The SEC acting chair instructed to review cryptocurrency-related statements to determine whether modifications or retractions are necessary
ChainCatcher news, according to The Block, Acting Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Mark T. Uyeda instructed agency staff on Saturday to review several previously issued employee statements regarding the application of securities laws to cryptocurrency investments and digital assets. This directive was issued under Executive Order 14192 (titled "Promoting Prosperity Through Regulatory Relief") and in response to recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Uyeda stated that the statements would be reviewed to determine whether they need to be "modified or rescinded" to align with the SEC's current priorities.The specific statements under review include: the 2019 guidance on whether digital assets constitute securities, which involves how to assess whether digital assets fall under securities through the "Howey Test"; the 2021 statement on Bitcoin futures, which advised investors to exercise particular caution when investing in mutual funds involving the Bitcoin futures market, emphasizing the speculative nature of the market, risks of market manipulation, liquidity constraints, and volatility, especially within mutual funds; and the 2022 guidance following cryptocurrency bankruptcy events, which required crypto companies to transparently disclose risks related to the crypto market, highlighting impacts on investors, including custody risks, liquidity issues, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny.Additionally, Uyeda also instructed the review of a risk alert issued in February 2021, warning investors about the "unique risks" of trading digital assets, as well as a 2020 statement regarding Wyoming allowing state-chartered trust companies to custody digital assets.