Key Regulatory Meeting Set for January
Lee Bok-hyun, the head of South Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), is scheduled to meet with Gary Gensler, chair of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in January. This meeting, reported by Chosunbiz on December 18, is a strategic move to discuss the state and future supervisory policies of the cryptocurrency market.
Significance of the Meeting Amid Regulatory Changes
The timing of this meeting is particularly critical, considering the ongoing changes in the regulatory landscapes of both countries. In the United States, there is speculation about the SEC possibly approving several spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs). Meanwhile, South Korea is gearing up for the implementation of new cryptocurrency regulations in July 2024, focusing on investor protection and exchange protocols for handling funds.
Impact of Do Kwon’s Legal Challenges
Adding to the regulatory complexity is the case of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, who is facing legal issues across multiple countries, including possible extradition to the United States. This situation highlights the intricate nature of international law in relation to the decentralized world of cryptocurrencies.
SEC’s Approach to Crypto Market Under Gensler
Since Gary Gensler took over as SEC Chair, the commission has maintained a cautious stance towards the cryptocurrency market. The industry has been anticipating the SEC’s decisions on spot crypto exchange-traded funds, particularly for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether. To date, the SEC has approved ETFs tied to crypto futures but not spot ETFs. The upcoming meeting between Lee and Gensler is expected to shed light on potential future regulatory approaches.
Global Attention on Crypto Regulation
This high-level meeting underscores the global attention being paid to the regulation of cryptocurrencies. As the market continues to evolve, the discussions between leaders like Lee Bok-hyun and Gary Gensler are vital in shaping regulatory frameworks that ensure market stability, investor protection, and legal compliance across jurisdictions.