In prepared remarks distributed prior to the House Committee on Financial Services hearing later today, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler outlined his talking points as he asks the Committee for a significant budget increase while outlining his agenda for his term at the SEC.
As should come as no surprise, Gensler will address the following topics:
- Market Structure
- Predictive Data Analytics
- Issuers and Issuer Disclosure
- Funds and Investment Management
Of key interest will be his opinion on “crypto asset markets” including:
- The offer and sale of crypto tokens
- Crypto trading and lending platforms
- Stable value coins (stablecoins)
- Investment vehicles providing exposure to crypto assets or crypto derivatives
- Custody of crypto assets
Gensler states:
“Right now, large parts of the field of crypto are sitting astride of — not operating within — regulatory frameworks that protect investors and consumers, guard against illicit activity, and ensure for financial stability. Currently, we just don’t have enough investor protection in crypto finance, issuance, trading, or lending. Frankly, at this time, it’s more like the Wild West or the old world of “buyer beware” that existed before the securities laws were enacted. This asset class is rife with fraud, scams, and abuse in certain applications. We can do better.”
Gensler states they are currently working on what they can do under existing authority and where they may need legislative action.
Gensler’s statement aligns closely with the hearing memorandum distributed earlier.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at 12 Noon today (October 5) and is available via a live-stream on the Committee website.