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Bitcoin and Ether Are Not Securities in Belgium, Financial Regulator Clarifies

News Feed - 2022-11-27 02:11:02

Bitcoin and Ether Are Not Securities in Belgium, Financial Regulator Clarifies


Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether cannot be classified as securities or investment instruments, according to a communication issued by the financial watchdog in Belgium. The authority has tried to clarify the matter, noting that the digital coins may be subject to other regulations. FSMA: Securities Laws Do Not Apply to Bitcoin and Other Decentralized Cryptocurrencies


In response to multiple requests for clarification from citizens and businesses, Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has explained why it believes bitcoin, ether and other similar cryptocurrencies cannot be considered securities or investment instruments.


According to its position published on Thursday, the country’s securities laws do not apply to such digital assets, which have no issuer and are created by a computer code as opposed to the execution of an agreement between an issuer and an investor.


However, the regulatory body pointed out that if these crypto assets have a payment or exchange function, if they are exchangeable or fungible, other regulations may be applicable to them as well as to the persons that are providing certain related services.


The FSMA further remarked that despite the lack of specific legislation, cryptocurrencies can be equated to securities if they are incorporated into financial instruments and have an issuer such as an individual or a legal entity.


Seeking to provide assistance to interested parties, that have been sending more and more questions about the financial rules concerning crypto assets, the authority has adopted a “stepwise plan” to offer a series of guidelines for their classification.


The Belgian financial watchdog emphasized that the plan is neutral regarding technology. “The qualification as security, financial instrument or investment instrument does not depend on the technology that is being used,” it elaborated, adding that it’s ready to update the plan in order to reflect regulatory changes in the future.


One such event could be the upcoming adoption of the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, which was agreed upon by European institutions and member states at the end of June. In July, the FSMA launched a consultation on the classification of crypto assets. Earlier this year, the watchdog introduced registration requirements for crypto exchange and wallet service providers. Tags in this story Authority, Belgian, belgium, Bitcoin, clarification, Communication, Crypto, crypto assets, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, ether, FSMA, guidelines, Instruments, plan, regulator, Securities, Status, watchdog


Do you expect authorities in other European jurisdictions to issue similar clarifications regarding the status of cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev


Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Binance CEO: Most Governments Understand Crypto Adoption Will Happen Regardless REGULATION | 9 hours ago Report: State Securities Regulators Probe Crypto Lender Genesis REGULATION | 13 hours ago


Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, Werner Lerooy / Shutterstock.com Previous articleElon Musk Plans to Launch Alternative Phone if Apple, Google Boot Twitter off Their App Stores Next articleGhana Takes Steps to Operationalize Gold-for-Oil Scheme — Move Expected to Help Halt Cedi’s Depreciation Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItNFT Sales Volume Saw a Small Uptick This Week — Moonbirds, Mutant Apes Take Top Sales


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