Warren’s AML Crusade in Crypto: Can It Beat the 11/330 Bill Passing Odds?

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Senator Elizabeth Warren’s latest push for the “Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act” has drawn attention and backing from five fellow senators, expanding the bill’s co-sponsorship. This legislation seeks to apply stringent Bank Secrecy Act guidelines, encompassing know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, to various crypto entities, indicating a stride towards comprehensive regulatory oversight within the crypto sphere.

The crypto fell the aftershocks as Bitcoin prices fell 5% in minutes less than 24 hours before Elizabeth Warren introduced the crypto “crackdown” bill, extending their fall towards $41,000, following 8 consecutive weekly gains. 

Track Record and Skepticism

Despite the bill’s potential, doubts loom due to Warren’s historic struggles in enacting legislation. But looking at Warren’s track record, over 11 years, she has introduced 330 bills, but only the National POW/MIA Flag Act was passed.

The majority of legislators sponsor a few pieces of legislation that becomes law. Members of Congress routinely work on committees and propose legislative modifications under the radar. In July, Warren’s Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act was reintroduced to narrow money laundering loopholes by designating crypto apps and corporations as Bank Secrecy Act-regulated financial institutions. 

Crypto Industry’s Verdict: A Potential Ban?

However, Warren’s proposal faces severe opposition within the crypto sector. Critics argue that if enforced, the bill could fundamentally challenge the existence of cryptocurrencies in the U.S. by imposing impracticable KYC demands on decentralized entities like wallet providers and miners.

Prominent figures in the crypto world, such as Galaxy Research’s Alex Thorn and Neeraj Agrawal from Coin Center, have raised red flags. Thorn labeled the bill as a potential “effective ban” on Bitcoin and crypto, emphasizing the incompatibility of decentralized software with centralized compliance functions. Agrawal highlighted concerns about the bill hindering innovation and eroding personal privacy, despite its intended goal of curbing illicit financial activities.

Following the same sentiments many Twitter users have shared their views on the issue and claimed historically she failed many times: 

While others called her a corrupt and manipulative like Gary Gensler; 

Senator’s Outlook and Future Prospect

The bill’s polarizing impact highlights the challenges it faces within the Senate, where support for crypto legislation remains divided. In the mix of reviews, House Financial Services Committee member Patrick McHenry has hinted at potential compromises between the House and Senate regarding anti-money laundering rules in the crypto space. Although McHenry’s term is about to end, yet there are talks to stabilize the crypto rules as soon as possible.