In a prelude to future hearings slated to address concerns about crypto trading and issuance, both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have issued a joint statement.

On Jan. 19, the two regulations made the following proclamation:

“When market participants engage in fraud under the guise of offering digital instruments – whether characterized as virtual currencies, coins, tokens, or the like – the SEC and the CFTC will look beyond form, examine the substance of the activity and prosecute violations of the federal securities and commodities laws. The Divisions of Enforcement for the SEC and CFTC will continue to address violations and bring actions to stop and prevent fraud in the offer and sale of digital instruments.”