SEC filed lawsuit against NFT for the first time, so Impact Theory fined $6.1 million
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a decisive step by launching its inaugural enforcement action related to NFTs. The target of this action is Impact Theory, a Los Angeles-based company that, according to the SEC, sold NFTs as unregistered securities – a breach of federal law. This legal confrontation concluded with a settlement obliging Impact Theory to establish a fund for investor reimbursement. Additionally, the company is required to pay penalties amounting to over $6.1 million.
Impact Theory managed to secure around $30 million through the sale of three tiers of NFTs. While the SEC’s move against Impact Theory doesn’t universally classify all NFTs as securities, it does set a significant legal precedent that could significantly impact how NFTs are regulated in the future.
Will be live in Discord later to answer questions. @impact_theory is pleased to announce that we have reached a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in which we resolved the SEC’s investigation. We are happy to have concluded the SEC’s investigation, so…
— Tom Bilyeu (@TomBilyeu) August 28, 2023
Differing opinions within the SEC
The SEC’s enforcement action has been accompanied by internal disagreement. Two Republican SEC commissioners, Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda, stood against the action. Their contention stems from the application of the Howey Test – a legal framework used to determine if a financial transaction qualifies as an “investment contract” and subsequently as a security – in the context of Impact Theory’s NFT sales.
The Howey Test consists of four criteria:
- Investment of money,
- Common enterprise,
- Expectation of profit,
- Profit primarily from others’ efforts.
Commissioners Peirce and Uyeda assert that Impact Theory’s NFTs didn’t fulfill these criteria and should not be categorized as securities.
SEC current attitude regarding NFT Market
This landmark action against Impact Theory takes place amidst ongoing investigations into other prominent players in the NFT sector, including Dapper Labs and Yuga Labs. While no formal charges have been brought against these entities, the SEC’s action against Impact Theory might indicate an escalation of federal regulatory scrutiny within the rapidly evolving NFT market.
Given the emerging nature of the NFT industry, industry participants eagerly anticipate more precise guidelines from regulatory bodies. The Impact Theory case serves as an initial framework for comprehending how existing securities regulations could be applicable to NFTs. Nevertheless, it also paves the way for discussions, legal debates, and potential challenges that could mold the regulatory landscape of the NFT industry for years to come.
What is the possible development of events?
In conclusion, the SEC’s action against Impact Theory carries significant implications – it marks a stride toward defining the legal boundaries that will govern the NFT market. Amidst differences within the SEC and ongoing inquiries into other prominent entities, it’s clear that the regulatory conversation around NFTs is far from settled.
This recent development serves as a cautionary reminder to all participants in the NFT arena. As the industry matures, the importance of transparent and compliant practices will only intensify.
