Gensler says crypto trading, lending platforms not fit for custody; suggests adoption of new safeguarding rule

Speaking before the Investor Advisory Committee, SEC Chair Gary Gensler said current custody rules do not adequately safeguard users’ crypto assets.

Gensler said existing custody rules are supposed to safeguard investors’ crypto funds and securities with qualified custodians. However, crypto exchanges that currently fulfill that role are not qualified custodians, in his view.

“Based upon how crypto trading and lending platforms generally operate, investment advisers cannot rely on them today as qualified custodians.”

Without naming specific cases, Gensler pointed out that recent times have seen a spate of exchange failings that have left users hung out to dry at bankruptcy court.

He recommended safeguarding rules take account of “important enhancements,” ensuring only qualified custodians be allowed to hold users’ crypto assets.

The points made by Gensler were solely his views and do not represent SEC policy and may not reflect the views of the agency’s staff.

Analyst at CryptoSlate

Samuel is a strong believer in individual autonomy and personal freedom. He is a relative newcomer to the world of cryptocurrency, having first bought Bitcoin in early 2017, but keen to make up for the lost time.