CFTC commissioner urges crypto policy reforms

As a seasoned crypto investor with a decade of experience navigating the volatile and rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, I wholeheartedly endorse Commissioner Summer Mersinger’s call for clear, standardized policies for the crypto industry. The recent charges against Uniswap Labs serve as a stark reminder that regulatory clarity is essential to fostering a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.


Under the leadership of President Joe Biden’s previous administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has been instrumental in enforcing a “regulation through action” strategy together with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This is demonstrated by the recent accusations levied against Uniswap Labs.

At the North American Blockchain Summit held on November 21st, CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger emphasized the importance of implementing uniform regulations for cryptocurrencies using the notice and comment methodology.

Marsinger clarified that in previous legal disputes involving Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) needed a court decision to determine the entity’s classification. In this specific instance, the CFTC aimed to categorize the DAO as either a corporation or an association.

“I really started to get uncomfortable with this idea that we were kind of setting some sort of policy through our enforcement cases and through going to court. To me, how you’re going to treat an entity that’s a policy question.”

Need for regulated relief for the crypto industry

Mersinger contends that cryptocurrencies, including Decentralized Finance (DeFi), are frequently classified within current frameworks and assumed to comply with existing laws. However, she points out that there’s no legal mechanism in place for them to formally register as official entities. In other words, while they are expected to play by the rules, there’s no rulebook specifically written for them yet.

“This is really tricky settlements because the information we share publicly with our enforcement settlements really doesn’t offer a lot of guidance for anyone who’s trying to do the right thing.”

CFTC commissioner urges crypto policy reforms

In the end, Uniswap attempted to act ethically but found itself facing increased fees, as per Mersinger’s explanation. Notably, Uniswap agreed to a surprisingly low penalty in settling with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Although smaller in comparison to organizations like the SEC, Mersinger views the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as the “optimal regulatory body for the cryptocurrency spot market.” This is because the CFTC has the ability to enact significant legislative modifications swiftly and without causing major market disruptions.

New laws can help crypto companies fight wrongful litigation

Additionally, I advocated for the implementation of fresh legal frameworks and regulatory measures for cryptocurrency businesses, even with my generally conservative outlook.

“What we’re seeing right now is that without those laws, you have agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) who can come in and create chaos and bring charges where maybe it doesn’t fit.”

Mersinger advised the cryptocurrency sector to connect with the incoming government immediately after the new leaders have been determined. She suggested not hesitating to initiate contact from day one as it is crucial to begin discussions promptly.

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2024-11-22 12:51