The Federal Deposit Insurance coverage Company (FDIC) has initiated an investigation into OKCoin USA Inc. (OKCoin) and its senior executives for alleged false and deceptive statements concerning the corporate’s insured standing. In keeping with the FDIC’s authorized division, OKCoin could have violated Part 18(a)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance coverage Act (FDI Act) and its implementing regulation, 12 C.F.R. Half 328, Subpart B.
The FDI Act and Half 328 prohibit people or entities from misrepresenting the insured standing of deposits or knowingly offering false details about the extent and method of deposit insurance coverage. The FDIC has the authority to implement these provisions, together with issuing cease-and-desist orders and imposing civil cash penalties.
The FDIC’s investigation focuses on statements made by OKCoin on its web site and social media platforms. The corporate’s claims that it’s “Licensed throughout the US with FDIC insurance coverage on OKCoin accounts” and that it offers “FDIC insurance coverage for all USD deposits” are beneath scrutiny. Moreover, OKCoin’s Chief Advertising Officer made a social media publish on Twitter stating, “In case you are within the US we provide FDIC insurance coverage on USD deposits.”
These statements allegedly suggest that OKCoin itself is FDIC-insured, that every one buyer funds, together with crypto property, are coated by FDIC insurance coverage, and that the FDIC endorses a particular blockchain. Nonetheless, the FDIC clarifies that OKCoin just isn’t FDIC-insured and that the FDIC doesn’t insure non-deposit merchandise or endorse specific blockchains.
The FDIC has demanded corrective motion from OKCoin, which incorporates the instant removing of all statements that recommend FDIC insurance coverage protection in any type apart from specified by the FDI Act. OKCoin can also be required to stop making any false or deceptive statements about its insured standing whereas offering clear details about the insured depository establishment (IDI) with which it has a relationship for deposit placement.
OKCoin has been given fifteen enterprise days to answer the FDIC’s calls for and supply written affirmation of compliance. Failure to reply or tackle the considerations raised could end in additional actions being taken by the FDIC in accordance with the FDI Act.
The FDIC’s investigation is proscribed to potential violations of Part 18(a)(4) and Half 328 of the FDI Act. The result of this matter could not have an effect on the FDIC’s evaluation of different violations, nor does it stop different federal or state companies from pursuing actions associated to potential violations of different legal guidelines and rules.
