Regulation
FDIC Releases Docs on Crypto Debanking Ahead Of Chokepoint 2.0 Hearing
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has released 175 documents related to its supervision of banks involved in crypto activities. The release comes ahead of a court-ordered deadline and coincides with the upcoming congressional hearing on banking practices and financial access.
FDIC Released 175 Documents on Crypto Debanking
According to a recent press statement, the FDIC has made public 175 documents detailing its supervision of banks that engaged in or sought to engage in crypto-related activities. The documents reveal patterns of resistance from regulators, with banks facing extended delays, repeated requests for additional information, and directives to pause or refrain from expanding blockchain and crypto-related operations.
The release follows a court-ordered deadline set for Friday. Acting FDIC Chairman Travis Hill stated that the decision to disclose these documents will increase transparency. The move is also aimed at exceeding the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The FDIC had previously disclosed 25 “pause” letters sent to 24 institutions interested in blockchain and crypto-related ventures.
However, the newly released documents include additional correspondence with these institutions, along with communications involving other banks not previously identified.
Travis Hill commented,
“The documents that we are releasing today show that requests from these banks were almost universally met with resistance, ranging from repeated requests for further information, to multi-month periods of silence as institutions waited for responses, to directives from supervisors to pause, suspend, or refrain from expanding all crypto- or blockchain-related activity.”
Congressional Hearing Set to Address Banking Practices
The document release comes just before a scheduled congressional hearing on banking practices and financial access. The hearing is expected to focus on concerns over the FDIC’s previous supervisory approach to crypto-related activities, as well as broader issues surrounding regulatory scrutiny of financial institutions.
Acting Chairman Hill noted that the documents demonstrate a regulatory environment that made it increasingly difficult for banks to proceed with digital asset initiatives. The disclosures indicate that the vast majority of institutions ultimately halted their crypto-related activities due to regulatory obstacles.
Senator Cynthia Lummis Applauds Transparency Move
Following the release, Senator Cynthia Lummis commended the FDIC’s move, emphasizing the importance of government transparency. In a statement, she expressed appreciation for Acting Chairman Hill and the administration for making the documents available to the public.
Senator Lummis also declared an end to what she referred to as “Chokepoint 2.0,” efforts to limit banking access for businesses in the crypto sector.
I am thrilled the FDIC acted swiftly & efficiently to release these documents. I want thank Chairman Hill and @POTUS for your commitment to government transparency! We are putting an END to Chokepoint 2.0.
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) February 5, 2025
Earlier on, pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis warned former Chair Marty Gruenberg against obstructing Senate oversight. She demanded the FDIC preserve all documents tied to OCP 2.0. Lummis also cautioned against retaliation toward whistleblowers, citing potential criminal referrals.
Plans to Revise Crypto Supervisory Approach
In response to concerns raised by the documents, the FDIC has announced plans to reassess its approach to crypto-related activities. This includes replacing Financial Institution Letter (FIL) 16-2022, a guidance document that is restrictive in engaging with blockchain technology.
The FDIC also intends to collaborate with the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, established by a recent executive order. The agency will develop a regulatory framework that allows institutions to engage in crypto-related activities while adhering to safety principles.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, under the previous administration, received a lot of criticism for its alleged anti-crypto actions. Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal accused the agency of trying to “kill BTC transactions” and suppress blockchain technology. He claimed FDIC officials hid key evidence in the FOIA case and misused Exemption 8 to cover their tracks.
Ronny Mugendi
Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Acting U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mark Uyeda has announced a move to reconsider a proposed rule that could regulate decentralized finance (DeFi) exchanges. The rule, known as Regulation ATS, aimed to broaden the definition of an exchange to include communication protocols used in the crypto sector. Uyeda stated that he directed SEC staff to explore options for abandoning the portion of the proposal related to crypto, citing widespread public criticism.
SEC Chair Mark Uyeda Moves to Drop Rule Targeting DeFi Exchanges
In a recent development in crypto regulations, SEC Chair Mark Uyeda has asked agency staff to explore options for removing part of the proposed Regulation ATS. The rule sought to expand the definition of an exchange to include communication protocols in crypto markets.
Uyeda said that the proposal would have forced DeFi platforms to register as regulated exchanges. The move faced heavy opposition from the crypto industry, with concerns that it could impose excessive compliance burdens. Uyeda acknowledged the criticism and emphasized that the SEC should reconsider its approach.
Meanwhile, in other regulatory news, Thailand’s SEC has officially approved USDT as a recognized cryptocurrency. The decision allows virtual asset service providers in the country to offer Tether’s stablecoin on their platforms, expanding its accessibility for businesses and individuals.
Regulation ATS Expansion Could Have Classified DeFi as Exchanges
Regulation ATS was initially designed to regulate alternative trading systems but was revised under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. The proposed changes could have extended its scope to DeFi platforms. This would have subjected decentralized exchanges to regulatory oversight similar to traditional financial markets.
Critics warned that the proposed rule could hinder innovation in decentralized finance. Industry leaders argued that forcing DeFi projects to comply with exchange registration and disclosure requirements could be impractical due to their decentralized nature. Uyeda recognized these concerns and indicated that the SEC may step back from its initial position.
Most recently, CoinGape reported that ConsenSys challenged the SEC’s proposed DeFi rule changes, arguing that they exceed the agency’s legal jurisdiction. The company contends that the amendments impose undue regulatory burdens on decentralized protocols, conflicting with existing legal frameworks. ConsenSys has called for the SEC to withdraw the rule entirely, citing risks to innovation and compliance complexities.
Trump-Era and Impact on Crypto Regulations
The SEC has taken a different approach to crypto regulations under the new administration. Uyeda’s move follows a series of policy reversals since the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. The agency recently rescinded strict crypto accounting guidance and dropped several enforcement actions against industry players.
The shift signals a more relaxed regulatory stance toward digital assets. With the Trump administration in office, the SEC appears focused on easing restrictions that critics viewed as overly aggressive. Uyeda’s latest decision continues this trend, as the agency re-evaluates its approach to crypto oversight.
More so, crypto regulations in the U.S. may see improved clarity as the SEC and CFTC strengthen their collaboration. This effort will eliminate past jurisdictional conflicts and create a more structured oversight framework for digital assets.
Ronny Mugendi
Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Controversy has trailed the announcement of a Crypto Strategic Reserve with critics taking swipes at crypto czar David Sacks over allegations of unjust enrichment. Gemini cofounder Cameron Winklevoss has waded in to defend Sacks, noting that the crypto czar is losing a fortune in gains by preventing a conflict of interest.
Gemini Founder Says Sacks Could Lose Up To $1 Billion In Crypto Gains
Amid swirling speculations of unjust enrichment, Sacks confirmed the sale of all his cryptocurrency holdings to avoid a conflict of interest. Gemini Founder Cameron Winklevoss remarked that Sacks’ decision to sell off all cryptocurrencies would cost him gains running into a billion dollars.
“David Sacks is going to easily lose out on $1 billion in crypto gains over the next 4 years,” said Winklevoss. “He sold all of his crypto holdings (including $85 million of his personal holdings) prior to becoming AI and crypto czar.”
Sacks has previously confirmed the sale of his digital asset holdings while denying Multicoin exposure after divesting his stake. According to Sacks, he cumulatively sold $200 million worth of cryptocurrencies while disposing of $85 million worth of personal assets. He confirmed that he liquidated his holdings in crypto funds, including Bitwise and Blockchain Capital, before assuming office.
Cameron says Sacks is at the helm of a policy shift for cryptocurrencies in the US but will not reap any benefits from the windfall of changes.
“He is doing tremendous work and will not be sharing in any of the economic upsides to avoid even the slightest appearance of a conflict,” said the Gemini cofounder.
Sacks Leads The Charge For New Crypto Policy Without Pecuniary Benefits
David Sacks has hit the ground running since his appointment as crypto and AI czar, playing a key role in setting up the White House Crypto Summit. His efforts led to the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the US Digital Asset Stockpile.
Sacks disclosed that the US has lost over $17 billion from the previous sale of confiscated Bitcoins. The concerted efforts of Sacks are expected to trigger new institutional interest in the ecosystem, sending prices to new all-time highs by the end of Trump’s first tenure.
Aliyu Pokima
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Crypto exchange Coinbase has stated that the Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation (FDIC) has refused to cooperate in Operation Choke Point 2.0 investigation while denying transparency on their part. While other agencies like the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) rolled back in 2020 guidance, agencies like the FDIC have been reluctant on this matter.
Coinbase CLO Blames FDIC for Refusal on Transparency
In a message on the X platform, Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal lashed out at the FDIC for its refusal to cooperate and resist basic transparency efforts towards unwinding of the Operation Choke Point 2.0. This operation major led to the debanking of crypto companies with the goal of leaving them dry of liquidity. Speaking on it, Grewal wrote:
“They haven’t gotten the message. Despite a huge week for crypto across the rest of the federal government, on this late Friday night over at FDIC staff still continue to resist basic transparency into Operation Chokepoint 2.0”.
The crypto exchange asked the regulatory agency on how they conducted the “due diligence” to ensure no documentation related to the event was destroyed. However, according to Grewal, the agency has “repeatedly refused” to provide this information.
He also stated that FDIC has been withholding key information related to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) practices, and has only provided “snippets from a few documents” that appear unrelated to the specific FOIA policies or practices challenged in the amended complaint filed by History Associates.
“What exactly are they hiding?” Grewal questioned FDIC, highlighting concerns over the agency’s transparency in handling FOIA requests.
Developments in Operation Choke Point 2.0 Elimination
Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terret stated that the recent White House Crypto Summit highlights major regulatory changes that would be coming to the crypto industry. During his remarks at the event, President Donald Trump referenced the rollback of Biden-era banking regulations, which critics say facilitated “Operation Chokepoint 2.0”.
While the FDIC is not cooperating on the matter, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is reversing 2020 guidance that restricted banks from engaging with and providing custody services for cryptocurrencies.
“This rollback is a major signal the industry and banks have been waiting for,” Terret stated. She added that it could pave the way for financial institutions to begin actively participating in the digital assets space.
Bhushan Akolkar
Bhushan is a FinTech enthusiast with a keen understanding of financial markets. His interest in economics and finance has led him to focus on emerging Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
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