A group of MPs in the UK made a statement about popular cryptocurrencies. The fact that lawmakers made a “gambling” analogy for Bitcoin and Ethereum surprised everyone. Here are the details…
Cryptocurrency comment surprising from lawmakers
A cross-party parliamentary group in the UK has voiced concerns over the regulation of unsupported crypto assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), comparing them to gambling. The Treasury Committee expressed concerns that the government’s plans to regulate these assets as financial services could mislead consumers into believing they are safe and protected. Despite these concerns, the UK government is adamant in its proposal to regulate cryptocurrencies under current financial services regulations.
The UK Treasury Committee, which launched an investigation into the crypto sector in July, expressed its concerns over the government’s regulatory approach. The committee believes that with its lack of intrinsic value and high price volatility, investing in cryptocurrencies is more like gambling than a financial service. Treasury Committee Chairman Harriett Baldwin emphasized that consumers should be aware of the risk of losing all their money when trading these unsupported crypto assets.
What is the attitude towards Bitcoin, ETH and altcoins in the UK?
The UK government has sought feedback from industry stakeholders on its proposed regulations for the local crypto industry. The government aims to expand existing financial market rules to establish an authorization regime for crypto-asset service providers and regulate assets as financial activities. The government argues that financial services regulation, with a proven track record of reducing risks, is more appropriate than gambling regulation. It aims to strike a balance between strongly regulating the market and encouraging innovation.
Not everyone agrees with the Treasury Committee’s view. Bitcoin and altcoin proponents argue that not viewing crypto investments as gambling oversimplifies the complexity of these assets and does not recognize their potential benefits. Richard Cannon, partner at Stokoe Partnership Solicitors, stressed that modern regulated economies must participate in the evolution of finance and develop a regulatory regime.
The call for an appropriate regulatory approach
While the committee expressed concerns about the gambling-like nature of crypto investments, it also urged the government to keep a close eye on the technological developments that underpin crypto assets. The committee recognized the potential for productive innovations to emerge from these technologies. He urged the government to ensure that its regulatory approach keeps pace with such developments. The debate over the regulation of unsupported BTC and altcoins in the UK continues to intensify. Lawmakers are split over whether cryptocurrency investments should be classified as gambling or financial services. The Treasury Committee advocates tighter regulation due to perceived risks. On the other hand, the government argues that the current financial services regulations are sufficient.
