House Financial Services Republicans Blast SEC’s Proposed Rule, State Gensler Is Pushing ‘His Own Personal Views Regarding Digital Assets’

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House Financial Services Republicans Criticize SEC’s Proposed Rule, Allege Bias Towards Digital Assets

Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee have expressed their disapproval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler’s handling of the Rule 3b-16 amendments, claiming that he is using them to enforce his personal opinions on cryptocurrency assets. In a letter addressed to the SEC, the Republicans voiced their concerns regarding the newly proposed definition of “exchange” and its potential consequences.

Republican Committee Members Challenge SEC’s Proposed Rule

Members of the House Financial Services Committee, predominantly chaired by Patrick McHenry, along with 28 other representatives, have raised objections to the proposed amendments to Rule 3b-16 put forth by the SEC. These amendments aim to broaden the definition of “exchange.”

The group expressed their opposition in a letter sent on June 13, emphasizing the potential negative impact of approving the rule on the cryptocurrency market and its stakeholders.

According to the representatives, if this rule were to be passed, it would require software protocols and decentralized financial product developers to register as exchanges with the SEC. They argue that such a requirement would hinder the adoption of this technology in the United States.

In their statement, the Republican representatives said:

“The proposed rule will hinder innovation and negatively affect digital asset market participants as well as the broader U.S. economy. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposal, as it would effectively impede the development of the digital asset ecosystem and further stifle technological innovation in the United States.”

Disagreement with Generalizations in the Proposed Rule

Moreover, the group of Republicans disagreed with a claim made in the proposed rule, suggesting that “systems trading a large number of different crypto assets are unlikely to trade any crypto assets that are securities.” In their letter, they argued that the SEC should refrain from making sweeping judgments or generalizations in its rulemaking process.

Accusation of SEC Chair Pushing Personal Views

Taking their criticism a step further, the Republicans’ letter accused SEC Chair Gary Gensler of exploiting his position to propose rules that align solely with his perception of cryptocurrency. They stated:

“It is evident that Chair Gensler is utilizing this proposal to advance his own personal views on digital assets. It appears that this proposed rule is an effort to establish this personal view as the official SEC policy, without sufficient analysis or justification.”

Additionally, the group accused the SEC of attempting to preempt Congress, which is already engaged in drafting various bills concerning cryptocurrency. Some of these bills are being introduced by representatives within the committee, such as Tom Emmer.

Rep. Warren Davidson, another signatory of the letter, recently put forth a bill titled the “SEC Stabilization Act,” aiming to remove Gary Gensler from his position as SEC chairman.

What are your thoughts on the stance taken by the House Financial Services Committee Republicans regarding the SEC’s proposed rule? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SEC proposed rule on digital assets

More about SEC proposed rule on digital assets

• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• House Financial Services Committee
• Rule 3b-16
• Statement by House Financial Services Committee Republicans
• SEC Chairman Gary Gensler
• SEC Stabilization Act