Law & Policy

So, the SEC is dropping its case against @coinbase . Overall this is being seen as a big win for crypto, which in many ways it is. But I think it more importantly again highlights some of the political problems surrounding the sector, particularly in the US...🧵

🚨Following this news – the SEC has also now dropped its probe into Robinhood’s crypto arm…🧵

Regulation and policy analyst. Have a background in politics and competition economics. Decentralise, redistribute, rebel

https://paragraph.xyz/@technocrap

I’m all for improves regulator efficiency, but this all seems far too Trumpy. I wrote over the weekend about the problems with just how politicised regulators are becoming under Trump –

These regulators will always be somewhat political but their ultimate goal should be the same. TO REGULATE. To be the safety nets and guardrails that restrict private actors from acting unfairly and harming citizens

While I may not be its biggest fan, the economy is meant to be capitalist – this means good competition can lead to growth and all that good stuff – but as we know, this requires regulation

So what is a regulator’s job? To create this growth? No. To ensure growth is created by economic actors FAIRLY. Right now regulators in the US are being treated like extra arms of the ruling party rather than the rule makers they should be

I’m not singling out this Robinhood case, and the SEC has some excellent pro-crypto people on its side. But these regulators (CFTC too) cannot get carried away with becoming political machines or we will continue to see rapid rises in wealth inequality, the poor will get poorer and more people will slip into poverty

As we await various regulatory frameworks for crypto and stablecoins, let’s not forget what is needed. Decentralisation. And decentralisation made easier. We do not need crypto exchanges which ultimately serve as investment markets to be given free reign to do what they like

The speed at which the SEC and Trump admin is moving is nothing short of astounding. I think it’s partially a play to desensitise and disengage opposition voters, but regardless it may be harmful

I certainly hope so, getting that regulation right is key to avoid that gray area that currently exists

seeing these lawsuits all get dropped is such a great sign from regulators. excited and optimistic about ability for crypto to improve more lives now that there will be more black and white, and less gray.