As a seasoned researcher with a deep interest in the intersection of technology and finance, I find myself closely following the ongoing debate surrounding the US Treasury and IRS’s newly issued broker reporting rule. Having worked extensively in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, my perspective is shaped by years of immersion in this dynamic and innovative industry.

The recent statement made by Michele Korver, head of regulation at Andreessen Horowitz’s blockchain arm, A16z Crypto, resonates strongly with me. Her concerns about the potential jeopardization of decentralized finance (DeFi) innovation in the United States are not unfounded, given the significant role DeFi plays in reshaping our financial landscape and making it more accessible to all.

The swift legal response by the crypto industry to challenge this rule within 24 hours of its announcement is a testament to the maturity and resilience of this sector. I find myself optimistic about the future of cryptocurrency, as it demonstrates the ability to push back against regulatory overreach. The rapid evolution of policy infrastructure in the USA over the last couple of years is indeed commendable.

However, the timing and potential impact of this rule cannot be ignored. It seems that there might be a deliberate attempt to hinder DeFi innovation. But as Hayden Adams aptly puts it, “DeFi is the antidote to debanking.” I find solace in the belief that legal and legislative challenges will overturn the rule, much like how decentralized protocols bypass traditional financial institutions.

In a lighter note, one might joke that if this rule were a DeFi project, it would have been forked and delisted from the main chain before you could say “tax evasion.” But in all seriousness, the future of DeFi is not something to be taken lightly, and I stand with those who are fighting to protect its transformative potential.

As a researcher focusing on regulatory matters in the blockchain sector at A16z Crypto (Andreessen Horowitz’s blockchain arm), I have expressed robust dissent towards the recently announced broker reporting rule by the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to her formal declaration, she asserts that it poses a risk to the advancement of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) development in the U.S.

Treasury’s “Midnight” Reporting Rule Lambasted

On December 30th, Korver shared via tweet that Andreessen Horowitz (A16z) is backing a legal action initiated by the DeFi Education Fund, the Blockchain Association, and the Texas Blockchain Council. This lawsuit intends to prevent regulations arising from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which proposes an expanded definition of brokers that could potentially encompass DeFi trading interfaces.

These platforms, often referred to as Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms, serve as interfaces for users to engage with decentralized financial protocols. However, it’s important to note that these platforms do not handle transactions themselves, acting more like gateways. This distinction is significant in the ongoing legal dispute. The involved parties claim that a regulation imposed on DeFi entities places an unfair burden, contradicts the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and oversteps the Treasury’s legal authority.

Korver characterized the rulemaking process as a hasty “late-night” decision that poses a threat to DeFi’s ability to offer inclusive, efficient, and user-friendly financial services. She also expressed concerns about the broader impact of this rule, suggesting it might suppress innovation and push DeFi activities towards overseas locations.

16z Crypto emphasized they would stand up for the crypto sector in various ways, such as legal battles and lobbying both Congress and the incoming administration. Korver underlined that lawyers within the industry are working diligently to safeguard this technology, stressing that these protective measures are crucial for maintaining the transformative capabilities of decentralized financial structures.

We strongly contend that this concluding regulation oversteps Treasury’s legislative power, infringes upon the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and is unconstitutional. Defi innovators can take comfort in knowing that legal professionals are tirelessly working to safeguard this technology. We remain resolute in our efforts on multiple fronts – by challenging it in court, and also by collaborating with Congress and the incoming government administration.

IRS Attracts Backlash

As a dedicated crypto investor, I can’t help but acknowledge the swift response from the crypto industry regarding the latest broker rule announcement. Even within 24 hours, the challenge was put forth, a testament to the rapidly evolving policy infrastructure we’ve seen in the USA over the past couple of years. Jake Chervinsky, a respected voice in crypto policy and head of policy at Blockchain Association, commends this swift action. His optimism for the future of our industry is palpable as he believes that we have the capacity to effectively push back against regulatory overreach.

This viewpoint has been shared by several influential individuals within the cryptocurrency sector. For instance, Uniswap’s founder, Hayden Adams, voiced concerns about the rule’s timing and possible consequences, implying it could be an intentional obstacle to DeFi progress. He is optimistic that legal and legislative actions may successfully overturn this regulation.

Simultaneously, Katherine Minarik, executive at Uniswap CLO, stated that “the IRS’s recent ruling classifying DeFi technology as brokers lacks a valid justification.” Furthermore, she noted this additional point.

As an analyst, I find myself deeply concerned about a proposed legislation that exceeds the boundaries established by Congress. This legislation, if enacted, will generate an overwhelming amount of redundant administrative work beyond the capabilities of the IRS. Moreover, it exhibits inconsistencies in its technological aspects and imposes a strain on DeFi that could potentially render it incapable of functioning effectively.

The purpose of this legislation seems to be the implementation of mass surveillance on cryptocurrency transactions among everyday citizens. However, such a move contradicts the very essence of decentralized finance (DeFi), which serves as an alternative to traditional banking systems, especially in instances of debanking. At a time when we should be nurturing DeFi’s growth, it would be counterproductive to stifle its development by imposing unnecessary restrictions upon it.

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2024-12-30 21:39