Former NBA player Paul Pierce to pay $1.4 million in crypto case

Former NBA player Paul Pierce to pay $1.4 million in crypto case
The SEC alleges the longtime Boston Celtic touted a crypto token without disclosing that he was paid to do so.
FEB 17, 2023
By  Bloomberg

National Basketball Association legend Paul Pierce has agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that he touted a crypto token without disclosing that he was paid for the promotions. 

Pierce failed to disclose that he was paid more than $244,000 to promote the EMAX token, offered by EthereumMax, on Twitter, the SEC said Friday.

The hall of famer, who was nicknamed “The Truth” during his career, also made false and misleading statements about the token, according to the SEC.

In October, Kim Kardashian agreed to pay $1.3 million to settle allegations about her promotion of the EMAX token. 

“This case is yet another reminder to celebrities: The law requires you to disclose to the public from whom and how much you are getting paid to promote investment in securities, and you can’t lie to investors when you tout a security,” SEC Chair Gary Gensler said in a statement.

Pierce didn’t admit or deny the agency’s findings, according to the agency. The longtime Boston Celtic and frequent NBA All-Star also agreed not to promote any crypto asset securities for three years as part of the settlement. 

Schwab making big-league moves as it integrates TD

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.