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Pantera Capital Urges American Crypto Owners to Vote in US Election “We Are Now Moving!”

Last Updated June 24, 2024 2:01 PM

Pantera Capital analysts believe President Biden's approach to crypto policy is shifting. | Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Key Takeaways

Pantera sees Biden’s approach to the crypto is shifting, even as he blocked a crypto bill.
Analysts think Biden’s decision to veto the bill is linked to his reluctance to openly contradict SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
The Biden Administration is gradually becoming more open to crypto innovation, as evidenced by not vetoing the significant pro-crypto FIT21 Act.
Pantera analysts urged young people to vote in the upcoming US elections, saying, ‘It is time to move’.

Analysts at Pantera Capital believe President Joe Biden’s sudden shift toward supporting the cryptocurrency industry is genuine, despite his recent move to block a favorable bill to the sector.

This particular legislation aims to eliminate contentious guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission, which effectively discourages large US banks from providing large-scale cryptocurrency custody services.

Biden’s Veto Linked to Reluctance to Oppose SEC Chair Gensler

Jiang and Lowe asserted how one of the American Presidential candidates came out strongly in favor of blockchain and called it “a very crafty move.”

They commented :

“As many of the young people who own crypto are so passionate about its importance to the world that they are single-issue voters. This stance seems likely to draw young people to a candidate that they might not have considered supporting before.”

Despite the aforementioned pro-crypto candidate not being mentioned by name, it is clear that Pantera Capital is referring to ex-president Donald Trump.

In their research note, Jiang and Lowe suggested that President Biden’s decision to veto the SAB 121 bill likely stems from his hesitation to openly disagree with his appointee, SEC Chair Gary Gensler. As the US presidential election approaches, cryptocurrency continues to be a contentious issue.

They stated :

“Biden is choosing instead to take the quieter path of asking the SEC to change the rule on their own.”

Pantera Capital analysts claim that Biden is privately urging the U.S. SEC to change its rules, aligning his presidential campaign more with the crypto industry despite being reluctant to publicly oppose Gary Gensler. pic.twitter.com/ItIVznLNmy

— miss🌿 (@xioxioboy) June 23, 2024

While Donald Trump, the expected Republican presidential candidate, has positioned himself strongly in favor of cryptocurrencies, President Biden’s stance has been more ambiguous. Nevertheless, according to Jiang and Lowe, Biden is gradually becoming more receptive to the crypto industry, despite his recent action to block a bill that aimed to overturn Staff Bulletin 121.

Biden Seeks Middle Ground in Crypto Policy as Gensler Maintains Caution on FIT21

The Biden Administration appears to be changing its approach towards the digital asset sector, with reports indicating that Biden’s re-election campaign has been actively seeking input from stakeholders in the blockchain industry to shape future crypto policy.

Despite this shift, SEC Chair Gary Gensler continues to hold firm views, expressing reservations about the Financial Innovation and Technology Act of 2021 (FIT21). Gensler’s cautious stance underscores the ongoing complexities and debates surrounding the regulation of cryptocurrencies.

Gensler asserted :

“The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (“FIT 21”) would create new regulatory gaps and undermine decades of precedent regarding the oversight of investment contracts, putting investors and capital markets at immeasurable risk.”

Pantera analysts suggested that openly opposing Gensler could have embarrassed the chair, noting that presidents typically uphold the independence of regulatory agencies separate from the executive branch. Instead, Biden has opted for a less confrontational approach by encouraging the SEC to amend the rule independently.

😮😮😮
Biden vetoed the repeal of SAB 121
🫠🫠🫠 https://t.co/4KJOeCkSFz

— Laura Shin (@laurashin) May 31, 2024

FIT21 Act Signals Policy Evolution Amidst Skepticism

Even as President Biden vetoed SAB 121 , the White House has expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Congress to establish cryptocurrency regulations that would support the responsible growth of digital assets and payment innovations, aiming to reinforce the US’s leadership in the global financial system.

Pantera highlighted that President Biden chose not to veto the more significant pro-crypto FIT21 Act, which successfully passed the House of Representatives in mid-May. According to their research note, as FIT21 progresses through the Senate, it will evolve but remains a step toward establishing a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

FIT21 unlocks a conversation beyond innovation. It’s about national security, consumer protection & global competitiveness.

It’s about shaping what the future global digital economy looks like and how it functions.

Let's give Americans the clarity needed to seize this moment. pic.twitter.com/scdatvjyp5

— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) May 22, 2024

Pantera also urged voters to choose the right side by saying:

” the passing of the FIT21 bill and the approval of Ethereum ETFs represent a significant shift in the regulatory and political landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States. For a while, it seemed that the industry was at a standoff with no visibility as to when things would get moving. We are now moving. “

Biden’s presidential campaign has reportedly started reaching out to the crypto industry in recent months. On the other side, Donald Trump has been actively engaging with the crypto community, hosting Bitcoin miners and non-fungible token investors at his Florida resort, Mar-A-Lago, and accepting campaign donations in cryptocurrencies.

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About the Author

Teuta Franjkovic

Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has expertise in covering macroeconomics and technology as well as the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. She has worked for several publications as a journalist and editor, including Forbes, Bloomberg, CoinTelegraph, Coin Rivet, CoinSpeaker, VRWorld and Arcane Bear. Teuta began her professional career in 2005, working as a lifestyle writer at Cosmopolitan in Croatia. From there, she branched out to several other publications, covering mainly business and the economy. She then turned her attention to the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain, believing that crypto is among the most important inventions in the history of humanity. Her involvement in fintech began in 2014 and she has since lent her expertise in writing, editing and gathering information about the world of crypto, blockchain, NFTs and Web3. An all-round news hound, mentor, editor, and writer, Teuta enjoys teamwork and good communication. She holds a WSET2 diploma and has a thing for chablis, punkrock music and shoes. She also holds a double MA in Political science and Entrepreneurship.

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Pantera Capital Urges American Crypto Owners to Vote in US Election “We Are Now Moving!”

Biden’s Veto Linked to Reluctance to Oppose SEC Chair Gensler

Biden Seeks Middle Ground in Crypto Policy as Gensler Maintains Caution on FIT21

FIT21 Act Signals Policy Evolution Amidst Skepticism

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