The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly issued subpoenas to various U.S.-based companies linked to the Ethereum Foundation as part of an investigation aimed at determining whether Ether (ETH) should be classified as a security. This inquiry follows Ethereum’s transition from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake blockchain in 2022. The SEC’s examination could potentially bring Ether within its regulatory scope, influencing the digital asset’s legal and operational status.
According to a report from Fortune dated March 20, the SEC’s investigation into the Ethereum Foundation has led to the request for documents and financial records from companies that have interactions with the foundation. This step is viewed as a move by the SEC to gather evidence that might support the classification of ETH as a security. SEC Chair Gary Gensler, during his tenure, has not provided a definitive answer regarding Ether’s status as a security, despite previous comments in 2018 suggesting that Bitcoin, Ether, and similar assets were not considered securities.
The SEC has approved exchange-traded funds (ETFs) related to Ether futures, but the decision on whether to approve spot ETH ETFs is pending, with a resolution expected by May. The situation emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity, as highlighted by crypto firm Prometheum’s announcement in February about its plans to offer institutional custody services for Ether. This move is seen as adding pressure on the SEC to clarify its position on digital asset securities and aid firms in navigating potential regulatory liabilities.
This ongoing investigation by the SEC into the Ethereum Foundation and the broader implications of Ether’s classification as security marks a critical point in the regulatory oversight of digital assets. The outcome could have significant effects on the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the United States, particularly in how financial and regulatory institutions treat Ether and similar digital assets.