Cease and Desist Order

Definition ∞ A Cease and Desist Order is a legal directive issued by a regulatory authority demanding that an individual or entity halt a specific activity. This order typically precedes formal legal action and serves as a warning against continued non-compliance. It is employed to stop activities deemed illegal or harmful to consumers or market integrity. Recipients must comply immediately or face further penalties.
Context ∞ Cease and Desist Orders are routinely reported in crypto news when regulators target unregistered securities offerings, fraudulent schemes, or unlicensed digital asset operations. These orders often highlight areas where regulatory clarity is lacking or where entities are perceived to be operating outside established legal frameworks. The response to such orders significantly shapes the operational landscape for crypto firms.