Crypto in the United States: Moody’s raises concerns

2023-06-22 by

Hugues Marty

Moody’s, a well-known research and risk analysis company within the cryptosphere, has recently published an intriguing report on crypto in the United States. The report highlights the political divisions in the country when it comes to crypto regulation.

For years, crypto regulation in the United States has been a subject of debate. Moody’s report specifically emphasizes the divergent approaches of Democrats and Republicans. The main source of disagreement revolves around the supervision of stablecoins. Lawmakers struggle to determine whether this supervision should be conducted at the federal level or by individual states.

But that’s not all. The protection of consumers following the crypto company failures in 2022 is also a topic of heated debate. Democrats and Republicans agree on one point: it is crucial to protect consumers. To achieve this, a clear and coherent crypto regulation is needed. Unfortunately, they adopt different approaches to reach these objectives.

The lack of regulatory clarity in the United States is driving away a significant number of crypto companies. In fact, many have been fleeing the country since the beginning of the year. Coinbase, for example, chose to relocate to the United Arab Emirates in May due to conflicts with the SEC. And Coinbase’s executives are not the only ones taking such action.

This highlights an important fact: if U.S. lawmakers fail to establish a coherent regulatory framework for crypto, the United States risks losing its attractiveness to this rapidly growing industry.

Crypto companies argue that the lack of bipartisan support and regulatory clarity hinders their growth in the United States. Faced with legal proceedings and regulatory uncertainty, they see other jurisdictions as more attractive alternatives to develop their operations.

The exodus of crypto companies from the United States is a troubling trend. These companies contribute to innovation, job creation, and economic growth. By losing them, the United States may also lose its competitive edge in the global crypto market.

In response to the Moody’s report, Senator Lisa Johnson, a Democrat, emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan collaboration in crypto regulation:

We must put aside our political differences and work together to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto. It is in the best interest of consumers, businesses, and the overall economy.

Indeed, a coherent and predictable regulatory environment is essential for the long-term success of the crypto industry. It would provide clarity for businesses, attract investments, and foster innovation. Other countries, recognizing the potential of crypto, have been proactive in creating favorable regulatory conditions.

Switzerland, for instance, has become a leading crypto hub due to its clear and supportive regulations. Johann Schneider, a Swiss regulator, stated:

We have worked closely with industry stakeholders to establish a balanced regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection. This approach has attracted numerous crypto companies to Switzerland.

The United States, with its deep financial markets and technological expertise, has the potential to lead the global crypto revolution. However, it requires a unified and forward-thinking approach from policymakers.

In conclusion, Moody’s report sheds light on the divisions and challenges surrounding crypto regulation in the United States. The lack of bipartisan support and regulatory clarity is driving away crypto companies, posing a risk to the country’s position in the industry. It is imperative for lawmakers to collaborate, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, and provide the stability and confidence needed for the sustainable growth of the crypto sector.