Exploring Major Banks’ Collaboration in Testing Network for Tokenized Money and U.S. Treasuries
Welcome to CNBC’s Crypto World! In our discussion today, we delve into the collaborative efforts of major financial institutions to test a shared distributed ledger network aimed at tokenizing money, including U.S. Treasuries. This initiative involves nearly a dozen firms, such as JP Morgan, Citi, MasterCard, and Swift, who are coming together to explore a regulated settlement network. The primary goal of this project is to enable the tokenization and 24/7 settlement of various assets, marking a significant advancement in leveraging blockchain technology within the financial sector.
FTX Ensures Customer Protection and Asset Recovery
- FTX recently unveiled a reorganization plan to reimburse its customers after estimating liabilities exceeding $11 billion.
- Customers with claims less than $50,000 are set to receive 118% of their allowed claim, benefiting around 98% of creditors.
- Disclaimer: The plan’s approval by the bankruptcy court is pending.
The SEC’s Ongoing Actions Against Crypto Companies
- Alma Angotti from Guidehouse, a former SEC staffer, sheds light on the agency’s recent crackdown on crypto firms, like Robinhood.
- The SEC issued a Wells notice to Robinhood regarding its crypto operations, prompting discussions on the need for registrations and compliance.
- If deemed securities, crypto assets necessitate registration, a point of contention in recent regulatory actions.
- Angotti emphasizes the need for legal clarity amidst the SEC’s enforcement actions, including those against Coinbase earlier this year.
- SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s concerns about investor protection and regulatory oversight in the crypto space underline the ongoing debate on securities classification.
Challenges in Combatting Money Laundering in the Crypto Sector
- Angotti’s expertise in anti-money laundering (AML) cases highlights the stringent AML regulations that apply to crypto businesses.
- Effective AML practices are crucial in mitigating risks and enhancing accountability within the crypto industry.
- Despite blockchain’s traceability benefits, combating money laundering remains a persistent challenge in the digital asset realm.
- Angotti’s insights on regulatory developments and the ConsenSys lawsuit against the SEC underscore the evolving landscape of crypto compliance and enforcement.
Hot Take: Reflecting on the Future of Regulatory Oversight in Crypto
As the crypto industry grapples with increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressures, the collaborative efforts of major banks and ongoing SEC enforcement actions signal a pivotal moment in shaping the future of digital asset regulation. Moving forward, a balance between regulatory guidance, industry cooperation, and investor protection will be essential in fostering a sustainable and compliant crypto ecosystem.