NYDFS Pushes for Federal Crypto Legislation but Advocates for States’ Role

As a seasoned analyst with over two decades of experience in financial regulation and policy, I find Adrienne Harris’ stance on crypto regulation to be both pragmatic and insightful. Having worked extensively at both state and federal levels, I have seen firsthand the unique benefits that each level of government can bring to the table when it comes to regulating emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies.


The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) states that it’s acceptable to have federal cryptocurrency legislation. Simultaneously, they advocate for a space where individual states can regulate these digital assets, thus preserving their current roles in monitoring such assets at the state level.

At a Digital Asset Compliance and Market Integrity Summit, which took place in Manhattan on Wednesday, the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Superintendent, Adrienne Harris, disclosed this information.

NYDFS Advocates Balancing Federal and State Roles in Crypto Regulation

In her address, Harris emphasized that her department stands prepared to collaborate with national officials. Yet, she stresses the importance of involving state governments for enhanced efficiency.

As Adrienne Harris pointed out, it seems that states are proving more agile in governing digital assets, contradicting the belief that government intervention might slow down or hinder regulatory progress.

It’s crucial that laws are enacted and rules are established, yet it remains significant that there is a place for the states in this process.

Regarding the regulation of cryptocurrencies, the superintendent mentioned that the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) boasts one of the strongest structures globally for managing digital assets.

She conveyed a positive outlook on swiftly bringing federal cryptocurrency regulation before the general public, adding that the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has recently engaged in talks with representatives from both the U.S. House and Senate.

The Evolution of New York’s BitLicense

Harris spoke extensively on New York’s crypto regulatory framework, popularly known as the BitLicense. First introduced over a decade ago, BitLicense has continued to help New York with overseeing crypto activities in the state, she claims.

As a researcher delving into this field, I’ve come to understand that, following Harris’s perspective, the primary objective of our framework has consistently remained unchanged. This objective revolves around striking a balance – fostering innovation while ensuring robust customer protection.

Yet, it’s clear that the crypto landscape has significantly changed, and the BitLicense has failed to keep pace with these transformations. Consequently, an adaptation is essential for the BitLicense to mirror the evolution of the industry. Remarkably, this adjustment hasn’t occurred as expected.

Harris argues that, even as the structure has adapted to technological advancements within the industry, it essentially hasn’t undergone significant shifts in its underlying methodology.

Moreover, the superintendent further emphasized New York’s commitment to cryptocurrency regulation by highlighting the resources dedicated to this area. She pointed out that the NYDFS’s crypto division now employs approximately 60 full-time staff members, placing it among the largest global regulatory bodies focused on cryptocurrencies.

Initially, Harris found that many people had unfavorable feelings towards the BitLicense. Lately, though, this has shifted as both legislators and the public are becoming increasingly interested in regulating it.

According to Harris, there are issues with the BitLicense, and some of these criticisms seem valid. Still, it’s pleasant to observe states like California, Illinois, Nebraska, and various global entities adopting elements from it as a model.

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2024-09-26 13:09