Regulation
Rep McHenry Calls for Overturn of Biden Veto on SEC SAB 121
Representative Patrick McHenry, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has made a strong case for overturning President Biden’s veto of a resolution that aimed to block the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121).
Rep McHenry Calls for Overturn of Biden Veto
During a recent session on the House, Representative Patrick McHenry engaged fellow Republicans in a debate when they were debating the President’s veto of H. J. Res. 109. This resolution aims at disapproving the SEC’s rule on Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 relating to banks’ digital asset custody.
The debate underscored the bipartisan nature of the disapproval that previously garnered wide support in both the House and Senate. McHenry stressed that the resolution was vital in revising the US policy on digital assets and encouraged his colleagues to vote in favor of the motion to override the veto.
#WATCH: Chairman @PatrickMcHenry in support of @HouseGOP’s message to override the veto of the bipartisan H.J.Res. 109:
“This Administration would rather play politics and side with power hungry bureaucrats over the American people.”
Read more 🔗https://t.co/l10uFxrc1r
📺 👇 pic.twitter.com/oe50k3aCdt
— Financial Services GOP (@FinancialCmte) July 10, 2024
In his speech, McHenry took a swipe at the present administration for supporting bureaucratic decisions that, in his opinion, work against the people’s best interest. He mentioned the general support of the original Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution and the subsequent passage of the Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT) for the 21st Century Act that endorsed the repeal of SAB 121.
Bipartisan Support and Legislative Context
The legislative journey of the resolution, H.J. Res. 109, reflects significant bipartisan cooperation. . At first, both houses of Congress approved the resolution with a large margin, a trend that is also observed in the recent passage of the FIT21 Act.
Moreover, this Act which contained provisions concerning the digital asset market structures was also passed with the support of many members of the two parties including 71 from the President’s own party.
Therefore, this bipartisan position on SAB 121 suggests that there is a coordinated push by legislators to alter the SEC’s stance on the regulation of digital assets. McHenry and other critics of SAB 121 have noted that the rule unduly burdens banks, restricts consumer choices for asset custody, and alters long-standing industry norms without clear rationale.
Mike Flood Criticizes SEC Overreach
In addition, during the debate, Representative Mike Flood also expressed a negative view towards the implementation of SAB 121 by the SEC. He noted that the SEC’s actions under Gensler are beyond its scope in that other bodies like the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department should handle such roles.
Flood said,
“The SEC was caught with its hand in the cookie jar. They have gone too far in a very obvious manner that is against the best interest of investors. SAB 121 is not a political issue; it is simply a bad rule.”
Flood argued that SAB 121 weakens the conventional bank custody frameworks through the adoption of measures that are inapplicable to the banking sector’s operations.
Read Also: Fed Chair Powell Voices Strong Support for Stablecoin Regulation
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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