The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially announced that it has dropped its lawsuit against Coinbase. This decision, which has had a major impact in the crypto world, indicates a significant change in the SEC's regulatory approach to the sector.
How Did the SEC and Coinbase Lawsuit Begin?
The SEC filed a lawsuit in June 2023, claiming that Coinbase had engaged in unregistered securities transactions. This lawsuit increased regulatory uncertainties regarding cryptocurrencies in the U.S. and became a critical battleground for the sector. The SEC claimed that Coinbase's staking services and some crypto assets listed on its platform were considered securities.
Why Did the SEC Back Down?
There have been significant changes in the regulatory environment for the cryptocurrency sector in the U.S. in recent months. The Crypto Task Force, established on January 21, 2025, and the new administration's more flexible crypto policies paved the way for the SEC to drop the Coinbase lawsuit. This decision by the SEC is seen as a positive step towards reducing regulatory uncertainty and establishing clearer rules in the industry.
Statement from Coinbase
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong welcomed the SEC’s decision and said, “A major mistake has been corrected. Coinbase has always acted in accordance with the law and will continue to do so.” The company has long emphasized that the crypto sector needs clear regulatory frameworks.
Impact of the Dropped Case on Crypto Markets
This decision by the SEC has created a positive atmosphere in the crypto market. With the decrease in regulatory pressure, investor confidence has increased, and hopes that the sector may have clearer rules in the future have been strengthened. It is also said that the SEC is reviewing its cases against other major crypto platforms such as Binance and may take similar steps.
The SEC’s decision to drop the Coinbase case is seen as an important step towards a more collaborative and clear regulatory framework in the crypto sector.
