Cryptocasinos.ltd – Kendrick Meek Joins Coinbase to Shape Crypto Regulations

By  //  May 29, 2024

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Kendrick Meek Joins Coinbase to Shape Crypto Regulations

Kendrick Meek, the former House Representative for Florida’s 17th congressional district, has entered the cryptocurrency arena by joining the Global Advisory Council of Coinbase. In this new role, Meek will help to refine and modernize the regulatory framework governing digital assets in the United States.

Cryptocurrency in Florida

Florida has established itself as a thriving hub for cryptocurrency adoption and innovation, reflecting a wider trend toward embracing digital finance. The state’s forward-thinking stance on cryptocurrency is highlighted by numerous initiatives and regulatory frameworks designed to foster a favorable environment for blockchain and digital asset technologies. 

Cities such as Miami have gained international recognition for their efforts to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday transactions, with Mayor Francis Suarez advocating for Miami’s transformation into a major crypto hub. Supportive state policies have attracted numerous crypto-related businesses, startups, and even casinos that accept crypto, bolstering Florida’s reputation as a leader in the digital financial revolution. 

This proactive approach not only stimulates economic growth but also positions Florida as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.

A Strategic Addition to Coinbase’s Team

On May 20, Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase’s chief policy officer, announced via social media that Kendrick Meek had been appointed to the company’s Global Advisory Council. Meek’s extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 2003 to 2011 and held a role on the Committee on Ways and Means, makes him a valuable asset in addressing the regulatory challenges facing digital assets.

Advocacy for Digital Assets

Meek has expressed strong support for digital assets, recognizing their potential to solve longstanding systemic issues within the financial system. His comments, reported by The Hill, highlight the opportunities digital assets present in creating a more equitable financial landscape. 

Joining Meek on the council are other former U.S. lawmakers such as Stephanie Murphy, Tim Ryan, and Pat Toomey, forming a formidable team to tackle the regulatory complexities of the crypto world.

Coinbase’s Advisory Council and Its Objectives

Coinbase’s Global Advisory Council, established in May 2023, is tasked with navigating the complex and evolving global crypto landscape. The formation of the council comes at a critical time, as Coinbase faces a lawsuit from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Also, Coinbase is actively engaged in the 2024 election season through its Stand With Crypto initiative, which aims to mobilize voter support for crypto-friendly lawmakers.

Legislative Developments in Crypto

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023 with broad bipartisan support. This bill seeks to enhance the United States’ competitiveness in blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. 

It directs the Secretary of Commerce to take necessary actions to promote these technologies and designates the Secretary as the principal presidential adviser on blockchain. The bill also calls for the creation of an advisory committee composed of representatives from government, industry, academia, and culture to report annually to Congress.

Key Provisions and Support

Introduced by Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester and Larry Bucshon, the bill received unanimous approval from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and endorsements from major industry groups like the Chamber of Digital Commerce and the Blockchain Association. 

Despite this, the bill faces opposition from notable crypto skeptics, including Representatives Sean Casten, Bill Foster, and Brad Sherman, as well as pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis’s lower House colleague Harriet Hageman.

Crypto Investment Trends

Recently, crypto-based investment products have seen a resurgence, marking two consecutive weeks of positive inflows. According to CoinShares data, digital asset investment products accumulated $932 million between May 13 and 17, largely due to a favorable U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicating a moderation in inflationary pressures.

Market Responses and ETF Developments

The May 15 CPI report revealed a 0.3% rise in inflation for April, following a 0.4% increase in March. This report significantly impacted the market, with weekly volumes remaining relatively low compared to previous months. Despite this, Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF experienced minor inflows, reflecting a broader trend of fluctuating investor confidence in the crypto market.

Regional and Altcoin Dynamics

Investment flows varied regionally, with Hong Kong and Canada witnessing outflows, while altcoin funds such as Solana, Chainlink, and Cardano saw positive net flows. Conversely, Ether funds experienced outflows due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the SEC’s decision on spot Ether ETFs. Analysts have recently revised their predictions, now estimating a 75% chance of SEC approval for these ETFs, signaling potential changes in the regulatory approach towards cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

Kendrick Meek’s appointment to Coinbase’s Global Advisory Council marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to navigate and influence the regulatory environment for digital assets in the U.S. Alongside legislative advancements and shifting investment trends, the crypto landscape continues to evolve, even in the field of crypto and offshore casinos

The active involvement of experienced lawmakers and the formation of strategic initiatives like Coinbase’s advisory council are crucial in shaping a robust and adaptive regulatory framework for the future of digital assets.