Background of the Case
California Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed that Robinhood’s practices were in clear violation of the state’s commodity laws. Despite allowing customers to purchase cryptocurrency, the firm prevented them from withdrawing their assets. Users were effectively forced to sell their crypto back to Robinhood to access their funds.
Additionally, Robinhood misled its customers by falsely claiming it had full custody of their crypto assets, while in reality, some of these assets were held by other platforms. The company also failed to fulfill its promise of linking its platform to multiple trading venues to offer competitive prices.
Settlement Details
On August 31, Robinhood reached a settlement with the California Department of Justice, which neither admitted nor denied the charges but agreed to pay the $3.9 million settlement. This settlement underscores California’s commitment to enforcing consumer and investor protection laws, even in the burgeoning crypto space.
Key Statements:
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta: “Our investigation and settlement with Robinhood should send a strong message: Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store or a cryptocurrency company, you must adhere to California’s consumer and investor protection laws.”
- Robinhood General Counsel Lucas Moskowitz: “The settlement fully resolves the Attorney General’s concerns related to historical practices, and we look forward to continuing to make crypto more accessible and affordable to everyone.”
Read: Crypto Market Surges into the New Year: Bitcoin Hits $45,000 Amid ETF Expectations
Market Impact
The settlement had a minor impact on Robinhood’s stock price. On September 4, shares of Robinhood (HOOD) closed down by 1.34% at $19.11 but showed a slight recovery to $19.14 in after-hours trading, according to Google Finance. Despite this, Robinhood’s stock has seen a 54.5% increase this year, buoyed by the return of Roaring Kitty, a prominent meme stock trader.
About Robinhood
Robinhood is a popular investment platform known for its user-friendly app that allows trading in stocks and, more recently, cryptocurrencies. The firm has ventured into the crypto market to cater to the growing number of crypto enthusiasts, supporting trading in various digital assets, including meme coins and altcoins.
As Robinhood navigates the complexities of regulatory scrutiny and market dynamics, the resolution of this case may set a precedent for how cryptocurrency firms operate and are regulated in the future.