Coinbase has come forward to express its objections towards the SEC’s proposed $2.6 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The cryptocurrency exchange pointed out that the SEC’s request for increased funding is primarily geared towards enforcement activities rather than towards fostering regulatory clarity in the crypto space. In a statement to CryptoSlate, a representative from Coinbase criticized the SEC for not utilizing its existing budget to create meaningful regulations that would benefit the industry.
The SEC’s budget proposal includes a significant portion of $812.4 million allocated towards enforcement activities, marking an increase from the previous year’s allocation of $675.6 million. SEC Chair Gary Gensler defended the budget increase by stating that it would allow the Division of Enforcement to expand by 27 full-time equivalent positions, enabling the regulator to investigate misconduct on a larger scale and pursue more complex legal actions.
Despite the SEC’s focus on enforcement, Coinbase has consistently urged the regulatory body to shift towards a more collaborative approach that prioritizes creating clear and workable regulations. The exchange has made several attempts to engage with the SEC through rulemaking petitions and legal actions to force a response. However, Coinbase asserts that the SEC’s changing stance on regulatory matters has only added to the existing uncertainty and confusion in the industry.
The American Securities Association (ASA), an independent trade association, has joined Coinbase in questioning the SEC’s budget request. In a letter to the US government, the ASA urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to reduce the SEC’s budget allocation below the proposed amount. The ASA emphasized the need for the SEC to focus on investor protection, market order and fairness, and capital formation, rather than solely on enforcement activities.
The ASA raised concerns over the SEC’s handling of certain cases, including a mishandled incident involving crypto firm DEBT Box. The trade association called for greater oversight of the SEC’s operations and demanded accountability from Congress. The ASA criticized the SEC for overstepping its boundaries and urged for measures to ensure that the regulatory body operates within the confines of the Constitution and federal law.
The debate over the SEC’s budget allocation highlights the ongoing tension between enforcement priorities and the need for clear and transparent regulations in the crypto industry. As Coinbase and the ASA continue to advocate for a more balanced approach from the SEC, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the future of crypto regulation in the United States.
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