SEC weighs waiving some rules to regulate crypto, Gensler says

SEC weighs waiving some rules to regulate crypto, Gensler says
The SEC chief says disclosures can be tailored for digital firms. He mentioned that such an approach is used for asset-backed securities and equity offerings.
JUL 14, 2022
By  Bloomberg

Wall Street’s top regulator may use its authority to exempt crypto companies from certain securities laws to help the industry come into compliance, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler said Thursday.

“We do have robust authorities from Congress to use our exemptive authorities that we can tailor” for disclosure and investor protection, Gensler said during an interview with Yahoo! Finance.

The comments are among Gensler’s most pointed yet on how the agency might work with the digital asset community. He mentioned that such an approach is used for asset-backed securities and equity offerings.

Gensler repeated a warning that many crypto companies are “non-compliant” without naming any. Such companies are deemed to be offering unregistered securities.

“There’s a potential path forward,” Gensler said. “I’ve said to the industry, to the lending platforms, to the trading platforms: ‘Come in, talk to us.’”

The digital asset industry, however, has said that the SEC hasn’t provided a clear path to allow companies to register.

Crypto lending platforms have been among the most hard-hit during the recent liquidity crisis. Celsius Network Ltd. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, while BlockFi, another hobbled crypto lender, received a capital injection from crypto exchange FTX US.

In February, BlockFi reached a settlement with the SEC over a product that paid customers high interest rates by lending out investors’ digital tokens. BlockFi said at the time it would pursue SEC registration of the product.

Holistic approach helps clients stay the course, says Brinker Capital’s Coviello

Latest News

RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking
RIA M&A stays brisk in first quarter with record pace of dealmaking

Driven by robust transaction activity amid market turbulence and increased focus on billion-dollar plus targets, Echelon Partners expects another all-time high in 2025.

New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales
New York Dems push for return of tax on stock sales

The looming threat of federal funding cuts to state and local governments has lawmakers weighing a levy that was phased out in 1981.

Human Interest and Income Lab streamline workflows for retirement-focused advisors
Human Interest and Income Lab streamline workflows for retirement-focused advisors

The fintech firms' new tools and integrations address pain points in overseeing investment lineups, account monitoring, and more.

Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls
Buy or sell Canada? Wealth managers watch carefully as Canadians head to the polls

Canadian stocks are on a roll in 2025 as the country prepares to name a new Prime Minister.

Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals
Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals

Carson is expanding one of its relationships in Florida while Lido Advisors adds an $870 million practice in Silicon Valley.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.