In a world that currently treads the thin line between traditional and digital finance, news of Coinbase Inc. achieving an unprecedented U.S. oversight milestone is sparking diverse reactions. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) granted Coinbase the authority to handle bitcoin and ether futures, making it the first crypto-native company to secure registration as a futures commission merchant (FCM).
Regulatory approval for Coinbase counters the recent indictment of the crypto firm and its business model by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In fact, it’s projected to set an important precedent in U.S. oversight within the commoditized crypto realm. The unique significance of this FCM registration is shared by Dan Davis, a former general counsel at the CFTC, who states, “It’s not an easy registration to get… It’s significant to get a registration like this,” as it implies robust systems for capital, disclosures, record-keeping, and customer fund segregation.
Such a development inevitably creates a ripple in the regulatory sphere. The CFTC endorsing Coinbase can be seen as a tacit suggestion that ether, and by extension, it’s ilk, belongs to the commodities bucket, possibly evading the strenuous U.S. regulatory regime. Ether enthusiasts may relish this movement, if it entails the SEC restricting its foothold in their asset realm.
In contrast, the SEC’s controversial stance against Coinbase and its expedited legal clash are perceived as a “setback” by Umee’s CEO, Brent Xu. Amid such a polarized regulatory milieu, the CFTC’s seal of approval on Coinbase is perceived as a symbol of the SEC’s discord with contemporary financial progression.
Regardless of such apparent jubilance, skepticism is woven into this tale of evolving finance. A valid concern offered by Todd Phillips, a former government lawyer, is the potential market manipulation stemming from firms having absolute transaction control. Crypto skeptics in Congress and consumer groups, hence, find solace in the SEC’s scrutiny of the industry.
Regardless of perspective, the impact of this development is colossal. It’s a testament to a crypto company’s capability to surmount regulatory hurdles and the CFTC’s willingness to grant it. Yet, as we continue to steer through this digital financial metamorphosis, it remains to be seen whether other crypto-native companies will tread the path blazed by Coinbase, or if cautionary tales will prevail.
Source: Coindesk
