Gemini and Genesis charged by SEC over unregistered securities

The charges relate to Gemini’s crypto asset lending program, Gemini Earn, according to a press release from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Jan. 12 charged cryptocurrency lending firm Genesis and crypto exchange Gemini with offering unregistered securities through Gemini’s “Earn” program.

“We allege that Genesis and Gemini offered unregistered securities to the public, bypassing disclosure requirements designed to protect investors,” said SEC Chair Gary Gensler in a statement.

Gensler added the charges “build on previous actions to make clear to the marketplace and the investing public that crypto lending platforms and other intermediaries need to comply with our time-tested securities laws.”

“It’s not optional. It’s the law.”

The regulator said its investigating other securities law violations from other entities relating to the Gemini Earn program.

This story is developing and more information will be added as it becomes available.