The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders on virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin.
The feedback will better inform the Commission’s understanding of the technology, mechanics, and markets for virtual currencies like Ether and its use on the Ethereum Network.
Specifically, the Request for Information (RFI) is looking for feedback on the underlying technology, opportunities, risks, mechanics, use cases, and markets, related to Ether and the Ethereum Network. The RFI also seeks to understand similarities and distinctions between Ether and Bitcoin. Further, the commission is soliciting feedback on Ether-specific opportunities, challenges, and risks.
The RFI will be published in the Federal Register, and all comments must be received within 60 days of publication.
The CFTC will use the information and feedback to benefit LabCFTC, the CFTC’s FinTech initiative. LabCFTC, launched in May 2017, was created to facilitate financial technology innovation, informing policy, and ensuring the agency has the regulatory and technological tools and understanding to keep pace with changing markets.
LabCFTC was established the CFTC more accessible to FinTech innovators. It also serves as a platform to inform the commission’s understanding of emerging technologies. LabCFTC will enable the CFTC to identify regulatory opportunities, challenges, and, risks related to financial technologies.