Uniswap Labs Urges SEC to Rethink Proposed Changes In DeFi Rules

As a researcher with a background in decentralized finance (DeFi) and securities law, I find Uniswap Labs’ decision to challenge the SEC’s proposed amendments to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 an intriguing development. The company’s argument that these changes might exceed the SEC’s authority over DeFi platforms and face legal challenges following the recent Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo resonates with my understanding of the current legal landscape.


Uniswap Labs, a leading decentralized finance (DeFi) provider, has officially asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a reevaluation of their proposed modifications to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These amendments aim to expand the definition of an “exchange,” potentially impacting Uniswap’s operations.

The firm contends that the proposed modifications may exceed the SEC’s jurisdiction over Decentralized Finance (DeFi) systems, potentially leading to legal disputes in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo marked a shift in the legal terrain, according to Uniswap Labs. This judgment reversed Chevron Deference, a long-standing principle that granted significant leeway to government agencies in interpreting ambiguous laws.

Katherine Minarik, the Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase, elaborated on Uniswap Labs’ contention that without Chevron deference, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s interpretation of its regulatory jurisdiction over decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms has an uncertain legal basis. Uniswap Labs asserts that the existing law does not apply to such platforms, and the court may decline the SEC’s suggested amendments.

Uniswap Labs urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reconsider its proposed expansion of the “exchange” definition in regulations, which could overreach and incorrectly encompass Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms like ours. (1/x)

— Katherine Minarik (@MinarikLaw) July 9, 2024

After receiving a Wells Notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April, Uniswap Labs faces potential legal action for allegedly conducting unregistered securities trading through their platform. The company argues that its role is merely providing passive technology and not operating as an exchange according to SEC’s definition.

As an analyst, I would advocate for Uniswap Labs to encourage the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revisit their proposed amendments in light of recent legal changes. The rationale behind this request is that earlier feedback was given under outdated legal regulations. Consequently, it’s crucial to gather fresh public input to ensure any new rules align with current legal frameworks.

As a researcher studying the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) industry, I can share that Uniswap Labs expresses concerns over the potential impact of the proposed amendment on innovation within this sector, which processes substantial transactions worth trillions of dollars. They draw attention to past court rulings where judges have shown hesitance in applying securities laws to decentralized crypto services.

As a dedicated crypto investor, I can assure you that Uniswap Labs remains steadfast in our commitment to regulatory compliance. In the face of adversity, we are prepared to take political action if we believe the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) actions are motivated by biased or unfair considerations. Should legal recourse become necessary, we will not hesitate to pursue it all the way up to the Supreme Court to protect our vision for decentralized finance.

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2024-07-10 05:57