Carlos Fernandes Anticipating substantial shifts in cryptocurrency regulations after the U.S. Election Day, the former head of internet enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has outlined potential developments that could positively impact the crypto industry. These changes encompass the potential approval of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for spot bitcoin trading. The transformation could involve the election of a Republican president, the resignation of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, and the potential appointment of “crypto mom” Hester Peirce as the interim SEC Chair.
Prospective Alterations at SEC Favoring the Crypto Industry
John Reed Stark, an ex-official of the SEC with a history of spearheading internet enforcement and now the president of cybersecurity firm John Reed Stark Consulting, has laid out prospective modifications that might prove advantageous to the crypto industry. In a detailed tweet on Sunday, Stark, who served for 11 years as the chief of the SEC’s Office of Internet Enforcement and additionally spent 15 years as an SEC enforcement attorney, highlighted potential changes that might benefit the crypto industry, particularly the endorsement of spot bitcoin ETFs. Numerous U.S. companies, including Blackrock, the world’s largest asset management firm, are seeking SEC approval for launching spot bitcoin ETFs. However, the SEC has not yet given the green light to any such ETFs for crypto trading.
Stark expressed his viewpoint, suggesting that considering various compelling reasons, the current SEC is unlikely to grant approval for a bitcoin spot ETF application. He referred to Better Markets, a non-partisan nonprofit organization focused on economic security, which recently outlined reasons for the SEC to reject spot bitcoin ETF applications.
Nonetheless, Stark contemplates that if a Republican candidate is elected as the U.S. president in the 2024 elections scheduled for November 5, the SEC could witness transformative changes that bode well for the crypto industry. Stark’s perspective is that the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies might experience rapid and significant shifts following Election Day.
He elaborated on the potential impact of a Republican U.S. president, suggesting that the SEC’s efforts in crypto enforcement could substantially diminish. This shift could entail a greater emphasis on fraud cases, accompanied by a reduced focus on charging violations related to registration, such as instances where a crypto trading platform fails to register as an exchange, broker-dealer, or clearing firm. Stark envisions the prospective SEC under new leadership to be more amenable to endorsing a bitcoin spot ETF and pursuing other regulatory actions supportive of the crypto industry.
Stark went on to explain the typical scenario following a new U.S. president’s election. The current SEC chairman typically resigns, and within three to four months after Inauguration Day, the new chairman’s position is confirmed and filled. In this context, should a Republican presidential candidate triumph, it’s speculated that SEC Chair Gary Gensler would step down, and Hester Peirce, a prominent advocate for crypto within the SEC, could potentially become the acting Chair.
Stark posits that if Hester Peirce assumes the role of acting SEC Chair, her history of dissent and opposition to various SEC actions related to cryptocurrencies implies that the majority of crypto-related enforcement and disruption efforts from the SEC would likely cease significantly.
In a previous week, Stark issued a cautionary statement, suggesting that the barrage of crypto regulatory measures under the current SEC’s jurisdiction is unlikely to abate.
What are your thoughts on the assertions made by former SEC official John Reed Stark? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
Table Of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Regulatory Transformation
What potential changes in the crypto industry are highlighted in the text?
The text outlines potential positive impacts on the crypto industry, including the approval of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), regulatory shifts, and a possible change in SEC leadership.
Who is the former SEC official mentioned in the text?
The former SEC official is John Reed Stark, who previously headed the SEC’s Office of Internet Enforcement and now serves as the president of cybersecurity firm John Reed Stark Consulting.
What is the significance of a Republican president’s election in relation to crypto regulations?
The text suggests that if a Republican candidate becomes the U.S. president, there could be notable shifts in crypto regulations, potentially leading to decreased SEC crypto-enforcement efforts and a more favorable approach towards crypto-friendly regulations.
Who is “crypto mom” Hester Peirce?
Hester Peirce is referred to as “crypto mom” due to her pro-cryptocurrency stance within the SEC. She has advocated for clearer regulations and a more accommodative approach toward crypto-related innovations.
What is the implication of Hester Peirce becoming the acting SEC Chair?
If Hester Peirce assumes the role of acting SEC Chair, it is anticipated that the SEC’s crypto-related enforcement efforts and disruptions would significantly decrease, given her history of dissent and opposition to various crypto-related actions by the SEC.
What is the stance of the SEC on spot bitcoin ETFs?
The SEC has not yet approved any spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The text highlights that various U.S. companies, including Blackrock, have sought approval, but none have been granted so far.
How long is the typical transition period for a new SEC chairman after a U.S. president’s election?
Following a U.S. president’s election, the transition period for a new SEC chairman typically spans three to four months after Inauguration Day.
What did Stark warn about in the previous week?
In the previous week, Stark cautioned that the ongoing regulatory actions by the SEC in the crypto space are unlikely to subside under the current leadership.
2 comments
spot ETFs, SEC shuffle, crypto mom – could be game changer, right?
former sec guy talkin’ ’bout ETFs & rules – hmmm, maybe things goin’ get easier for bitcoin now?