The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a lawsuit against Chicago-based crypto market maker Cumberland DRW, accusing the firm of operating as an unregistered dealer of securities.
The case is the latest in a series of actions targeting prominent crypto companies such as Kraken, Binance, and Ripple Labs, signaling the SEC’s continued focus on regulating the digital asset space. However, Cumberland, though a major player in the cryptocurrency industry, is less well-known to the public.
Cumberland DRW, a subsidiary of DRW Trading Group, is one of the largest liquidity providers and market makers in the digital asset sector. Founded in 2014, the firm facilitates cryptocurrency trades, including Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and Polygon, on major exchanges. As a market maker, Cumberland helps stabilize token prices and supports the efficient execution of large trades by institutional investors.
Source: SEC
On Thursday, the SEC charged Cumberland with handling more than $2 billion worth of cryptocurrencies as an unregistered dealer. The complaint alleges that the firm traded crypto assets offered as investment contracts on third-party exchanges, including tokens previously identified by the SEC as securities, such as Solana and Polygon.
Cumberland Denies Wrongdoing
In response, Cumberland has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that it has been engaged in good-faith discussions with the SEC since 2019. The firm argued that it initially registered as a dealer-broker for Bitcoin and Ether but had no guidance from the SEC regarding the other tokens involved until now.
Cumberland remains defiant, stating that it will not alter its business operations and is prepared to defend itself in court.
Source: Cumberland
This case could have broader implications for the crypto industry, potentially affecting other firms and traders operating without SEC registration. Cumberland is not the first to challenge the SEC’s regulatory stance; Crypto.com recently sued the agency over similar issues.
As the SEC continues to broaden its scrutiny, companies in the crypto space are closely watching these legal battles, which could reshape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the U.S.
