Pro-XRP Lawyer Criticizes SEC Chairman’s Understanding of Securities Law
John Deaton, a lawyer and founder of CryptoLaw, has criticized Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), for his lack of understanding regarding what qualifies as securities. According to Deaton, Gensler misinterprets the laws governing securities and believes that if an asset is being promoted by someone, it automatically becomes a security. This interpretation undermines U.S. securities laws, which do not apply to assets purchased for non-investment purposes.
Controversial Stance on Cryptocurrencies
Gensler has been accused of negatively impacting the entire crypto industry during his tenure as SEC Chairman. He has consistently maintained that all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin (BTC) are securities and fall under the jurisdiction of the SEC. He has even argued that Proof-of-Stake (PoS) tokens and digital assets should also be treated as securities. Gensler claims that these tokens are securities because there is a group involved, and the public expects profits based on their actions.
Calls for Gensler’s Departure
Gensler’s stance on cryptocurrencies has sparked controversy in the crypto market and resulted in legal battles between the SEC and various crypto firms. Ripple Labs, Binance, and Coinbase have all faced lawsuits from the SEC for alleged violations of securities laws. In these lawsuits, other crypto assets such as Cardano (ADA), Polygon (MATIC), and Solana (SOL) were also classified as securities. As a result, many crypto enthusiasts, including Deaton, are calling for Gensler to step down from his position at the SEC.
Hot Take: Gensler’s Lack of Understanding Raises Concerns
Gary Gensler’s limited understanding of securities law and his broad classification of cryptocurrencies as securities have raised concerns within the crypto community. Many argue that his approach stifles innovation and hampers the growth of the industry. As legal battles continue and regulatory uncertainty persists, it remains to be seen how Gensler’s tenure at the SEC will impact the future of cryptocurrencies in the United States.