NYDFS Chief to Crypto Firms: “Never Surprise Your Regulator”

As a seasoned crypto investor with a keen eye for regulatory trends and a knack for navigating political currents, I find Adrienne Harris’s insights both enlightening and reassuring. Her emphasis on transparency and open communication between industry players and regulators resonates deeply with my investment philosophy.


With the 2024 U.S. presidential election on the horizon, the topic of cryptocurrency regulation is becoming increasingly important in political debates. Adrienne Harris, head of the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), is playing a key role as one of the leading figures shaping cryptocurrency regulations within the U.S.

At a recent Ripple Swell gathering in Miami, she offered valuable guidance to industry heavyweights about maneuvering through the complex regulatory terrain. Harris underscored the significance of openness and active dialogue between cryptocurrency companies and regulatory bodies to prevent unwanted obstacles.

Harris joined Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, in a candid discussion about the often-challenging regulatory environment for cryptocurrency in the US. Her key message to crypto firms was clear: maintain open and continuous communication with regulators.

“You should never ever surprise your regulator. We don’t like surprises.”

Adrienne Harris

Instead of letting problems become public knowledge through the media, Harris recommends businesses to openly discuss potential difficulties and advancements instead.

She stressed that regulators need to hear directly from companies about issues before they become public knowledge. “If we read about it before we hear about it, we’re already on the wrong foot,” Harris remarked. Her stance reflects New York’s relatively progressive approach to cryptocurrency regulation, often seen as more industry-friendly than federal rules.

Harris suggested that companies should initiate discussions with regulators at an early stage, particularly when proposing long-term strategies. In her words, “Feel free to approach us about your five-year business plan.” She emphasized the significance of fostering trust with these governing bodies. This way, businesses can more easily maneuver through changes in regulatory frameworks and minimize potential disputes.

In simple terms, the outlook for cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. is still unclear, as the 2024 presidential election could potentially usher in significant shifts. Both leading candidates, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, have shown flexibility regarding their views on the crypto market.

Chris Larsen, one of the co-founders of Ripple, has endorsed Kamala Harris and contributed $1 million worth of XRP to her campaign. Harris’s economically forward-thinking platform has drawn interest from specific sectors within the cryptocurrency community. Conversely, Trump’s team has embarked on a blockchain project called World Liberty Financial token, which has amassed over 100,000 registrations.

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2024-10-16 13:41