The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a new rule that could enhance protections for cryptocurrency users. Under this proposal, U.S. crypto companies would be required to refund customers for losses caused by hacks or unauthorized transactions.
Expanding Protections to Digital Wallets
The CFPB's proposal aims to extend existing protections for traditional bank accounts to digital wallets used for cryptocurrency storage and transactions. According to a report by the Financial Times, the rule would amend the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to cover digital assets, such as:
Stablecoins – cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value.Other tokens used for payments of goods and services.
If adopted, the definition of "funds" would include assets functioning as money or used in transactions. This would impose new obligations on service providers, requiring them to compensate users for losses due to hacks or fraud.
How Wallet Protections Work Today
Cryptocurrency wallets allow users to store digital assets and make transactions. Unlike traditional bank accounts, these wallets are not universally protected against losses caused by hacking or fraud. The CFPB proposal seeks to close this gap and offer users greater financial security.
Crypto Hacks: Growing Incidents and Losses
The proposal comes amid a surge in cryptocurrency hacking incidents. According to analytics firm Chainalysis, 303 hacks were reported in 2024, resulting in total losses of $2.2 billion. Of these, over $1.6 billion were attributed to North Korean groups, doubling their thefts from the previous year.
Uncertain Future for the Proposal
This rule represents one of the final initiatives by the Biden administration in regulating cryptocurrencies. However, its future remains uncertain as the incoming Trump administration, which has shown strong support for the crypto industry, may halt the proposal.
Several key advisors to Donald Trump, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have publicly criticized the CFPB and called for its reduction or elimination.
Next Steps and Public Comments
The public can submit comments on the CFPB proposal until March 31. Afterward, the CFPB will decide whether to finalize the rule and implement new measures to protect cryptocurrency users.
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