Gensler seeks Warren's help in crypto exchange crackdown

Gensler seeks Warren's help in crypto exchange crackdown
The SEC chairman tells Sen. Warren that lawmakers should give watchdogs clear powers to write rules for exchanges, including DeFi trading venues.
AUG 11, 2021
By  Bloomberg

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler is turning to Sen. Elizabeth Warren for help as he seeks to clamp down on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Gensler, who’s repeatedly rung alarm bells over the platforms during his four-month tenure, told Warren in an Aug. 5 letter that regulators need more resources to protect investors. He also said lawmakers should give watchdogs clear powers to write rules for exchanges, including decentralized finance, or DeFi, trading venues.

“We need additional authorities to prevent transactions, products and platforms from falling between regulatory cracks,” he wrote in response to questions from Warren about his plans for policing the industry.

Gensler, who previously taught classes on digital assets at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has disappointed crypto fans by saying he wants to bring the asset class under the government’s watchful eye. He told Warren that he is particularly worried about so-called stablecoins, which play an integral part in trading.

For her part, Warren signaled she’ll be a willing ally in asserting more control over digital assets.

“Cryptocurrency is the wild west of our financial system and desperately needs rules of the road,” the Massachusetts Democrat said in a statement. “I’m going to continue to engage with the SEC and other federal regulators on this, and will work to close regulatory gaps through legislation.”

It's tough to build an advice practice around those who need it most

Latest News

Financial advisors often see clients seeking to retire early; Here's what they tell them
Financial advisors often see clients seeking to retire early; Here's what they tell them

Wealth managers highlight strategies for clients trying to retire before 65 without running out of money.

Robinhood beats Q2 profit estimates as its business goes beyond YOLO trading
Robinhood beats Q2 profit estimates as its business goes beyond YOLO trading

Shares of the online brokerage jumped as it reported a surge in trading, counting crypto transactions, though analysts remained largely unmoved.

Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume
Dimon and Trump talk economy and Fed rates as meetings resume

President meets with ‘highly overrated globalist’ at the White House.

NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule
NASAA moves to let state RIAs use client testimonials, aligning with SEC rule

A new proposal could end the ban on promoting client reviews in states like California and Connecticut, giving state-registered advisors a level playing field with their SEC-registered peers.

Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?
Could 401(k) plan participants gain from guided personalization?

Morningstar research data show improved retirement trajectories for self-directors and allocators placed in managed accounts.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.