Connect with us

Technology

Block Earner Relieved of Liability to Pay a Penalty

Published

on

Block Earner Relieved of Liability to Pay a Penalty in Significant ASIC Case

SYDNEY, June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a resolution of important proceedings with implications for the crypto/startup ecosystem, Block Earner has been relieved of liability to pay a penalty in a high-profile case brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This decision not only relieves Block Earner of any financial penalty, but also acknowledges the reputational damage resulting from inaccurate statements made by ASIC in a press-release following the Court’s earlier decision about liability.

While the Court earlier found that Block Earner had contravened financial services law in respect of a previous product offering (no longer offered), the Court was satisfied that Block Earner had acted honestly, and consistently sought to conduct its business lawfully. The Court also found that the company made genuine attempts to comply with the Corporations Act, and that there was no evidence suggesting that Block Earner acted carelessly or imprudently. The Court and ASIC also both agreed that no customers had suffered loss as a result of the conduct in question.

Context, background and liability judgment

In November 2022, ASIC initiated proceedings against Block Earner, alleging that the company required an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) for its Earner and Access products, which offered customers access to yield related to cryptocurrency products. The regulator characterised this as a ‘test case’ to explore the applicability of financial services law to crypto-related products.

Block Earner argued in the proceedings that its products did not constitute financial products having regard to the technical definitions of the Corporations Act. The Earner product, which offered fixed yield, was sunset in November 2022, and all customers were made whole, including any interest owed.

On 9th February 2024, Justice Jackman of the Federal Court of Australia found that Block Earner had contravened the Corporations Act by offering the Earner product without an AFSL and appropriate ASIC registration. However, the Court found that Block Earner did not need an AFSL for the Access product and the claims brought by ASIC regarding the Access product were dismissed. For a more detailed summary of that judgment see: https://www.gtlaw.com.au/knowledge/federal-court-judgment-asic-v-block-earner 

Court’s Decision and Reasoning

On 15 May 2024, a further hearing was held to determine whether Block Earner would be required to pay a penalty in respect of the contraventions (and if so the amount of the penalty).

Today, the Court delivered judgment. Justice Jackman was satisfied that Block Earner should be relieved from having to pay a penalty in relation to its contraventions relating to the Earner product. In determining that Block Earner should be relieved from paying a penalty, Justice Jackman acknowledged that he was “satisfied that Block Earner acted honestly”, including because in seeking to consider whether Block Earner was offering or providing financial products that required an AFSL, Block Earner obtained legal advice on that question. The judgment also recognised that Block Earner’s participation in policy discussions and seeking to engage with the government on proposals related to cryptocurrency showed a willingness to engage with government and regulatory bodies on effective ways to regulate crypto-related products and services.

Further, the Court was satisfied that this engagement evidenced that Block Earner has at all times sought to conduct its business in a lawful manner and has not consciously sought to provide cryptocurrency in a way that contravenes the Corporations Act. Further, the Court acknowledge Block Earner’s evidence on each occasion when Block Earner has identified that it does require a licence to provide a product, it has sought and obtained the appropriate authorisations.

The Court also commented on a media release that ASIC made following the liability judgment. His Honour found that the media release, which has now been withdrawn, had a tendency to lead readers into error (albeit that was unintentional on ASIC’s part) because it indirectly suggested Block Earner needed an AFSL for its existing products (which was not the case as Earner had been withdrawn).

Because Block Earner was successful in its argument that it ought to be excused from a penalty, the Court also found that ASIC is required to pay Block Earner’s costs relating to the penalty hearing. 

Impact on the Crypto Industry

The conclusion of these proceedings, pending any appeal, marks significant progress for the crypto industry, which has faced regulatory uncertainty and active regulatory enforcement action globally.

Charlie Karaboga, CEO of Block Earner, stated, “From the beginning, it was never our intention to break or circumvent the rules. As a startup, we did everything within our power to comply, including obtaining legal advice and creating a comprehensive risk framework. While we are obviously disappointed about the findings of contravention in relation to the Earner product, we are pleased that the judge recognized our honest efforts and relieved Block Earner from liability for the penalty.”

Challenges and Damages

Despite the favourable ruling today, the proceedings have been burdensome on Block Earner, including incurring over $300,000 in legal fees defending these proceedings, significant reputational harm, and the loss of key partnerships.

A Path Forward

Block Earner remains committed to fostering innovation and providing clarity to its customers. The company believes that these proceedings will help give further regulatory clarity to other startups, helping them to navigate the regulatory landscape with greater confidence, and continue to innovate for the benefit of Australian consumers, and within the framework of the relevant laws and regulations.

This press release is intended to provide a balanced view of the recent court decision and its implications for the crypto industry, encouraging more publications to highlight the positive impact of the ruling on innovation and regulatory clarity.

For media inquiries, please contact:

marketing@blockearner.com.au 

About Block Earner

Block Earner is an Australian-based FinTech powered by blockchain technology. We’re bringing the utility of a new era in digital currencies to the people. Recreating crypto products in an open and transparent way. Disrupting a centuries old system and presenting a new way forward for people and their money.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/block-earner-relieved-of-liability-to-pay-a-penalty-302164048.html

SOURCE Block Earner

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

InventHelp Inventor Develops Technological Means to Access Historical & Memorial Information (PTA-222)

Published

on

By

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — “I wanted to create a way to use current technology to honor our nation’s veterans who sacrificed their lives,” said an inventor, from Molalla, Ore., “so I invented the HISTORY BACA LLC. My design would provide timely and convenient information about veterans, national heritage sites and other civic landmarks.”

The invention provides an improved way to access historical and memorial information at civic parks, historical sites, and veteran’s memorial sites. In doing so, it could increase accuracy and convenience. It also saves time and effort. The invention features an innovative design that is easy to use so it is ideal for various memorial, heritage and park locations, cemeteries and graveyards, etc. Additionally, a prototype model and technical drawings are available upon request.

The original design was submitted to the Portland sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 23-PTA-222, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-technological-means-to-access-historical–memorial-information-pta-222-302306245.html

SOURCE InventHelp

Continue Reading

Technology

Blockchain Technology Market to grow by USD 11.05 Billion (2023-2027), driven by rising venture capital investments. Report on AI’s impact on market trends – Technavio

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Report on how AI is redefining market landscape – The global blockchain technology market size is estimated to grow by USD 11.05 billion from 2023-2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  32.72%  during the forecast period. Increasing venture capital funding and investing in blockchain technology is driving market growth, with a trend towards high adoption of blockchain solutions for payments. However, security, privacy and blockchain transaction concerns  poses a challenge.Key market players include Accenture Plc, Amazon.com Inc., Amcon Soft, Ara Soft Group LLC, Capgemini Service SAS, Cargoledger, ConsenSys Software Inc., Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Infosys Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., OpenLedger, Oracle Corp., PixelPlex Ltd, SAP SE, Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., and Wipro Ltd..

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Blockchain Technology Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Base year

2022

Historic period

2017 – 2021

Forecast period

2023-2027

Growth momentum & CAGR

Accelerate at a CAGR of 32.72%

Market growth 2023-2027

USD 11047.61 million

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth 2022-2023 (%)

30.56

Regional analysis

North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Performing market contribution

North America at 46%

Key countries

US, Canada, China, UK, and Germany

Key companies profiled

Accenture Plc, Amazon.com Inc., Amcon Soft, Ara Soft Group LLC, Capgemini Service SAS, Cargoledger, ConsenSys Software Inc., Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Infosys Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., OpenLedger, Oracle Corp., PixelPlex Ltd, SAP SE, Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., and Wipro Ltd.

Market Driver

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing various industries by providing secure digital IDs and streamlined payment environments. Market related cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are leading the charge, addressing weak identification laws at the national level. Large enterprises in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, IT and telecommunication, travel and hospitality, and banking are adopting blockchain for payment and transaction processing, smart contracts, and document management. Middleware providers like IBM Blockchain Platform, Polygon, and Hyperledger offer solutions for multi-party systems and multi-cloud offerings. IOT connectivity and real-time analytics are also key applications. Regulatory acceptance and standardization are crucial for mass adoption. Technical skillset is in high demand for blockchain technology solutions. Venture capitalists are pouring capital into this space, fueling innovation in DeFi, Crypto Asset Markets, and ICOs. Regulators and policymakers are collaborating at both national and international levels to ensure efficiency, security, and interoperability. Patents and research activities are driving innovation in this exciting field. Public service delivery, manufacturing, transportation, and eCommerce are also exploring blockchain’s potential. Security is a top priority for all stakeholders.

Blockchain technology has gained significant traction in the payments sector as numerous businesses and organizations have adopted it for their payment operations. This technology enables quick, secure, and affordable transactions, making it an attractive option for various industries. Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency utilizing blockchain technology, has garnered a substantial following due to its fast transaction processing times and low fees. Another popular blockchain-based payment method is stablecoins, which have seen increasing usage in recent years. These digital currencies offer stability in value and can facilitate seamless transactions between parties. Overall, the adoption of blockchain technology in payments is a noteworthy trend that continues to shape the financial landscape.

Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution!

Market Challenges

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing various industries by providing secure and transparent digital solutions. However, challenges persist in areas like digital identity and market-related cryptocurrencies due to weak identification laws at the national level. To address this, secure digital IDs are being developed using blockchain. In payment environments, high transaction fees and the need for service providers and middleware providers add complexity. Ethereum, Openchain, and Hyperledger are popular blockchain platforms, with large enterprises exploring payment and transaction use cases through smart contracts. Industries like healthcare, life sciences, IT and telecommunication, travel and hospitality, and banking are adopting blockchain for document management, exchanges, and real-time analytics. Technical skillset is essential for implementing these solutions, with venture capitalists and capital inflows driving innovation in DeFi, crypto asset markets, and ICOs. Regulatory acceptance and standardization are crucial for widespread adoption, with government bodies and policymakers collaborating at both national and international levels. IoT technology and real-time analytics are also being integrated into blockchain solutions for industries like logistics and supply chain management. Patents, security, and efficiency are key considerations, with eCommerce, manufacturing, and transportation also exploring blockchain’s potential.Blockchain technology offers a secure and transparent platform for various transactions, providing a decentralized system where networks of nodes validate and verify each transaction. This adds an extra layer of security compared to traditional systems. However, potential risks such as unauthorized access to networks and digital asset theft remain. Effective security measures are essential to safeguard user data and assets, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of blockchain technology in business applications. Despite these challenges, the technology’s decentralized nature makes it difficult for one party to control the system, offering significant potential for secure and efficient business transactions.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview 

This blockchain technology market report extensively covers market segmentation by

End-user 1.1 BFSI1.2 Government1.3 Healthcare1.4 OthersType 2.1 Private2.2 Public2.3 HybridGeography 3.1 North America3.2 Europe3.3 APAC3.4 South America3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 BFSI-  In the BFSI sector, blockchain technology (BT) is utilized to reduce fraud, execute smart contracts, process payments, and conduct know-your-customer (KYC) due diligence. Financial institutions are implementing BT for post-trade settlement, payments, reference data, and trade finance. Although challenges, such as a lack of trust in BT by officials and the need for regulatory compliance, exist, the efficiency gains from operational and labor cost savings can significantly impact the industry. BT can streamline KYC processes by enabling independent verification of clients, reducing the need for repetition among financial institutions and lowering administrative costs. Fraud and theft are significant issues for financial institutions, with billions of dollars lost annually due to centralized databases being vulnerable to hacking. BT’s distributed ledger technology offers enhanced security by providing a tamper-proof, decentralized database. Compliance with current and future privacy laws is crucial for BT in the BFSI sector. Although regulations are currently limited, new ones are expected to be introduced to ensure data security. Additionally, BT must be scalable to handle large data sets, contributing to the growth of this segment in the global blockchain technology market.

Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics

Research Analysis

Blockchain Technology is revolutionizing various industries by providing a decentralized, secure, and transparent solution for digital transactions. The market for blockchain technology is expanding rapidly, driven by the need for secure digital IDs and the growth of market-related cryptocurrencies. However, weak identification laws at the national level pose a challenge to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology. In payment environments, blockchain technology offers lower transaction fees and increased security compared to traditional methods. Service providers and middleware providers are playing a crucial role in the implementation of blockchain technology in industries such as logistics, supply chain management, banking, and more. Ethereum, Openchain, and Hyperledger are some of the popular blockchain platforms used for building decentralized applications. The technical skillset required to work with blockchain technology is in high demand, leading to an influx of venture capitalists and capital inflows into the industry. Web3, DeFi, and crypto asset markets are some of the emerging areas where blockchain technology is making a significant impact. The future of blockchain technology looks promising, with endless possibilities for innovation and disruption.

Market Research Overview

Blockchain Technology is revolutionizing various industries by providing secure and decentralized digital solutions. The market related to cryptocurrencies is a significant part of this technology, but its applications extend beyond just digital currencies. Weak identification laws at the national level are driving the demand for secure digital IDs in payment environments. Ethereum, Openchain, Hyperledger, and other blockchain platforms are enabling large enterprises to build payment and transaction systems using smart contracts. Middleware providers are facilitating the integration of these solutions into existing systems. Sectors like healthcare, life sciences, IT and telecommunication, travel and hospitality, and logistics and supply chain management are exploring the potential of blockchain technology. Technical skills in blockchain technology solutions are in high demand, attracting venture capitalists and capital inflows. Web3, DeFi, and crypto asset markets are emerging areas of interest. Regulatory acceptance and standardization are crucial for the growth of this technology at international levels. IoT technology and real-time analytics are also being integrated into blockchain systems. Government bodies are investing in research activities and public service delivery for increased efficiency. Patents and security are key concerns for the industry. ECommerce, manufacturing, transportation, and banking are also adopting blockchain technology for various use cases.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

End-userBFSIGovernmentHealthcareOthersTypePrivatePublicHybridGeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAPACSouth AmericaMiddle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio’s comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 844 364 1100
UK: +44 203 893 3200
Email: media@technavio.com
Website: www.technavio.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blockchain-technology-market-to-grow-by-usd-11-05-billion-2023-2027-driven-by-rising-venture-capital-investments-report-on-ais-impact-on-market-trends—technavio-302306273.html

SOURCE Technavio

Continue Reading

Technology

SDI Presence Celebrates Seventh Consecutive Year on the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces List

Published

on

By

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SDI Presence LLC (SDI), a leading IT services firm specializing in managing critical infrastructure and systems, announces its inclusion on the Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition highlights SDI’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, diverse, and inclusive work culture that prioritizes growth, innovation, and employee satisfaction.

“We are thrilled to be recognized, once again, as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune,” said SDI CO Hardik Bhatt.

The Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces list, compiled through employee feedback, acknowledges companies that prioritize workplace well-being, employee engagement, and a supportive environment. SDI’s consistent recognition reflects its dedication to creating an empowering work environment, where team members are encouraged to develop their skills, collaborate, and achieve their best.

“We are thrilled to be recognized, once again, as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune,” said SDI CO Hardik Bhatt. “This award is a testament to our team’s commitment, hard work, and passion. It also underscores our focus on building a workplace that inspires and supports every individual—enabling us to deliver excellence to our clients.”

The firm’s emphasis on professional development and diversity initiatives, along with values such as innovation, precision, ambition, accountability, inclusion, and connection has cultivated a team-driven culture that supports growth and inspires top-tier client service. From flexible work arrangements to continuous learning opportunities, SDI strives to meet and exceed its employees’ needs while fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.

In 2024, SDI doubled down on its diversity and inclusion efforts with the launch of Xchange. In partnership with P33 and the Comer Education Foundation, Xchange is an extension of the firm’s values—built to empower diverse talent while building commercial growth and community impact. By leveraging commercial demand for IT services, Xchange is a groundbreaking model that promotes a more inclusive economy in Chicago’s South and West sides building the IT workforce of the future.

This recognition reinforces the firm’s vision to be a workplace where talented professionals can thrive, but to also attract, develop, and retain the best in the industry.

About SDI (SDI Presence LLC):
SDI Presence LLC is an IT services firm that leverages its strong team presence to advance our clients to a secure digital enterprise. With a 25+ years corporate resume, SDI delivers multi/hybrid cloud infrastructure managed services, IT consulting and advisory services, work and asset management solutions, and application managed services and modernization services to our clients. SDI is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with Corporate Plus designation from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and a portfolio of clients that includes some of the nation’s largest airports, utilities, commercial real estate portfolios, and government agencies. Connect with us on LINKEDIN and X.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Christina Belmont
VP of Marketing
SDI Presence LLC
cbelmont@sdipresence.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sdi-presence-celebrates-seventh-consecutive-year-on-the-chicago-tribunes-top-workplaces-list-302307399.html

SOURCE SDI Presence LLC (SDI)

Continue Reading

Trending