SEC Ends Investigation into Bitcoin Layer-2 Chain Developer Hiro Systems Behind Stacks (STX)

• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded its investigation into Hiro Systems PBC, the firm behind Stacks (STX), a Bitcoin layer-2 solution.
• The SEC has decided not to recommend any enforcement action against the company at this time, effectively ending a three-year scrutiny into the firm.
• However, the SEC has clarified that this decision does not fully exonerate Hiro, leaving the door open for potential future litigation based on additional information.

The SEC concludes its three-year investigation into Hiro Systems PBC, signaling a cautious victory for the crypto industry.

SEC’s Investigation into Hiro Systems PBC Ends Without Enforcement Action

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to close its investigation into Hiro Systems PBC, the developer behind the Bitcoin layer-2 chain Stacks (STX). After a thorough review that lasted three years, the SEC has opted not to pursue enforcement actions against the company for now. This investigation focused on Hiro, which was previously known as Blockstack, and scrutinized the firm’s token sales activities between 2017 and 2019, during which it raised approximately $70 million.

Implications for the Crypto Industry

This development is being perceived as a positive milestone within the crypto space. For years, the industry has been under intense regulatory scrutiny, often leading to uncertainty for investors and developers alike. The SEC’s decision to end its investigation without further action against Hiro could be interpreted as a sign of the regulator’s maturing approach to the innovative but complex world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Hiro’s journey has been a focal point of discussions around regulatory compliance for emerging blockchain projects, making this news particularly noteworthy.

SEC’s Cautious Stance

Despite the announcement, the SEC has made it clear that their decision does not fully exonerate Hiro. In a letter accompanying the decision, the SEC stated, “The staff does not intend to recommend an enforcement action by the SEC against Hiro based on the information known to date. However, this notice must not be construed as indicating that no future action may result from the staff’s investigation.” This statement keeps a level of ambiguity, signaling that the regulatory body may still take action should new information surface.

Comparison to Similar Cases

The ending of the investigation into Hiro aligns with another recent SEC decision regarding Paxos, the issuer of the BUSD stablecoin. Just yesterday, the SEC announced it would not be continuing its investigation into Paxos. Both cases may reflect a shifting tone in how the SEC approaches regulated entities within the cryptocurrency sector. However, such decisions come with caveats and should not be viewed as blanket approvals of all past activities.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the SEC’s investigation into Hiro Systems PBC marks a significant moment for both the firm and the broader crypto industry. While the decision brings relief, it also underscores the ongoing complexities and regulatory challenges that crypto companies face. It serves as a reminder that regulatory bodies remain vigilant, and the crypto sector must continue striving for compliance and transparency. Overall, this development provides a cautious yet hopeful outlook for blockchain projects looking to navigate the intricate landscape of financial regulations.