On January 18th, Perkins Coie LLP held a forum entitled Understanding Cryptocurrencies in Asset Management in its New York office.  This forum covered how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are affecting the asset management industry with specifics on:

  • Investing in Bitcoin futures and other crypto-derivatives
  • Emerging crypto indices
  • Overview of product development including Bitcoin

On February 23, 2017 the Staff of the SEC’s Division of Investment Management released “suggestions” on how robo-advisers meet their obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”).   The Staff noted that their guidance was intended for robo-advisers that “provide services directly to clients over the internet” but noted that the guidance could