Sabal Law Week in Review: September 12–18, 2025

Written By Tyler Kirk

Catch up on this week’s key legal and regulatory updates impacting startups, funds, and emerging tech. Sabal Law breaks it down:

  • CFTC Updates Global Markets Advisory Committee: Acting Chairman Pham appoints Scott Lucas (J.P. Morgan) as co-chair of the Digital Asset Markets Subcommittee, emphasizing regulatory clarity for tokenized assets. 

  • Fed Hosts Community Bank Conference: Agenda focuses on payments innovation, capital standards, and consumer demands for October 9 event. 

  • $42B US-UK Tech Pact Signed: Trump-Starmer deal includes Microsoft ($30B in AI/cloud), Alphabet (£5B in data centers), and Nvidia (120K GPUs). 

  • SEC Streamlines Crypto ETP Listings: New generic standards for Nasdaq, CBOE, NYSE Arca speed up spot commodity ETPs, including digital assets. Why it matters: Shortens market entry to 3-4 months, fostering innovation in crypto funds. Go deeper: Approves Grayscale's multi-asset ETP; eases manipulation concerns post-bitcoin approvals.

  • Treasury Seeks GENIUS Act Comments: ANPRM invites input on stablecoin regs for innovation, consumer protection, and illicit finance risks. Why it matters: Shapes federal framework for digital assets and fintech compliance. 

  • CME Launches Solana/XRP Options: Options on SOL and XRP futures start October 13, with daily/quarterly expiries. Why it matters: Expands hedging for institutions in crypto; record volumes signal growth. 

  • Fed Cuts Rates by 25bps: Lowers federal funds to 4-4.25%; signals more cuts amid job slowdown. Why it matters: Boosts PE/VC dealmaking with cheaper debt for startups and funds. Go deeper: Experts predict return to leveraged buyouts; Q4 M&A revival.

  • Bullish Secures NY BitLicense: Crypto exchange gets license for spot trading/custody in NY. 

  • SEC Clarifies Arbitration in Registrations: Mandatory arbitration won't block registration effectiveness. 

  • FTC Workshop on Noncompetes: October 8 event targets anticompetitive labor practices. Why it matters: Aids startups in talent mobility amid enforcement push. Go deeper: Follows recent actions against healthcare noncompetes.

  • CFTC/SEC Extend Form PF Deadline: To October 1, 2026, for private fund advisers. 

  • FTC/DOJ HSR Report: 2,031 mergers notified; 32 enforcement actions in tech/healthcare. Why it matters: Guides PE/VC on antitrust scrutiny. Go deeper: Focus on large deals over $1B.

  • FINTRAC-FinCEN Symposium: US-Canada tackle fentanyl, human trafficking, Chinese money laundering.

  • PE Surge in Sports: CVC launches $14B Global Sport Group days after Apollo's $5B vehicle, driving $19B in new dedicated funds; PE invested $12B YTD across 95 deals, topping prior years.

  • Coinbase Pushes DOJ on Preemption: Urges views letter for crypto bills to limit state regs. Why it matters: Seeks uniform rules for digital assets amid state actions. 

  • SEC Webinar on Reg S-P: September 25 for large firms on privacy amendments. Why it matters: Aids fintech compliance with data safeguards. 

  • Trail Blazers Sold to Dundon Group: NBA team to Hurricanes owner; terms undisclosed. Why it matters: PE-style sports deals are still soaking up a lot of alternative capital.

  • Trump Floats Semi-Annual Reports: Suggests reducing quarterly filings for public firms. Why it matters: Could ease burdens on startups/funds going public. 

  • Gemini IPO Debuts Strong: Raises $425M at $32/share; 14% first-day gain. Why it matters: Validates crypto exits for VC investors. 

  • Family Offices Boost Private Credit: 26% plan increases; average allocation up to 4%. Why it matters: Yield opportunities for emerging managers/funds. 

  • Coinbase Seeks SEC Sanctions: Over deleted Gensler texts in FOIA suit. Why it matters: Highlights transparency in crypto policy. Go deeper: IG report calls loss inadvertent.

  • SEC Employee Violated Ethics: Traded prohibited crypto stock for $200K gain. Why it matters: Underscores need of regulators to play by their own rules.

ICYMI:

  • DealMaker Launches Sports Division: Platform for fan ownership in teams/leagues; raises for clubs like Oakland Ballers. Why it matters: Merges sportstech with crowdfunding for startups.

Stay ahead with Sabal Law PLLC’s tailored solutions in securities, private funds, co-investments, venture financing, private equity, FinTech, SportsTech, DefenseTech, and blockchain. Schedule a Consultation or visit www.saballaw.com to connect! #SabalLaw #StartupLaw #PrivateFunds #EmergingManagers #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #CoInvestments #FamilyOffices #Crypto #DigitalAssets 

Tyler Kirk
Next

Data Centers Powering AI: A Surge in Demand with Regulatory Implications… But Where’s the Blockchain?