“Effectively, the vastly expanded definition of an ‘exchange’ would have picked up various protocols used with respect to crypto assets.”
Uyeda also criticized linking Treasury market regulation with attempts to tamp down crypto, marking a clear departure from previous enforcement strategies.
Despite these regulatory shifts, the broader crypto market remains under pressure. Current market data shows a total market capitalization of $2.62 trillion and a fear and greed index at 15, reflecting extreme fear. Bitcoin has slipped to $80,307—a 2.43% intraday drop—while Ethereum has fallen below $2,000, down 8.43% in the past 24 hours. These declines have been driven by mounting bearish pressure, with several high-profile cryptocurrencies among the worst performers.
The SEC’s new crypto task force, launched under Uyeda’s interim leadership earlier this year, aims to develop clear regulatory rules. Many experts believe that establishing a dedicated enforcement agency for crypto will foster a more stable and innovative market infrastructure. However, until regulatory clarity is achieved, traders remain cautious, and the market continues to grapple with significant volatility.
The evolving stance of the SEC under new leadership could eventually boost investor confidence. Yet, in the meantime, extreme market fear persists, as reflected in the falling prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum.