Joe Biden Vetoes Bill Overturning SEC’s Crypto Accounting Rule

As a researcher with a background in finance and experience in following the regulatory landscape of cryptocurrencies, I believe that President Biden’s decision to veto the bill aimed at repealing SAB 121 was a prudent one. The SEC’s guidance on crypto asset regulation is crucial for investor protection and market stability, as we have seen numerous instances of crypto firms failing without sufficient disclosure and transparency. While some may argue that requiring firms to record cryptocurrencies as liabilities could hinder their ability to secure digital assets, I believe that the importance of investor visibility and risk assessment far outweighs these concerns.


Joe Biden, the U.S. President, has used his power to reject a law intended to reverse the contentious Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a letter penned to the House of Representatives in the United States, President Biden firmly reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to safeguarding consumer and investor interests. He emphasized that “proper safeguards are essential” to capitalize on the advantages and possibilities of cryptocurrency innovation while shielding them from potential risks.

In simple terms, the proposal to abolish SAB 121 enjoyed backing from lawmakers of various parties in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House approved this legislation with 228 favorable votes versus 182 opposing ones, whereas in the Senate, there were 60 votes for repeal and 38 against it. Nonetheless, overturning a presidential veto necessitates a supermajority of two-thirds in both the Senate and House.

In the past, the White House has raised objections to restricting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from establishing regulatory guidelines for cryptocurrencies. This potential limitation could lead to significant market volatility and financial instability.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SAB 121) rule has sparked debate within the crypto industry due to its stipulation that digital asset businesses report the value of their customers’ cryptocurrency holdings as liabilities on their financial statements. Critics contend that this requirement may pose challenges for firms in terms of safely safeguarding and managing these assets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to view SAB 121 as non-binding guidance that enhances investor disclosure. A representative from the SEC emphasized the potential danger of companies hiding crypto-assets off their balance sheets, making transparency into custodian risks essential for investors.

On numerous occasions, crypto businesses have collapsed, leaving their clients to queue at bankruptcy courts in an attempt to recover their supposedly rightful assets. Additionally, we’ve become aware of the dangers for investors when such assets are concealed from balance sheets. Transparent disclosures offer investors valuable insight into the risks assumed by crypto custodians.

Critics in the crypto community, including several members of the Blockchain Association, have voiced their displeasure following President Biden’s use of a veto on a bill that had garnered bipartisan support in Congress.

— Blockchain Association (@BlockchainAssn) May 31, 2024

Despite the ongoing debates about cryptocurrency regulation, President Biden is firm in his stance: he’s willing to collaborate with Congress on drafting relevant laws as long as the interests of consumers and investors are safeguarded.

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2024-06-01 05:57