US Senators Establish Digital Asset Classifications under Cryptocurrency Bill

In the US, senators Gillibrand and Lummis recently discussed a crypto bill that classifies BTC and ETH as commodities, with other crypto assets potentially being securities. The SEC and CFTC agreed on this classification, with the SEC monitoring the market and the CFTC overseeing most crypto assets, including BTC and ETH.

Cryptocurrency Regulation in the United States: Senators Define Digital Asset Classifications

Washington, D.C. – June 9, 2022 – Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), key architects of the comprehensive cryptocurrency bill currently under consideration in the United States Senate, have outlined the framework for classifying digital assets as either commodities or securities.

In a joint interview with The Washington Post Live on Thursday, the senators provided insights into the bill's provisions, which aim to provide regulatory clarity for the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

Commodities vs. Securities

The bill classifies the two largest cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as commodities, a designation supported by the chairpersons of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading and Contracts Commission (CFTC).

Senator Gillibrand explained that the classification of BTC and ETH as commodities stems from their primary function as mediums of exchange and stores of value, similar to traditional commodities like gold and silver.

In contrast, Senator Lummis believes that the majority of other crypto assets fall under the definition of securities. Securities are defined under the "Howey Test," developed in the 1930s, and typically involve investments in which individuals expect profits primarily from the efforts of others.

Additional Assets

The senators also acknowledged the existence of "additional assets" that do not fit neatly into the commodity or security categories. These include non-fungible token (NFT) digital art and assets that lack either a clear store of value or medium of exchange function.

Regulatory Oversight

The proposed bill empowers both the SEC and the CFTC to regulate the cryptocurrency market. The SEC will primarily oversee the securities sector, while the CFTC will have jurisdiction over the larger group of crypto assets classified as commodities.

Statement from Senator Gillibrand

"For those who appreciate the unique properties of Bitcoin, like its Proof-of-Work or Proof-of-Stake mechanisms, your token is most likely a commodity," said Senator Gillibrand. "This classification was agreed upon not only with Chairman Gensler of the SEC but also with the chairman of the CFTC."

Significance of the Bill

The senators emphasized the urgent need for clear regulatory guidelines in the cryptocurrency market, citing concerns over potential risks to investors, market stability, and national security. The bill, if passed, would provide a comprehensive framework for regulating digital asset transactions, protecting consumers, and fostering innovation in the industry.

Next Steps

The cryptocurrency bill is currently under consideration in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee. It is expected to face further debate and amendment before a final version is put to a vote by the full Senate. The passage of the bill would represent a significant step towards regulating the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market in the United States.