Algorithmic stablecoins are subject to SEC jurisdiction

October 14, 2022

SEC's Gary Gensler said CFTC authority over stablecoins should be tightened.

With around $150 billion in market capitalisation, stablecoins have many similarities to money market funds.

Also, CFTC should get more powers to police cryptocurrency stablecoins to reduce risks to the financial system.

He added “the vast majority of cryptocurrencies, including so-called algorithmic stablecoins, are securities, and fall under the SEC's authority, while a handful is not”.

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency whose value is tied to the value of another currency, commodity, or financial instrument.

Stablecoins seek price stability either by holding reserve assets as collateral or through algorithmic formulas designed to control supply.

Several bills have been introduced to regulate stablecoins, but it remains unclear when Congress will pass crypto-related legislation.