Washington Debates Cryptocurrency With Eyes Set on Financial Services Transformation
As the crypto industry enters a new phase, Washington is debating its potential regulatory role. There are several areas of debate, including legislation, enforcement actions, and nonbanks competing to issue stablecoins. The article also touches on the potential for financial services transformation. This article provides an overview of some of the most pressing issues facing the industry.
Legislation
Cryptocurrency supporters and skeptics disagree on how to regulate the technology. Some say it will go away while others believe its use should be limited. The debate has become more urgent as world capitals weigh regulation options. European Union representatives voted to adopt new rules last month, and U.S. lawmakers are expected to follow suit within the next year. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency industry has stepped up lobbying efforts.
In the House of Representatives, a bill was introduced to regulate the use of cryptocurrency. The measure would allow banks to offer custody services and set regulations for the technology. The bill also defines what a virtual currency is, and requires banks to establish a trust department and trust powers. The bill would also create a special commission to study the issues related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
With the explosive growth of cryptocurrencies, Washington is debating whether to regulate the industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Christopher S. Bowen, has argued that the industry should be regulated by the agency, but other members of Congress have argued for a smaller regulatory body, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In response to these issues, industry advocates have proposed that the Securities and Exchange Commission be the default regulator for cryptocurrencies.
Enforcement actions
The recent volatility of cryptocurrency prices has spurred a bipartisan effort to regulate the industry. With prices plummeting and lenders shuttering their operations, the crypto industry has been the focus of much attention in Washington. In response, the Senate Agriculture Committee chair, Debbie Stabenow, introduced a bill to regulate the industry. While there is no clear consensus on how to regulate the industry, consumer advocates have suggested that the Securities and Exchange Commission should be the default regulator.
While lawmakers hope to take action next year, the timing of such legislation may depend on the results of the midterm elections. In the fall, Republicans are likely to retake control of the House. They have already commissioned a series of studies on the industry and asked key agencies to identify areas where new legislation is needed.
The bills also include provisions on taxing digital assets and regulating stablecoins. If enacted, these provisions would have disqualified the TerraUSD coin. In addition, there are provisions regarding cybersecurity, self-regulation, and disclosure requirements. The bills will also define most cryptocurrency as commodities, making them subject to the supervision of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Nonbanks competing to issue stablecoins
Congress is poised to approve a stablecoin regulation bill that will allow nonbanks to compete with banks in the issuance of the digital currency. The House Financial Services Committee’s Democratic and Republican leaders are working together to craft a compromise bill. The banking industry wants a new regulatory structure, and the Treasury Department wants to make sure consumers are protected.
Currently, the SEC, CFTC, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are all examining whether stablecoins should be regulated under federal laws. If they are, these agencies should consider standards for custodial wallet providers, and restrictions on their affiliation with commercial entities and the use of payment data. Regulatory agencies should also coordinate to address common concerns, such as whether these payment instruments are in the best interest of the public.
Another proposal is to allow nonbanks to hold their reserves at the Federal Reserve. This would protect the payment system from the risk of nonbanks being unable to manage their reserves. However, this bill is unlikely to pass before the end of this year.
Potential to transform financial services
With the advent of Blockchain technology, there are several implications for financial services. These implications range from the potential to create new services to the increased risks associated with cryptocurrencies. For example, cryptocurrencies are a threat to the existing infrastructure of banking, financial institutions, and securities markets. The technology also poses a number of new challenges for governments. For one thing, the anonymity of cryptocurrencies makes them attractive to rogue states and terrorist organizations. Additionally, governments do not yet have clear rules on how to regulate these new technologies. Moreover, cryptocurrencies are consuming vast amounts of electricity, which could lead to environmental damage. Moreover, the rising use of cryptocurrency for payments has raised concerns about consumer protection and central bank power and control.
While many banks have resisted the idea of cryptocurrency, some are already seeing the benefits of the technology. Blockchain can streamline the processes involved in banking and allow for greater transparency and auditability. It also offers the potential to open up a new market for the unbanked. In the long term, these benefits could transform financial services.