New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the launched of a “Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative,” what he calls a “fact-finding inquiry into the policies and practices of platforms used by consumers to trade virtual or ‘crypto’ currencies like bitcoin and ether.” As part of a broader effort to protect cryptocurrency investors and consumers, the Attorney General’s office sent letters to thirteen virtual currency trading platforms requesting information on their operations, internal controls, and safeguards to protect customer assets. “As the letters explain, the Initiative seeks to increase transparency and accountability as it relates to the platforms retail investors rely on to trade virtual currency, and better inform enforcement agencies, investors, and consumers,” Schneiderman said in a statement.