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News Update: SEC Issues Statement Regarding Digital Assets

News Update: SEC Issues Statement Regarding Digital Assets

Kaitlyn Gibbs
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July 25, 2019

Background & Summary

On July 8, 2019, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a joint statement in conjunction with FINRA’s general counsel addressing various elements of digital currency amid request for clarity on whether broker-dealers can hold digital assets under federal securities laws. The regulator reiterated its growing concerns relative to investor protection and clarified the fact that entities seeking to participate in digital currency markets must comply with relevant securities laws. The release placed specific emphasis on compliance with the customer protection rule. While recounting the success and importance of the customer protection rule, the SEC added, "[t]his record of protecting customer assets held in custody by broker-dealers stands in contrast to recent reports of cyber theft, and underscores the need to ensure broker-dealers robust protection of customer assets, including digital asset securities."

With respect to custody and digital securities, the SEC’s statement would seem to indicate that the regulator seeks to regulate such assets as uncertificated securities (i.e. ownership is confirmed via electronic certificate rather than a physical one). As such, broker-dealers would likely need to establish custody through the use of an SEC registered transfer agent, who would also maintain applicable records relating to security ownership. The statement also seems to allude to the fact that custodying digital assets through the use of digital wallets and maintaining private keys that would be controlled by the broker dealer are unlikely to be looked upon favorably, or ultimately approved by regulators. While the tone of the statement seems to be geared towards preparing digital securities for more mainstream access (i.e., gearing it towards retail investors), the bottom line for regulators, as evidenced by this release, is customer protection. As the industry navigates the nuances of digital securities markets, it should do so through the lens of protecting against fraud, theft, or misappropriation of client funds and/or information. 

Our Take

As always, it is our position at CRC that cooperation with regulators is key for the successful operation of financial services organizations. Regulators have continued to display heightened focus on the protection of retail and senior investors. As such, digital currency in particular is a developing area where cooperative, responsible players will hold the ace. Prompt, efficient, and honest communication and responses will satisfy regulators and clients alike, while also and bringing a sense of legitimacy and scrupulousness to digital currency operations. If you would like to speak with one of our Compliance Specialists about custody implications or have any other questions regarding digital currency, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Contact Mitch Avnet at mavnet@compliance-risk.com or (646)346-2468 for more information. 

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