CoinDesk, a leading source for bitcoin and FinTech news, published an op-ed by Jason Weinstein and Alan Cohn on “4 Trends That Will Shape Bitcoin Regulation in 2016.” The piece identifies emerging developments in the fast-changing world of digital currency regulation.
Now that multiple federal agencies have outlined their regulatory mandates, expect increased ‘regulation by enforcement’ as regulators begin to apply their rules in practice. Government authorities will likely turn to new questions, such as the possible role of digital currencies in terror financing and the exploding use of blockchain-based applications in ‘traditional’ financial institutions. Finally, bitcoin’s reputation should improve, thanks in part to the Blockchain Alliance and engagement between law enforcement and industry representatives.