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“Former SEC official, John Reed Stark indicates that a spot Bitcoin-backed exchange-traded fund (ETF) approval in the US is unlikely in 2023, due to multiple considerations held by the current SEC. Crypto-friendly regulations and the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF, might be more feasible with a Republican-led Administration and SEC Commissioner after the 2024 elections.”

“Former SEC dignitary John Reed Stark speculates that the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs may be improbable due to regulatory hurdles. Despite Bitcoin price fluctuations, Stark believes a shift in political power towards Republicans could favor the crypto industry, potentially easing regulatory constraints and focusing more on fraudulent activities rather than registration violations. A move that could see Hester Pierce – ‘Crypto Mom’ – ascend the ranks, advocating for more crypto-friendly regulations.”

Recent comments from former SEC official John Reed Stark suggest potential changes to U.S. crypto regulation influenced by party politics. Stark attributes a pro-crypto regulation shift to a possible Republican win in 2024, ending current SEC chair Gensler’s tenure, and potentially paving the way for Hester Peirce, known for her softer stance on crypto.

“PayPal’s recent launch of its stablecoin, PYUSD, under the regulatory framework of the New York Department of Financial Services has stirred conversations about stablecoin adoption. Unlike Meta’s unsuccessful Libra, PayPal’s project is viewed more favorably politically, indicating an imminent regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S.”

The California Fair Political Practices Commission issued new rules for political aspirants accepting crypto donations, outlining specific procedures to ensure transparency and accountability. Crypto donations are becoming common in campaigns, though with stipulations around anonymous donors and exchange agreements. Regulations also cover advertising disclosures, contribution limits, and more.

The United States Federal Election Commission is considering regulation of AI-manipulated ‘deep fakes’ in political ads, due to the significant threat they pose to democracy through misrepresentation. This step towards regulating digital spaces highlights the balance between technology’s transformative capabilities and the importance of truth and transparency.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) plans to develop a digital asset solution to streamline storage and safeguarding of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, facilitating the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. This move reignites the conversation about the balance between control and freedom in major aspects of blockchain technology.

FTX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, faces criticism from creditors over its reorganization plan. Amid regulatory concerns, the exchange is attempting to revitalize its operations, particularly its Dubai unit. Meanwhile, the US Internal Revenue Service mandates that crypto investors must report rewards as part of their gross income, and the Department of Justice considers charging crypto exchange Binance with fraud allegations. These incidents underscore the pressing need for regulatory clarity in the crypto economy to maintain investor trust.

The recent passing of the stablecoin bill in the House Financial Services Committee highlights ongoing political tension in Washington. Despite initial bipartisan support, the bill stands as a glaring representation of political unity’s failure, caught in the crossfire of political maneuvers, with even well-intentioned legislation teetering on the edge of oblivion.

U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. proposes a less alarmist view on Bitcoin’s environmental impact, saying it shouldn’t limit financial freedom. Should he win, he plans to exempt Bitcoin from capital gains tax and shows interest in backing the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin.

The crypto market recently experienced a plunge, with Bitcoin dipping around 2%, amidst political and lawsuit shocks. The SEC has accused Richard Heart, Hex creator, of selling unregistered securities worth $1 billion, causing the HEX price to plummet. This has led to increased anxiety in the crypto community, with investors also watching out for potential regulations. Meanwhile, the IRS has issued a ruling requiring US taxpayers to add crypto staking rewards to their annual income. Despite the challenges, crypto enthusiasts see potential in the top 15 digital assets for 2023, but caution and thorough research are advised.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, during his 2024 presidential campaign, vowed to prohibit central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and suppress any policy by the current Biden’s administration pertaining to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency regulation. The move has sparked renewed conversations about digital currencies in the political sphere.

U.S Republican Congressman George Santos reportedly tried to involve a donor in a questionable crypto-related investment deal, mimicking a typical scam. This comes amidst his past manipulation allegations and a questionable biography, and yet Santos still holds a congressional seat. His actions highlight the dangerous allure of the unregulated cryptocurrency market.

“Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, recently claimed that the SEC instructed the crypto exchange platform to delist all cryptocurrencies except for Bitcoin. He believes this perspective, which sees all cryptos bar Bitcoin as securities, does not align with their understanding of legislation and could spell the end for the U.S. crypto industry.”

“Recent actions in the technology sector highlight the relationship between tech giants and blockchain and nonfungible tokens (NFTs). A probe into Apple’s App Store policies by US lawmakers aims to analyze if these guidelines indirectly slow technological progress. The lawmakers raise concerns about the impact of Apple’s rules on innovations like distributed ledger technology and NFTs, and potential negative consequences on the US’s status in emerging technology.”

“Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, is far from escaping his fate with a long list of active charges set to be tried this October. False narratives have portrayed him as a political puppet, but such oversimplified views aid potentially corrupt elites. Despite nuances leading to separate trials, these charges are not likely to vanish, hence increasing his likelihood of conviction.”

“The Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act (H.R. 4766) negotiations spark political debate. While some view this potential legislation as crucial for cryptocurrency regulation, others express concern about rushed decisions, lack of oversight, and regulatory dissonance. Rep. Warren Davidson’s ‘Keep Your Coins Act’ also enters the conversation, aiming to protect individual’s self-custodied crypto wallets.”

“Bitcoin and the crypto community could be deciding factors in a U.S. presidential election. Candidates now need to proclaim their stance on cryptocurrencies. The U.S. Federal Reserve estimates that 8%-11% of the American population, owning cryptocurrencies, can considerably influence the election. Anti-Bitcoin policies may thus, alienate a rapidly growing cohort of voters.”