Bitcoin price edges lower, but later pares some losses, on SEC probe

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A visual representation of the digital Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin on October 24, 2017 in London, England.

Bitcoin slipped on Wednesday following news that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is probing the cryptocurrency market.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday evening ET that, as part of that investigation, the SEC has issued “scores of subpoenas” to obtain information from technology companies and advisers tied to the digital currency markets.

The commission is looking into the structuring of initial coin offerings, which aren’t required to adhere to the strict regulations that apply to public offerings, the Journal said, citing sources.

Initial coin offerings allow cryptocurrency start-ups to raise funds through the issue of digital tokens.

Bitcoin initially edged lower by around 2 percent following the report, but pared some of those losses during early Asian trade.

The digital currency last traded at $10,335.35, according to CoinDesk’s bitcoin price index, which tracks prices from digital currency exchanges Bitstamp, Coinbase, itBit and Bitfinex.

Meanwhile, price changes in ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, saw a similar story. The virtual currency slipped by less than 2 percent before clawing back some losses to trade at $857.43, data from CoinDesk showed.

— CNBC’s Christine Wang contributed to this report.