Uyeda: SEC’s crypto approach a ‘disaster for the whole industry’

As a seasoned crypto investor with a decade-long journey through the digital frontier, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu when reading about the latest tussle between the SEC and the crypto industry. The ongoing saga between Crypto.com and the SEC is reminiscent of David versus Goliath, but with more zeros in the balance sheets.


During an open conversation on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria, Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Mark Uyeda firmly expressed his disapproval towards the agency’s approach to cryptocurrencies. He admitted that their existing strategy has had detrimental effects on the entire crypto industry, labeling it as a “disaster.

Uyeda’s comments were made during a time when there are increasing lawsuits, one of which is a new case initiated by Crypto.com against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission after receiving a Wells notice.

In simpler terms, Crypto.com claims that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has exceeded its authority by enforcing rules on the cryptocurrency market without providing clear guidance. The Wells notice, a type of formal warning from the SEC suggesting impending enforcement action, alleges that Crypto.com was functioning as an unregistered broker-dealer and securities clearing agency because they managed tokens that the SEC considers to be securities.

Uyeda’s criticism points to an increasing discontent among the SEC and the broader cryptocurrency sector regarding their current methodology.

Uyeda mentioned that the SEC has been enforcing policies without giving clear instructions to companies about how they should comply with the existing regulations. He added that no guidance has been provided on this matter, and as a result, the interpretation of these rules has varied among different courts.

Indeed, the SEC’s reliance on enforcement has led to legal battles, including a high-profile case against Ripple Labs. 

In simpler terms, different courts have given conflicting decisions about cryptocurrencies, creating a lot of doubt for companies in this field. However, it’s worth noting that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently lost a significant case against Ripple (XRP), where XRP tokens were concerned. Despite this loss, the SEC has chosen to file an appeal, indicating that these legal battles are likely to continue for some time.

Crypto firms are fighting back

The ongoing lawsuit against Crypto.com represents one more instance in a string of legal disputes between the crypto sector and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This lawsuit, instigated by a Wells notice, contends that the SEC has been overstepping its authority. The leadership at Crypto.com maintains that taking legal action is essential to ensure the continued growth of cryptocurrency innovation in the U.S.

Mark Uyeda avoided directly addressing the ongoing Crypto.com lawsuit, yet he underscored the more encompassing problem of the SEC’s lack of clarity. In his words, “We haven’t given any guidance on what is allowed and not allowed,” Uyeda stated, further explaining that this ambiguity has left companies uncertain about adhering to securities laws.

Uyeda’s remarks also delved into the broader regulatory approach of the SEC, specifically regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) guidelines. He voiced concerns over the agency’s emphasis on ESG matters, arguing that these efforts frequently veer away from financial significance. Essentially, he stated that corporations should not be excessively managed in areas without any financial implications by financial regulators, who instead should avoid serving as agents of social transformation.

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2024-10-10 20:06