Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) founders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen recently discussed the various challenges the crypto industry has faced under the current administration, during which they also endorsed former President Donald Trump. The founders openly criticized the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting a series of regulatory challenges that they believe are stifling innovation and growth in the sector.
Frustrations with the SEC
During a podcast conversation, Horowitz and Andreessen detailed their frustrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They noted that the regulator has not provided clear guidance on which cryptocurrencies are considered securities and which are commodities. Gemini founder Tyler Winklevoss said in a social media post on July 24 that the discussion is a “must-watch” and highlights “just how terrible the Biden–Harris Administration has been to the crypto industry.”
Regulatory Ambiguity
This regulatory ambiguity has resulted in the SEC filing lawsuits against more than 30 crypto companies within the a16z portfolio. Andreessen remarked that such aggressive enforcement is unprecedented, as neither he nor Horowitz had encountered a single Wells Notice in their over 30-year careers prior to this administration. The SEC’s legal actions, even when unsuccessful, pose significant challenges for crypto startups. Horowitz pointed out that while the SEC often loses these cases, the financial and operational strain on startups to defend against the government’s extensive resources is overwhelming. He described these victories as “Pyrrhic,” suggesting that the cost of legal battles is detrimental to the industry’s sustainability.
Banking Challenges
The discussion also touched on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which has allegedly made it nearly impossible for crypto companies to secure banking services. Horowitz and Andreessen likened this to “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” comparing it to earlier efforts that targeted legal cannabis companies, effectively forcing them to operate without access to traditional banking systems.
President Biden’s Veto
Another significant point of contention is President Biden’s veto of a bipartisan repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121. This SEC rule complicates banks’ ability to hold crypto on behalf of their customers, making them liable for any decrease in the value of the digital assets they manage. Andreessen criticized this regulation as deliberately harmful to the crypto industry, designed to prevent banks from engaging with digital assets.
Unwillingness to Engage
The co-founders said that their efforts to engage with the administration have been met with resistance. They revealed that President Biden, SEC Chair Gary Gensler, and Senator Elizabeth Warren have all declined to meet with them to discuss their concerns. This lack of engagement marks a stark contrast to previous administrations, where Andreessen had successfully collaborated with leaders such as Bill Clinton and Al Gore during the early days of the commercial internet.
Support from Former President Trump
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has shown a willingness to engage with crypto leaders and adopted a supportive stance toward the industry. His platform includes ambitious goals to build a strong economy, champion innovation, and lead the world in emerging industries, with a particular emphasis on crypto. Trump has publicly stated that he opposes the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and will defend the right to mine Bitcoin. He has also advocated for Americans’ rights to self-custody digital assets and transact without government oversight. The former President has also criticized Biden and Gensler for their handling of the industry and pledged to change the government’s approach if elected.
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