Cryptocurrency Regulation in the United States: Past and Present

Explore complex cryptocurrency regulation in the United States: Past and present

Cryptocurrency regulation in the USA is a complex and ever-evolving landscape. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in cryptocurrency from both regulators and the public. This has led to several new regulations being implemented and several proposed regulations that are still being debated.

One of the essential pieces of cryptocurrency regulation in the USA is the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)‘s ruling that Bitcoin and Ethereum are commodities. This ruling means cryptocurrency exchanges that trade these assets are now subject to CFTC regulation. The CFTC has also issued several guidance letters on cryptocurrency, which provide more information on how the agency intends to regulate this asset class. Another critical piece of cryptocurrency regulation in the USA is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruling that initial coin offerings (ICOs) are securities. This ruling means that ICOs are subject to the same regulations as traditional securities offerings, which include registration with the SEC and compliance with anti-fraud laws. 

The SEC has also brought several enforcement actions against ICO issuers who have violated securities laws. In addition to these specific regulations, several other laws and regulations could apply to cryptocurrency. For example, cryptocurrency exchanges may be subject to money laundering and terrorist financing regulations. And cryptocurrency users may be subject to tax laws. The rule of cryptocurrency in the USA is still in its early stages. More regulations will likely be implemented in the coming years as regulators and lawmakers gain a better understanding of this asset class.

Cryptocurrency Regulations in the Past

In the United States, cryptocurrency regulations have evolved over the years as regulatory bodies strive to address the unique challenges digital currencies pose. The approach to cryptocurrency regulation has primarily been driven by existing financial laws and the need to protect investors, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.

Past Cryptocurrency Regulations in the USA:

FinCEN: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a U.S. Department of the Treasury Bureau, has actively regulated cryptocurrency-related activities. In 2013, FinCEN classified cryptocurrency exchanges and administrators as money services businesses (MSBs) and mandated them to register with FinCEN, implement AML procedures, and report suspicious activities.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The SEC has taken steps to regulate initial coin offerings (ICOs) and tokens deemed securities. In 2017, the SEC issued a report stating that ICOs may fall under the purview of securities regulations, and subsequent enforcement actions were taken against projects that violated securities laws. The Howey Test, which assesses whether an investment qualifies as a security, has been used as a guiding framework.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC): The CFTC has asserted its regulatory authority over cryptocurrencies as commodities. In 2015, it designated Bitcoin as a commodity, subjecting it to CFTC oversight. The CFTC has regulated cryptocurrency derivatives, such as Bitcoin futures and options contracts, ensuring fair trading practices and market integrity.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS has guided the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies. In 2014, the IRS classified cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes, requiring individuals to report capital gains or losses when they sell or exchange cryptocurrencies. Failure to comply with cryptocurrency tax obligations can lead to penalties and legal consequences.

Cryptocurrency Regulations Today in the USA

Here are some of the key takeaways from the current state of cryptocurrency regulation in the USA:

• The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has jurisdiction over cryptocurrency exchanges that trade Bitcoin and Ethereum.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has jurisdiction over initial coin offerings (ICOs).
• Cryptocurrency exchanges may be subject to money laundering and terrorist financing regulations.
• Cryptocurrency users may be subject to tax laws.
• The regulation of cryptocurrency is still in its early stages and is likely to evolve in the coming years.
• The CFTC, SEC, FinCEN, and IRS have issued guidance on cryptocurrency, providing more information on how these agencies intend to regulate and tax this asset class.
• Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in cryptocurrency regulation is essential due to its complex and ever-evolving nature.