Biden’s Surprise Veto Saves SEC Crypto Rule; Controversy Erupts!

President Joe Biden has sent shockwaves through the financial world with his recent veto of a congressional resolution aimed at overturning the SEC’s controversial Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB121).

This move has sparked a debate about the future of digital asset regulation and its impact on financial institutions. What does this mean for the crypto market and its stakeholders?

A Key Moment in Crypto Regulation

President Biden’s veto is significant in the ongoing struggle over cryptocurrency regulation. Despite bipartisan support in Congress to repeal SAB121, the president stood firm, citing the need for robust consumer and investor protections.

Issued by the SEC in 2022, SAB121 has faced heavy criticism from the crypto industry and banks. They argue that it makes offering digital asset services too expensive. Banks say that the guidance prevents them from expanding their digital asset services because of the high costs involved.

Understanding the Veto

The resolution to repeal SAB121 received significant support, including votes from 11 Senate Democrats and a 228-182 majority in the House. Supporters of the repeal claim that the SEC’s guidance limits Americans’ ability to store digital assets in traditional banks.

In his veto statement, President Biden highlighted the need to protect consumers and investors. He stated,

“My administration will not support measures that jeopardize the well-being of consumers and investors.” 

He also stressed the importance of responsibly safeguarding the benefits of crypto-asset innovation and expressed his willingness to work with Congress on balanced digital asset regulations.

Moving Forward with Crypto Regulation

Previously, the White House opposed House-passed legislation aiming to create a regulatory framework for digital assets, citing a lack of adequate consumer and investor protections. However, the administration has shown a willingness to negotiate future regulations.

Lawmakers React: What’s Next?

U.S. House of Representatives member Mike Flood expressed disappointment over President Biden’s veto but emphasized that this isn’t the final word. Flood noted that digital assets and cryptocurrency are here to stay and are crucial for America’s financial future.

Flood stressed that banks, long trusted as custodians of financial assets, should work with regulators to offer similar services for digital assets. He pledged to continue working with his colleagues to find ways to end SAB121 and counter SEC Chair Gensler’s anti-crypto stance.

Also Read: FIT21 Crypto Law Bill to Advance by 2025? Rep. McHenry Reveals Bold Prediction

What’s your take on Biden’s bold stance? We want to hear from you!