The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the United States recently added a new section on "Cryptocurrency Assets" to its investment product list on its website, indicating that cryptocurrency assets themselves or their transactions may be considered "securities." Additionally, this section introduces the trading models, risks, and relevant regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency assets, and links to resources from other agencies such as the SEC and CFTC. (Background: Breaking news! SEC Chairman Gary Gensler announces he will step down on January 20, signaling the end of the high-pressure regulation era for cryptocurrencies?) (Background information: American think tank: Bitcoin's strategic reserve "cannot solve the US debt crisis" BTC is not that magical...) FINRA is a nonprofit organization authorized by the US government and is the largest and independent self-regulatory organization for the securities industry. Now, the agency has added a "Cryptocurrency Assets" section to its official investment product list. FINRA website FINRA: Cryptocurrency assets themselves may be considered securities It is worth noting that while the section does not directly use the term "cryptocurrency securities" (except in "learn more"), FINRA explicitly states that cryptocurrency assets themselves or their transactions may be regarded as securities. The website states: Importantly, under applicable law, certain cryptocurrency assets or cryptocurrency asset transactions may be securities, commodities, or other types of assets (such as property). Many cryptocurrency assets lack or are offered or sold in a manner that does not comply with federal securities laws. Whether a particular cryptocurrency asset or cryptocurrency asset transaction is a security depends on whether it meets the definition of a security under federal securities laws. Common bases for determining whether something is a security include the Howey test and the Reves test, both of which are standards based on court precedents. Fox reporter Eleanor Terrett introduced that this section provides an in-depth look at various types of cryptocurrency assets, including their purchase and sale methods, as well as related risks, and also links to resources on cryptocurrency assets from other regulatory agencies such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This move shows FINRA's attention to cryptocurrency assets, striving to provide investors with more transparent information and promote market compliance, which may be a sign that cryptocurrency regulation will become increasingly clearer after the Trump administration. SEC Chairman announces resignation on January 20 Meanwhile, the SEC chairman Gary Gensler, who has previously replaced effective regulation with strict enforcement, announced on his X account early this morning (22) at 2 AM that he will resign on January 20, indicating that the US government's regulation of the cryptocurrency market may enter a new phase. Extended reading: Breaking news! SEC Chairman Gary Gensler announces resignation on January 20, signaling the end of the high-pressure regulation era for cryptocurrencies? This timing coincides with the inauguration of the new president Trump, aligning with the historical tradition in the US that SEC chairmen typically resign on or before the day of the new president's inauguration. With Trump's impending inauguration and his consideration of appointing a group of candidates friendly to the cryptocurrency industry to key positions, the market generally expects his policies to bring a more lenient and clearer direction for cryptocurrency asset regulation. The update of FINRA's section may be a precursor to future regulatory changes. On January 20, 2025 I will be stepping down as @SECGov Chair. A thread — Gary Gensler (@GaryGensler) November 21, 2024 Related reports Musk and DOGE: What you need to know about government efficiency departments Trump nominates Bitcoin supporter Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce, will the new SEC Chair be a cryptocurrency-friendly lawyer? Trump reportedly privately meets with Coinbase CEO to establish a "Presidential Bitcoin Advisory Council"? Armstrong suggests completely eliminating personal income tax "The Financial Regulatory Authority of the United States adds a cryptocurrency asset section: certain Crypto itself and transactions may fall under the category of securities" This article was first published on BlockTempo (the most influential blockchain news media).

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