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The House Financial Services Committee approves a bipartisan bill, Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, aiming to provide regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies. The Act delineates registration requirements for crypto firms and seeks to define if a cryptocurrency is a security or a commodity, extending the CFTC’s control over the crypto industry.

“Cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, plans to challenge the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s lawsuit against it over alleged illegal activities. This audacious move may change the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation within the U.S., setting precedent for future cases and influencing the future of cryptocurrency market.”

“The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act by U.S. House Republicans aims to provide a sound regulatory framework for crypto investors protection. The bill seeks to establish clear regulatory principles balancing progressive tech with protective legislation, which, if successful, may streamline the fragmented regulation landscape in the U.S. and serve as a global blueprint.”

U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled a revised draft for comprehensive crypto regulation, marking an evolution from a previous draft penned a year ago. The bill addresses decentralized finance definition, anti-money laundering provisions, custody rules and grants the CFTC decisive control over crypto issuers, alongside defining roles for the SEC.

Recently, judge Analisa Torres delivered a split decision in SEC v. Ripple Labs, implying legal ambiguity surrounding cryptocurrency tokens. She supported Ripple’s sales of tokens on asset exchanges while contesting institutional sales. This inconsistency leads to uncertainty in the crypto market, which can only be addressed by Congress stepping in to establish standardized regulations.

“The U.S. SEC’s potential approval of a spot bitcoin ETF may not significantly influence crypto markets, according to investment banking giant JPMorgan. Their report suggests the lack of interest in similar ETFs in Europe and Canada implies that even though a spot bitcoin ETF offers a streamlined, secure cryptocurrency investment method, it fails to attract widespread investor attention.”

Michael Saylor believes the US crypto industry is poised for a “Bitcoin-focused” future due to regulatory enforcement actions. He claims that regulatory clarity will drive Bitcoin adoption by eliminating confusion and anxiety for institutional investors and predicts Bitcoin’s long-term dominance rising above 80% of the total crypto market.

The Securities Clarity Act, a newly introduced bill, aims to clarify that digital assets in “investment contracts” won’t be considered securities. If passed, it could resolve a heavily debated legal question and make it harder for the SEC to claim that various tokens are unregistered securities.

The U.S. Chamber of Digital Commerce is urging Congress to prioritize a national approach to crypto regulation, warning that the lack of proper legal frameworks may result in the nation falling behind in the rapidly evolving blockchain space. Implementation of a unified strategy could bolster U.S. leadership, promote innovation, and address potential risks.

Florida recently banned central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), sparking interest from states such as Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and North Dakota who also drafted opposition bills. Privacy concerns, government control, and individual freedom are key factors contributing to the contentious debate on CBDCs in the US.

The ongoing trial of crypto bigwig Sam Bankman-Fried could significantly shape the cryptocurrency legal landscape. The defense is focusing on minute details, potentially laying groundwork for a later appeal. The case’s outcome may influence future regulations of blockchain-based businesses.

“Highlighted is the critical role of regulation in the crypto industry’s evolution, and its capacity to shape future developments. Ripple’s ongoing legal struggle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission exemplifies high-profile regulatory challenges. The delicate balance between fostering innovation and deterring fraudulent practices underpins the crypto sphere’s future.”

The US-based Atlantic Council think tank reported that over half of 130 countries are piloting or launching central bank-issued digital currencies (CBDCs). However, Australia’s journey toward an Aussie digital currency (eAUD) faces complexities, including legal, regulatory, and operational challenges, despite progress made by Blockchain firm Canvas.