Research the exchange Poloniex. They have played a major role in the creation of tens of billions USD in "value" in altcoins over the past 2 months. There is zero transparency on their operations or ownership or supposed licensing.
22 karma · joined May 2, 2017
Many of the other alts have most of their volume on the exchange Poloniex which claims to be US based but offers no transparency on their operations. They offer margin trading. The fincen registration number listed on their terms page is not valid. The office address listed is for a corporation registration company in Delaware.
IMO the whole thing is a powder keg. At least it's exciting to watch.