SEC Targets Crypto Titans while Crowning FedNow Service!

Qadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.

In recent developments within the digital asset world, Gary Gensler, the current chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), appears to be advocating for tighter regulations around cryptocurrencies. This stance has been met with mixed reactions from industry leaders, with some suggesting the move is to protect investors while others see it as a direct attempt to dismantle the industry.

Gensler, a seasoned financial regulator, and former Goldman Sachs banker, recently declared on CNBC that the world doesn't need more digital currencies. This sparked a heated debate within the cryptocurrency community.

"Look, we don't need more digital currency, we already have digital currency. It's called the US dollar, it's called the Euro, it's called the Yen, they’re all digital right now!" Gary Gensler

In further conversation, Gensler raised concerns about the vast number of tokens available on platforms such as Coinbase, alluding to the potential need for a more robust regulatory structure. This comes at a time when the SEC is purportedly looking into freezing assets on Binance US, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Is this, as some suggest, an attempt to orchestrate a run on reserves? Or is it merely a measure to ensure investor protection?

Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange platform that had a successful IPO in 2021, has been caught in the crossfire. Despite being labeled as compliant, the company's CEO, Brian Armstrong, has voiced concerns over the SEC's intentions, emphasizing that the commission permitted Coinbase to go public.

"We met with the SEC 30 times in the last year they never gave us a single piece of

feedback about what we could be doing better!" Brain Armstrong

In response to allegations of the SEC's approval, Armstrong clarified that the commission merely "allowed" them to go public. This does not imply a seal of approval on their business operations or model. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for clear rules and regulations, rather than retrospective enforcement.

Also Read : Coinbase Battles SEC Lawsuit – Legal Showdown Begins!

This dispute is playing out against a significant backdrop: the imminent launch of the FedNow service next month. FedNow represents a step towards a digital dollar, effectively acting as a central bank digital currency (CBDC) that will operate 24/7, 365 days a year. However, unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, FedNow will be fully regulated and controlled, stirring further controversy in the debate on digital currency.

Amidst all this, Binance US, another cryptocurrency exchange, announced plans to de-list over 100 trading pairs, mainly with Tether, and paused Over-The-Counter (OTC) trading. This decision has been attributed to increased scrutiny by the SEC.

As the dust continues to settle, the cryptocurrency industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the tug of war-between regulation and innovation.

Will the increasing interest from financial regulators lead to the stifling of innovation or forge a path for the safe and widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies? As we continue to explore the uncharted territories of digital currencies, one thing remains certain: the dialogue surrounding the future of cryptocurrencies is far from over.