The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has responded favorably to a proposal from CoinRegTech, a cryptocurrency market regulation service provider, aimed at improving oversight and transparency in the digital asset securities market.
The proposal outlines key regulatory measures designed to address investor protection, market structure, and transaction reporting. CoinRegTech’s recommendations focus on three main regulatory changes that aim to strengthen the framework surrounding digital asset securities.
First, the proposal emphasizes the need for clearer investor protection measures and urges the SEC to enforce structural requirements for trading platforms that facilitate digital asset securities transactions. This would help ensure that investors are adequately safeguarded in an evolving market landscape.
Second, CoinRegTech advocates for revisions to the Securities Exchange Act to enhance transaction reporting mechanisms. These updates would also aim to clarify market supervision responsibilities, thereby improving the overall structure and reliability of the market.
Third, the firm introduces the Digital Asset Electronic Reporting System, which is proposed to be developed in collaboration with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This new reporting system would play a vital role in enhancing regulatory oversight of digital asset transactions, promoting greater transparency and accountability in the market.
According to CoinRegTech, implementing these recommendations would increase transparency in cryptocurrency markets, enhance investor protection, and contribute to a more stable regulatory environment.
SEC’s stance and potential implications
The SEC’s positive response to the proposal suggests a growing recognition among regulators that clearer oversight is needed in the cryptocurrency industry.
The agency has taken an active role in enforcing existing securities laws within the digital asset space, frequently arguing that many crypto tokens qualify as securities and should be regulated accordingly.
The SEC appears open to refining its approach rather than solely relying on enforcement actions. If adopted, these measures could have significant implications for the crypto industry, particularly for exchanges and trading platforms that facilitate the buying and selling of digital asset securities.
The introduction of investor protection measures and structural requirements could lead to stricter compliance rules for crypto platforms, similar to those imposed on traditional securities exchanges. Additionally, revising the Securities Exchange Act to account for digital assets may provide greater legal clarity for companies operating in the space.
CFTC and market supervision
One of the most notable aspects of the proposal is the call for cooperation between the SEC and the CFTC through the development of DART.
The two agencies have long debated their respective roles in overseeing digital assets, with the SEC asserting authority over crypto assets classified as securities and the CFTC overseeing digital commodities like Bitcoin (BTC).
A joint reporting system such as DART could mark a step toward a more coordinated regulatory approach.
