SEC custody rule made crypto regulation a ‘political football’ — Rep. Nickel

As a researcher with a background in finance and experience following the regulatory landscape of digital assets, I strongly believe that Representative Wiley Nickel’s concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its proposed Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121) are valid. The SEC’s “open hostility” towards the cryptocurrency industry could potentially harm President Joe Biden’s best interests, as well as stifle American banks’ ability to custody crypto exchange-traded products at scale.


As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States has made crypto regulation a contentious issue, turning it into a political football. This open hostility from the regulator isn’t beneficial for President Joe Biden as it creates uncertainty and instability in the crypto market.

In a letter dated May 15, Democratic Congressman Nickel argued that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under Chair Gary Gensler’s leadership, went against its mandate to safeguard investors and overstepped its bounds in attempting to implement the contentious Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121).

Proposed rule SAB 121 requires Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting companies to classify cryptocurrency assets held as liabilities on their balance sheets.

Nickel argues that preventing American banks from holding large amounts of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products would reduce the risk of concentration. This is because it limits the influence of non-bank entities over these financial transactions.

The SEC’s hostile attitude towards cryptocurrencies is not aligning with President Biden’s goals in this area.

“Representative from North Carolina stated that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is making cryptocurrency regulation a contentious political issue, putting President Biden in a position where he must take a stance on a matter important to numerous Americans.”

SEC custody rule made crypto regulation a ‘political football’ — Rep. Nickel

As a researcher studying the ongoing debate surrounding SAB 121 and its potential impact on nickel markets, I can share that Nickel has expressed his desire for Gensler to reconsider the SEC’s proposed rule. However, he remains optimistic that the Senate, in its upcoming May 16 vote, will issue a resolution nullifying SAB 121.

“I’m hopeful that this bipartisan, bicameral resolution will send a message: it’s time to adjust the SEC’s misguided approach to digital assets.”

The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill overturning SAB 121 last week.

Before the rule can be overturned, the final approval of the bill lies with President Biden’s desk – a stance he has made clear that he will veto the bill if it reaches him in its current form.

Nickel expresses concern that the implementation of SAB 121 might lead numerous American investors to opt for overseas custodianship, potentially exposing them to greater risks over time.

Numerous Republicans hold similar views as him. Among them is U.S. Representative Tom Emmer, who expressed concern that the passage of SAB 121 could result in “unfairness, disorderliness, and inefficiency” in American markets.

As a crypto investor, I’m deeply concerned about the SEC’s commitment to safeguarding investors, promoting capital formation, and ensuring fair, orderly, and efficient markets. However, I strongly believe that Chairman Gensler is undermining this mission with his controversial SAB 121 rule, which I view as an illegal move.— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) May 7, 2024

SAB 121 was introduced by the SEC in March, 2022.

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2024-05-16 04:41