Clear Heads Will Prevail in SEC’s Crusade Against Crypto, Says Ethereum Co-Founder
Joseph Lubin, the co-founder of Ethereum, believes that despite the ongoing crackdown by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the crypto industry, clear heads will ultimately prevail. In an interview with CNBC’s Capital Connection, Lubin pointed out that technologies like the Internet and cryptography faced significant push-back initially but eventually achieved mainstream success.
Crypto Companies in Court Battles with SEC
The SEC has been taking several crypto companies to court, arguing that most cryptocurrencies should be classified as securities. Ripple is currently engaged in a costly legal battle with the SEC, while Grayscale recently won its case against the regulator. Additionally, Coinbase and Binance are facing their own ongoing disputes with the SEC, while others have either paid fines or anticipate future enforcement actions from the regulatory agency.
Lubin’s Optimistic View vs Gensler’s Stance
Lubin remains optimistic about the future of crypto and believes that decentralized protocols and cryptocurrencies align with the philosophies of the U.S. and will be embraced worldwide. However, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler holds a different opinion, asserting that most crypto tokens are securities. Lubin challenges Gensler to provide concrete evidence supporting his claims rather than making arbitrary pronouncements.
Ethereum as a Commodity
Lubin has previously stated that Ethereum should be considered a commodity rather than a security. He argues that just like people buy barrels of oil with an expectation of profit, Ethereum serves a similar purpose and should not be subjected to securities regulations.
Influence of the U.S. on Global Crypto Adoption
Lubin emphasizes the significant influence of the U.S. on global markets and suggests that if crypto is treated positively in the country, other nations may follow suit. He highlights that decentralized protocol technology aligns with the principles of free markets, capitalism, and free speech that the U.S. cherishes.
Hot Take: Crypto Regulation Needs Clear Demonstration of Impact
Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum, asserts that the ongoing SEC crackdown on cryptocurrencies requires a clear demonstration of how these digital assets are securities. While the SEC continues its court battles with various crypto companies, Lubin remains optimistic that decentralized protocols and cryptocurrencies will ultimately be embraced by the U.S. and other countries worldwide. He views Ethereum as a commodity rather than a security and highlights the significant influence the U.S. has on global markets. As the regulatory landscape evolves, it is crucial for regulators to provide concrete evidence supporting their claims regarding crypto’s classification as securities.