Coinbase, R3 and Other Major Firms Respond to CFTC’s Request for Input on Ethereum

Several major crypto and traditional finance companies have replied to the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) request on crypto asset mechanics as late as Feb. 25.

The CFTC published its inquiry in late December 2018. In it, the regulator’s LabCFTC initiative, focused on fintech innovations, sought public comments on the main principles of the Ethereum network. The watchdog’s reported aim was to understand similarities and distinctions between different cryptocurrencies and the “technology, mechanics, and markets for virtual currencies beyond Bitcoin.”

In particular, the request for input focuses on Ethereum (ETH), along with opportunities and risks associated with its ecosystem.

As of press time, 35 crypto and traditional finance companies have provided detailed comments on the matter to the CFTC. Blockchain consortium R3, the non-profit Ethereum Foundation, U.S. crypto exchanges Coinbase and ErisX, blockchain tech company ConsenSys, crypto finance company Circle and Weiss Cryptocurrency Ratings were among the companies that submitted responses.

In his comments, R3's managing director Charley Cooper also commended the CFTC for its initiative. He gave some predictions on the evolution of digital assets in 2019, saying that he believes that asset-backed tokens, such as those pegged to gold or real estate objects, along with native asset tokens, will form the future of the industry.

Gus P. Coldebella, chief legal officer at Circle, wrote that the Ethereum network, which supports different types of digital assets, can contribute to the global tokenization of value. Tokenization can also make assets more accessible online and internationally, as the internet makes information transfer easier and more accessible.

Brian Brooks, chief legal officer at Coinbase, focused on the risks and regulations surrounding the Ethereum ecosystem. For instance, the company believes that the CFTC's intention to properly oversee the spot and derivatives markets for ETH can be negatively impacted by the fact that the majority of trading happens outside the U.S.

As Cointelegraph reported earlier in February, Chicago-based ErisX also filed a comment in response to the CFTC’s request. The exchange believes that “the introduction of a regulated futures contract on Ether would have a positive impact on the growth and maturation of the market.”