The former Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, who previously served during the Obama administration, has accused US regulators of deliberately stifling the crypto industry through debanking practices. Verrilli, who now holds the position of Grayscale Investments’ senior legal strategist, made these accusations in a joint amicus brief filed with Paul Clement, the former Solicitor General under President George W. Bush. The statement brings to light bipartisan concerns about the regulatory environment for digital assets, emphasizing the challenges faced by the industry.
The amicus brief was filed on behalf of Custodia Bank, which is currently appealing a Wyoming district court’s decision granting the Federal Reserve the discretion to deny it a Master Account. Verrilli claims that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued informal guidance that effectively restricts banks’ ability to engage with crypto firms. These guidelines, although not officially recognized, impose stringent requirements that are hard for banks to fulfill, ultimately limiting their support for the growing crypto industry. The brief argues that such practices aim to intentionally debank the crypto industry, thereby stifling competition and innovation in the sector.
Verrilli expressed strong criticism of the court’s decision in favor of the Federal Reserve, deeming it a significant impediment for the crypto sector. His concerns, echoed by Clement, reflect a broader bipartisan worry regarding the current regulatory approach towards crypto. Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terret highlighted Verrilli’s perspective, underscoring the potential ramifications of the Fed’s decision. Market analysts caution that without more flexible regulations, the United States risks losing its competitive edge in the global crypto market. Terret noted a shifting political landscape around crypto, with bipartisan backing growing as the November election draws closer.
Digital assets have emerged as a significant issue in the upcoming 2024 US elections, shaping political discourse and voter behavior. Industry advocates are pushing for more favorable regulations and greater acceptance among lawmakers, leading to increased political engagement from both industry stakeholders and voters intrigued by digital assets. Key political figures and presidential candidates are aligning themselves with the crypto sector, seeking to gain support from the growing number of younger voters who are inclined to invest in cryptocurrencies.
Former President Donald Trump has pledged to support the interests of digital asset traders and is now accepting campaign contributions in cryptocurrencies. On the Democratic side, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also embraced cryptocurrencies, accepting crypto donations for his campaign and advocating for the protection of Americans’ rights to use and hold digital assets. This political alignment is vital for mobilizing younger voters, who are crucial in close elections. Recent data shows that Millennials and Generation Z constitute a significant portion of the crypto user base, making their support essential in shaping election outcomes.
A poll conducted by the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI) revealed that a candidate’s stance on digital assets matters to many voters, with 83% preferring candidates who advocate for clear crypto regulations. Meanwhile, crypto entities are gearing up to spend over $80 million on the elections, aiming to bolster allies and promote legislation favorable to the industry. The growing influence of digital assets in politics underscores the need for a balanced and adaptive regulatory framework that supports innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market integrity.
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