in

US President Biden Poised for a Shift in Crypto Regulations

Crypto Regulation Joe Biden

Speculation is rife that the Biden administration is gearing up for a strategic change in approach towards crypto regulations, potentially moving closer to the digital asset community as the November election approaches. Recent indicators point to a possible green light for a spot Ether ETF, signifying a significant shift in stance by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to Bloomberg analysts, the chances of a spot Ether ETF approval have surged from 25% to 75%, with sources close to the SEC pointing to a sudden shift in sentiment within the commission. This unexpected development could be part of a broader political realignment by the Biden administration in response to former President Trump’s backing of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.

The potential approval of the spot Ether ETF has caused waves in the financial and crypto markets, triggering substantial price hikes in Ethereum and other altcoins. The approval process necessitates the SEC’s clearance for both the 19b-4s involving exchange rule changes and the S-1s, the registration statements crucial for ETF launches. This move signifies an initial tangible indication of the Biden administration pivoting towards a more crypto-friendly policy direction.

Related:  # Hong Kong's Cyberport Attracts Over 150 Web3 Firms In The Last YearAs the government of Hong Kong strives to establish itself as a digital assets hub, the city's Cyberport center has garnered attention from Web3-focused firms. Cyberport, a technology business park founded in 2004, focuses on various industries including fintech, smart living, digital entertainment, esports, AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.According to a blog post by Hong Kong's financial secretary, Paul Chan, over 150 Web3-related firms have joined Cyberport in the past year. In the government's financial budget, Chan allocated HK$50 million ($6.37 million) to support Cyberport's development and attract Web3 firms.Chan believes that the influx of Web3 firms will foster research and development, driving innovation through Cyberport in Hong Kong. He also mentioned a committee for Digital Economy Development that facilitates research on cross-border data flows, digital infrastructure, transformation, and talent development. Additionally, the government has allocated 500 million yuan to Cyberport for implementing the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program.The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Program utilizes a one-to-one matching funding model to assist small and medium-sized businesses in accessing digital support solutions. These efforts aim to attract high-end talents to Hong Kong. Currently, over 1,900 digital technology companies have registered in Cyberport, including Web3 venture capital firm Anomica Brands and Consensys, the software developer behind the Ethereum-based MetaMask crypto wallet.The government's strategy to transform Hong Kong into a digital economy is progressing with these developments. Alongside these initiatives, Hong Kong has recently introduced licensing rules for cryptocurrency trading platforms, prioritizing investor protection. The Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong stated that these rules ensure suitable onboarding processes and good governance.In an interview, Neil Tan, chairman of the Hong Kong Fintech Association, discussed the regulators' aims to provide a regulatory framework for virtual assets service providers with a focus on investor protection. Tan expressed that this step demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to becoming a virtual asset hub.Hong Kong's reputation as an evolving player in the digital assets ecosystem has attracted the interest of major crypto firms like Huobi, OKX, Bitfinex, and Binance. With the new licensing regime for crypto assets, more Web3 players may be drawn to Hong Kong's digital assets hub.*[AI]: Artificial Intelligence*[HK]: Hong Kong*[HTML]: HyperText Markup Language

Pundits Contemplate a Complete Policy Reversal

Facing these developments, multiple experts have stepped forward to discuss the potential for a comprehensive change in stance by the Biden administration. Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly, predicts a softening of Biden’s stance on crypto in the lead-up to the election to avoid losing votes over a relatively minor issue. This shift is seen as a strategic move focused on reducing political risks rather than advocating for digital currencies.

Sam Lyman, Director of Public Policy at Riot Platforms, highlights several crypto-friendly shifts, including Trump’s overt support for digital assets, the SEC’s policy reversal on the Ether ETF, and notable legislative advancements. He underscores recent wins for the crypto sector such as the repeal of SAB 121 and the resignation of the FDIC Chair, viewed as responses to political influences from pro-crypto factions.

Notable figures in the crypto space like Jake Chervinsky and Vijay Boyapati concur with the belief that the political landscape is driving these changes. Chervinsky, Chief Legal Officer at Variant Fund, emphasizes that an approved spot ETH ETF could indicate a significant shift in US crypto policy post the SAB 121 vote, potentially outweighing the ETF approval’s direct market impact.

Related:  Google Announces $1M Reimbursement Plan for Victims of Crypto Mining Scams

Both Boyapati and Adam Cochran echo Chervinsky’s sentiments, suggesting that the Democrats are adjusting their stance to safeguard potential electoral losses by showing a friendlier disposition towards crypto. Cochran, partner at CEHV, emphasizes the Democratic Party’s realization that embracing pro-crypto policies could resonate with a broader voter base.

As of the latest update, ETH is priced at $3,659, exhibiting an 18% rise in the last 24 hours.

Report

What do you think?

113 Points
Upvote Downvote