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This Week in Crypto Law
The opinion editorial below was written by Alex Forehand and Michael Handelsman for Kelman.Law.
The final week of April highlighted a pivotal shift in crypto law: the migration of core crypto products and infrastructure into regulated frameworks—paired with expanding enforcement into previously overlooked corners of the market. From anticipated U.S. derivatives rule changes to European banking expansion and novel litigation over token control, the legal perimeter around digital assets continues to tighten and mature.
U.S. Poised to Bring Perpetual Futures Onshore
Crypto exchanges are preparing to launch perpetual futures in the United States ahead of a potential rule change by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Perpetual futures—long a staple of offshore crypto trading—have historically operated in regulatory gray areas due to their high leverage and continuous structure. A formal U.S. framework could bring these products under direct regulatory supervision. If approved, this would mark a major turning point, shifting one of crypto’s most significant trading products into a compliant U.S. environment and reducing reliance on offshore platforms.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/crypto-exchanges-gear-up-launch-us-perpetual-futures-ahead-rule-change-2026-04-22/
Société Générale Expands Crypto Services Under MiCA
Société Générale is expanding its digital asset services through its SG-Forge unit, offering stablecoin and custody solutions under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. The move reflects growing confidence among regulated banks in navigating crypto compliance frameworks. The dynamic has shifted: rather than crypto firms seeking legitimacy, traditional financial institutions are now actively building regulated crypto infrastructure.
Learn more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/societe-generale-takes-more-crypto-firms-clients-sg-forge-ceo-says-2026-04-22/
UK Expands Enforcement to Peer-to-Peer Crypto Markets
Authorities in the United Kingdom conducted coordinated raids targeting illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading operations tied to money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The crackdown focused on unregistered over-the-counter (OTC) activity operating outside formal exchange environments. Regulators are moving beyond large exchanges and targeting the decentralized and harder-to-monitor segments of the crypto ecosystem, signaling a broader enforcement scope.
Full report: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-targets-illegal-crypto-trading-london-crackdown-2026-04-22/
Nigel Farage Investigation Highlights Crypto in Election Law
Nigel Farage is under investigation over allegations that he failed to disclose a £1 million-plus donation from a crypto investor. The case raises questions about how digital assets should be treated under political finance and disclosure rules. Crypto is increasingly intersecting with election law and transparency regimes, expanding its legal relevance beyond financial regulation into democratic governance.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-farage-accused-breaking-parliamentary-rules-over-undeclared-crypto-donation-2026-04-29/
Justin Sun Lawsuit Targets Token Control Rights
Justin Sun has filed suit against World Liberty Financial, alleging improper freezing of tokens and threats to destroy his holdings. The dispute centers on the extent of issuer control over digital assets after they have been distributed to users.This case strikes at a foundational legal question in crypto: whether token issuers retain control over assets that are marketed as decentralized, and what rights investors actually hold.
Learn more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/justin-sun-sues-trump-backed-world-liberty-financial-over-wlfi-token-rights-2026-04-22/
Staying informed and compliant in this evolving landscape is more critical than ever. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or business involved in cryptocurrency, our team is here to help. We provide the legal counsel needed to navigate these exciting developments. If you believe we can assist, schedule a consultation here.
This Week in Crypto Archive:
This Week in Crypto Law (Apr. 19, 2026)
This Week in Crypto Law (Apr. 12, 2026)
This Week in Crypto Law (Apr. 5, 2026)
