SEC’s Legal Action Against Binance: Paradigm’s Concerns
Venture capital firm Paradigm has raised concerns over the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) handling of the Binance lawsuit. In their recent statement, Paradigm accuses the SEC of trying to change the law via allegations, bypassing established rulemaking procedures.
The SEC’s Approach: A Point of Contention
On September 29th, Paradigm expressed its belief that the SEC’s current legal approach exceeds its regulatory remit. The firm holds that the SEC’s approach in the Binance case is a tactic it opposes strongly.
In recent months, the SEC’s intensified focus on cryptocurrency exchanges, especially Binance, has attracted significant attention. Accusations against Binance include operating without required registration, with the SEC pointing out violations of securities laws.
Recent Trend in SEC Actions
Paradigm notes that the SEC has been targeting numerous crypto exchanges of late, suggesting a broader pattern. This has triggered fears that the SEC’s tactics “could fundamentally reshape our understanding of securities law in significant ways.”
The Controversial Howey Test
Paradigm’s statement also delved into the SEC’s application of the Howey test, a framework often employed to classify transactions as securities. Drawing from a 1946 case, the SEC uses this test to determine if transactions fulfill investment contract criteria.
However, Paradigm has pointed out inconsistencies in the SEC’s approach. They argue that several assets, even if bought and traded for profit, aren’t treated as securities by the SEC. Examples include gold, silver, and fine art.
USD Coin Issuer Circle Joins the Fray
As the Binance-SEC legal saga unfolds, another player, USD Coin issuer Circle, has entered the scene. Circle’s primary contention is that stablecoins should not fall under securities classifications. Their argument rests on the premise that individuals purchasing stablecoins do not primarily aim for profit.
