Harris explicitly announces support for crypto just weeks before election

Kamala Harris's crypto plan highlights economic inclusion and regulatory clarity ahead of November's election.

Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Flickr. Remixed by CryptoSlate

Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled plans to establish a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital assets, aiming to protect Black men who invest in these markets. This initiative is part of her broader Opportunity Agenda, which seeks to provide tools for wealth creation and economic advancement within the Black male community.

As outlined in the agenda, more than 20% of Black Americans own or have owned digital assets. The proposed regulatory framework intends to safeguard investors and owners in this space against potential risks and promote fair access and participation in financial innovation.

Per the Vice President’s plan, this move addresses historical barriers to wealth creation faced by Black men. By implementing clear regulations, the administration seeks to create an environment where digital assets can serve as a viable avenue for economic growth and financial inclusion.

The agenda also includes providing one million fully forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs and others who have faced challenges in starting or expanding businesses. This initiative complements efforts in the digital asset space by offering additional support for wealth-building opportunities.

In addition to regulatory measures, the plan aims to expand access to banking services and tackle predatory lending practices. The agenda strives to create a more equitable economic landscape by improving financial infrastructure and consumer protections.

The emphasis on crypto regulation comes at a time when digital assets are increasingly becoming a significant part of many Americans’ financial portfolios. Establishing a transparent regulatory environment aims to mitigate risks such as fraud and market manipulation, which can disproportionately affect marginalized communities lacking access to traditional financial advice.

Furthermore, the agenda addresses limited access to capital, which experts have identified as a critical barrier to the growth of Black-owned businesses. By providing forgivable loans and improving banking services, the plan seeks to dismantle systemic obstacles historically hindering economic progress in Black communities.

As reported, Vice President Harris’s commitment to financial innovation extends to recognizing the potential of digital assets in bridging the wealth gap. By supporting regulatory clarity, the administration hopes to foster a secure investment and crypto ownership environment. The statement reads,

“She will make sure owners of and investors in digital assets benefit from a regulatory framework.”

The proposed framework is expected to involve collaboration with financial institutions, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure that regulations effectively protect investors while promoting innovation.

Vice President Harris’s plan reflects a strategic effort to empower Black men economically through targeted policies in the rapidly evolving digital asset sector. By addressing both traditional barriers and emerging challenges, the administration aims to provide the resources necessary for Black men to build wealth and achieve financial stability.

Crypto is increasingly dominant in the election race

Vice President Harris had not publicly addressed crypto since becoming the Democratic nominee, raising concerns among industry stakeholders about her stance. However, at a fundraiser in New York City, she pledged to encourage innovative technologies like digital assets and artificial intelligence while protecting consumers and investors. This marked her first public acknowledgment of the sector, signaling a potential shift in her approach to financial innovation.

Analysts at VanEck suggest that a Harris presidency might be more beneficial for Bitcoin than a second term for former President Donald Trump. They argue that her leadership could accelerate structural issues that drive Bitcoin adoption, especially with more explicit regulations potentially allowing Bitcoin to surpass other digital assets.

Despite this, some in the crypto community have criticized Harris for previously omitting digital assets from her policy statements. Alexander Grieve of Paradigm noted that while she might reference “other cutting-edge industries,” it remains challenging to convince crypto stakeholders that her administration would not continue the current administration’s stringent regulatory approach.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire expressed optimism about Harris’s engagement with the crypto industry. He mentioned that her campaign is actively working to understand crypto-related policies, highlighting a recent virtual roundtable that included White House officials, campaign representatives, lawmakers, and industry leaders. This indicates a concerted effort to deepen her campaign’s understanding of the sector ahead of the 2024 elections.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy predicted Harris might adopt a more favorable stance toward crypto as the election approaches. He suggested she might feel compelled to align with the growing number of Americans supporting digital assets to capture votes. However, he challenged her to provide substantive details on her policy positions, particularly on issues like the self-custody of digital assets and the future of SEC leadership.

Harris’ crypto support still contrasts with Trump’s.

In response to Trump’s growing influence within the crypto community, Democrats launched an advocacy group called “Crypto for Harris.” The group aims to present Harris as a champion of the crypto community, organizing events like a virtual town hall featuring prominent figures such as Mark Cuban and Anthony Scaramucci. This initiative emphasizes the high stakes for securing crypto voters in the upcoming election.

Trump has reiterated his support for Bitcoin and the broader crypto industry, pledging to make America the “world capital of crypto and Bitcoin.” He also revealed plans to establish a government efficiency commission led by Elon Musk to streamline federal operations. Musk confirmed his willingness to accept the role if Trump is re-elected.

Trump further vowed to make the US a Bitcoin mining powerhouse by ensuring access to cheap electricity, emphasizing the importance of crypto in geopolitics. He promised to fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler on his first day in office and appoint a new leader who supports innovation. Additionally, he pledged not to sell the approximately 200,000 Bitcoin held by the US government, maintaining it as a strategic reserve.

As the election draws near, both candidates are highlighting their positions on digital assets, recognizing the significant role of crypto in the modern financial landscape. Harris’s recent statements and campaign efforts suggest a growing acknowledgment of the industry’s importance, while Trump’s outspoken support continues to resonate with crypto enthusiasts.

Industry observers note that including crypto regulation in Harris’s agenda signifies recognition of the growing importance of digital assets in wealth creation. By proactively establishing regulations, her administration seeks to ensure that investors are not left vulnerable to market volatility and potential scams.

The candidates’ contrasting approaches underscore the pivotal role that crypto policy may play in the election. Stakeholders anticipate that clear regulatory frameworks and supportive policies could contribute to narrowing the racial wealth gap and fostering inclusive financial opportunities.

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