Asset tokenization, particularly the tokenization of securities, has been recognized by SEC commissioner Mark Uyeda as having significant potential benefits. According to Uyeda, representing asset rights with a digital token on a blockchain can offer enhanced security, transparency, and immutability. Moreover, he pointed out that tokenization eliminates the need for intermediaries, which can streamline transactions
Regulation
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has recently introduced comprehensive guidelines aimed at addressing recovery plans for asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs) in the context of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. These guidelines are crucial for ensuring the stability and integrity of the rapidly expanding crypto market in the European Union. One of
Coinbase has raised objections to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) $2.6 billion budget request for the 2025 fiscal year. The cryptocurrency exchange criticized the allocation of funds towards enforcement, rather than towards creating regulatory clarity in the crypto space. A Coinbase representative highlighted the lack of real crypto rulemaking despite the SEC’s massive budget.
CFTC chair Rostin Behnam recently spoke before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, asserting that the agency is fully capable of taking on additional crypto responsibilities. He dismissed concerns that the CFTC would be overwhelmed, stating that regulating crypto commodities falls within the agency’s purview. Behnam acknowledged a regulatory gap that needs to be filled and
The recent $4.5 billion SEC settlement has led Terraform Labs CEO Chris Amani to announce that Terra will transition into a community project. Amani emphasized the need for the community to “take over ownership of the chain” as the company begins to wind down its operations. Despite stating that Terraform Labs had always intended to
The recent report released by the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security sheds light on the significant gaps in law enforcement’s ability to track and recover illicit digital assets moved via decentralized methods like privacy coins, layer-2 networks, and crypto mixers. The report highlights the unique challenges posed by cryptocurrencies, which heavily rely on public-private
In a recent testimony before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, DTCC Digital Assets global head and managing director Nadine Chakar emphasized the significant advantages of tokenization in revolutionizing the financial industry. Chakar highlighted the transformative potential of tokenizing real-world assets and its implications for the US financial markets. She made a compelling
The upcoming House Appropriation budget may have a significant impact on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s controversial Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121). The bill, which is set to prohibit the SEC from using appropriated funds to implement the rule, has sparked discussions and debates within the financial sector. FOX Business reporter Eleanor Terrett
The market is currently underestimating the importance of Washington’s evolving attitude toward cryptocurrencies, according to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan. He mentioned in a recent memo that the US political landscape has shifted significantly towards a more positive stance on crypto in recent weeks. Hougan believes that if the impact of these political shifts had been
In a recent blog post titled “How to get regulatory clarity for crypto,” Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized the importance of securing regulatory clarity for the crypto industry. He called for a concerted effort to support pro-crypto political candidates and remove anti-crypto incumbents from office. Armstrong highlighted the significant investment Coinbase has made in policy
President Joe Biden recently vetoed H.J. Res. 109, a move that sparked debate and controversy among lawmakers and financial institutions. Biden defended his decision by stating that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s SAB 121 rule is essential in protecting the public and ensuring the well-being of consumers and investors. He emphasized the rule’s importance in
Despite the anticipation in the cryptocurrency market, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas is tempering expectations regarding the launch of US spot Ethereum ETFs. Balchunas recently commented on the possibility of a mid-June launch, calling it a “long shot.” However, he did acknowledge that there is a “legit possibility” of spot Ethereum ETFs hitting the market
On May 29, SEC commissioner Hester Peirce put forth a groundbreaking proposal for a shared digital securities sandbox between the US and the UK. This innovative idea seeks to extend the Bank of England and FCA’s joint digital securities sandbox to include US firms, fostering collaboration and experimentation in the realm of digital securities. The
Senator Cynthia Lummis has been a leading voice in advocating for pro-crypto legislation in the United States. She firmly believes that the crypto market has the potential to significantly impact the US economy if the opportunity is not wasted. Lummis, along with other like-minded lawmakers, has been working diligently to educate her colleagues about the
The US District Court for the District of Utah recently made a significant decision regarding the SEC’s case against DEBT Box. The court dismissed the case without prejudice and levied fines amounting to over $1.8 million against the SEC for what was deemed as bad faith conduct. These fines, in the form of attorney fees
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has recently put Maximum Extractable Value (MEV) under the spotlight as a form of illegal market abuse in the realm of cryptocurrency. This move, proposed under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, has sparked discussions within the industry. Notably, Patrick Hansen, a respected voice on crypto regulations, shed
The recent ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has brought to light the consequences of failing to comply with securities laws in the cryptocurrency space. The court granted partial summary judgment in favor of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against popular crypto influencer Ian Balina. The ruling affirmed
The recent Bernstein report highlights the potential approval of a spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US, which may set a precedent for classifying Solana (SOL) as a commodity rather than a security. This distinction is crucial as it has significant implications for the regulatory oversight and investment opportunities available for cryptocurrencies in
The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act has been a topic of much debate within the crypto industry. While many celebrate the bill for providing regulatory clarity, Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, has come out strongly against it. Gensler argues that the bill, if passed,
Uniswap Labs has taken a bold stance against the SEC’s attempts to regulate decentralized finance (DeFi) by issuing a Wells notice. In a blog post dated May 20, the company made it clear that it believes the SEC’s actions are misguided and legally unfounded. Despite the looming threat of litigation, Uniswap Labs expressed confidence in
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently requested spot Ethereum ETF applicants to update their 19-b4 filings, sparking greater optimism among industry insiders for potential approvals. According to sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas believes that the SEC may reverse its anticipated stance and refrain from denying the pending applications.
One of the major players in the cryptocurrency exchange space, Coinbase, has expressed a level of optimism regarding the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs by the SEC. Despite the current uncertainty surrounding the decision, Coinbase Institutional Research Analyst David Han believes that there is a 30% to 40% chance of approval by the end of
Recently, Oklahoma made history by becoming the first state in the United States to legally protect the right to self-custody Bitcoin. With the passing of bill HB3594, residents are now able to hold, control, and use digital assets without the fear of state interference. This new legislation also covers digital asset mining and ensures that
The US Treasury Department is taking a proactive approach to address the risks posed by cryptocurrencies and other emerging technologies in the fight against illicit financing. With a focus on comprehensive regulation, the Treasury aims to mitigate the misuse of digital assets by illicit actors while promoting transparency and security in the financial system. In
Oklahoma has taken a bold step forward by signing a bill into law that protects crypto-related rights. Governor Kevin Stitt approved HB 3594 on May 13, setting it to come into effect on Nov. 1. This groundbreaking law ensures that the state government cannot interfere with the use of crypto in purchases or the self-custody
Deutsche Bank has recently showcased a growing interest in digital assets and tokenization through its involvement in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian. This initiative, aimed at testing asset tokenization applications in a regulated environment, is a clear indication of the bank’s commitment to exploring new technologies in the financial sector. By joining hands
In a recent development, two US lawmakers have taken a stand against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) move to expand the definition of a money-transmitting business. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden penned a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland, expressing their concerns about the potential consequences of the DOJ’s broad interpretation. They argued