Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor has spilled the beans about major US banks being allowed to custody Bitcoin in the near future.
"Credible rumors are circulating that one or more major banks in the US will soon be able to custody Bitcoin," Saylor said.
Saylor shared this rumor in response to the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), a global financial services company, obtaining an exemption from the SEC's controversial SAB 121 rule. The news transpired during a Wyoming Select Committee meeting on Blockchain Innovation.
The SAB 121 rule, which has been vigorously opposed within the cryptocurrency industry, forces banking institutions to make custodial digital assets part of their own balance sheets.
Alex DovbnyaCryptocurrency proponents, such as Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), argue that the requirements violate accounting principles while also stifling innovation. "The SEC is effectively ordering companies not to experiment with blockchain technology," Torres said during a recent congressional hearing.
According to crypto advocates, the rule is simply meant to bar major regulated financial entities from being able to provide financial custody.
Gamza KhanzadaevHowever, SEC Chair Gary Gensler defended the policy, pointing to a string of high-profile crypto bankruptcies. Some anti-crypto lawmakers have also defended the rule.
The cryptocurrency lobby was fighting hard to override the controversial SEC guidance. As reported by U.Today, the Senate voted to ditch the controversial rule in May. This prompted Saylor to opine that the U.S. "wants Bitcoin." This, of course, was not enough to ditch the provision.
It remains to be seen whether the rule will be eventually repealed by the courts.
Yuri Molchan
Vladislav Sopov
Dan Burgin