Financial regulators in 25 U.S. states announced a settlement with cryptocurrency platform Abra and its CEO, Bill Barhydt, for operating without required state licenses. Abra will refund up to $82.1 million to customers in these states and has agreed to cease accepting crypto from U.S. retail customers.
Barhydt is barred from participating in any licensed money transmitter business for five years. Despite the settlement, Abra continues to operate in the U.S. through its SEC-registered Abra Capital Management. Regulators emphasized their commitment to consumer protection and enforcing licensing laws.