11/09/23

FINTECH: G20 moves forward with international crypto framework

As published on: cointelegraph.com, Monday 11 September, 2023.

The upcoming framework will affect users in several countries by automatically exchanging information about crypto transactions between jurisdictions on an annual basis.

Leaders of the 20 biggest economies in the world — collectively known as G20 — are pushing for a speedy implementation of a cross-border framework for crypto assets. 

According to local reports in New Delhi — where the group members are attending a two-day summit — the framework will facilitate information exchange between countries beginning in 2027.

“We call for the swift implementation of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and amendments to the CRS [Common Reporting Standard]. We ask the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes to identify an appropriate and coordinated timeline to commence exchanges by relevant jurisdictions,” stated a consensus declaration signed by G20 leaders.

Several countries would be affected by the upcoming framework, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union. Two-thirds of the world’s population lives in a G20 country.

The Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework was first introduced in October 2022 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The document was designed to give tax authorities greater visibility into crypto transactions, as well as the individuals behind them.

Under the proposed framework, countries would automatically exchange information on crypto transactions between jurisdictions annually, covering transactions on unregulated crypto exchanges and wallet providers.

Crypto transactions are already subject to new disclosure standards in many countries. In May, the European Union approved updated rules to adhere to the CARF, setting procedures for automatic information sharing between European governments for tax purposes. As per the new rules, the transfer of digital assets should be accompanied by the name of the beneficiary, the beneficiary’s distributed ledger address, as well as the beneficiary’s account number.

The group also endorsed recommendations from the Financial Stability Board for the “regulation, supervision and oversight of crypto-assets activities and markets and of global stablecoin arrangements,” according to the announcement. Published in July, the recommendations set similar standards for stablecoins as commercial banks and urge regulators to prohibit any activities hindering the identification of involved participants, among other recommendations.

Stuart Alderoty highlighted that Gensler had requested an urgent appeal despite asserting that crypto regulations and rules were clear and must be adhered to by the industry.

Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s chief legal officer and general counsel in the SEC vs. Ripple Labs case, has characterized the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) latest submission as a “contradictory shift” and contends that it holds little sway. 

Following a recent filing by the SEC to reinforce its interlocutory appeal, Alderoty posted on X (formerly Twitter) referring to the submission as another instance of a “hypocritical pivot.“ Alderoty highlighted what he sees as SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s inconsistency, manipulative actions and appetite for expanded regulation.

He highlighted that Gensler had requested an urgent appeal despite asserting that crypto regulations and rules were clear and must be adhered to by the industry.

“Another SEC filing, another hypocritical pivot… After years of its chairman saying the ‘rules are clear and must be obeyed,’ the SEC now cries that an appeal is urgently needed to resolve these knotty legal problems.”

Another lawyer, James Filan, took a dig at the SEC, ridiculing its newfound concern for preserving judicial resources. He pointed out the SEC’s previous attempt to pause all proceedings in the case.

Pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton said that those not well-versed in the case might find Alderoty’s response to the SEC harsh. However, for those familiar with the case, Alderoty’s characterization of the SEC as hypocritical is simply a reflection of the federal judge presiding over the matter.

In the Grayscale lawsuit, federal judges have criticized the SEC’s assertions as “arbitrary and capricious.“ Additionally, Ripple’s executive chairman, Chris Larsen, anticipates that the SEC’s approach of enforcing regulations through legal actions may come to a conclusion in the near future.

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FinTech Crypto G20

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