Regulation
President Biden Uses Veto to Keep SAB 121 Intact, Protects SEC’s Crypto Outreach
Despite the lawmakers requesting President Joe Biden to revoke the controversial Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121), the President has decided to veto the bill.
What’s the SAB 121 Repeal for Crypto?
Last month in May, both the House and Senate voted to repeal the SEC’s staff accounting bulletin, known as SAB 121. The House passed the measure with a 228-182 vote, primarily supported by Republicans, though 21 Democrats also backed it. A week later, the Senate approved the repeal with a 60-38 vote, including several Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
While addressing the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, May 31, Joe Biden stated: “My Administration will not support measures that jeopardize the well-being of consumers and investors. Appropriate guardrails that protect consumers and investors are necessary to harness the potential benefits and opportunities of crypto-asset innovation.”
With this announcement, it is clear that the Biden administration is willing to maintain the SEC’s stronghold over crypto regulations. The statement from the White House further adds that ” limiting the SEC’s ability to maintain a comprehensive and effective financial regulatory framework for crypto-assets would introduce substantial financial instability and market uncertainty.”
The SAB 121 bulletin has drawn concerns over the past year, especially among the crypto industry. Many believe that the bulletin would prevent banks from offering crypto custodial services. The bulletin requires the crypto custodial firms to record the crypto holdings of its customers as liabilities on their balance sheets. However, the SEC has been defending SAB 121 calling it “non-binding staff guidance” that bolsters the disclosures to customers.
Will Lawmakers Overturn Biden’s Veto?
Overturning a veto necessitates a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress. A veto won’t gain him any votes, but it could potentially cost him 500 votes in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada.
This is a dumb hill for Biden to die on
Veto will earn exactly 0 votes— but will likely cost him 500 votes in WI, MI, PA, AZ and NV https://t.co/H0XeivnDLX
— Jeff Roberts (@jeffjohnroberts) May 31, 2024
Responding to the White House decision to repeal the SAB 121, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated: “To say that this is incredibly disappointing from this white house – at an incredibly pivotal time – is an understatement”.
He added: “If the Biden administration is actually serious about a shift (and finally waking up to the crypto electorate) – the single most important thing they can do is demand the resignation of Gary Gensler”.
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
John Deaton Outlines Four Key Objectives For White House Crypto Council
The US crypto ecosystem is foreseeing potential developments under President Donald Trump, with the formation of a Crypto Council being a top priority. While the White House’s Crypto Council is expected to enhance crypto policies, pro-XRP attorney John Deaton outlined four key areas the body should prioritize.
Reportedly, the Trump administration will create a Crypto Advisory Council including 24 members from the crypto sector. Despite Trump’s exclusion of crypto from his first executive orders, the crypto community remains optimistic about the government’s potential policies.
John Deaton’s Crypto Council Highlights: A Closer Look
In his recent X post, XRP lawyer John Deaton highlighted his key concerns for Donald Trump’s upcoming crypto policies. As the Crypto Council takes shape, Deaton emphasized that the council’s top priorities should be SAB 121, Bitcoin reserve, crypto tax payments, and crypto tax policies.
At the top of the list was the dismissal of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121). As per Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire’s statement, SAB 121 made it difficult for banks and financial institutions to hold crypto assets. Reinforcing Allaire’s opinion, John Deaton stated, “It [SAB 121 abolition] is foundational and allows Crypto to become part of the financial infrastructure in a global economy.”
Bitcoin Reserve and Crypto Taxation
Further, the XRP lawyer suggested the establishment of a de facto SBR through a potential executive order. Emphasizing the strategic Bitcoin reserve as an important crypto policy to be included, Deaton added,
He could order the creation of a cryptographic escrow locking up the 200K BTC, currently owned by the USG, for 20 years. This serves as a de facto SBR – an asset owned by the USG, with no intent to sell.
In addition, John Deaton highlighted the significance of crypto taxation in the Crypto Council’s policies. According to him, allowing people to pay taxes in crypto without incurring capital gains tax would be a significant step forward.
Another key point he emphasized was the need to reassess the classification of cryptocurrencies. The XRP lawyer stated that the IRS’s classification of crypto as property, subject to capital gains taxes, needs reevaluation.
Memecoin Regulation vs SAB 121: Deaton’s Preference
Previously, John Deaton pinpointed his preference for memecoin regulations over the SAB 121 legislation, triggered by the recent memecoin frenzy. However, his recent post surprisingly omitted memecoin regulations and instead highlighted SAB 121 as the primary concern.
The XRP lawyer’s demand for memecoin regulations came amid controversies surrounding Trump’s TRUMP memecoin. Others including Bill Morgan have also highlighted the emergency of introducing comprehensive crypto regulations. However, John Deaton’s recent omission of memecoin regulations remains speculative.
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.
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