Regulation
Ripple CLO Calls On Kamala Harris To End SEC’s War On Crypto
Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO), has issued a strong call for action from Vice President Kamala Harris. He urged the VP to end what he describes as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) “misguided war on crypto.” This statement comes in the wake of a significant court ruling in the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the SEC.
Ripple CLO’s Request To Kamala Harris
Alderoty’s comments were made in the backdrop of a recent interview where he expressed optimism about the court’s decision. However, he took recently took to X and emphasized the need for immediate political intervention. He referred to Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposed “crypto reset.”
Alderoty stated, “If this Admin is serious about a ‘reset,’ it must act NOW to end the SEC’s misguided war on crypto.” Moreover, his remarks underscore the urgency that the crypto community feels in addressing the SEC’s regulatory approach, which many industry leaders view as hostile.
Alderoty On Recent Ripple SEC Lawsuit Ruling
This week, on Wednesday, the court ordered Ripple to pay a $125 million fine for failing to register sales of its XRP token to institutional investors. This amount is significantly less than the $2 billion originally sought by the SEC. Hence, Alderoty hailed the Ripple SEC lawsuit ruling as a victory not only for them but for the entire crypto industry.
He stated, “Ripple didn’t act recklessly… There were no victims; the counterparties to those transactions suffered no financial loss at all.” Furthermore, Alderoty further explained that the court’s decision provided much-needed clarity. It established that XRP itself is not a security, which has been a central issue in the case.
“The core clarity that we sought in this case [is] that XRP is not in and of itself a security… just like a bar of gold is never a security,” he noted. This ruling, according to Alderoty, sets a crucial legal precedent that could influence the crypto regulations. Despite the positive outcome, Alderoty acknowledged the possibility of an appeal from the SEC.
However, he expressed confidence that the Ripple SEC lawsuit is nearing its end. “In our minds, we are finally done… If the SEC is a rational actor… there should be no appeal,” he said. He also emphasized that the blockchain payments firm is focused on moving forward and growing its business.
Also Read: Just-In: Ripple Stablecoin RLUSD Private Beta Live On XRP Ledger & Ethereum Mainnet
Harris Campaign & Crypto Industry
The legal developments in the crypto space has placed Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign in a challenging position. Recently, Harris’s campaign representatives participated in a crypto roundtable organized by Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna. It also included high-level officials such as Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bruce Reed.
Although Kamala Harris’ senior adviser, Kristine Lucius, was present, she did not speak during the meeting, according to people present in the meet. The roundtable was part of Harris’s broader effort to engage with the crypto community. Sincerely several years, the community has been calling for clearer regulations and a reset of the government’s approach to the industry.
Also, the Crypto4Harris town hall event is currently underway. This further highlighting the campaign’s efforts to connect with crypto advocates. However, industry leaders like Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and CLO Stuart Alderoty are urging Harris to take immediate and decisive action.
They, along with other prominent figures in the crypto world, also called for the removal of SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who they view as a major obstacle to the industry’s growth. These leaders include Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss and former Coinbase executive Balaji Srinivasan. Meanwhile, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson continued criticizing Kamala Harris.
Positive Outlook
Despite the ongoing friction between the crypto industry and the SEC, some remain hopeful about the future. Anthony Scaramucci, a well-known figure in the financial industry, expressed optimism that Kamala Harris could soon gain support within the crypto community.
“It’s encouraging that these high-level officials took the time to show up and listen to our industry. My colleagues in the crypto space understandably want action now, but that’s not how things work in Washington,” Scaramucci said, according to a FOX Business report.
In addition, Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, also voiced a positive outlook. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the Harris campaign’s potential to reshape the government’s approach to crypto. “She’s the perfect candidate to be a strong new face for crypto and make a break with the past,” Grewal stated.
Also Read: XRP Scam: Ripple Issues Warning On Rising XRP Scam After SEC Lawsuit Ruling
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
“Crypto Dad” Chris Giancarlo Emerges Top For White House Crypto Czar Role
Chris Giancarlo, widely known as “Crypto Dad,” has emerged as the leading candidate for a newly proposed role of crypto czar in the White House under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The potential appointment underscores a strategic effort to advance crypto regulations and foster blockchain innovation in the United States.
This proposed position would be the first of its kind in the White House, aiming to bring clarity to the growing $3 trillion digital asset market. Chris Giancarlo, the former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is known for his progressive approach to digital currencies and blockchain technologies.
Chris Giancarlo Leads Race for White House Crypto Czar Role Under Donald Trump
According to a Fox Business report, Chris Giancarlo is the top contender for the position of White House crypto czar, a role being considered by the Trump transition team to streamline crypto regulations and foster blockchain development.
As CFTC Chair from 2017 to 2019, Chris Giancarlo oversaw critical advancements in the digital asset space. This includes the launch of the first Bitcoin futures. He later co-founded the Digital Dollar Project, a nonprofit initiative exploring the potential of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). Giancarlo’s regulatory expertise and understanding of digital innovation position him as a key figure in shaping the future of the crypto sector.
The Trump administration aims to utilize this position to address industry concerns over the Biden administration’s perceived heavy-handed enforcement. The crypto czar would also collaborate with federal agencies to establish a framework for the $180 billion stablecoin market and enhance the overall regulatory landscape for blockchain and digital currencies.
Trump’s Strategic Approach to Digital Asset Policy
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to make the U.S. a global leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. Part of this strategy includes appointing a crypto czar to advance policies to support the industry’s growth.
Trump has also proposed the establishment of a presidential crypto advisory council to address ongoing regulatory challenges. This initiative aims to align federal policies with industry needs, fostering a competitive environment for blockchain businesses. The council will explore the creation of a Bitcoin reserve as part of the administration’s broader crypto policy agenda.
The transition comes as current SEC Chair Gary Gensler announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s inauguration. Gensler faced criticism during his tenure for his enforcement-driven approach to crypto regulations.
Amid speculation, Chris Giancarlo clarified that he is not pursuing the SEC Chair role. Giancarlo said in a recent statement,
“I’ve already cleaned up earlier Gary Gensler mess at the CFTC and don’t want to have to do it again.”
His focus remains on advancing crypto-friendly policies through a potential new role. According to the report, the “Crypto Dad” stated,
“I would be honored to be considered for the role.”
The creation of the crypto czar position could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. crypto policy. With Chris Giancarlo leading the race, the industry anticipates advancements in crypto regulations under the new administration.
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
UK to unveil crypto and stablecoin regulatory framework early next year
- The UK will introduce unified crypto regulations, including stablecoins, in early 2025.
- New rules aim to simplify oversight and avoid restrictive staking classifications.
- Labour government aims to compete with EU’s MiCA rules and US pro-crypto policies.
The United Kingdom is set to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and crypto staking services in early 2025, marking a pivotal shift in its approach to digital assets.
The announcement was made by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq at City & Financial Global’s Tokenisation Summit in London on November 21.
Initially slated for December 2024, the regulatory rollout was delayed due to the change in government following the election of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour administration in July 2024.
The upcoming UK crypto regulatory framework
The upcoming framework consolidates regulations for crypto assets into a single, overarching regime, a decision Siddiq described as “simpler and more logical.”
The framework aims to provide clarity in a rapidly growing sector that has faced uncertainty in the UK.
Stablecoins will receive distinct treatment under these regulations, as their functionality does not align with existing payment services rules.
Siddiq highlighted that staking services would also avoid being designated as “collective investment schemes,” a classification that could impose burdensome restrictions.
UK aims to align with the global crypto regulatory landscape
The UK government’s renewed focus on digital asset regulation comes as it seeks to align with global developments. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations will be fully enforced by the end of 2024, offering regulatory certainty that has positioned Europe as an attractive market for the crypto industry.
Meanwhile, the US, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has adopted a markedly pro-crypto stance, including the establishment of a White House “crypto czar” and SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s planned departure in January 2024.
The Labour government has shown its intent to catch up with international competition. In September 2024, it introduced a bill recognizing NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and carbon credits as property.
The new regulatory push reflects the UK’s ambition to regain credibility as a crypto hub while addressing criticisms of the Financial Conduct Authority’s perceived stringent oversight.
By delivering a robust, streamlined framework, the Labour government aims to bolster the UK’s standing in the multibillion-dollar crypto industry.
Regulation
Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair In January
In a recent development, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that Gary Gensler will step down from his position next year. This follows calls for Gensler to resign since Donald Trump won the US presidential elections.
Gary Gensler To Step Down As US SEC Chair
The US SEC announced in a press release that Gary Gensler will depart the Agency on January 20, 2025. The US SEC Chair also confirmed this development in an X post. Interestingly, this comes on the same day that Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States.
Following the announcement, Gensler also used the opportunity to reflect on his time at the Commission. He remarked that it has been an “honor of a lifetime” to serve alongside those at the SEC. He also thanked President Biden for the opportunity to serve in the position. Gensler has been the US SEC Chair since April 2021. During his time, he has spearheaded several litigations against the crypto industry.
This includes the long-running legal battle with Ripple, which Gensler took over from his predecessor Jay Clayton, which bordered on whether XRP was a security. Up till now, the Agency continues to reiterate this ‘digital asset securities’ claim.
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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