SEC’s Gensler says BTC, ETH ‘not securities’ in a newly surfaced video

Sec Gary Gensler in 2018 Video

In a 2018 video, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler discussed the status of Bitcoin and Ethereum as securities. Gensler, who was then a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spoke about the two cryptocurrencies in a panel discussion titled “Cryptoassets: The Future of Money or Just Hype?”

In the video, Gensler stated that Bitcoin and Ethereum are “not securities” but rather “digital assets” that are not subject to the same regulations as securities. He argued that the two cryptocurrencies do not have the same characteristics as stocks or bonds, and that they are not issued by a single entity and are not backed by any underlying assets.

Gensler went on to explain that while Bitcoin and Ethereum are not securities, they are still subject to the same consumer protection laws as other financial products. He also noted that the SEC has taken enforcement actions against companies that have violated securities laws by offering unregistered securities in the form of cryptocurrencies.

The video, which was posted on the SEC’s website in 2018, provides a valuable insight into the SEC’s view of cryptocurrencies and their status as securities. Gensler’s comments are especially relevant in light of the recent surge in the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as the increasing number of companies launching Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

SEC’s Position on Bitcoin and Ethereum

In a newly surfaced video, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, stated that Bitcoin and Ethereum are not securities. This is a significant statement from the SEC as it has been long debated whether these two digital assets are considered securities or not.

Gensler explained that the SEC has been looking at the two digital assets for some time, and concluded that they do not meet the definition of a security. He stated that Bitcoin and Ethereum are decentralized networks, with no central party controlling them. He also noted that the two digital assets are used as a store of value and for payments, and have a wide range of users.

The SEC’s position on Bitcoin and Ethereum is important for investors and those looking to enter the cryptocurrency space. It provides clarity on the legal status of the two digital assets, and allows investors to make informed decisions about their investments.

Impact of SEC’s Position

The SEC’s position on Bitcoin and Ethereum could have far reaching implications for the cryptocurrency industry. The most immediate impact is on the legal status of cryptocurrencies. By classifying them as commodities, rather than securities, it opens the door for more widespread adoption and use of cryptocurrencies.

The SEC’s position could also have implications for the taxation of cryptocurrencies. By classifying them as commodities, they may be subject to different taxation rules than if they were classified as securities. This could make cryptocurrencies more attractive to investors, as they would not have to pay the same taxes as they would on securities.

The SEC’s position could also have implications for the regulation of cryptocurrencies. By classifying them as commodities, it could make it easier for regulators to create and enforce rules and regulations surrounding the use of cryptocurrencies. This could make cryptocurrencies more attractive to investors, as they would be more secure and regulated.

Finally, the SEC’s position could also have implications for the development of new technologies and applications related to cryptocurrencies. By classifying them as commodities, it could make it easier for developers to create and deploy new technologies and applications that make use of cryptocurrencies. This could lead to more innovation in the space, which could benefit both investors and users.