Uphold HQ Inc Cease and Desist Order

December 18, 2019

STATE OF MAINE
BUREAU OF CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION
Docket # 2019-109
CONSENTED TO CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

IN RE:

UPHOLD HQ INC.
900 LARKSPUR LANDING CIRCLE, SUITE 209 LARKSPUR, CA 94939

NOW COME the Parties and state as follows:

  1. The State of Maine, Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection ("the Bureau") administers the state's Money Transmitters Act, 32 M.R.S. Chapter 80-Subchapter 1, including its requirements for licensing.
  2. Maine law requires that entities engaged in money transmission be licensed by the Bureau prior to providing such services; that the money transmitter demonstrate in the application for a license that it is financially sound and responsible and; that an investigation of the character and fitness of the provider must indicate the business will be operated honestly and fairly. The statute also requires the posting of a surety bond to protect consumers.
  3. In June of 2019, Uphold HQ Inc., (hereinafter Uphold), voluntarily submitted to the Bureau an application seeking licensure as a money transmitter in Maine. Information submitted in support of the application voluntarily disclosed that Uphold was already conducting money transmission activity in Maine.
  4. Uphold disclosed that it had completed 483 money transmissions from Maine from May 30, 2018 to May 30, 2019 totaling $163,030.21.
  5. At no time during that period was Uphold licensed as a money transmitter in Maine.
  6. The application for money transmitter license indicates licensing is otherwise appropriate and Maine is willing to issue a money transmitter license to Uphold if the issue of Upholds prior money transmission activity in the State of Maine can be resolved.
  7. The parties are entering into this Consent Order in order to economically and efficiently resolve the pending dispute regarding Upholds prior money transmission activity in the State of Maine.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to the following resolution:

  1. Except as necessary to fulfill transactions on behalf of its current customers, and only until a money transmission license is issued to Uphold, Uphold agrees that it will not in the future engage in providing money transmission services to Maine individuals or entities unless and until Uphold is properly licensed with the Bureau.
  2. Uphold shall pay an administrative fine of $1,000 to the Bureau to resolve this matter. The payment for the fine shall be made out to the Treasurer, State of Maine and mailed to 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
  3. Uphold has paid an application/license fee of $500.00 to the Bureau. Uphold shall pay an additional $1,250.00 in licensing fees, equal to 4 years of renewal fees which would have been paid had Uphold licensed in 2015 and renewed its license each year thereafter and the renewal fee for 2020. Those fees will provide a license to Uphold through December 31, 2020.
  4. Uphold shall pay to the Bureau investigative costs in the amount of $500.00 for negotiation of this agreement. The payment for the costs shall be made out to the Treasurer, State of Maine and mailed to 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
  5. Uphold and the Bureau agree that this Consent Order settles all matters contained herein, and the Bureau agrees that it will not bring any further action against Uphold with respect to any alleged prior unlicensed money transmitter activity. However, this Order shall not bar further action by the Bureau with respect to complaints received by the Bureau to the extent the complaint alleges actual damage to a user of the service, but the relief sought by the Bureau in such action shall be limited to redress of the complainants damages and actual costs of the Bureau in resolving any dispute. This agreement shall not limit in any way action the Bureau may take against Uphold for any violations of the terms of this Assurance or state law in the future.
  6. Uphold hereby knowingly, willingly, voluntarily and irrevocably consents to the entry of this Order and agrees that it understands all of the terms and conditions contained herein. Uphold, by voluntarily entering into this Order, waives any right to a hearing or appeal concerning the terms, conditions and/or penalties set forth in this Order.
  7. The Bureau will publish this Order on its website.
  8. This Order contains the entire agreement between the Bureau and Uphold. There are no other terms, obligations, covenants, representations, statements, conditions, or otherwise, of any kind whatsoever concerning this Order. This Order may only be amended in a writing signed by the Bureau and Uphold.
  9. This Order is entered into by the parties with full opportunity for legal advice from counsel.
  10. Uphold acknowledges and agrees that this Order is only binding upon the Bureau and not any other local, state or federal agency, department or office regarding matters within this Order.

Date: December 18, 2019 /s/William N. Lund
William N. Lund
Superintendent
Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection

Attachments

2019-109 Uphold HQ Inc Cease and Desist Order (DOC)

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