
SEC Dismisses Coinbase Case: ‘It’s Time for the Commission to Rectify Its Approach’
In a surprising move, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dismissed its civil enforcement action against Coinbase Global. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the regulatory framework surrounding cryptocurrency assets.
According to reports, the SEC filed a joint stipulation with Coinbase, effectively ending the legal battle that began in 2023. Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda emphasized the need for the Commission to re-evaluate its approach towards crypto policy development.
The original lawsuit alleged that Coinbase operated as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency, facilitating cryptocurrency trading without proper registration since 2019. The dismissal does not necessarily reflect on the merits of the original claims but rather aligns with the SEC’s broader regulatory reform efforts.
Critics have expressed concerns over the potential consequences of this move, arguing that it may favor the crypto industry over strict enforcement and potentially compromise financial stability. Better Markets suggested that this decision is a “historic mistake” that could repeat the mistakes of 2008, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
On the other hand, Coinbase welcomed the development as a step towards creating a more transparent regulatory environment for digital assets. The company has been at the forefront of advocating for clear guidelines and regulations in the cryptocurrency space.
This sudden shift in focus from enforcement action to policy development may signal a significant change in the Commission’s stance on crypto regulation.
Source: https://cryptobriefing.com/sec-dismisses-coinbase-case/