The SEC Targets NFTs and Utility Tokens: A Wells Notice to CyberKongz

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a significant step in its regulatory scrutiny of blockchain gaming projects by issuing a Wells notice to CyberKongz

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a significant step in its regulatory scrutiny of blockchain gaming projects by issuing a Wells notice to CyberKongz, a prominent NFT gaming platform. This development underscores growing tensions between blockchain innovators and federal regulators over the intersection of NFTs, utility tokens, and securities laws.

A Wells notice is a formal notification indicating the SEC’s intention to consider enforcement actions based on its findings. Recipients typically have 30 days to respond to the notice, after which the SEC may decide to pursue formal charges. CyberKongz warned that this action could have far-reaching implications for the blockchain gaming industry, particularly for projects that integrate NFTs with utility tokens.

CyberKongz, which launched in 2021, is known for its collection of 1,000 34×34 pixelated NFT gorillas and its introduction of unique tokenomics for its utility token $BANANA, which is used for breeding and other game mechanics. Despite the project’s popularity and clear utility, the SEC appears to be taking issue with the offering of $BANANA in conjunction with the NFTs.

According to CyberKongz’s website, “$BANANA is the utility token that fuels the CyberKongz ecosystem. It is not an investment and has no economic value.” However, as we have discussed in the past, the SEC does not place much emphasis on disclaimers such as this. Instead, it focuses on the totality of the facts and circumstances and the economic realities of any tokens.

In its response, CyberKongz signaled its intention to challenge the SEC’s position. The project also criticized the SEC for what it described as a “complete lack of understanding of blockchain technologies,” citing “unjust accusations and information inaccuracies” that have plagued the agency’s engagement with the blockchain space. CyberKongz further stressed the importance of defending against the SEC’s stance for the benefit of the wider blockchain gaming ecosystem.

The CyberKongz Wells notice highlights the challenges faced by blockchain projects as they navigate the SEC’s evolving approach to enforcement. If the SEC’s position is upheld, it could set a precedent requiring NFT gaming platforms that incorporate utility tokens to register those tokens as securities.

This development comes amid broader scrutiny of blockchain gaming by federal regulators. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently published a report on Banking in Video Games and Virtual Worlds, warning of increased scrutiny and enforcement of financial services in games that mimic traditional banking and payment systems.

As the battle between CyberKongz and the SEC unfolds, the case is likely to draw significant attention from the blockchain community, regulators, and legal experts alike. For now, CyberKongz prepares to defend its project and principles in what could be a pivotal case for the blockchain gaming sector.

Blockchain gaming companies that have concerns about whether NFTs they have issued or plan to issue implicate securities laws should seek advice from a knowledgeable attorney, based on the specific facts of their offering. In some cases, certain actions can be taken to minimize the risk of an enforcement.