Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, with 110 million users, is contemplating moving to the UK as the US government’s failure to create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies puts the industry at risk. In a conversation with former chancellor George Osborne at the Innovate Finance Global Summit, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong likened America’s attitude to that of a country with an abundance of natural resources but low economic output. He criticised the lack of regulatory clarity in the US and said that the UK was its second-largest market. The Financial Conduct Authority’s oversight of both commodities and securities gave the UK an advantage over America, Armstrong added.
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Coinbase may leave US for UK due to regulatory uncertainty
Coinbase, a multi-billion dollar cryptocurrency exchange, is considering moving its operations from the US to the UK due to a lack of regulatory clarity in America. The exchange has 110 million users and is the only publicly listed company in the crypto space in the US. The CEO of Coinbase, Brian Armstrong, stated that the UK is their second-largest market and that regulatory clarity is lacking in the US. Armstrong believes that the UK has an advantage over America in that the Financial Conduct Authority oversees both commodities and securities, whereas in America, there is a “turf battle” between two separate regulators.
Failure to regulate crypto is hurting the industry
The US government’s failure to regulate cryptocurrencies is having a detrimental effect on the industry. Coinbase’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, likened America’s attitude to that of a country with an abundance of natural resources but low economic output. Armstrong believes that the lack of regulatory clarity is pushing the exchange towards relocating to the UK. Coinbase may have to go through the American court system to get clarity on regulation, but it may be easier to relocate to a country with clear regulations.
Coinbase CEO criticises US lawmakers’ approach
Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, has criticised the US government’s approach to regulating cryptocurrencies. He likened it to when countries with an abundance of natural resources underperform economically. Armstrong accused America of having a resource curse, taking the golden goose for granted and trying to extract as much as possible. He added that the UK was the company’s second-largest market and that regulatory clarity was lacking in the US.
Fintech firms in the US face punishment from Biden
Fintech firms in the US are facing punishment from President Joe Biden, according to Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase. The US government’s failure to create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is hitting the industry and may push Coinbase to relocate. Armstrong believes that the UK has an advantage over the US because the Financial Conduct Authority oversees both commodities and securities. Coinbase, the only publicly listed company in the crypto space in the US, may have to go through the American court system to get clarity on regulation.
Coinbase CEO would consider London Stock Exchange over New York
If he could relist his company, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said that he would consider the London Stock Exchange over New York. He made the comment in an interview with BBC Radio 4 earlier in the day. Armstrong stated that the UK was the company’s second-largest market and that the Financial Conduct Authority’s oversight of both commodities and securities gave the country an advantage over America.
Bank of England deputy governor warns cash becoming “less useable”
Sir Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor of the Bank of England, has warned that cash would become “less useable” as shops increasingly reject banknotes. The Bank is consulting on the introduction of a digital pound and exploring the possibilities of a system of stablecoins as the use of cash declines. The Bank is considering using cryptocurrencies that are backed by a central bank currency.
Conclusion
The lack of regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies in the US is causing concern for companies like Coinbase, which are considering relocating to countries like the UK that have clearer regulations. The CEO of Coinbase, Brian Armstrong, has criticised the US government’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation, accusing it of punishing fintech firms. Meanwhile, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority oversees both commodities and securities, giving the country an advantage over America. As the use of cash declines, the Bank of England is consulting on the introduction of a digital pound and exploring the use of stablecoins.
Despite the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies, their lack of regulation has created uncertainty and hesitancy in the financial sector. Companies like Coinbase are facing a challenging landscape as they navigate the murky waters of cryptocurrency regulation. However, with clear and concise regulations, cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionise the financial industry and bring about a new era of innovation and growth.
FAQs
- Why is Coinbase considering a move to the UK? Coinbase is considering a move to the UK because of the lack of regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies in the US.
- What advantage does the UK have over the US in terms of cryptocurrency regulation? The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority oversees both commodities and securities, giving the country an advantage over America.
- What is the Bank of England’s stance on the use of cryptocurrencies? The Bank of England is exploring the use of stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies backed by a central bank currency, as the use of cash declines.
- Why are companies hesitant to invest in cryptocurrencies? The lack of regulatory clarity surrounding cryptocurrencies has created uncertainty and hesitancy in the financial sector.
- What potential benefits could cryptocurrencies bring to the financial industry? With clear and concise regulations, cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionise the financial industry and bring about a new era of innovation and growth.
COMMENTS
It makes perfect sense that Coinbase would go where there are clear regulations. Unfortunately the US is not that right now. The US is, just like Armstrong said, involved in a “turf battle” that is hurting the industry.
It’s time for the US government to step in and make things clear or a huge company will be leaving for the UK within the next year probably.
Joe Biden shouldn’t get re-elected. This is just one of the major mistakes he has made. And this will drive a great contributor to the US economy to the UK. Clarity lacks in a lot of important areas in the US. I don’t know who Biden will be fighting against in the election, but he proved that he’s not fit to lead. It’s not all his fault as his team has also ill advised him.
Agreed. I also would ask for some health checks on people running for office that are over 70 years of age. Biden (as Trump) have shown clear signs they shouldn’t be anywhere near the presidency. And yes, I think Coinbase is definitely heading for the UK and the London Stock Exchange. Just a matter of time now.
Coinbase has sent out this warning for 2 reasons:
1. Hoping something will change and things will be clearer in this industry very soon – this will most likely not happen but it’s worth a shot.
2. When/if they leave for the UK, no one can say they didn’t try to find common ground and stay in the US. This message shows they tried but the US government is just too slow to react and improve things in this industry and has or is forcing companies like Coinbase to relocate.