US lawmakers advocate for an extended comment period for a proposed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule, raising concerns about its potential impact on the digital asset space, particularly on the regulation of digital wallets and peer-to-peer transactions. Representatives Patrick McHenry, Mike Flood, and French Hill have called for an additional 60 days for public comments to consider the implications for the crypto industry. The proposed rule from the CFPB includes extending supervisory authority to encompass depository institutions and digital assets within the definition of "funds," prompting apprehension about regulatory uncertainty and its potential adverse effects on the crypto ecosystem.


US lawmakers are pushing back on a proposed rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), expressing reservations about its potential impact on the digital asset space, specifically the regulation of digital wallets and peer-to-peer transactions.


The proposed rule, put forth in November 2023, aims to extend the CFPB's supervisory authority over depository institutions and encompasses digital assets within the definition of "funds." Representatives Patrick McHenry, Mike Flood, and French Hill have emphasized the need for a longer comment period to deliberate on the rule's implications for the crypto industry.


In a letter to CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, the lawmakers questioned the potential ramifications of the rule for specific entities within the digital asset ecosystem. They highlighted a lack of clarity on how the proposal would apply to digital asset wallet providers and raised concerns about the regulatory risks associated with capturing certain digital asset wallet providers that do not maintain an ongoing relationship with consumers.


The representatives stressed that peer-to-peer transactions through "self-hosted wallets" are a fundamental aspect of the digital asset ecosystem as they eliminate third-party risk. They expressed apprehension that the lack of clarity for affected crypto exchanges could deter firms from facilitating peer-to-peer transactions through wallets hosted on their platforms.


Given these concerns, the lawmakers urged the CFPB to extend the public comment period by an additional 60 days, emphasizing the importance of accepting and considering feedback on the proposed regulatory measures concerning crypto assets.


Furthermore, the Crypto Council for Innovation voiced deep concerns about the potential impact of the proposed rule on the crypto space, stating that it could lead to increased regulatory fragmentation. The advocacy group recommended that the CFPB refrain from extending its authority over the digital asset space and suggested waiting for Congress to provide a more appropriate regulatory framework.


The developments come at a time when regulatory clarity for digital assets and cryptocurrencies is a pressing issue in the United States. With ongoing discussions about the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the crypto industry, the concerns raised by lawmakers and industry advocates underscore the complexity and importance of ensuring balanced and effective regulation that supports innovation while addressing potential risks.


In conclusion, the call for an extended comment period for the proposed CFPB rule reflects the growing attention on regulatory matters concerning digital assets and crypto, highlighting the need for a thorough and nuanced approach to policy-making in this rapidly evolving landscape.


(HELEN PARTZ, COINTELEGRAPH, 2024)