Attorneys Author Lexology In-Depth Virtual Currency Regulation U.S. Chapter

The impact of digital assets on the economy is profound, including stablecoins, a currency whose value is pegged to another asset class, other cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens and other applications supported by blockchain technology. These assets have expanded or transformed the ways in which companies across industries operate, transact and exchange information and value. The market capitalization of cryptocurrencies alone exceeds $2 trillion, having grown from $100 billion only three years ago.

In a Lexology In-Depth Virtual Currency Regulation USA chapter, attorneys provide an analysis of developing regulatory initiatives to foster innovation, while protecting the public and mitigating systemic risk concerning trading and transacting in virtual currencies.

The authors note that over the past year, the digital asset market has taken steps towards maturity, highlighted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission‘s approval of listing bitcoin exchange-traded products and has continued to expand its impact on financial markets. Accordingly, regulators such as the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission are expected to continue their efforts to assert primary regulatory oversight of the digital currency space, while policymakers and others are considering other ways to fill regulatory gaps and otherwise bring greater regulatory clarity.

The chapter was authored by litigation & enforcement partner Helen Gugel, asset management partner Melissa Bender and litigation & enforcement associates Adam Rahman and Luke Colle.