict of Interest Policy > > -Insider Trading Policy > > -Records Management Policy > > -Corporate Opportunity Policy > > xNY.io - Bank.org is seeking NY-DFS' extension for public comment to > August 5, 2023 so that the New York Banking community has time to complete > Q2-23 earnings call disclosures. > > As documented in the above 19 references, we feel extra time for public > comment is warranted to ensure that xNY.io - Bank.org did not play a > significant role or otherwise contribute in a meaningful way to the conduct > that led to regulatory action or proceeding without ample notice. > > Per point one of NY-DFS' "Suggested Questions to Facilitate Initial and > Ongoing Assessment of Designated Persons’ Character and Fitness," can you > kindly acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand our appeal seeking > extension for public comment to August 5, 2023? > > We hope to hear from you before June 30, 2023 given obvious factors. > > Sending you the very best regards. > > Thank you, > > Gunnar > > -- > Gunnar Larson > xNY.io | Bank.org > MSc - Digital Currency > MBA - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) > > G(a)xNY.io > +1-917-580-8053 > New York, New York 10001 > >

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Crypto lender Nexo seeks $3 bln in damages from Bulgaria over aborted investigation | Reuters
by Gunnar Larson 27 Apr '24

27 Apr '24

My God! --- https://www.reuters.com/technology/crypto-lender-nexo-seeks-3-bln-damages-b… LONDON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Cryptocurrency lender Nexo is seeking $3 billion in damages from Bulgaria over an aborted criminal investigation that the company alleges scuppered its plans for a U.S. stock market listing and a soccer sponsorship deal, legal filings seen by Reuters show. Nexo AG, a Swiss unit of Cayman Islands-based Nexo Capital, alleges the investigation tarnished its reputation and destroyed shareholder value, according to a document filed with the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The Washington-based ICSID, an international arbitration institution that handles disputes between international investors and states, registered the case on Jan. 18, its website showed. An ICSID spokesperson could not confirm the level of damages sought or other details. Bulgaria's finance ministry said it had received a request for arbitration from the ICSID, which would be reviewed by a specialised inter-departmental committee that would then propose next steps. "This or any other communications... shall not be considered in any way an admission as to the substance of any claims or as an acceptance of any arbitral jurisdiction," it added. The prosecutor's office, also a respondent in the case, did not respond to requests for comment. Bulgarian prosecutors in Jan. 2023 launched an investigation into Nexo AG, raiding offices in Sofia and charging its founders with offences that included participating in an organised crime group to launder money and commit tax and computer fraud. But they dropped the case last month, saying there was no evidence of criminal activity. Prosecutors said there was no legal framework for crypto asset services in Bulgaria. Nexo, co-founded by former Bulgarian lawmaker Antoni Trenchev, had denied wrongdoing and alleges the investigation was politically motivated - an allegation previously denied by prosecutors, local news agency BTA has reported. U.S. regulators in particular have been cracking down on alleged illicit activity at top crypto firms, but it is unusual for a crypto firm to take on a country over compensation for a investigation that was dropped. ICSID has previously ordered various countries, including Pakistan, Ecuador and Venezuela, to pay out billions in damages to companies. Reuters was unable to verify Nexo's alleged damages. In an interview with Reuters earlier this month, Trenchev declined to publicly name the banks he said had been instructed for any listing or which European soccer club ended sponsorship talks. Crypto lenders act like banks for the crypto world, offering customers interest on cryptocurrencies they deposit with the platform. Nexo, founded in 2018, phased out its U.S. products and services last year and agreed to pay $45 million to settle charges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and state regulators that it failed to register its crypto asset lending product.

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RNC Funding of Trump's Legal Campaign Undermines GOP State AGs' Attack on Litigation Funding - Litigation Finance Journal
by Gunnar Larson 16 Apr '24

16 Apr '24

I wrote this LitigationFinanceJournal.com article back in 2022, now I am on the other side of it all. 14 states attorneys general, if you are listening, there is something not kosher happening in New York right now. They are saying Gunnar Larson is trying to use Donald Trump arguments against the Attorney General's office and that is simply not true. Gunnar --- https://litigationfinancejournal.com/rnc-funding-of-trumps-legal-campaign-u… Litigation Finance Journal recently reported on a group of 14 state attorneys general that have called for action from the Department of Justice to review potential threats to U.S. national security from foreign adversaries’ engagement of litigation investment. Litigation funders and industry advocates have new ammo in response to the AGs’ claims, given recent news of the RNC funding former President Donald Trump’s various legal entanglements. According to ABC News, RNC leaders earmarked $1.6M in legal funding to support President Donald Trump’s defense over lawsuits brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Meanwhile, the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform’s research has prompted 14 state attorneys general to ask for the Justice Department to assess national security risks of adversaries ‘undermining’ the United States by engaging litigation funding and third party investment vehicles. The group of 14 state attorneys general are concerned about foreign adversaries ‘weaponizing’ United States legal frameworks via litigation investment, to attack critical national industry and infrastructure, such as energy sectors. The group of 14 seeks the Department of Justice to detail how a network of federal agencies could engage a blueprint for defending United States independence from international litigation investors, hostile groups, agencies or governments such as Russia and China. This latest attack on the industry, prompted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is simply another attempt to undermine the nascent and growing litigation funding sector. It is ironic, given that in the case of Consumer Legal Funding–which the Chamber specifically targets–the funding in question does not go to support legal fees, but rather to finance claimants’ livelihoods while they remain injured and unable to work. While the RNC’s funding of Trump’s legal battles does not constitute foreign investment, it illustrates the acceptance of third party legal funding across political lines, and should be noted by industry advocates looking to respond to the negative publicity put forth by the U.S. Chamber.

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NY-DFS Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness (Extension Appeal)
by Gunnar Larson 11 Apr '24

11 Apr '24

Subject: NY-DFS Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness (Extension Appeal) Coinbase is up 40% this month: https://www.google.com/finance/quote/COIN:NASDAQ?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO3sCmxrCE… Goldman's first Bitcoin backed loan to COIN back in 2022 would of had fantastic returns: Goldman Offers Its First Bitcoin-Backed Loan in Crypto Push https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-28/goldman-offers-its-first… ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 2:14 AM Subject: Re: NY-DFS Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness (Extension Appeal) To: <kathleen.scott(a)dfs.ny.gov> Cc: <BankingComments(a)dfs.ny.gov>, <cypherpunks(a)cpunks.org> Ms. Scott: Additionally, xNY.io - Bank.org respectfully submits Coinbase's Brian Armstrong on Bloomberg.com: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2023-01-12/the-david-rubenstein-show-… as a matter for public comment for NY-DFS' "Proposed Guidance on Character and Fitness." The Bloomberg interview with Coinbase showed top journalistic integrity, yet, Coinbase failed to mention any NY-DFS investigation or pending action. The interview aired last December, before the 100M Coinbase settlement was announced by NY-DFS concerning Coinbase's BitLicense compliance. NY-DFS' approach to Coinbase and Goldman Sachs (who took Coinbase public) share independent insider trading scenarios that could disrespect the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section compliance programs. We have collated 34 highlights that describe a corporate opportunity policy framework to gauge character and fitness of the "first Bitcoin loan" backed by a New York banking institution here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yx88RMoeLyyfbNK0RtPl4r-m8N21_1Sp/view?usp=… . Per point one of NY-DFS' "Suggested Questions to Facilitate Initial and Ongoing Assessment of Designated Persons’ Character and Fitness," can you kindly acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand our appeal seeking extension for public comment to August 5, 2023? We feel extra time for public comment is warranted to ensure that xNY.io - Bank.org did not play a significant role or otherwise contribute in a meaningful way to the conduct that led to regulatory action or proceeding without ample notice. Thank you, Gunnar On Wed, Jun 28, 2023, 12:04 AM Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> wrote: > Ms. Scott: > > NY-DFS recently asked for public comment concerning "Proposed Guidance on > Assessment of the Character and Fitness of Directors, Senior Officers, and > Managers" mentioned here: > https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry_guidance/industry_letters/il20230509_guidan… > . > > xNY.io - Bank.org asks if the NY-DFS will extend deadline for public > comment to August 5, 2023 from June 30, 2023. > > As requested by NY-DFS, today we provide (in a separate attachment) > evidence of any documented exceptions to compliance with the "Suggested > Questions to Facilitate Initial and Ongoing Assessment of Designated > Persons’ Character and Fitness." > > We have collated 19 references comprising 205 highlights that touch on the > five key areas below: > https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FTRRFFhQHDxf-oR9WOZz0a2gRtC9ZWVO. > > -Harassment and Discrimination Policies > > -Conflict of Interest Policy > > -Insider Trading Policy > > -Records Management Policy > > -Corporate Opportunity Policy > > xNY.io - Bank.org is seeking NY-DFS' extension for public comment to > August 5, 2023 so that the New York Banking community has time to complete > Q2-23 earnings call disclosures. > > As documented in the above 19 references, we feel extra time for public > comment is warranted to ensure that xNY.io - Bank.org did not play a > significant role or otherwise contribute in a meaningful way to the conduct > that led to regulatory action or proceeding without ample notice. > > Per point one of NY-DFS' "Suggested Questions to Facilitate Initial and > Ongoing Assessment of Designated Persons’ Character and Fitness," can you > kindly acknowledge that you have reviewed and understand our appeal seeking > extension for public comment to August 5, 2023? > > We hope to hear from you before June 30, 2023 given obvious factors. > > Sending you the very best regards. > > Thank you, > > Gunnar > > -- > Gunnar Larson > xNY.io | Bank.org > MSc - Digital Currency > MBA - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) > > G(a)xNY.io > +1-917-580-8053 > New York, New York 10001 > >

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CFO.com Discusses Litigation Investment and Corporate Recovery - Litigation Finance Journal
by Gunnar Larson 11 Apr '24

11 Apr '24

I wrote this article on April 20, 2022. xNY.io - Bank.org finds this helpful: "While firms are raising capital, exploring a merger/acquisition or in the process of going public, CFO.com underscores value in engaging ligation finance tools to maximize valuation." ----- https://litigationfinancejournal.com/cfo-com-discusses-litigation-investmen… Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) call for litigation expenses to be accounted for during month/quarter of incurrence. Similarly, GAAP holds future recoveries vacant on the balance sheet until award(s) are recovered, oftentimes years in the future. For companies self funding meritorious litigation, application of GAAP may produce a balance sheet that undervalues the firm’s worth. CFO.com suggests that maneuvering costs off balance sheet via litigation finance products and services is potentially a smart idea. CFO.com reports that with the bespoke nature of litigation investment agreements, chief financial officers are able to arrange scenarios to meet cash flow constraints. Corporate recovery, or affirmative action, can be a useful strategy for companies who develop a portfolio of pursuable claims. According to CFO.com, litigation finance allows firms to effectively boost net income line items on the balance sheet. More importantly, utilization of litigation investment vehicles drive the ability to pursue claims that normally would be avoided due to cost restrictions. While firms are raising capital, exploring a merger/acquisition or in the process of going public, CFO.com underscores value in engaging ligation finance tools to maximize valuation.

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S&C Advises Robinhood in $2.275 Billion Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
by Gunnar Larson 01 Apr '24

01 Apr '24

https://www.sullcrom.com/About/News-and-Events/Highlights/2022/April/SC-Adv… S&C Advises Robinhood in $2.275 Billion Secured Revolving Credit Facility April 18, 2022 Robinhood Securities, a clearing broker-dealer entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, entered into an agreement in which a syndicate of banks led by JP Morgan Chase will provide Robinhood with a secured revolving credit facility of up to $2.275 billion.

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Bank.org Concern of BitLicense Marketplace Manipulation
by Gunnar Larson 30 Mar '24

30 Mar '24

July 25, 2021 BY ELECTRONIC MAIL United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 14420 Albemarle Point Place Suite 102 Chantilly, VA 20151-1750 ATTN: SEC TCR SUBMISSIONS Re: Bank.org Concern of BitLicense Marketplace Manipulation Dear Sir or Madam: Virtual currency fraud is a serious problem for such a developed country as the United States, whose bank regulators have drawn attention to the increase of these crimes. Having discovered that an unregulated virtual currency sphere (such as in Africa, or other developing markets) is very popular among virtual currency fraudsters, the New York State Department of Financial Services (NY-DFS) concluded that this kind of regulatory fraud was threatening U.S. national security. Bank.org’s NY-DFS Shelf Charter application journey has prompted us to contact the SEC with concern of common Directors at Facebook and PayPal (incl. Xoom) who have potentially manipulated the New York State Common Retirement Fund and New York State Teachers Retirement Fund through BitLicense marketplace manipulation tactics and computer crimes. Bank.org's key definition of virtual currency computer crimes is a consistent message across markets. These crimes are relatively new, having been in existence for only as long as Bitcoin has—which explains how unprepared society and the world, in general, is towards combating these crimes. We see this as no fault of NY-DFS and the original BitLicense mandate. Facebook and PayPal along with Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have leveraged BitLicensee connections to profit daily from virtual currency market manipulation structures with cross-border reach. PayPal's “Conditional BitLicense” may now be employed as a marketplace manipulation instrument. Meanwhile, common Directors at Facebook, PayPal (incl. Xoom) and Diem seemingly have collaborated in orchestrating a virtual currency marketplace manipulation exercise. The New York State Common Retirement Fund and New York State Teachers Retirement Fund are significant investors in Facebook, PayPal, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo. >From their California headquarters, Directors at PayPal (incl. Xoom) have potentially leveraged a Conditional BitLicense award in collaboration with common Directors at Facebook to engage in marketplace manipulation techniques. The Diem Association further shares common PayPal and Facebook Directors in a potential chain of virtual currency computer software and market manipulation architectures. Bank.org must take the necessary steps to guard against fraud and to be extra vigilant about manipulation. We seek SEC guidance on the aforementioned concerns as we organize a reputable Board of Directors for NY-DFS approval. Respectfully yours with appreciation, Gunnar Larson - xNY.io | Bank.org MSc - Digital Currency MBA - Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ip) G(a)xNY.io +1-646-454-9107

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Peter Thiel on Leadership
by Gunnar Larson 18 Mar '24

18 Mar '24

Peter Thiel on Leadership: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3viOnJusv0/?igsh=bjAxdGcxdmpmaWt5

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