
SEC Clarifies Interest-Bearing Stablecoin Regulation: No Clear Future for Earners
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has clarified its stance on payment-focused stablecoins, emphasizing the importance of separating these products from interest-bearing stablecoins. This distinction leaves interest-bearing stablecoin holders in legal limbo, as their earnings are now uncertain.
In a recent statement, the SEC emphasized that it will no longer consider certain digital assets, known as “covered” stablecoins, as securities. These stablecoins lack the features that could potentially trigger more stringent regulations. The agency’s clarification aims to ease investor concerns and promote the adoption of these innovative financial instruments.
However, the commission’s stance on interest-bearing stablecoins remains unclear. It explicitly excluded such products from the “covered” group, implying they may fall under securities regulation. This ambiguity has sparked concerns among stakeholders about the uncertain legal future for investors seeking yields on their stablecoin holdings.
The SEC’s statement highlights a crucial aspect of cryptocurrency regulation: minor differences can significantly alter a product’s regulatory profile. It serves as a reminder that even small changes to a token’s design or functionality can have profound implications for its legal standing.
In this context, the distinction between payment-focused and interest-bearing stablecoins assumes significant importance. The former is designed primarily for transactions, while the latter offers returns on investment. This dichotomy may become more critical in shaping regulatory policies going forward.
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Source: https://www.cryptoninjas.net/news/sec-approves-certain-stablecoins-boosts-crypto-confidence/