Podcast: Harley Thomas
Harley Thomas spoke to the GRIP podcast about the fallout from the SEC vs Ripple Labs lawsuit, as well as other crypto matters.
Podcast
In the first episode of 2025, the GRIP podcast spoke to Harley Thomas, our forensic accountant and senior investigator.
Speaking with commissioning editor Jean Hurley, Harley discussed the US crypto lawsuit around Ripple vs the SEC, as well as digital asset regulation in the UK, digital currency use in illicit finance, and asset tracing.
Discussion
● The US Ripple lawsuit and why the outcome of this case will affect the future of cryptocurrency regulation in US. Also see A landmark lawsuit is sending ‘ripples’ through the world of cryptocurrency and The Ripple effect: SEC files Notice of Appeal in case against Ripple
● Other cases involving digital assets in US Courts including SEC v Terraform Labs and SEC v LBRY, which concern interpretations of the Howey Test while contributing to a broader regulatory framework that may apply to other crypto tokens in the future. Also see Terraform and CEO charged with defrauding investors in multi-billion crypto schemes.
● The UK’s Digital Assets Bill and how it will shape the ownership of crypto tokens in the UK.
● Harley’s work in asset recovery and the differences between tracing digital and assets held in traditional bank account including:
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- pseudonymity and privacy in cyptocurrencies
- blockchain transparency and complexity
- lack of central authority
- cross-border transactions
- use of mixers and tumblers
- custodial vs. non-custodial wallets
● The role of banks in tracing digital assets.
● Crypto currency and illicit finance.
● Use of AI and machine learning as an aid to asset tracing.
You can also find all episodes of The GRIP Podcast on Spotify
A transcript of this podcast is available here
