The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to face scrutiny over its Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121), with Commissioner Hester Peirce expressing ongoing concerns about the regulation. Despite recent affirmations from SEC Chief Accountant Paul Munter that the Commission’s position on SAB 121 remains unchanged, Peirce believes that there are significant issues that need to be addressed.
While Munter reiterated the SEC’s belief that SAB 121 is necessary to provide investors with timely and relevant information about the risks associated with safeguarding digital assets held for others, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, bank-holding companies that offer bankruptcy protection for crypto holdings may not be required to record liabilities on their balance sheets. Similarly, broker-dealers who facilitate crypto transactions but do not have control over cryptographic keys may also be exempt.
Despite the SEC’s intentions to enhance transparency and improve risk management in the crypto industry, SAB 121 has been met with criticism from industry stakeholders who view it as an overreach by the regulatory body. Earlier this year, US lawmakers attempted to overturn the SEC’s guidance on the matter, but President Joe Biden intervened and vetoed the repeal.
In response to Munter’s speech, Commissioner Peirce took to social media to reiterate her concerns about both the content and process of SAB 121. She encouraged others to share their thoughts on the policy with her via email, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue and potentially address the shortcomings of the regulation.
Nate Geraci, president of the ETF Store, echoed Peirce’s sentiments by suggesting that the SEC appears reluctant to allow regulated financial institutions to custody digital assets. He criticized the SEC for seemingly withholding the ability for these institutions to participate in the crypto market fully, highlighting a potential barrier to innovation and growth in the industry.
While the SEC’s stance on SAB 121 may be well-intentioned in terms of improving transparency and risk management, there are valid concerns about the regulation’s impact on the industry and its potential to stifle innovation. Commissioner Peirce’s calls for open dialogue and industry feedback are crucial in ensuring that regulatory frameworks are effective, fair, and supportive of growth and development in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
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