Reason for this visit

The United States is one of the largest cryptocurrency markets globally, with major digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum gaining wide popularity, attracting a large number of investors and innovators. The US has a broad base of retail and institutional investors, including individual investors, hedge funds, family offices, and more. In terms of regulation, the SEC has been closely monitoring digital assets, with its regulatory stance on digital assets fluctuating at different times but overall emphasizing the protection of investor interests. The CFTC is primarily responsible for regulating the futures and derivatives markets of digital assets and has approved products such as Bitcoin futures. Financial regulatory agencies in various states in the US are also taking measures, with some encouraging digital asset innovation and others adopting a cautious regulatory attitude. In the future, as institutional investor interest in digital assets grows, it is expected that an increasing number of institutional products and services will enter the market, thereby driving market growth. To help investors gain a more comprehensive understanding of cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States, WikiBit survey team decides to go to the country for on-site visits to local companies.

On-site visit

In this issue, the survey team went to the US to visit cryptocurrency exchange FTX US as planned according to its regulatory address that 2000 Center Street - 4th Floor, Berkeley, California, 94704.

The investigators came to 2000 Center Street in Berkeley of California in the US for a visit to the exchanges office on October 16, 2023, and located a four-story commercial building at the corner of Centre Street and Milvia Street. The name of “2000 Center Street” could be clearly seen from the façade of the building in the distance.

Upon arrival at the building for further investigation, the survey personnel discovered that the directory at the entrance didn‘t display the company name or other information of FTX US. There wasn’t any company information on the 4th floor, except for that on the 1st-3rd floors.

After accessing the building, the survey team searched the floor directory with detailed company information in the lobby, but didnt spot any company on the 4th floor. And then the team came to the floor, where there was no sign of any company nor the logo of FTX US.

Through an on-site investigation, it is confirmed that the company doesnt have a presence at the location.

Conclusion

The survey team went to the US to visit cryptocurrency exchange FTX US, but didnt find the company at its regulatory address. This suggests that the company might just register at the place without a physical business office. Therefore, investors should be meticulous in choosing the exchange.

Disclaimer

The content is for informational purpose only, and shall not be taken as a final order for making a choice.