In the past few months, more domestic and foreign regulations of digital currencies are being proposed. However, New York is at the forefront of establishing new Bitcoin regulations, and California not far behind. By the end of May, it is likely that the updated BitLicense bill regulatory framework will be released and used as an example for other states.
What are the New York and California Proposed Regulations?
Benjamin Lawsky, New York’s first Superintendent of Financial Services, announced the parameters of the bill this year. The BitLicense bill will stipulate that businesses will need a license if they handle (i.e., store, transfer) Bitcoin for customers, cover or issue digital currency, exchange Bitcoin for other currency, or buy and sell digital currency to or from a customer. Merchants that only accept digital currency for purchases will not need a license. Any licensed company will have to maintain a certain amount of capital, which will be assessed using an assortment of factors. State officials say that feedback is still welcome and that the bill is a work in progress. The goal in the end, however, is that the new regulations would protect consumers who use digital currency by establishing rules and guidelines.