U.S. House Committee Pushes for Clear Rules on Digital Assets

• House Financial Services Committee urges Congress for a clear regulatory framework on digital assets.
• Jurisdictional challenges between SEC and CFTC complicate digital asset classification.
• The lack of consistent standards leads to uncertainty for market participants and investors.

In an ongoing motion, the House Financial Services Committee has called upon Congress to establish a consistent and clear regulatory framework for digital assets, emphasizing the need for regulatory certainty in the ever-evolving landscape.

The motion highlights the jurisdictional challenges between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the difficulty in determining whether a digital asset should be classified as a security or a commodity.

Under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the SEC holds full authority over the offer, sale, and trading of securities, with the requirement that all securities must be registered with the SEC or qualify for an exemption.

On the other hand, the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations govern the comprehensive regulatory regime for commodity derivatives trading but lack a similar framework for spot trading.

The central question is whether a digital asset falls within the definition of security and, therefore, under the SEC’s jurisdiction. The purpose of security includes an “investment contract,” as defined by the Supreme Court in SEC v. W.J.

Howey Co. encompasses arrangements involving an investment of money in a joint enterprise, with an expectation of profits derived from the efforts of others. Notably, all four factors must be present for an arrangement for classification as an investment contract.

Market participants, consumers, and investors seek regulatory clarity as a digital asset’s classification dictates its requirements and obligations. However, consistent and transparent standards have yet to be established, leading to ongoing uncertainties. Furthermore, enforcement actions by the SEC and the CFTC have revealed divergent views on whether certain digital assets should be classified as securities or commodities.

Stablecoin Regulations Lacking: Congress Called to Act

For instance, the CFTC recently initiated an enforcement action against Binance, declaring Binance’s BUSD stablecoin, bitcoin, ether, and Litecoin commodities. Conversely, SEC Chair Gensler has expressed that all digital assets, except Bitcoin, should be considered securities.

In a recent case against Binance and its Founder Changpeng Zhao, the SEC, they were alleged that Solana’s (SOL), Cardano’s ADA, Polygon’s MATIC, and several other tokens were offered and sold as securities. These inconsistent positions underscore the urgent need for congressional action.

Moreover, stablecoins have gained prominence as a class of digital assets designed to provide price stability by being pegged to the value of other assets, most commonly the U.S. dollar. Stablecoins aim to offer reduced volatility, allowing them to function similarly to traditional currencies. However, without a clear regulatory framework, potential risks and implications associated with stablecoins remain uncertain.

Given these challenges, the House Financial Services Committee urges Congress to act promptly. By establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework, Congress can provide the much-needed clarity for market participants, consumers, and investors, fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential risks. The ongoing motion signifies the urgency and necessity of regulatory action to address the complexities surrounding digital assets in today’s financial landscape.

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