Why crypto regulation is a double-edged sword

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Cryptocurrency regulation has become inevitable, and many people in the industry say they would welcome clearer rules.

Proponents argue that regulatory clarity will legitimize the sector, reduce financial risks, and support product development. Uncertainty, meanwhile, would stall market growth, stifle technical innovation, and scare off potential investors.

Naturally, they want regulation on their own terms. Trading platform Coinbase, for instance, is currently preparing a draft federal framework for consideration by lawmakers.

Its not unusual for regulators to request input from the tech sector. But that doesnt mean they will create rules that the industry desires.

Its the classic cliche of a double-edged sword, Lane Kasselman, the Chief Business Officer of crypto company Blockchain.com, tells Hard Fork.

Well end up with really clear regulation in the US, UK, and EU that gives us a little bit of what the crypto industry wants, and probably creates some frameworks that we dont really love and have to innovate around.

Kasselman is nonetheless among those calling for permanent regulation. While many crypto firms historically preferred to stay below the radar, he says, the more mature ones now need new frameworks to grow their businesses.

He highlights two other forces that are accelerating the drive for regulation: growing awareness of potential consumer harms, and regulators recognizing that the industry is maturing.

Kasselman saw a similar evolution while he was working on regulatory campaigns and frameworks at Uber:

Regulators tend to wait to see if an industry becomes mature enough and they actually need to take action. Government moves slowly everywhere; they wait for a certain level of maturity.