Archive for 2019
The Industrial Hemp and CBD Industries, and the Potential Risks for Merchant Cash Advance Funders
June 22, 2019
Authored by Josh Herndon of Global Legal Law Firm
It seems that we are constantly being bombarded by news of the growing industrial hemp and cannabidiol (more commonly known as “CBD”) industries. Indeed, industrial hemp (and products derived therefrom, such as CBD) is now legal, and these industries have experienced substantial growth that is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. As such, the businesses in these industries seem to be ideal candidates for merchant cash advances (an “MCA”, or “MCAs”), as such businesses seem more than capable of repaying an MCA.
However, businesses in the industrial hemp and CBD industries are still subject to federal law, and their ability to sell their product can be impacted by enforcement of federal law by federal agencies. MCA funders partnered with such businesses may be harmed by if those businesses are unable to generate the sales needed to repay MCAs. Nevertheless, the possibility of an enforcement action by a federal agency doesn’t mean that all activities in which a business in the industrial hemp and CBD industries could engage would be a violation of federal law. Indeed, there are industrial hemp-related and CBD-related business- activities that likely would not violate federal law.
In sum, MCA funders considering MCAs to businesses in the industrial hemp and CBD industries need to be aware of all risks associated with such MCAs before making an informed decision about whether to make such MCAs.
Background Regarding The Industrial Hemp And CBD Industries.
A fast-growing, sustainable and inexpensively produced plant, industrial hemp is a variety of cannabis sativa L. that contains less than 0.3 percent plant chemical delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (more commonly known as “THC”). Unlike marijuana (which, like industrial hemp, is derived from cannabis), which is cultivated to yield psychoactive THC, industrial hemp yields more than 25,000 oil and fibrous products that are embraced by farmers as a hedge against lower-value soy, cotton and alfalfa crops.
Industrial hemp was legalized late last year pursuant to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (also commonly known as the “Farm Bill”). Related thereto, production of industrial hemp skyrocketed in 2018, with 112,000 acres licensed for cultivation, 3,546 cultivation licenses issued, 78,176 total acres cultivated, and 40 universities conducting research.
Numerous products are derived from industrial hemp including CBD, which is an oil-based product that has uses as a nutritional supplement and food additive In fact, seventy-eight percent of all industrial hemp grown in 2018 was for CBD. The market for CBD has exploded, and is expected to continue exploding. According to the Brightfield Group, industrial hemp-based CBD sales hit $170 million in 2016, and it is anticipated that a 55% compound annual growth rate over the five years thereafter will cause the market for industrial hemp-based CBD to crack the billion-dollar mark.
In addition to legalizing industrial hemp, the Farm Bill also guarantees that industrial hemp and industrial hemp-derived products can be imported, exported and transported from state to state like any other crops. The Farm Bill also allows industrial hemp businesses to access insurance and banking.
The FDA And Its Role With Respect To The Industrial Hemp And CBD Industries.
Although the Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp, industrial hemp and CBD businesses do not have carte blanche to take whatever actions they want with respect to their products. That is because the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through controlling and supervising food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, animal foods and feed and veterinary products.
The FDA has stressed that although industrial hemp is no longer an illegal substance under federal law, it will continue to regulate cannabis products under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FD&C Act”) and Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. That means that any cannabis product (such as CBD) that is marketed with a claim of therapeutic benefit, regardless of whether it is hemp-derived, must be approved by the FDA before it can be sold. In fact, the FDA has specifically cited deceptive marketing practices as one of its chief concerns, and it has clearly established that selling unapproved products with a therapeutic claim is unlawful.
The FDA has also confirmed that the addition of CBD to food products and dietary supplements is unlawful, even if the CBD is derived from industrial hemp. The FDA’s rationale is that CBD is an active ingredient in FDA-approved drugs, and its addition to the food supply and dietary supplements is illegal under the FD&C Act.
Recent FDA Actions Involving The Industrial Hemp And CBD Industries, And The Impact On Those Industries.
The FDA recently, and dramatically, showed how it will exercise its authority over industrial hemp and CBD products on March 28, 2019, when it (along with the Federal Trade Commission) issued warning letters to three businesses who sell CBD products alleging false, unfounded, unsubstantiated, and egregious health claims about (without sufficient evidence or FDA approval) their products’ ability to limit, treat or cure. The three businesses had advertised a range of CBD-containing supplements, and boasted the ability of those supplements to effectively treat diseases (including cancer, Alzheimer’s and fibromyalgia) and “neuropsychiatric disorders” in both humans and animals. The FDA threatened the three businesses with product seizures, injunctions and sales proceeds reimbursement.
The above actions by the FDA understandably sent shockwaves through the industrial hemp industry, and those actions underscore the risks faced by industrial hemp and CBD companies. For instance, virtually all CBD products that make health and wellness claims, or are deemed a food or drug, are potentially subject to scrutiny from the FDA because such products are mostly sold over the internet and enter the “stream of interstate commerce”. However, it is such health and wellness applications, and food and beverage infusion, that makes CBD and other oil-based hemp derived products attractive to the consumers who are the target market of CBD companies. As such, industrial hemp companies that sell CBD products almost inevitably invite FDA scrutiny as a result of their efforts to market their products to their customers, and potentially imperil their ability to sell their products to those customers.
A Cautionary Tale For MCA Funders.
Although the industrial hemp and CBD industries seem to be ideal markets for MCA as a result of their past and anticipated future growth, the recent actions of the FDA described above highlight the very real perils faced by businesses in those industries. At first glance, businesses in those industries seem to be ideal candidates for repaying MCAs because of what appears to be bountiful future sales. However, product seizures and/or injunctions ordered by the FDA obviously could prevent businesses in those industries from selling their product and generating receivables from such sales. An MCA funder partnered with such a business would obviously be harmed if the business couldn’t generate the receivables needed to repay an MCA.
Fortunately, there are circumstances under which businesses in the industrial hemp and CBD industries can likely operate without fear of an enforcement action by the FDA. For instance, the FDA allows cannabis and cannabis-derived products to be introduced into interstate commerce where it approves such products (such as with the FDA’s approval of Epidiolex, a seizure medication containing CBD, in 2018). Moreover, the FDA has identified three lawful hemp derivatives (including hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein, and hemp seed oil) that can be marketed legally as long as they are not promoted with a therapeutic claim.
Based on the above, the circumstances under which an MCA funder should, or should not, make an MCA to a business in the industrial hemp and CBD industries can be very confusing. MCA funders need an insight into the industrial hemp and CBD industries, and the very real risks faced by those industries as described above, before making MCAs to businesses in those industries.
Fortunately, competent legal counsel versed in the MCA industry, as well as the industrial hemp and CBD industries, can provide such insight, and legal advice related thereto. As a practical matter, an MCA funder should not make an MCA to a business in the industrial hemp or CBD industries without first getting advice from such legal counsel so that the MCA funder can fully understand the risks involved in making such an MCA, and the circumstances in which such an MCA should, or should not, be made.
Bio
Mr. Herndon is an attorney at the Global Legal Law Firm, whose attorneys are well recognized as top industry experts. Mr. Herndon works in the compliance field helping electronic payment processing companies avoid getting fined, arrested, violate rules, or get sued from internal or external threats. Mr. Herndon is also involved in litigation in the payments space, including defending and pursuing electronic payments companies.
SEC Secures Judgment Against Direct Lending Investments
June 20, 2019Without admitting or denying the allegations of the complaint, Direct Lending Investments, a defunct online lending hedge fund, consented to judgment by the SEC on Tuesday. They will be required to pay a disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, prejudgment interest, and a civil penalty that has yet to be determined.
It’s Official, The Confession of Judgment Era is Over
June 19, 2019
The New York State legislature passed a bill (S06395) late Thursday night that effectively eliminates Confessions of Judgment (COJ) in the small business finance industry.
The Senate voted in favor 61-1.
The Assembly voted in favor 83-43.
The new law which goes into effect immediately after Governor Andrew Cuomo signs it, prohibits anyone from filing a COJ against a party that does not reside in New York State. That means if a small business or individual resides in any state that isn’t New York, you cannot file a COJ against them in New York. This matters greatly because 99% of all COJs industry-wide were being filed in New York due to the incredible ease and speed that New York Courts offer to turn those into valid judgments.
Debtors that reside in New York can still be subjected to New York COJs.
A particular sensational story series published by Bloomberg Businessweek created the impetus to change how such New York judgments by confession might impact out-of-state residents. The names of the Bloomberg reporters are written into the Bill’s official memo in the footnotes, memorializing for all time how this law came to be.
Within the small business finance industry, the percentage of funders that required a Confession of Judgment as a condition of their financing was relatively small. And their usage has been limited since COJs were only first introduced as a potential risk mitigation tool on merchant cash advances five years ago in 2014. However, Bloomberg News estimated that COJs have resulted in more than $1 billion in collective judgments over the years, mostly against non-New York businesses.
deBanked has received numerous inquiries regarding what this new law means for COJs already signed but not yet filed. That is a question for an attorney.
Did You Watch the NY Assembly and Senate Vote LIVE?
June 19, 2019With Governor Cuomo’s signature, this law immediately prohibits the filing of COJs against non-New York State residents.
#NYSenate Bill S6395, sponsored by Senator @bradhoylman, passed 61-1 (unofficial). Relates to judgment by confession:https://t.co/ybRXsLfwUk
— New York Senate (@NYSenate) June 19, 2019
Michele Romanow to Keynote deBanked CONNECT Toronto
June 18, 2019Michele Romanow, a TV star on Dragon’s Den and Co-founder of Clearbanc, will be the keynote speaker at deBanked CONNECT Toronto on July 25th. She joins other industry executives speaking at the event from across the business finance industry in Canada.
Tech titan Michele Romanow is an engineer and a serial entrepreneur who started five companies before her 33rd birthday. A “Dragon” on CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den, Michele is the co-founder of Clearbanc, which in 2018 gave entrepreneurs more than $100 million in funding; SnapSave, which was acquired by Groupon; and Buytopia.ca, ranked #3 on the Profit Hot 50 list of fastest growing companies. Named in WXN’s “100 Most Powerful in Canada” and listed as the only Canadian on Forbes’ “Millennial on a Mission” list, Michele brings her incredible entrepreneurial savvy to every stage.
Michele has driven new digital solutions to many of the world’s leading brands, including P&G, Netflix, Starbucks, and Cirque du Soleil, and she has advised Fortune 100s and governments on innovation, AI, blockchain, and the new economy. She was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award; the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards; and was a Cartier Women’s Initiative Award global finalist.
Awarded Angel Investor of the Year by the Canadian Innovation Awards, Michele is a prolific angel investor who has also co-founded the Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative with Richard Branson to encourage more women entrepreneurs. Michele In the media, Michele’s work has been profiled in Forbes, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, The Globe and Mail, and Chatelaine.
During her Civil Engineering undergrad at Queen’s University, Michele founded The Tea Room, the first zero-consumer-waste coffee shop. She was also given the Queen’s Tricolour — the highest honour awarded by the university — and, after completing her Queen’s MBA, she founded Evandale Caviar, a vertically integrated commercial fishery.
Michele is currently a director for Vail Resorts, Freshii, League of Innovators, Queen’s Business School and Shad Valley, a transformational program that develops the entrepreneurial potential of exceptional Canadian youth.
Other great executives speaking at deBanked CONNECT Toronto:
That’s All Folks! COJ Ban in New York May Pass on Wednesday
June 17, 2019
The New York legislature has until Wednesday night to pass two bills that would prohibit the use of COJs, one on out-of-state debtors entirely and the other from being used as a condition in a financial contract. Either or both would effectively outlaw their use in the small business finance industry in New York State. If they do not pass a Floor vote by Wednesday night, the clock on the debate would reset until 2020 and the bills would have to be reintroduced in January.
Both bills have momentum. Both bills have a Democrat sponsor. The Democrats control the Assembly, the Senate, and the Office of the Governor. The bills have at least some support from Republicans. By all counts, at least one of these bills should pass this week.
Bill A07500 would prevent COJs being filed against Non-New York parties by requiring that they only be permissibly filed in a county in which the debtor party “resides.” This bill has already sailed through three committees, the most recent of which had unanimous bipartisan support. Its counterpart in the Senate is S06395.
A03636 is targeted specifically at small business lenders and merchant cash advance companies. “This bill will protect small businesses from predatory lenders that often offer loans and cash advances on the pre-condition that they sign a confession of judgment,” it says.
It’s possible the bills could also be reworded at the last minute.
There is no doubt where the impetus for these bills stems from. A07500’s official memo, for example, cites the controversial Bloomberg story series authored by Zeke Faux and Zachary Mider in its footnotes.
If either or both bills pass by Wednesday night, they would still require the signature of the governor. That step, a technicality, would probably provide clarity on the official date of which the amended law would go into effect.
SEC, Ruderman Heading to Settlement
June 16, 2019The Securities and Exchange Commission’s motion for summary judgment against Carl Ruderman for his role in the 1 Global Capital case is likely to be stayed as the parties head toward a settlement.
On June 14, the SEC informed the Court that “as a result of mediation and ensuing discussions, the Commission staff and Defendant Carl Ruderman have agreed on a proposed settlement of all claims and relief the Commission seeks against Ruderman.” The settlement has to be approved, however, by the five SEC Commissioners. “If the Commissioners approve Ruderman’s signed settlement agreement, it will resolve the Commission’s litigation against him,” the SEC contends.
The SEC is asking for a 90-day stay.
Enova Small Business Hires Two Industry Veterans to Lead ISO Partnerships
June 14, 2019CHICAGO (June 14, 2019) — Enova Small Business, a leading provider of loans and financing to growth-minded small businesses in the U.S., announced today that Justin Friedman and Jay Shaw have joined Enova Small Business as senior sales executive and senior manager of partner management, respectively. In their roles, Friedman and Shaw will be responsible for managing ISO relationships for Enova Small Business subsidiaries Headway Capital and The Business Backer, reporting to head of Enova Small Business, Jim Granat.
The hire of Friedman and Shaw comes at a time of rapid growth for Enova Small Business, as Q1 small business originations increased 58 percent year-over-year.
“At Enova Small Business, we are focused on delivering a faster and easier funding process for our customers, and we’re excited to welcome Justin and Jay to help drive our continued growth,” said Granat. “Both Justin and Jay are highly regarded in the small business funding community, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team that will benefit our partners and our customers,” said Granat.
Friedman joins Enova from Libertas Funding, where he served as head of strategy. Prior to that, he led partnerships account management at OnDeck. Shaw joins Enova Small Business from funder Quick Bridge Funding, where he served in a variety of roles, including Chief Compliance Officer and, most recently, director of account management and syndication.
Friedman and Shaw will manage ISO relationships for the Eastern U.S. and the Western U.S., respectively.
About Enova Small Business
Enova Small Business includes Enova International’s two small business brands, Headway Capital and The Business Backer.
Headway Capital offers a True Line of Credit up to $100,000 to U.S. small businesses looking for flexible, fast funding. Headway Capital serves small businesses of all sizes and across industries with everyday revolving access, transparent terms and no prepayment penalty. Small businesses can select bi-weekly or monthly payments and can determine the repayment timeline that works best for them, from 12 months to two years.
The Business Backer extends relationship-based funding solutions to small businesses in need of cash flow management and believes that by replacing distrust with trust and by valuing relationships over automation, they are building a better way where small business owners can trust the financing process and easily access the best solutions. The Business Backer is proud to offer its customers competitive rates, fast funding, and a quick and simple approval process. Small business owners walk away with a solid understanding of what’s available to them based on their situation and can quickly determine the best next step in their journey to getting funded.
