Regulation
Gary Gensler Removal Pushed by Crypto Execs in White House
On Thursday, top representatives of the Crypto industry met with the White House officials to debate the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.
The event which was hosted by Rep. Ro Khanna included representatives from the Biden administration and the crypto industry where major policies and regulations as well as some incidences like discharge of SEC Chair Gary Gensler were discussed.
Crypto Execs Push for Gary Gensler’s Removal
The meeting was attended by U. S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed. Other attendees included Kristine Lucius, Director of Legislative Affairs for Vice President Kamala Harris.
On the crypto side, Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse, Uniswap’s Hayden Adams, Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire and the billionaire Mark Cuban were in the meeting.
Executives of cryptocurrency companies expressed their concerns on the existing legal framework especially on the SEC in the United States of America. The conversation also addressed the potential dismissal of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, which shows the industry’s discontent with what they consider aggressive actions towards digital assets.
Kamala Harris’ Anti Crypto Treasury
Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing Wally Adeyemo for the Treasury Secretary position if she becomes president. Adeyemo, who is currently the Deputy Treasury Secretary, has been an outspoken opponent of the cryptocurrency industry, as he believes that it can be used for criminal purposes and is a threat to national security.
This has raised fears among the crypto community on the future of digital assets in the U. S. given that his appointment may result to enhanced regulation and enforcement. Mostly because he was present at te meenting.
This is in contrast to the mission of Donald Trump who has stated that his first order of business on assuming office will be to fire Gensler the current chair of the SEC. Furthermore, Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss stated that Kamala Harris should support the crypto industry by firing Gary Gensler. Supporting this view was John Deaton who encouraged the Democrat’s presidential candidate Kamala Harris to prove her support to the crypto fraternity by vouching for the removal of Gary Gensler.
US Political Trend and Upcoming Debates
With the 2024 election campaign heating up, the crypto industry is now trying to establish the issue as a non-partisan one. While Donald Trump has been quite bullish on cryptocurrency, Kamala Harris has not been as vocal, although her team has recently engaged with the cryptocurrency industry.
Oh man! The chances of a pro-Bitcoin president are looking slim. https://t.co/716JIOrXBo pic.twitter.com/3pDZSTY7bW
— Ali (@ali_charts) August 8, 2024
Crypto analyst Ali Martinez also weighed in on the political situation and said, “Oh man! The chances of a pro-Bitcoin president are looking slim, with Trump odds at 50 and Kamala at 49.”
Amid these talks, ex-president of the United States, Donald Trump, has accepted to participate in a number of live debates with Harris in September. Concurrently, as per a Coingape report Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have issued warnings about scammers impersonating the Trump family, hinting at a possible crypto-related initiative from the family soon.
Also Read: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Agrees On Debate Schedule
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.
Regulation
Ex-SEC Lawyer Says XRP Lawsuit Settlement Weeks Away
The crypto community is rife with speculation about an imminent Ripple SEC case settlement as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares for its first meeting under acting chair Mark Uyeda. However, ex-Securities lawyer Marc Fagel debunked rumors of the settlement. He suggested that those holding out for a resolution will likely be disappointed.
According to the former SEC attorney, the Ripple SEC case settlement is likely to happen after Paul Atkin’s appointment as the SEC Chair. While all eyes are on Thursday’s closed meeting, it remains uncertain whether the XRP lawsuit will reach a conclusion shortly.
Is Ripple SEC Case Settlement Imminent?
In his recent X post, Securities lawyer Marc Fagel dismissed rumors of the Ripple SEC case settlement, which the community expects to follow Thursday’s closed meeting. Asserting that the meeting has nothing to do with the XRP lawsuit, Fagel stated,
This is the same meeting they hold nearly every week. They will vote on recommendations calendared weeks ago. Those expecting something monumental to happen are about to be disappointed.
Further, Fagel clarified the buzz surrounding the Ripple SEC case, positing that a settlement this week is impossible. Instead, he believes the Trump administration might facilitate a resolution, but only after Paul Atkins takes charge.
SEC’s First Closed Meeting with Acting Chair Mark Uyeda
Fagel’s post came in response to Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett’s thread, which revealed, “The SEC will hold its first closed meeting since Mark Uyeda took over as acting chair on Thursday.” This follows Mark Uyeda’s launch of a dedicated Crypto Task Force with Commissioner Hester Peirce as the lead. According to the agenda, Uyeda’s meeting would include the institution and settlement of injunctive actions and administrative proceedings, resolution of litigation claims etc.
🚨NEW: The @SECGov will hold its first closed meeting since @MarkUyedaUS took over as acting chair on Thursday.
On the agenda: pic.twitter.com/WMDHzWQIeY
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) January 21, 2025
Significantly, the potential closed meeting has sparked anticipations of a near-term settlement in the XRP lawsuit. Experts like MetaLawMan expect the SEC’s release of the Inspector General’s report on Bill Hinman’s conflicts of interest shortly. “I can’t think of any reason that simple act of transparency would need to wait for Paul Atkins’ arrival,” added MetaLawMan.
Mark Fagel Predicts a Possible 10-Month Delay in Ripple Case
Recently, Marc Fagel shed light on a possible delay in the Ripple SEC case settlement despite the XRPArmy’s growing optimism. Fagel’s statement that the lawsuit may conclude quickly or drag on for an extended period underscored the case’s uncertain outcome.
Despite the ongoing debate, the community remains optimistic about the lawsuit’s settlement. However, it needs to be seen how the closed meeting will impact Ripple vs SEC.
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.
Regulation
Thailand Boosts Crypto Ambitions, Welcomes Bitcoin ETFs on Local Exchanges
Thailand is witnessing a significant breakthrough in its ambitious vision to establish a digital asset hub. A recent report on Wednesday revealed Thailand’s plans to adopt Bitcoin ETFs, permitting local exchanges to list the exchange-traded funds.
Thailand Prepares for Bitcoin ETF Debut
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to approve its first Bitcoin ETF, aligning with the country’s crypto hub vision, Bloomberg reported on January 15.
SEC Secretary-General Pornanong Budsaratragoon posited that the move would allow individual and institutional investors to invest in the Bitcoin vehicles directly.
Promoting the use of cryptocurrencies, Thailand is paving the way for the worldwide adoption of digital assets. During an interview on Tuesday, Pornanong stated,
Like it or not, we have to move along with more adoption of cryptocurrencies worldwide. We have to adapt and ensure that our investors have more options in crypto assets with proper protection.
Although, One Asset Management in Thailand has introduced a fund-of-fund tracking international Bitcoin ETFs, a direct investment tool remains pending approval. The ONE Bitcoin ETF Fund of Funds Unhedged and not for Retail Investors (ONE-BTCETFOF-UI) and was approved by the Thai SEC last year.
Thailand’s Thaksin To Legalize Crypto
The latest development came on the heels of Pheu Thai Party leader Thaksin Shinawatra’s efforts to legalize crypto. Citing the incoming US President Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly approach, Thaksin suggested Thailand embrace a more progressive stance on virtual assets. He also proposed the increased issuance and use of stablecoins.
Digital-asset trading activity in Thailand is picking up amid a wider rally that pushed Bitcoin to a record high of $108,315. Crypto hedge funds had a great last year but failed to give more returns than Bitcoin (BTC), as per Bloomberg
Thailand’s Broader Crypto Vision and Regulations
Thailand has long been striving to solidify its position at the forefront of the global crypto market. In a recent development, the country announced its crypto payment pilot project, with the trial set in Phuket.
While the initiative is expected to be executed within Thailand’s existing legal framework, it bolsters the nation’s crypto vision. The country is broadly looking to boost crypto adoption and Bitcoin ETFs will be welcome move for the local crypto industry.
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.
Regulation
South Korea’s Largest Exchange Upbit Under Sanctions Review by Watchdog
Upbit, South Korea’s largest crypto exchange, is facing increased scrutiny over alleged Know-Your-Customer (KYC) violations. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of South Korea has scheduled a disciplinary hearing on January 21 to evaluate the exchange’s regulatory compliance. As as result, the crypto market could see significant low activity amid the review
FIU Meeting To Assess Upbit’s KYC Violations
Notably, the FIU revealed that the sanctions review meeting would assess the 500k+ suspected KYC breaches discovered during an on-site inspection for the renewal of the virtual asset service provider (VASP).
Reportedly, this sanctions-level meeting for Upbit marks the first hearing of its kind, addressing issues identified during a VASP renewal inspection. This meeting will determine the extent of sanctions Upbit could face, considering factors like lapses in KYC compliance. Analyzing the crypro exchange’s explanation for its alleged violations, the regulator would determine the severity of fines and disciplinary actions against the platform.
Upbit Faces Scrutiny Under South Korea’s FIU
Since August last year, Upbit facing investigations led by the financial watchdog. During the license renewal process, the FIU uncovered 500,000-600,000 cases of unauthorized customer verification procedures. This includes instances of accounts being approved despite the blurred customer name or registration number, making identification impossible.
Though these cases highlight the exchange’s reluctance to follow regulatory standards, it is still uncertain whether they actually mark KYC breaches. However, following the disciplinary meeting, FIU is likely to draw conclusions, particularly based on Upbit’s explanations.
South Korea’s Crypto Regulatory Norms
South Korea has embarked on its journey to establish a crypto-focused regulatory framework. In a recent development, the Financial Services Commission has kicked off discussions on the second phase of crypto regulations, especially targeting stablecoins and customer protection.
South Korea’s recent collaboration with the US and Japan to tackle the growing crypto threats also underscores the nation’s commitment to user security. Last day, the three countries jointly released a paper, warning against the North Korean hackers’ eye on crypto.
The FIU’s meeting on Upbit’s KYC violation marks a significant turning point in South Korea’s regulatory landscape. While the meeting decides its fate in South Korea, it could have a broader impact on global crypto regulations and laws.
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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