March 2024 - cypherpunks - lists.cpunks.org

Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian Migrant
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/12/11/steve-jobss-father-was-a-sy… U.S. News and World Report LogoSkip to content NEWS Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian RefugeeNewsHome Steve Jobs's Father Was a Syrian Refugee Banksy calls attention to a little-known fact in a new art installment in Calais. By Rachel Dicker Dec. 11, 2015 Save More U.S. News & World Report More This mural, created by Banksy, portrays the Apple co-founder as a Syrian refugee, drawing attention to his roots.BANKSY As civil war and Islamic State-related violence rend Syria, thousands are fleeing the country and looking to resettle. While some countries, such as Canada, are welcoming Syrian refugees with open arms, others, such as the United States, have been more xenophobic. Renowned graffiti artist Banksy recently did an installation in a Calais refugee camp depicting Steve Jobs as a Syrian refugee. BANKSY "We're often led to believe migration is a drain on the country's resources but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant," Banksy said in a rare public statement obtained by BBC. Indeed, Jobs's biological father is Abdulfattah "John" Jandali, a Syrian-born man who emigrated to the United States. BANKSY "Apple is the world's most profitable company," Banksy added. "It pays over $7bn (£4.6bn) a year in taxes - and it only exists because [the United States] allowed in a young man from Homs." Tags: Steve Jobs, Syria Coronavirus Bulletin Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Email Address Sign Up Sign in to manage your newsletters » Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE The 10 Worst Presidents Cartoons on President Donald Trump Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden? Jobs Gains Dash Expectations See More » RECOMMENDED ARTICLES BEST COUNTRIES BEST STATES HEALTHIEST COMMUNITIES NEWS CITIES LEADERS THE REPORT PHOTOS ELECTIONS EVENTS U.S. News & World Report About Editorial Guidelines Contact Press Advertise Newsletters Jobs Site Map Store Copyright 2022 © U.S. News & World Report L.P. Terms & Conditions/Privacy Policy/California Privacy Notice/California Do Not Sell My Personal Information Request

1 5

Here’s how Orange County went broke 25 years ago
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

https://www.ocregister.com/2019/12/06/heres-how-orange-county-went-broke/am… The scene, 25 years ago this month, could have been lifted from a mob movie: Ten top power-brokers in Orange County government headed to an exclusive Italian restaurant for a secret Saturday dinner. Strung out from a string of all-nighters — they’d been working to keep the county’s $20 billion investment pool from imploding — the meal was to be a pressure-reliever, a breather, a reward. Despite the headlines just two days earlier — “O.C. fund down $1.5 billion” — it seemed, on Dec. 3, 1994, that things might work out. During marathon calls with Wall Street brokers and local city bureaucrats they’d delivered a smooth new mantra — *“It’s just a paper loss. Everything’s under control… Don’t panic!”*

1 2

Fwd: CityCoins Tweeted: CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. ...
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

Wow, MIA and NYCCoin are claiming to be 100x better than municipal bonds... With some sort of tax scheme of opportunity? ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Twitter <info(a)twitter.com> Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2022 at 12:22 AM Subject: CityCoins Tweeted: CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. ... To: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FGunnarLarson…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2F&t=1+1646976…> Your Highlights [image: CityCoins's avatar] CityCoins @mineCityCoins <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> CityCoins are another tool in a city's toolbox. CityCoins are a 100x improvement on municipal bonds. These bonds aren't held by citizens. They're issuing debt that falls on taxpayers to repay. That's tax from compulsion, not tax from opportunity. [image: reply] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 2 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> [image: retweet] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 7 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> [image: like] <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> 30 <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FmineCityCoin…> <https://twitter.com/i/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FBigImpactHum…> -- *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

1 6

Fwd: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m).
by Gunnar Larson 12 May '24

12 May '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Wed, Apr 20, 2022, 4:38 PM Subject: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m). To: <Kleptocracy_Rewards(a)treasury.gov> Cc: <FRC(a)fincen.gov>, Alexi Anania <a(a)xny.io> Dear Department of the Treasury: >From the prompt of FinCEN's Resource Center, the details below are kindly submitted to your esteemed attention. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance. Sending you the very best regards. Thank you, Gunnar Larson -- *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 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Gunnar Larson <g(a)xny.io> Date: Fri, Apr 15, 2022 at 1:17 PM Subject: MIA Coin and POX Kleptocracy: CORRUPTION FIN-2022-A001 - SAR 38(m). To: <FRC(a)fincen.gov> Cc: cypherpunks <cypherpunks(a)lists.cpunks.org> Dear FinCEN: xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC thanks you for sending yesterday's advisory on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption. We have made 30 highlights to the FIN-2022-A001 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yF3qDQG19J-qN1vUPC36lQfVClq3HPXB/view?usp=…> advisory for reference. *The aim of today's memo is to learn FinCEN's insights into MIA Coin and the consensus algorithm Proof of Transfer (POX). xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC is concerned about potential MIA Coin and City Coin kleptocracy that may be affecting our global enterprise. * *FinCEN may note that NYCCoin is illegal in New York State, given the BitLicense mandate. As such, we are not concerned with NYCCoin's legality given the clear BitLicense mandate. * - On February 4, 2022 we submitted a City of Miami records request for any and all correspondence between the City of Miami concerning CityCoins, MIA Coin and Stacks (STX). Additionally, any and all related correspondence concerning CityCoins, MIA Coin, Stacks (STX), Digital World Acquisition Corp and Harvard Management Company. - Today, April 15, 2022 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OyVUBq8PcG7SVZ5lUp_oWyL0IDAR5uTP/view?usp=…> we have yet to receive the 13, 092 records. Attached you will find our latest correspondence with Miami, notifying them of our intention to contact FinCEN concerning MIA Coin and POX. - Conducting independent marketplace research, xNY.io - Bank.org, PBC established a premise to potential kleptocracy between the City of Miami and City Coins, of Iceland <https://who.is/whois/citycoins.co> international registration. Furthermore, MineMiamiCoin.com is registered in Germany <https://who.is/whois/minemiamicoin.com>. - Please find the City of Miami's resolution <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IrQwP46alrnQXRxIoXxm8kifZMVTRB_x/view?usp=…>approving gifts from City Coins ... Furthermore, City Coins suggests a $25,000 "reward" <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eb2Q-LZNApwQRyjbBcD5-_yEW0Id51QD/view?usp=…> (that may be confused as bribery) for Mayors who participate. MIA Coin is powered by POX <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wL2kN6aMfsyT-T7g01YJSBB8meMn2SWg/view?usp=…>, a computer protocol that may exploit the U.S. and international financial systems to launder illicit gains, including through the use of shell companies, offshore financial centers, and professional service providers who enable the movement and laundering. MIA Coin' POX protocol is a wealth extraction tool that unfairly rewards an inside group of miners, rewarding patronage networks that benefit his inner circle and regime. These practices harm the competitive landscape of financial markets and often have long-term corrosive effects on good governance, democratic institutions, and human rights standards. FinCEN, we are concerned Miami's City Coin <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IrQwP46alrnQXRxIoXxm8kifZMVTRB_x/view> resolution potentially confirms Miami leaders as kleptocrats, using their position and influence to enrich themselves and their networks of corrupt actors. Finally, we understand that MIA Coin and POX operations are powered by international data warehouses, located in Iceland, Germany and Hong Kong. For these reasons, given FinCEN's alert on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption we kindly seek guidance. Sending you the very best regards. Thank you, Gunnar Larson -- *Gunnar Larson - xNY.io <http://www.xNY.io> - Bank.org <http://Bank.org>, PBC* 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 ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network < fincenupdates(a)public.govdelivery.com> Date: Thu, Apr 14, 2022 at 2:46 PM Subject: FinCEN Updates: FinCEN Issues Advisory on Kleptocracy and Foreign Public Corruption To: <g(a)xny.io> *You are subscribed to FinCEN Updates. The information below is available at Fincen.gov.* *FinCEN Issues Advisory on Kleptocracy and Foreign Public Corruption* The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued an advisory on kleptocracy and foreign public corruption, urging financial institutions to focus their efforts on detecting the proceeds of foreign public corruption — a priority for the U.S. Government as it continues to implement the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVy…>. The advisory provides typologies and potential indicators of kleptocracy and other forms of foreign public corruption, namely bribery, embezzlement, extortion, and the misappropriation of public assets. *News Release:* https://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-issues-advisory-kleptocrac… <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy…> *Advisory: * https://www.fincen.gov/resources/advisories/fincen-advisory-fin-2022-a001 <https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVy…>

1 6

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) *

1 2

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

1 2

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 > >

1 1

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.

1 2

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.

1 3

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 > >

1 2