Issue 3 • 2022 11 ROB NICHOLS PRESIDENT AND CEO AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION The interest in cryptocurrencies and digital assets is undeniable – even in the face of recent volatility in digital asset markets. Americans want them: from the casual dabbler to the serious investor, from Gen Zers to boomers, it seems everyone wants a bite at the crypto apple. WASHINGTON UPDATE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: NMBANKERS.COM BREAKING DOWN THE DEBATE OVER DIGITAL ASSETS As I traveled the country this summer speaking at various state bankers association conventions, I’d always ask this question of my audience: How many of you have clients and customers asking you about cryptocurrencies and digital assets? And nearly everywhere I went, nearly every hand would go up. The interest in cryptocurrencies and digital assets is undeniable – even in the face of recent volatility in digital asset markets. Americans want them: from the casual dabbler to the serious investor, from Gen Zers to boomers, it seems everyone wants a bite at the crypto apple. Many banks want to engage, too – as digital assets become more popular, and those banks are exploring ways to meet the needs of customers who want their bank to be the custodian of these assets. I’ve written previously about the merits of banks being able to take on custodial roles for digital assets – there are many – and the need for a regulatory architecture that will support them in taking on these roles if they choose. That’s an area where ABA continues to advocate for banks’ ability to enter the digital asset space safely and soundly. But it’s just one of the debates currently brewing over crypto. There are several others of which bankers should be aware: Who should regulate? One key quandary facing policymakers right now: what’s the right way to regulate crypto, and to which agency should that authority be delegated? Currently, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are both vying for the role of crypto cop. Two separate bills have been introduced this summer – one by Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and another by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) – Continued on page 12
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