Challenges in U.S. Crypto Regulation Amid Legislative Efforts

The U.S. Congress is working to establish a clearer legal framework for digital assets, aiming to support technological innovation while enhancing constraints on illegal activities. According to Odaily, the legislative process may not achieve its intended outcomes due to weakened regulatory authority and insufficient enforcement resources. The article highlights that the "Genius Act," related to stablecoin regulation, distributes key responsibilities across various regulatory bodies. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which plays a crucial role, has seen its enforcement capabilities limited following layoffs and cybersecurity incidents. Meanwhile, the "Clarity Act" proposes to adjust regulatory responsibilities, reducing the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and placing most tokens under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, the CFTC's budget is only a fraction of the SEC's, leading to long-standing constraints on manpower and enforcement resources. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which previously handled consumer complaints in the crypto sector, has had its functions significantly reduced, further weakening the overall regulatory network. Bloomberg suggests that promoting broader public and institutional investment in crypto assets without adequate regulatory capacity could backfire. Continued exposure of fraud and illegal activities might undermine market confidence and industry growth. The article recommends establishing a unified trading regulatory framework for digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, with rules jointly developed by the SEC and CFTC to enhance market stability, information disclosure, and investor protection. The commentary warns that until Congress provides regulatory agencies with sufficient authority, expertise, and resources, the crypto market will remain in a "buyer beware" state.