SEC Chairman Gary Gensler Reaffirms: BTC Will Not Be Considered a Security

superex · September 29

#BTC #SEC #SuperEx

Summary

On September 26, according to Watcher.Guru’s disclosure on the X platform, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler stated that Bitcoin (BTC) is not a security and reiterated his stance on crypto market regulation. He emphasized that “disliking rules is different from having no rules,” serving as a reminder to the crypto industry that although Bitcoin is not subject to securities laws, other cryptocurrencies may still face stricter regulations. This statement has sparked widespread discussion within the industry, with many speculating on the future policy direction of U.S. regulators in the crypto market.

This remark indicates that although the U.S. regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies remains uncertain, at least the position on Bitcoin is relatively clear. The view that Bitcoin should be regarded as a commodity rather than a security has been longstanding, and Gensler’s speech reaffirmed this stance, helping stabilize market sentiment and allowing more investors and institutions to operate with greater confidence.

While Gary Gensler’s statement offers some reprieve and confidence to the Bitcoin market, overall, the U.S. regulatory landscape for the crypto industry remains filled with uncertainties. As more countries ramp up their regulatory oversight of the crypto market, the attitude of the United States, as one of the world’s largest financial markets, undoubtedly has a profound impact on the entire industry.

Gensler pointed out in his statement that “Bitcoin differs from other crypto assets because its decentralized nature exempts it from the definition of securities.” This perspective aligns with the stance of former Chairman Jay Clayton, who also held that Bitcoin is not under the jurisdiction of the Securities Act. However, Gensler also cautioned that most other crypto assets could be considered securities and should fall under the purview of the SEC. This means that, aside from Bitcoin, the legal status of many existing crypto assets remains unclear and may face more stringent regulatory scrutiny in the future.

Gensler’s remarks resonate with recent discussions in the U.S. Congress. Some lawmakers believe that a more cautious regulatory approach is necessary to prevent speculative and fraudulent activities in the market. They argue that while Bitcoin is widely accepted as “digital gold,” it does not imply that the entire crypto market should enjoy the same leniency. The regulatory distinction between Bitcoin and other crypto assets is based on their different technological foundations and development models.

Globally, the regulatory policies for Bitcoin vary significantly across countries. For example, Japan and Switzerland recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method, while China has completely banned its trading and mining activities. In contrast, the United States has not yet introduced a unified cryptocurrency legal framework, but state and federal policies are gradually converging, with intentions to further clarify the legal status of crypto assets through legislation. Therefore, Gensler’s statement on Bitcoin not being a security can be seen as a significant step forward for the U.S. in this field.

However, industry insiders point out that while the SEC’s stance on Bitcoin is relatively clear, the future regulatory direction for the entire crypto market remains grim. Ethereum (ETH) and other mainstream tokens, despite transitioning to a PoS (Proof of Stake) mechanism, still have their degree of decentralization questioned. Gensler has previously mentioned that Ethereum may fall into a “gray area” of securities, warranting stricter regulatory scrutiny.

Amidst increasing regulatory pressure from the SEC, some crypto companies have started adjusting their business strategies. Large exchanges such as Coinbase are actively engaging with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance. Meanwhile, platforms like Binance US face legal actions for allegedly violating U.S. securities laws, indicating that regulators are gradually intensifying their oversight of crypto exchanges.

Many crypto market participants have called on the U.S. government to introduce a comprehensive cryptocurrency regulatory framework as soon as possible to provide clearer guidance for the market. Some blockchain advocates argue that if the U.S. government can establish a clearer regulatory system based on Bitcoin, it will help attract more traditional financial institutions into the market, thereby promoting the healthy development of the entire industry.

In the long run, the SEC’s position on Bitcoin and other crypto assets will not only affect the U.S. market but also create ripple effects in the global market. Bitcoin, as the highest market cap cryptocurrency, has always been seen as a bellwether for the industry. Gensler’s statement, which explicitly distinguishes Bitcoin from other cryptocurrencies, provides greater legal certainty for Bitcoin and may lead more international regulators to refer to the U.S. definition of Bitcoin when formulating their own policies, thereby establishing a more unified global regulatory standard.

In the future crypto market, Bitcoin’s role may become more stable, and its positioning as “digital gold” may become more entrenched. As the global market matures and regulatory policies are implemented, Bitcoin, as a “special commodity” not subject to securities laws, will continue to attract the attention and investment of more institutions and individual investors.

In summary, Gary Gensler’s latest statement not only reaffirms Bitcoin’s legal status but also provides important clues for the future regulatory direction of the entire crypto industry. Although other crypto assets may face a more complex regulatory environment, Bitcoin’s relative independence will allow it to remain a core force in the market for a long time, playing an irreplaceable role.